Purchase Cessna 172? Best CFI in Jacksonville, FL

John221us said:
FYI, my Cherokee, while a great plane to learn in, did not have an IFR certified panel. I was looking at $7K to $10K in upgrades to a $25K plane to pursue my IR. Buying a plane with an IFR capable panel now could save you thousands down the road. ADSB out is another requirement that is just around the corner and something to consider.
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I will place these in my things to look for when shopping. I am aware of the ADSB out by 2020 req.
 
I'll be echoing some of the others, but figured I'd toss my 3 cents in (if it wasn't aviation related, it would be 2 cents).

Aviation is an expensive hobby. And the cost don't stop once you finish your training. If you want to buy an airplane, then buy an airplane. Just know that like training, the cost doesn't stop when the check gets cashed. However, in the long run, if you actually use your plane beyond earning your private ticket, the cost will be less compared to renting and the plane will always be there for you.

Before you go forward, think about your finances and goals. Can you afford the costs going forward? What will you do with the plane after training? Taking friends up for hops around the local area is cool and all, but will get old eventually. Look at places you would like to go for weekend trips and what not. There are a lot of places that are within a reasonable range of a 172 or similar from the Jax area.

If you do decide to get a plane, do some research. There are some tools on the AOPA website that may help you. Including figuring out your operating costs. Regardless, definitely get a pre-buy inspection before committing to any aircraft.

In regards to figuring your costs for the aircraft, consider separating fixed costs (hangar/tie down, insurance, etc.) and operating expense (gas, oil, maintenance fund, etc.). Doing this is sacralidge to some, but this way you will know how much that plane will cost you regardless of whether or not it flies.

One more side note, you may want to look around to airports outside the Jax area for basing your aircraft, depending on where you're actually living. If you're in Mandarin, St. Augustine might be a closer option for you. Similar if you're on the North Side, you might want to look at Fernandina. Palakta might be an option if you live in the Orange Park area. Bottom line is that there are options if you don't want to deal with Herlong/Craig/Cecil/JAX.

Good luck whichever way you go.
 
Anymouse said:
I'll be echoing some of the others, but figured I'd toss my 3 cents in (if it wasn't aviation related, it would be 2 cents).

Aviation is an expensive hobby. And the cost don't stop once you finish your training. If you want to buy an airplane, then buy an airplane. Just know that like training, the cost doesn't stop when the check gets cashed. However, in the long run, if you actually use your plane beyond earning your private ticket, the cost will be less compared to renting and the plane will always be there for you.

Before you go forward, think about your finances and goals. Can you afford the costs going forward? What will you do with the plane after training? Taking friends up for hops around the local area is cool and all, but will get old eventually. Look at places you would like to go for weekend trips and what not. There are a lot of places that are within a reasonable range of a 172 or similar from the Jax area.

If you do decide to get a plane, do some research. There are some tools on the AOPA website that may help you. Including figuring out your operating costs. Regardless, definitely get a pre-buy inspection before committing to any aircraft.

In regards to figuring your costs for the aircraft, consider separating fixed costs (hangar/tie down, insurance, etc.) and operating expense (gas, oil, maintenance fund, etc.). Doing this is sacralidge to some, but this way you will know how much that plane will cost you regardless of whether or not it flies.

One more side note, you may want to look around to airports outside the Jax area for basing your aircraft, depending on where you're actually living. If you're in Mandarin, St. Augustine might be a closer option for you. Similar if you're on the North Side, you might want to look at Fernandina. Palakta might be an option if you live in the Orange Park area. Bottom line is that there are options if you don't want to deal with Herlong/Craig/Cecil/JAX.

Good luck whichever way you go.
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From what I've figured out so far, $400/month of fixed fees for just sitting in the hangar. I will look up the other costs of inspections as I move further into my research. I will see what Saint Augustine has to offer. I didn't think of other airports. My main goal is have the ability to fly back and forth from Rock Hill, SC. The amount that we spend each year in traveling and unaccompanied minor fees is ridiculous. However, my love for aviation started last year when I was blessed with a flight through Pilots for Christ. So, I am sure they will have a lot of info to offer as well when I am ready to move forward.

I want to go tour the airports. We flew out of Craig. A lot of them have wait lists for the hangars and very few tie downs left to offer. There is a flight school in St. Augustine as well. So, that may be an option for me. It really wouldn't make sense to have the plane at Herlong and train in St. Augustine. I have yet to choose an instructor. I am weighing all of my options. It will take some time but I am going through the medical process first. I don't want to make the investment without knowing I will be able to solo.
 
I live in JAX and know many instructors here. PM me.
AND
 
J29172 said:
Thank you. I was thinking of it as if I am spending $10k for plane rentals, it would be better to put the $10k into owning and pay the hourly rate for the CFI.
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Look at it this way, if you buy a $70K airplane, if will cost half of that $10k just in sales tax.

But if you do go that route, I know a great independent mechanic.
 
To find an instructor, check out the local EAA chapters. Chapter 193 meets the third Saturday of the month at Craig (KCRG). Chapter 1379 meets at Haller Airpark (7FL4) on the 2nd Saturday of the month. There are other chapters as well that are not too far out. I know these two chapters have instructors or know local instructors really well. Also, you will find people who rent and people who own and those who own can talk about the pros and cons of the various places they base their airplanes.

I have not flown with many instructors in the area, but I did my last flight review with Dana at Holladay Avation (http://www.holladayaviation.com/) and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
 
A friend of mine trained at Holladay aviation in Jacksonville. I do not know them personally, but he spoke very highly of them. Husband and wife owned.

http://www.holladayaviation.com
 
Here's a nickles worth. Well, a wooden nickel anyway.

Learn to fly. Wait until you've soloed in both high wing and a low wing before you decide what to buy. If you decide you like low wings, buy an Arrow. That will take you all the way through commercial certification if you choose to do so.

I did 100% of my PPL in a PA28. Then I did a couple hours transition to 172 because it was easier to load my Father or Step Mother. Now I fly the planes in my tag line. I don't notice where the wings are, electric flaps or johnson bar, or number of doors anymore.

Buying a plane to train in is a fine idea. Just don't limit yourself to what is called a "trainer." Get what you'll need/want when the training is done.
 
I'm a CFI, and Gleim.com offers a CFI listing in every state. Up to a CFI to list their selves, so this would be a partial listing of who is out there. Link below. Whatever airport you decide to base your plane at, ask the local pilots there about independent CFIs also. Even though you have your plane at a certain airport doesn't mean a CFI won't come to you. I did it years ago in the Montgomery AL area, flying out of 4-5 airports with students who had their own planes.

https://www.gleimaviation.com/resources/business-directory/
 
J29172 said:
I am researching flight schools and planes. From all the reading I've done, the Cessna 172 will be what I'll train in. I am considering purchasing one. Doing so would cut down the cost of training significantly and then I will know how to fly in what I own. Has anyone done this?

Please provide recommendations for CFI/Flight schools in the area.

Thank you!
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Holladay Aviation is great and I am training for my PPL out of Craig right now with Dana Holladay. As others have said he is a great instructor. I am getting very close to taking my checkride. The training cost is $70 per hour and the C152 I've been using is $115 per hour wet. I think if you are trained in your own plane it is $85. Even though they are not cheap I think you will finish with less hours than with other CFI's. PM me if you want more information.
 
mscard88 said:
I'm a CFI, and Gleim.com offers a CFI listing in every state. Up to a CFI to list their selves, so this would be a partial listing of who is out there. Link below. Whatever airport you decide to base your plane at, ask the local pilots there about independent CFIs also. Even though you have your plane at a certain airport doesn't mean a CFI won't come to you. I did it years ago in the Montgomery AL area, flying out of 4-5 airports with students who had their own planes.

https://www.gleimaviation.com/resources/business-directory/
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Never thought of that as an option since it requires so many hours of training. I will check out this site.
 
SkyHog said:
This is one of the things I’ve never understood. Why the hell does anyone care about avionics? Gap seals? Sure. But avionics? I have more functionality in a tablet for a few hundred dollars than any panel mounted option can give for dozens of thousands of dollars.

Just make ForeFlight or Avare your primary navigator and never look at another panel mount GPD again.
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I agree. Give a steam gauge sixpack and Avare and I'm good to go.
 
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