Hi POA,
On a search for my first plane and would like to get some input on other options I might not be aware of. I'm a CPL SES/SEL CFI/I with hi-perf, tailwheel and complex endorsements (and about 50 hours in each; only 10 hours SES). I've been toying with getting an MEL but I'm not career bound so its not something I necessarily need (unless I get a twin).
The primary mission I've been looking for is doing longer cross-countries (minimum of about 175-200NM, generally more) in a stable IFR platform at a speed that balances the economics of my time against the economics cost of the plane. I've been ideally looking for something in the 155+kts range and 15gph. Most trips would be just me and/or a passenger but have occasional need for a third or 4th (or usage of the space; thinking I might do some volunteer Pilot n paws missions) so preference would be for a 4 seater. I know, buy the plane for the 80-90% of your missions is the common mantra and all that but long term, I see myself outgrowing a 2 seater and growing into a 4 seater so if its feasible, I'd like to get the plane that checks both today and tomorrows box.
I've had a bit of a love affair with Bellanca's since getting my tailwheel endorsement in a Citabria and I thought I was pretty well set on a late model 79/80 possibly 77-78 Viking as the plane of choice but haven't been impressed by the ones that have come to market as of late and I've had multiple people lately tell me to avoid it, including a couple Viking owners, due to declining support and parts availability... I feel like the warnings go beyond the typical "wood wing" concerns but also feel like this describes a significant portion of the aging GA fleet (e.g. try replacing the V-tail of a Bo) though I admit parts and knowledgeable experts are easier to find for some aircraft over others. I've been directed towards considering a twin commanche or seneca or other similar twin as a reasonably priced alternative with decent support but I'm not yet sold on the idea.
I am working on a budget here so the more reasonably priced the better but I can probably go as high as about $150-200k mark though I'd prefer something more in the 60-120k range. Steam gauges are fine but would like to avionics stack to be reasonably current (e.g. at least a 430 WAAS)
My other thought is to abandon my primary mission's speed and/or seating needs and go with something that checks boxes of my secondary/tertiary missions: Secondary - Amphib, nothing quite as fun as flying floats and flying in Central Florida, there's plenty of opportunity to build some seaplane time; teritiary - something just plain fun to fly (e.g. something like a vans tailwheel, citabria, etc) but these are even less the mission and I have access to a SeaRey that can be rented solo for $250/hr wet...
Thoughts?
On a search for my first plane and would like to get some input on other options I might not be aware of. I'm a CPL SES/SEL CFI/I with hi-perf, tailwheel and complex endorsements (and about 50 hours in each; only 10 hours SES). I've been toying with getting an MEL but I'm not career bound so its not something I necessarily need (unless I get a twin).
The primary mission I've been looking for is doing longer cross-countries (minimum of about 175-200NM, generally more) in a stable IFR platform at a speed that balances the economics of my time against the economics cost of the plane. I've been ideally looking for something in the 155+kts range and 15gph. Most trips would be just me and/or a passenger but have occasional need for a third or 4th (or usage of the space; thinking I might do some volunteer Pilot n paws missions) so preference would be for a 4 seater. I know, buy the plane for the 80-90% of your missions is the common mantra and all that but long term, I see myself outgrowing a 2 seater and growing into a 4 seater so if its feasible, I'd like to get the plane that checks both today and tomorrows box.
I've had a bit of a love affair with Bellanca's since getting my tailwheel endorsement in a Citabria and I thought I was pretty well set on a late model 79/80 possibly 77-78 Viking as the plane of choice but haven't been impressed by the ones that have come to market as of late and I've had multiple people lately tell me to avoid it, including a couple Viking owners, due to declining support and parts availability... I feel like the warnings go beyond the typical "wood wing" concerns but also feel like this describes a significant portion of the aging GA fleet (e.g. try replacing the V-tail of a Bo) though I admit parts and knowledgeable experts are easier to find for some aircraft over others. I've been directed towards considering a twin commanche or seneca or other similar twin as a reasonably priced alternative with decent support but I'm not yet sold on the idea.
I am working on a budget here so the more reasonably priced the better but I can probably go as high as about $150-200k mark though I'd prefer something more in the 60-120k range. Steam gauges are fine but would like to avionics stack to be reasonably current (e.g. at least a 430 WAAS)
My other thought is to abandon my primary mission's speed and/or seating needs and go with something that checks boxes of my secondary/tertiary missions: Secondary - Amphib, nothing quite as fun as flying floats and flying in Central Florida, there's plenty of opportunity to build some seaplane time; teritiary - something just plain fun to fly (e.g. something like a vans tailwheel, citabria, etc) but these are even less the mission and I have access to a SeaRey that can be rented solo for $250/hr wet...
Thoughts?
