New Pilot Buying Plane; Your input?

[Joeaksa]

Rob,

Its hard to get bored with flying. Everything changes on every flight. The scenery, weather, conditions and so on. One flight will be nice and normal, then the next one at night with everything looking way different. Then it will snow and what you thought was your normal landmarks go away again but in a different way, so this is not the same old ho hum drive in the 911 on the same roads.

Go and spend some time at the airport and see what you think...

Joe

[widgeon13]

What's been said about tailwheel aircraft is absolutely on target but my recommendation is to get a sign off in a tailwheel aircraft and know the challenges of flying one before you make a final decision. It will take another 5 - 10 hours of instruction but well worth the time and money.

Another good experience is some "unusual attitude" training. Name is self explanatory. Instructors do not, nor are they required to teach spin recovery. If you do nothing else at least get some time in spins with a good instructor.

Some aircraft are not approved for intentional spins (Maule), that does not mean they won't spin!

[911Rob]

Hey guys!
Things are progressing along.... I took the summer off and I'm back at it;
Gone through all the hoops and been doing my homework.

My partner and I have now found a plane that we are very interested in; we're going to get our mechanic to do a general PPI on the plane and then a detailed PPI; but his first review was very positive. All goes good, we'll have a plane in the stable in October.

We're hoping to get a hangar at our local airstrip as one is rumoured to be coming available? Otherwise we can build our own at the strip.

Here's some info provided by the seller:
This is the info that I got when I bought the plane. I havent added much as it has pretty much everything that I want. The annual was done last month and is not due until July 31 2009. I asked them to go over everything and fix anything they found... I spent some extra dollars on a few items that were small and now with the exception of the compass holder (the compass inside is new)
I think the key points on the plane is the auxillary fuel (18 gallons), powerflo exhaust, 180hp, the autopilot (cost is well over 10k), horton STOL( bring the stall speed down for extra safety) and the biggest for me is the useful load of 981 pounds.... I couldnt find a 172 with a higher useful load and I have hauled 4 guys and full fuel ( not the Auxilllary tank)

1974 CESSNA 172 SKYHAWK

LOADED 180 HP, 1974 Skyhawk in Kansas City, N13064,only 2920-SNEW, 885
SFACT NEW 180 HP Lycoming O-360, custom metal panel, King Digital IFR,
S-Tec Autopilot, S/Scope, Aux Fuel, Horton STOL, Rosens, S/B Vac,
Powerflow Exhaust, lots more, $74,500. Heartland Airplanes. KS/(913)
829-4900.

AIRCRAFT SUMMARY
Year: 1974
Type: CESSNA 172 SKYHAWK
Registration: N13064
Airframe Total Time: 2920 Hours
Engine/HP: 180 HP
Engine Times: 885 SFRMN LYC O-360
Prop Times: 885 SNEW


AVIONICS
KING DIGITAL SILVER CROWN
KMA 24 AUDIO PANEL w/LMB
KY-197 #1 COMM
KNS-80 #1 NAV/DME/RNAV/ILS
KX-155 #2 NAV/COM
S-TEC 5O AUTOPILOT /ALT Hold
AVIONICS MSTR w/BACK-UP
GARMIN PORTABLE GPS 295
WX10 STORM SCOPE
SIGTRONICS 4 PLACE INTERCOM
DIGITAL EGT
KT 76 TRANSPONDER w/ALT ENC
ELECTRONIC BAT/VOLT METER
DAVTRON 5 FUNCTION O.A.T.
EXTERNAL ANTENNA FOR HANDHELD


OTHER EQUIPMENT
AUX FUEL (58 Gallons Total)
POWER FLOW EXHAUST
CARB TEMP GAUGE
PRECISE FLIGHT STB VACUUM
TELTAIL LIGHTS
PORTABLE OXYGEN
HORTON STOL KIT
HORTON FLAP/GAP SEALS
ROSEN SUN VISORS
HORZ STB ABRASION BOOTS
EXTRA SOUND PROOFING
ALL NEW METAL INST. PANEL
BRACKET AIR FILTER
RH HINGED WINDOW


EXTERIOR
OVERALL WHITE w/BLUE, RED AND GOLD TRIM.
VERY GOOD CONDITION


INTERIOR
GRAY LEATHER CREW SEATS WITH GRAY TWEED CLOTH REAR.
MATCHING GRAY CARPET AND SIDEPANELS - UPDATED CLOTH
HEADLINER
NICE CONDITION


REMARKS
1974 CESSNA 180 HP SKYHAWK
(172M with Air Planes 180 HP Conversion)
Includes 250 Lb. Gross Weight increase to 2,550 Lbs.
REGISTRATION #N13064
SERIAL #17262470

ANNUAL: DUE DEC, 2007
ALTIMETER/STATIC: DUE 02/07
USEFUL LOAD: 981 POUNDS
TRANSPONDER: DUE 02/07

AN EXCEPTIONALLY WELL EQUIPED AND HIGHLY MODIFIED SKYHAWK
COMPLETE ORIGINAL LOG BOOKS AND RECORDS
HANGARED
SOME OLD DAMAGE (1987) WITH GOOD FULL REPAIR AND PROPER DOCUMENTATION
EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE AND RECORDS

AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS ARE PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO PURCHASER'S
INSPECTION AND VERIFICATION PRIOR TO DELIVERY.
ALL AIRCRAFT OFFERED SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE MARKET AND PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER'S ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF HIS RESPONSIBILITY FOR APPLICABLE AD & SB RESEARCH

Look forward to your feedback guys;
my email is rob@rolyn.biz ; feel free to email me anytime.
Cheers and thanks again!

[K. Roman]

Welcome back Joe!

Originally Posted by Joeaksa

Rob,

Like Tim said, what are you going to use it for? How many people? How far are the flights going to be and so on? I did much the same thing back in the 70's and very happy that I did. Bought a C-150 with a partner to learn in, and after we both got our licenses traded it up for a C-177 Cardinal.

The C-182 is like someone else mentioned, the pick-up truck of the light plane world. It and the Piper Cherokee 6 are known for getting it off of the ground if you can get it in the cabin.

If its just going to be you and the wife then its fine, or the wife and one or two kids on a short jaunt thats fine. The C-182 hauls a good load but you really cannot fill every seat and go on a long trip unless everyone packs a 15 pound bag and that aint gonna happen with most wives. If its going to be you and the wife on longer jaunts, or your taking a camera guy looking for properties thats excellent. Also with the C-182 you could haul 3 people while looking for properties, but do not expect to fly 5 hours like this.

That said, for a starter airplane with a family, its a very good choice, just wanted you to understand the limitations. In your situation I would not get a C-172 as its really a 2 place airplane with a couple of back seats for your bags, pup or hunting/fishing gear. The C-182 will burn a couple of more gallons an hour than a C-172 but it will haul/hold a lot more. Its a pick up truck and you are paying for the utility. Up where you live thats a good thing.

Find an instructor and spend some time with them. What they teach you may very well save your life, so this is not a casual thing. One problem we have right now is that the industry is very short of pilots, so a lot of guys are getting hired out of flight instruction schools. Try to find an older guy who is not going to bail on you in the middle of your training because "Air Canada" just called and I am leaving tomorrow. Its a big problem now and hopefully you can find someone who will stick with you throught-out your entire training. If you need help, I know someone with TC and might be able to find some instructors for you.

One more thing. Start looking for a hangar... NOW. Hopefully you do not want to keep the plane sitting outside and can find what is called a "T-hangar" in your area for a reasonable price. I pay $170 a month for mine and its worth it for me as my airplane simply cannot sit outside. Being an 1940's vintage and covered with dope and fabric, it would fall apart in the AZ sun in a year. A Cessna is not in the same situation but hangaring a bird really takes care of them as opposed to tying it down outside. Second choice is a shade covered tie-down. I say start looking now as some places have a waiting list. My airport was 18 months. The one that is 15 miles SE of my location is a 6 YEAR waiting list, so find a place you like and put your name in the hat now if your location is that way.

You have my direct email. Get ahold of me if you want to or will help as possible here. I did what you are doing now and it turned into my vocation almost 40 years ago. Never looked back and I love what I am doing. Wish I was closer and had Canadian licenses, would be glad to fly with you guys and pass along some info.

Joe

[slodave]

Originally Posted by K. Roman

Welcome back Joe!

Old post. He's not back - yet.

[Tim Hancock]

Hi Rob,

I do the annual inspections on a friend's 172 with the same 180 hp conversion STC. It makes for a very nice package with the extra power to haul a decent load. The one you are looking appears to be loaded with the autopilot and stormscope.... not too many 172's have those. They are unneccesary for most flying, but will be nice features should you chose to get an instrument rating and travel in the airplane extensively.

[Dave L]

nice plane, where are the pictures?

I flew a C170 around Ontario years ago, it wasnt my thing but I hope you and your family enjoy the plane.

[Rot 911]

Rob, you need to go back and read the old posts. Especially the ones discussing what you are going to use the plane for. Yes a 172 will carry 4 passengers. Maybe 4 passengers and duffle bags for overnight. But it isn't going to carry 4 passengers and any serious amount of luggage. Think of it as a 911. The back seats are good for carrying your bags. If you primarily are going to do sight seeing or the occasional overnight then the 172 will be fine. And the one you are looking at appears to have more than you will ever need in a 172.

[911Rob]

Thanks, I've read through all the old posts and I'm still moving ahead slowly on this. I've got a local buddy that owns about 6 planes; has a hangar at the airport here and he's screaming "NO" at me; ha, ha. So I've got to go and hear him out?

Thanks for your input; I'll get some pics posted soon.

BTW, Joe aint coming back. I'm still lurking around here, but only 5 minutes per day now just to keep in touch with a few. I guess there's just too many 'keyboard warriors' out there that have pi$$ed off a few?

Here's an email from Joe.... FWIW; he's been very, very helpful.
(Thanks to you guys too!)

Rob,

I am not on PPOT any more but getting emails from old threads that I posted on.

The airplane sounds good, I like the STOL kit and other options. Remember density altitude and just because the airplane will hold the weight at sea level, it may not do it on the day you want to fly. Always factor temps into the mix, especially when you have full fuel tanks and more than one person in the plane or lots of baggage.

Also might have your mechanic do a oil sample on the engine to check for internal condition. As well do a title search if you are not 100% sure of its history. If you are buying this from a dealer then they may have done one as part of the sale.

Believe that the prop inspection (if its a constant speed prop) is due at 5 years or 500 hours, so that is coming up in the next 115 hours so factor that into the mix.

What are you going to do to get it home? I ferried my new plane (see below) almost 1800 miles home last month and used a Garmin 496 for the flight.
Loved the GPS and it worked great, showing all the restricted, MOA and other areas that I did not want to get involved with. Also picks up weather and such in real time. Its not cheap (around $2000 or so used) but IMHO worth it for my safety and security. Can lend a hand showing you some of the tools I used on flight planning and weather if needed as its fresh on my mind on doing a VFR flight all the way across the country. If you need someone to ferry it might help you with it if I have time.

I just got a "new" airplane myself last month! A 1949 Aeronca Sedan, much like yours.You may have seen them up in your area as they are really bush planes and most of them are in Canada and Alaska. Only 540 made so kinda scarse and only about 200 of them left in the world still in the air. Its a four place plane like yours but with metal wings and fabric covered fuselage and tail feathers and with a six cylinder Continental engine. Its a tail dragger, and a show winner to boot, so in very nice shape.

More on it at: http://joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2790 where I have a thread showing the flight from Ohio to Phoenix bringing it home.

Hope you are doing well. Feel free to copy any of the above to the thread on Pelican if it helps. Miss many of the guys on the OT but like many others who have dropped out got tired of the over the top crap from some of the members and moderators there.

Take care and stay in touch! Tell everyone (or most everyone that is) I said hello!

Fly safe! Am in New Mexico and heading to Austin Texas today in the Challenger...

Joe A

[911Rob]

For those that didn't read Joe's email to me..... Joe says Hi.

[porsche4life]

Haha Just read about joes trip. He landed about 40miles sw of my house. Hobart has an airport. I sure didnt know that. He picked the worst time to fly that journey. It rained its arse off here like that entire week.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has like 8 182s and I got to ride in one this summer and I didn't know i got airsick until the pilot cut the throttle and we dropped for about 2secs. I almost hurled. Other than that it was a very very nice flight. Wish I had had my camera.

[billybek]

Rob,
If you are in Kamloops, look for my dads old 172. YCG, blue red and of course white.
It was a really nice, pretty well equipped plane. It must have weighed 150 pounds less than when he bought it due to all the polishing...

[islandnine11]

Hi Rob, I am an AME in Qualicum Beach BC and have read all the posts. My boss is just finishing up a complete rebuild of a 1975? Cessna 172 with an overhauled 160 HP Lycoming(Ken Vike in Kamloops) this aircraft is very nice and well worth thinking about. if your still looking PM me and I will get some more detailed info.

[911Rob]

Coombs! Ha, ha; I graduated in Port Alberni.

email me some details and how much they're asking?
rob@rolyn.biz

Do they still have the goats on the roof there?
I graduated in '78 and the '77 grads got in tons of crap for spray painting the goats that year with "77"; too funny.

[911Rob]

Well went for my Pilots orientation today and it was GREAT!
So I've bit the bullet and my partner and I are proceeding on the series of PPIs on the 172 Cessna.... and here are some PICS:
Cheers,





My plane partner; Mike. Also a lurking member here


Gotta park the 911 more strategically next time; but there she is in the background
Gotta love driving your 911 up to your plane!

[islandnine11]

911 Rob, I sent you an email.

[islandnine11]

911 Rob, be very cautious when buying a US registered aircraft. the cost of import can be very costly and any foreign mods will need to be dealt with. call me 250-248-2407. Dave

[Eric Coffey]

Nice panel. Is that a Goodrich Stormscope I see?

Wheel fairings could be your first Aero-DIY!

Fly safe.

[911Rob]

Hey Eric,
Feature sheet says WX10 Storm Scope; so yes I think.
Just arranging for the plane to be flown up to our mechanic here on Saturday.

Dave,
Got your email thanks! I'll give you a call

Cheers
"exciting day"

[onewhippedpuppy]

Rob, I am so incredibly jealous. Have fun!