An update on my Flying and pland ownership

[dmcummins]

As Ive mentioned before I started taking flying lessons in December, I got my PPL in May, along with a plane, a Beech Debonair. Since I was a new pilot, actually still a student pilot when I bought the plane, the insurance company required me to have 25 hours dual before solo and 5 hour under the hood before I could take passengers.

So I got my private in the 172, which cost me about $8000 including rental insurance, books, ect. And probably another $5000 to get the high/performance, complex endorsement, and the hours to meet the insurance requirements, fuel included.

Since I got my plane I only had a couple of things that needed done to it. The door needed new bushings in it. No big deal, only cost $500 for a couple of bronze bushings and a hour or so of labor. And the plane did not have shoulder harnesses, so I had some installed, only $2000. I knew I wanted the harnesses and the cost, and I also knew there would be some things to take care of. So no biggie.

So now I'm finally at the point that I can fly without my instructor, and can take the wife or friends along. Took the wife on her first trip without the instructor along. We flew to Hannibal Mo, and then down to Mexico MO and back to St. Charles. The trip to Hannibal would have been around 1 1/2 drive, but took a little over 1/2 hour to fly. The wife is really liking the idea that we can fly to Hot Springs in a little over 2 hours, or be in Chicago in under 2.

I still have a lot to learn. At Mexico I made a mistake, I said I was entering the downwind for 35 and it was actually 36. No big deal, there was no one there. But all my wife heard me say was " whoops, thats not right". She said she doesn't want to hear those words.

So Hopefully there won't be any big maintenance surprises with the airplane. And next winter I'll get my IR rating.

[dmcummins]

Here is the wife after surviving her first landing at Hannibal.

[944Larry]

"So Hopefully there won't be any big maintenance surprises with the airplane."

I'm pulling for you on this one!!! I was only surprised if I didn't get a big maintenance surprise.

[9dreizig]

now get your instrument.. it will make you much better pilot

[crustychief]

Very cool!
I agree with Todd, i an instrument rating can also save your bacon if you get caught in IMC.

[aigel]

Man, I am really happy for you! This is my one of my dreams. Maybe in 10 years. For now the 993's transmission swallowed my PPL money.

But seriously, getting the PPL is one thing - maintaining it and doing something with it is another. I may have to wait for retirement or <50h / week work before that happens! I have visions of living in the high desert on a few hundred acres in the middle of nowhere with my own runway ...

G

[Hard-Deck]

Take aerobatics before instrunment...even 2-3 hours.

[dmcummins]

Originally Posted by aigel

Man, I am really happy for you! This is my one of my dreams. Maybe in 10 years. For now the 993's transmission swallowed my PPL money.

But seriously, getting the PPL is one thing - maintaining it and doing something with it is another. I may have to wait for retirement or <50h / week work before that happens! I have visions of living in the high desert on a few hundred acres in the middle of nowhere with my own runway ...

G

I was never able to do this when I was working. I was in the same boat as you. I had thought about it from time to time, but either didn't have the time or the money. I am retired now and was at a car show at the local airport. I mentioned to the wife that I had always wanted to learn to fly. She asked what was stopping me, so here I am.

[dmcummins]

Originally Posted by 9dreizig

now get your instrument.. it will make you much better pilot

I agree, but it seams like I have been doing nothing but training, I need a break. I plan to start working on my instrument this winter. I like to golf also, so I'll wait till the weather turns cold and I can spend more time on the IR. My checkbook also needs a break.

I am also considering one of the two week or so instrument training schools that are advertised.

[dhoward]

Very cool, Mark!

[Joeaksa]

Make sure you have a checklist and use it every takeoff and landing. Confirm the landing gear is down every time... I do it at least twice. You would not believe the number of people who get busy, confused or whatever and land gear up while the horn is blaring...

Nice looking airplane! Also hope you have joined the American Bonanza Society. Good group!

Joe A

[onewhippedpuppy]

Color me jealous. I've had to shelve my flying dreams for now due to work, MBA school, and 3 young kids. Someday!