New to flying - advice sought on what to buy
Good evening,
I'm new to this forum, as well as flying, so please excuse me if this has been addressed before....
I am nearing the end of my ppl in the uk and I'm starting to think about buying my first plane.
I initially thought this would be out of my reach, financially, but after looking on various plane sales web sites I'm encouraged by what I've found and I'd now like to ask if it is as possible as it first seems.
I'm looking at 'older' 4 seat aircraft that can get me from The UK to my family home in the north of France. Currently I get home once a month, but I'm hoping that having my own plane could make it possible for me to get back more often (I work here in UK).
is it realistic for me to fly such a distance (400nm each way) regularly given my (shallow) depth of experience, bearing in mind the channel crossing?
Is it realistic for me to expect that I can buy a plane for 20k ish, and spend 10k pa on maintenance/upkeep (insurance, hangarage (local grass farm strip, or small airfield - I have lots near me), c of a, servicing, parts, etc) with a preferable (but not fixed) ceiling of, say 15k - excl. Fuel and landing fees?
I'm sorry if I sound naive, but I've searched these forums and others, and, again at first glance, it seems possible, but I'd really appreciate any advice I can get at this early stage.
I've looked at syndicates, but I don't think I'd get the flexibility that I need. I've been told by my instructor that a 2 seater wouldn't make for a comfortable regular ride, hence the 4 seater stipulation, plus I'd love to be able to take my wife and children up, eventually. - however primarily my aspirations are based around getting me home more often, and at little notice.
For what it's worth, I've loved my flying experiences while working through my ppl, and hope that realising this long term dream can also provide a practical solution to to my family separation problem.
Thank you in advance of any responses!
I've looked at joining a syndicate, but