Bought my venerable old '67 172 in 2001, paid 40500 with 6000tt and 1400hrs to run on continental 0300 engine and approx 400 tr on prop. 100's average around 4000 with new bits each time (replaced flap tracks on first annual then elevator/rudder cables on 3rd) I try to replace some ageing parts each 100 with the next mission being aileron cables in Sept's annual. Only unexpected blow out so far has been a new starter for the old donk. Like some others I will worry about the engine when it expires (might need a diesel by then)
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So far cross hire to others has been of mimimal benefit. Insurance (QBE) has been around 2500pa and the only other thing I would like is a new paint job sometime soon .... flew the old girl up to YBTL for the winter and will take her back to central West NSW in OCT .... (cant do that with a hire hack ) so far I'm still $100000 ahead of the Tec/Jab etc etc and cant see any big change anytime soon, my annual use is around 60 + hours .... my 2c's worth but each to their own.
