iwant2fly
You don't indicate what your budget is likely to be. The running costs vary considerably depending on what you want to do with the a/c. (Number of seats, aerobatic capability, instrument panel fit, cruise speed and make, just to name some factors).
Most people who want the benefits of owning a plane opt to share by joining a group. This of course brings social benefits. That said, if I had unlimited money I'd have my own plane/s and an airfield as well. Unfortunately I have not.
Group flying is not cheap flying, our hourly costs (for a 7th share in a Fuji 200 aerobatic 4 seater) work out at an average of just over £120 per hour. Also be prepared to make some sort of contribution to the workload of running the group.
Pilot magazine did a few articles last summer on the topic of buying a plane. Additionally, a few years ago they ran an excellent article on group ownership, I think it was written by a Yorkshire man called Arnold Parker. It was a bit depressing at the time because it confirmed my worst beliefs as far as costs go, but then its better to find out beforehand rather than at the annual. If you are interested I'll email them to you (if I can find them).
I do tend to agree quite strongly, though with the suggestion that you should get your PPL first. After 5 years in aviation I would still need seek much advice if I was to decide to buy a plane. When I started flying I wouldn't have had a clue.
Fujiflyer
