Two divorces, bankruptcy and a life membership(hic) of AA
Seriously, rather than venture to the Seychelles for a well earned break from a war-zone paid for by my then employer, Mrs Stik and I settled into a Rondavel in deepest Swazi.
I learned to fly, she refined her polo - and the change bought me my C182 conversion.
In truth - the majority of my first 250 hrs were subsidised! However I have now payed full cost plus for the other 450 hrs.
The Pitts works out at about £90/hr wet over 40hrs/yr, the Aeronca somewhere between £30/40wet over a similar amount. Both aeroplanes are in pristine condition and we daren't even speak about the acquisition/refurb costs.
My aerplane buddies and I have a system when discussing prices in front of our spouses. Ten per cent.
So that new MT prop only cost £180 (1800)
yeah and 4 exhaust valves for the IO-360 were a snip at £58 (580).
You only live once though!!
Stik