Hi Flyboy-F33:
I'm now on my second plane a Bonanza F33, my first was an early arrow1, There is absolutely no comparison between the two in any way whatsoever.
I would say if you can afford it, buy a complex type. You will soon get bored in an Archer, they are just not fast enough for serious touring. Two friends of mine recenltly purchased a Trinidad and a Tobago respectively (both new). I should say TB200, The guy with the fixed gear is now regretting his expensive mistake as the depreciation will not really allow him to sell it for some years yet. on the other hand, the guy with the Trinidad has now comfortably learned to handle the extra performance and loves it.
As for running costs, you should allow 10% of the purchase price to put things right in the first year or two, thereafter, if you fly around 100 hours per year your budget is going to be in the region of £10 - £15K which include fuel.
I think £3500k finders fee is extortionate. I'll do it for £2k!!
Mail me if you need any more tips.
GG
Thanks, I'll take you up on that. As for the fee - I've taken the advice of folks here and cancelled the offer from the aero club re the £3.5k finders fee. I'll look myself, at least for a while...
TP
Hi evo:
The N-reg planes, does that mean the prices tend to be higher?
As I say, my real plan, when the bad weather sets in, is to be further south for that 1/4 of the year. But, the weather is surely going to be a problem, and so an IR makes sense...
TP
Hi Hairyplane:
First, I am not a girl, so hugs are definitely out!
The stats are impressive. What do I have to pay for a reasonable 2nd/h (or previously owned as our US friends say!) one? I am picking up all the magazines today so will start a search in the classifieds.
Thanks for the offer to try yours, that's really kind and would be great! I don't know about a new one though - price again?
TP
Folks:
What about the safety record for some of these planes? Are there any stats on that? And I would still like to track done a book that compares the various types of aircraft...
Thanks.
TP