Advice and General Help
Thread Starter
Advice and General Help
Hi all, I've been flying helicopters privately for about 12 years now, having owned 4 in that time but lately I simply couldn't afford the costs associated with it. I'm now thinking of converting to fixed wing and was looking for a bit of advice on what type of aircraft I should be looking at. I would like 4 seats and a decent (500+mile) range. My friend had a friend with a Piper Arrow IV and that seemed ideal. My budget is around £70k but just wondered what else people might suggest I look at?? Could you also advise what is typical of costs for a year in terms of servicing, annual etc etc. I envisage about 50 hours per year and while it would be cheaper to hire, I like the fact that I can fly when I want. This is a genuine enquiry so any help would be most appreciated. Many thanks
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Pipstrel Panthera https://www.panthera-aircraft.com/
Cirrus https://cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/
Diamond Aircraft https://www.diamondaircraft.com/
And many more. My choice would be a Diamond.
You should go to the Airventure in Oshkosh later this month. Almost every aircraft manufacturer exhibits, plus all the others. You won't regret it. https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/fe...aircraft-areas
Cirrus https://cirrusaircraft.com/aircraft/
Diamond Aircraft https://www.diamondaircraft.com/
And many more. My choice would be a Diamond.
You should go to the Airventure in Oshkosh later this month. Almost every aircraft manufacturer exhibits, plus all the others. You won't regret it. https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure/fe...aircraft-areas
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Avionicmic, I think you missed the detail of the £70k budget!
Piper Arrow is fine, also Rockwell Commander and probably an early Beech Bonanza. The Rockwell is out of production so you would need to check spares availability.
For a general idea of what you can get for 70k, take a look at www.controller.com
Also worth considering are the Piper Dakota and Cessna 182. Both will let you carry four people, baggage and full fuel and are pretty capable machines without the added complexity and expense of retractable gear.
Happy hunting,
McD
Piper Arrow is fine, also Rockwell Commander and probably an early Beech Bonanza. The Rockwell is out of production so you would need to check spares availability.
For a general idea of what you can get for 70k, take a look at www.controller.com
Also worth considering are the Piper Dakota and Cessna 182. Both will let you carry four people, baggage and full fuel and are pretty capable machines without the added complexity and expense of retractable gear.
Happy hunting,
McD
Last edited by McDoo; 10th Jul 2018 at 08:44. Reason: Typo
Thread Starter
Avionimc, thanks but my budget is £70k. McDoo, I'll have a look at them, I know the heli world inside out but this is all new to me. I also seen a Socata TB20 but take your point about the landing gear. Does it add much more to the annual and service costs for retractable gear. I do realise it will add but just wondered how much. Appreciate both of your comments and help.
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Retractable will add considerably to the insurance cost.
One of the biggest costs will be hangarage, unless you are fortunate and in a less sought after operating base.
Robin DR400, Grumman AA5 etc offer decent performance for fixed gear. Mooneys are reputably easier to maintain retractables. All should have offerings within your budget.
Typically budget 30-40 hours shop time for an annual and 5-10 for a 50 hr check plus repairs and consumables. A budget of £10K annually plus £60-100/hour is fairly typical, but it can vary hugely depending on premature failures, ADs etc.
One of the biggest costs will be hangarage, unless you are fortunate and in a less sought after operating base.
Robin DR400, Grumman AA5 etc offer decent performance for fixed gear. Mooneys are reputably easier to maintain retractables. All should have offerings within your budget.
Typically budget 30-40 hours shop time for an annual and 5-10 for a 50 hr check plus repairs and consumables. A budget of £10K annually plus £60-100/hour is fairly typical, but it can vary hugely depending on premature failures, ADs etc.
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Price is always negotiable, know before you go : https://aircraftbluebook.com/ and https://www.vref.com/
http://www.trade-a-plane.com
Over the years I had three C-210T all purchased at very low prices. One from an estate; the owner of the second one quit flying due to his old age; the last one from a bank (repossessed); each at a price much less than your stated budget. The Centurion is probably the best airplane in its class, to go far, fast and in comfort. But it is from a previous generation airplanes, the new ones are now manufactured by companies such as Diamond, Pipistrel, Cirrus, etc. (not Piper, Cessna or Beechcraft).
And, you probably won't find your aircraft in Europe because the market is just too small. You need to look in the US. IMHO
http://www.trade-a-plane.com
Over the years I had three C-210T all purchased at very low prices. One from an estate; the owner of the second one quit flying due to his old age; the last one from a bank (repossessed); each at a price much less than your stated budget. The Centurion is probably the best airplane in its class, to go far, fast and in comfort. But it is from a previous generation airplanes, the new ones are now manufactured by companies such as Diamond, Pipistrel, Cirrus, etc. (not Piper, Cessna or Beechcraft).
And, you probably won't find your aircraft in Europe because the market is just too small. You need to look in the US. IMHO
