Building Airtime
Building Airtime
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: "como todo buen piloto... mujeriego y borracho"
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You should probably get in touch with COPA, who had advise you on the economics of having your own airplane. Obviously, it depends on how much you are going to fly and insurance wise, what your qualifications are, and whether you plan on keeping an airplane afterwards for recreational flying. They have probably the tools to help you do the math in this area.
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Canada
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There are arguments for and against both approaches. Briefly:
In favour of owning:
(1) may work out somewhat cheaper if you fly a lot;
(2) no problems scheduling (although you will still have to work around your instructor's schedule);
(3) probably easier to learn on one aircraft rather than bouncing around different 'planes that have different radio setups or whatever.
In favour of renting:
(1) no worries about not flying if the plane has maintenance problems (presumably an FBO would have several aircraft to choose from);
(2) allows you to focus on learning to fly rather than also having to learn how to purchase and look after an aircraft;
(3) most flight schools will charge about 10% more for instruction if you are using your own aircraft;
(4) may allow you to gain experience on two or three different types;
(5) doesn't require a lot of cash up front (pay as you go).
There are plenty of other pros and cons ... essentially, there is no 'right' answer that fits every student's situation.
In favour of owning:
(1) may work out somewhat cheaper if you fly a lot;
(2) no problems scheduling (although you will still have to work around your instructor's schedule);
(3) probably easier to learn on one aircraft rather than bouncing around different 'planes that have different radio setups or whatever.
In favour of renting:
(1) no worries about not flying if the plane has maintenance problems (presumably an FBO would have several aircraft to choose from);
(2) allows you to focus on learning to fly rather than also having to learn how to purchase and look after an aircraft;
(3) most flight schools will charge about 10% more for instruction if you are using your own aircraft;
(4) may allow you to gain experience on two or three different types;
(5) doesn't require a lot of cash up front (pay as you go).
There are plenty of other pros and cons ... essentially, there is no 'right' answer that fits every student's situation.
