Viability of flying to work - opinions please
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Viability of flying to work - opinions please
So, I'm currently a PPL student and loving every minute of it. Upon completion of my licence, husband and I are looking at purchasing something along the lines of an older Cessna 172 for recreational flying (weekend day trips, overnight trips).
However, it occurred to me that flying to work may be a viable option. Both work and home are within 2 miles of small(ish) airfields/airports. The airfields are 19 nm apart. Would be keeping my aircraft at the airfield close to home anyway and daily parking next to work is $3 per day (possibly free Mon-Fri). So far as I'm aware there are no landing fees. Both locations have control towers and I live in an area that has fair weather almost all year round.
At the moment I drive 32 miles from home to work and 32 miles back. The journey can take between 1 hour and 2 hours depending on traffic. My car isn't great on gas mileage so probably spending around $300 per month on gas.
Based on your experience, do you think flying rather than driving is viable/comparable, in terms of both cost and time?
Just as a side note I would drive from home to the airfield then cycle to work (flat and not too far, takes about 7-10 mins) from the airport.
However, it occurred to me that flying to work may be a viable option. Both work and home are within 2 miles of small(ish) airfields/airports. The airfields are 19 nm apart. Would be keeping my aircraft at the airfield close to home anyway and daily parking next to work is $3 per day (possibly free Mon-Fri). So far as I'm aware there are no landing fees. Both locations have control towers and I live in an area that has fair weather almost all year round.
At the moment I drive 32 miles from home to work and 32 miles back. The journey can take between 1 hour and 2 hours depending on traffic. My car isn't great on gas mileage so probably spending around $300 per month on gas.
Based on your experience, do you think flying rather than driving is viable/comparable, in terms of both cost and time?
Just as a side note I would drive from home to the airfield then cycle to work (flat and not too far, takes about 7-10 mins) from the airport.
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Well, I suppose you'd have to define "viable". Generally speaking, flying a whopping 19 miles each way would seem to me to be kind of a waste, but if it routinely takes you 2 hours to drive 32 miles, that kind of puts a different slant on things. I think it could work.
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Thanks for the reply flyboylike.
Sadly the 2 hour commute is a regular occurrence, due to a combination of fender benders (or the people who slow down to gawk at them) and slow moving traffic on single lane country roads.
I'm very early on in my training so just trying to get a feel for the true cost of making those short trips in terms of gas usage and whether it would realistically save time, taking into account planning, checks, basically all the pre and post flight ground activities.
In addition to time/cost considerations I thought it might be a good way of keeping skills fresh and practicing plenty of take-off/landings. Not to mention it'd be a lot more pleasurable the crawling along the highway!
Sadly the 2 hour commute is a regular occurrence, due to a combination of fender benders (or the people who slow down to gawk at them) and slow moving traffic on single lane country roads.
I'm very early on in my training so just trying to get a feel for the true cost of making those short trips in terms of gas usage and whether it would realistically save time, taking into account planning, checks, basically all the pre and post flight ground activities.
In addition to time/cost considerations I thought it might be a good way of keeping skills fresh and practicing plenty of take-off/landings. Not to mention it'd be a lot more pleasurable the crawling along the highway!
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It might cost you more in cash, but time cannot be replaced and it turns a boring, frustrating commute, into an experience and training event!
Do it and enjoy it.
We often flew Lakeland-Orlando, even though the drive only took about an hour. It was just "nicer."
You might even get some others to join you, the biking is good for you and you get to know the people at the airport and they are usually pleasant!
Do it.....you can always take the car if you need to.
Do it and enjoy it.
We often flew Lakeland-Orlando, even though the drive only took about an hour. It was just "nicer."
You might even get some others to join you, the biking is good for you and you get to know the people at the airport and they are usually pleasant!
Do it.....you can always take the car if you need to.
By the time you get a weather forecast (to be sure it will remain good enough to return home), then wheel the Cessna out of the hangar, or untie it, pre-flight it, start and warm up, run-up, fly, tie down at the other end and do the whole thing in reverse after work, you may find that this 20 mile flight actually takes an hour of your time. So, figure two hours a day travel time in a relatively stress free environment versus whatever it takes by road.
If you own the aircraft, the cost of such a daily commute would be almost incidental because you have fixed costs like your hangarage, insurance and annual inspection anyway, and your actual flight time spread over a year won't amount to much of a hit on engine overhaul time.
Using it daily will actually be good for it.
What price having some daily fun? Do it and enjoy.
If you own the aircraft, the cost of such a daily commute would be almost incidental because you have fixed costs like your hangarage, insurance and annual inspection anyway, and your actual flight time spread over a year won't amount to much of a hit on engine overhaul time.
Using it daily will actually be good for it.
What price having some daily fun? Do it and enjoy.
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weather forecast?
did you look where she lives?
All she has to do is look out the window and she'll know what the weather is.
In fact could probably look at the weather on Sunday night and know if it was going to be good all week. Maybe even look on the first and be sure the weather would be good through the end of the month. In fact, there's only about a one-month period all year where there's any question about the weather in that part of California.
did you look where she lives?
All she has to do is look out the window and she'll know what the weather is.
In fact could probably look at the weather on Sunday night and know if it was going to be good all week. Maybe even look on the first and be sure the weather would be good through the end of the month. In fact, there's only about a one-month period all year where there's any question about the weather in that part of California.
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There was an article a while back about a guy somewhere on the east coast that commuted in a small plane everyday because a drive meant long around a bay which cost him lots of time. In searching for the article I found one about people who commute using small planes in SoCal.
Let's Go Flying: Commuter Pilots
Let's Go Flying: Commuter Pilots
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Thank you for all the replies.
This is sounding more and more appealing
. On a bad day I can spend a total of four hours on the road. On a very good day it'll be two. So, even factoring in an hour for the flight, flight checks, etc flying should be more time-efficient. And, of course, there's the added bonus of having a fairly accurate idea of how long the commute will take! Saving that extra time would be a real bonus for me. I have horses who have to be fed and cared for morning and evening so the extra time would make a huge difference.
As for the cost, so long as it isn't horrendously more expensive than driving, and it looks like it isn't, I'm good with it. You guys are spot on, time is way more valuable than a few extra dollars and the enjoyment of cruising the skies every day would be worth it. Also agree that it'd be way better for the aircraft to keep her flying as regularly as possible.
In terms of weather, it's not too much of a concern. Summer is bliss! In fall/winter Palomar, and sometimes Ramona, will get some fog. Happy to do IFR - was going to do it anyway - and you're right, there's always the car as a plan B.
zondaracer - that's an interesting article. Thank you.
flyboyike - not too sure about Ramona Motors, only recently moved to the area and live just off the 78 so don't venture into town all the often. Going to check it out though, my husband would love a place like that!
One more question. How difficult is it to carry out some of your own maintenance and which tasks could you do by yourself without having to invest too much money in tools/equipment? My way of thinking is that part of the pleasure in owning something is taking care of it.
This is sounding more and more appealing
. On a bad day I can spend a total of four hours on the road. On a very good day it'll be two. So, even factoring in an hour for the flight, flight checks, etc flying should be more time-efficient. And, of course, there's the added bonus of having a fairly accurate idea of how long the commute will take! Saving that extra time would be a real bonus for me. I have horses who have to be fed and cared for morning and evening so the extra time would make a huge difference.As for the cost, so long as it isn't horrendously more expensive than driving, and it looks like it isn't, I'm good with it. You guys are spot on, time is way more valuable than a few extra dollars and the enjoyment of cruising the skies every day would be worth it. Also agree that it'd be way better for the aircraft to keep her flying as regularly as possible.
In terms of weather, it's not too much of a concern. Summer is bliss! In fall/winter Palomar, and sometimes Ramona, will get some fog. Happy to do IFR - was going to do it anyway - and you're right, there's always the car as a plan B.
zondaracer - that's an interesting article. Thank you.
flyboyike - not too sure about Ramona Motors, only recently moved to the area and live just off the 78 so don't venture into town all the often. Going to check it out though, my husband would love a place like that!
One more question. How difficult is it to carry out some of your own maintenance and which tasks could you do by yourself without having to invest too much money in tools/equipment? My way of thinking is that part of the pleasure in owning something is taking care of it.
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Fly to work
Calippl
Sounds like a no brainer to me. I assume you have a single engine like a 172 I assume you are looking at maybe a gallon or 2 a day. Lucky. Go for it.
As for what maintenance you can do yourself. Limited to simple things like oil change or changing light bulbs or tire pressures.
Let us know how it goes. I envy you!
Remy
Sounds like a no brainer to me. I assume you have a single engine like a 172 I assume you are looking at maybe a gallon or 2 a day. Lucky. Go for it.
As for what maintenance you can do yourself. Limited to simple things like oil change or changing light bulbs or tire pressures.
Let us know how it goes. I envy you!
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One more question. How difficult is it to carry out some of your own maintenance and which tasks could you do by yourself without having to invest too much money in tools/equipment? My way of thinking is that part of the pleasure in owning something is taking care of it.
Your own maintenance is very limited (only simple things like oil changes). Most maintenance has to be performed by an A&P an signed off by one with IA. A friend of mine who owns a couple planes that he leases back to a flyin club recommends having at least $15,000 in cash as backup for unexpected maintenance items.
How difficult is it to carry out some of your own maintenance and which tasks could you do by yourself without having to invest too much money in tools/equipment?
Naturally, knowing one's own limitations is more than just advisable and consultation with a certificated A&P mechanic is highly recommended before undertaking any work or making any required mx log entries. Obviously, possession of, and familiarity with the aircraft service manual and basic mechanic hand tools to be used is also necessary. Working under the advise and council of the A&P (IA) who will be handling your annual and/or other maintenance is a great way to increase your knowledge and awareness of your aircraft's mechanical condition and mx status at all times. Most owners I've known who participate in maintaining their aircraft tend to have very serviceable airplanes that yield fewer surprises over time. But it requires a long term commitment on the part of the aircraft owner to become proficient and knowledgeable enough to do much good.
This is not the kind of thing that people do if they are in the habit of taking their car to the dealer for an oil change or hiring people to do simple home maintenance tasks. But if you prefer to mow your own lawn, paint your own rooms or change your own oil, doing preventative maintenance on your own plane might be for you!
As to using a light single to make a short commute in lieu of driving, why not? Just remember the old axiom: "If you've time to spare, go by air!" That old saying comes from the first generation of air travel, but still has some applicability to modern private light plane operations. Things happen. Like weather (even in SoCal, winds, rain, fires, low ceiling and vis. They all happen) Even with IFR capable plane and pilot, there will be a fair number of days when driving is more reliable, no matter how frustrating and tiresome. In other words, unlike driving in SoCal, light plane flying is something you do because you prefer to, not because you have to. Never let something you set out to do for personal gratification turn into something you HAVE to do. It ruins it...
Best of success,
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Actually, you may deduct all expenses for business if you own a company. If you don't, then create one, or resign your contract with your employer as a contract job, not as a salaried employee. There is another post asking about how to create a cargo/messenger company...
Cheers.
Cheers.
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Living in California, an instrument rating and an all weather capable aircraft is less important than many other places. It's certainly not always gin clear skies, but we are very blessed in SoCal. Your VFR dispatch rate is probably higher than anywhere else in the US. My guess is you'll have north of 95% in dispatch rate.
I'd go for it in a heartbeat. Good luck.
I'd go for it in a heartbeat. Good luck.
Last edited by AdamFrisch; 17th Sep 2013 at 03:48.
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In order to take deductions as a contractor, you have to be a bona-fide independent contractor. Having a "contract" doesn't make you a bona-fide independent contractor, the IRS looks at the nature of your relationship with your employer and places more weight on that than any agreements you might have. A person who shows up at their employers place of business at a given time, 5 days a week, remains during normal working hours, working at a desk and computer supplied by the employer, is *very* unlikely to be considered a bona-fide independent contractor.
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Hi All,
Sorry for the delay in reply but just wanted to thank everyone for the information. Def going to give this a go. Why not!
As for maintenance, I'll give that a go too (so far as possible) but will start off working with a mechanic, just to be safe!
Sorry for the delay in reply but just wanted to thank everyone for the information. Def going to give this a go. Why not!
As for maintenance, I'll give that a go too (so far as possible) but will start off working with a mechanic, just to be safe!
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The reality is few are 'all weather pilots' to make commuting work. Forget the gear and the costs, it starts with the pilot and truthfully, most haven't banged around in the wx in little planes to get to a comfort level of picking up a quick flight plan if the wx goes down or just being safe enough to do it day in and out.
That said, the commute times you are talking about would be a no brainer for me, some little single with an ILS and a hand held GPS. Done.
That said, the commute times you are talking about would be a no brainer for me, some little single with an ILS and a hand held GPS. Done.
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Calipp, go for the flight. If you are based out of an uncontrolled airport saves you a lot of time as well.
Even if its class D you should be fine. But if it is a CLASS C airspace they can be quite a bit of delays at times.
Other than that, bad weather= car.
How often do you hear people saying I flew to work today.
It is going to be fun.. and actually if you find ..maybe someone would be willing to share the ride with you and maybe pay for the fuel?
maintenance on the aircraft you own for personal use is not very complicated.
but wouldn't be a bad idea to keep it in good condition and get most of the work done by an A&P.
Even if its class D you should be fine. But if it is a CLASS C airspace they can be quite a bit of delays at times.
Other than that, bad weather= car.
How often do you hear people saying I flew to work today.
It is going to be fun.. and actually if you find ..maybe someone would be willing to share the ride with you and maybe pay for the fuel?
maintenance on the aircraft you own for personal use is not very complicated.
but wouldn't be a bad idea to keep it in good condition and get most of the work done by an A&P.
Last edited by jackcarls0n; 15th Oct 2013 at 22:23.
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ok, so give it a try
but if you have a cold, or didn't sleep well or ever feel rushed...don't fly.
you are a novice pilot...flying can still lead to a tragic accident and the traffic in the sky can delay or collide with you.
will you have cars at both airports?
and don't fall for traps like doing the pre flight the night before!
you want to have flying in your life...you can afford it, but don't think for a second it makes economical sense.
a short flight in socal airspace may put you in some real situations of mid air collision.
oh, and get a piper, not a c172
but if you have a cold, or didn't sleep well or ever feel rushed...don't fly.
you are a novice pilot...flying can still lead to a tragic accident and the traffic in the sky can delay or collide with you.
will you have cars at both airports?
and don't fall for traps like doing the pre flight the night before!
you want to have flying in your life...you can afford it, but don't think for a second it makes economical sense.
a short flight in socal airspace may put you in some real situations of mid air collision.
oh, and get a piper, not a c172
