Consider one that uses less fuel. $20-30k is a lot of Avgas in one year and some of the engines quoted would cost you at the upper end of that scale.

The Yak wasn't certified by the Ruskies, or any one else, to any standard that CASA will recognise. Therefore the only option to fly one is Experimental. I'm not up with the intricacies of Experimental, I'll leave that to other prooners.

Now if you could find an Ex-Air Force Yak-18t it could be flown limited category. This means you could charge punters for jollies!:ok:

I wouldn't consider a Yak as a touring aircraft. Hardly any range and thirsty.

Last time I checked there's no approved maintenance schedule for the 18, so can't be put in Limited category.

Aerobatic, built like a tank, a bit thirsty, something different, sounds proper, limited range.

Bugger. There goes that idea.

Many thanks for the info on the YAK 18, I won't get one. Seems to be a bit of a buyers market at the moment, seriously considering a Lance/Cherokee 6 or 182RG both have got good range and speed. I want to carry my wife and 2 young kids - not interested in a 4 seater that will struggle up north or in the summer.

Anyone know what a Lance would roughly cost to operate per hour excluding financing and parking/hangar charges? I was thinking somewhere in the range of $300-$350 per hour.