Anyone with a pilot's license?

I don't have the answer as to which plan to buy but have you consider this.

You plan to fly it a lot. You're going to save pennies on rental and pilot school compared to what you'll have to pay to keep your new aircraft insured and airworthy. To keep it airworthy that means certified A&P's to perform maintenance and repairs and certified IA's on top of that for inspections on certain inspections. Let us get back to that insurance, a young pilot (not referring to age, referring to total flight hours), flying your new aircraft as a trainee, that insurance will be a lot more.

I'm not telling you not to buy your own plan if you got that type of money. But renting a plan to obtain your license ultimately is going to be way cheaper then using your own aircraft.

One more thing, you'll eventually have to start putting your airframe through some stressful maneuvers to get your license, some that could give you a heft maintenance bill to keep your aircraft in airworthy condition.

The Best of Luck on earning your wings :-).

It depends on what you are going to use the aircraft for. If you are only going to get your private license and fly once a month after that, it wouldn't really be worth it. But if you are going for a commercial license, you might be able to recover some of your costs by buying, flying, and selling that aircraft at the end.

Keep in mind that any inspections or repairs are your responsibility and if you have to wait while your aircraft is being fixed, it could cost you in repeat lessons to bring you back up to speed.

Also most flying schools will charge a sylabus fee for each hour of instruction on a personal aircraft, so that might level the playing field.

For purchasing an aircraft I would recommend a Cessna 150 or 152. they are indestructible, plentiful, and the cheapest aircraft you can buy that would be suitable for getting your license.

For a little more you can get a Cherokee 140 which is (in my opinion) the easiest aircraft to fly in the world, and cheaper than a 172.

Make sure you talk to an instructor and an aircraft mechanic in person before you purchase anything. Have a prepurchase inspection done before you buy a plane.

It is possible to purchase an airplane in which to take private instruction, and if you are sure that you are going to continue to fly and have the money, it makes sense to do so. If you want to buy a plane to start with, and plan to use it for a long time, a Cessna 172 is a good choice. They are easy to fly, as easy as any to fix, and parts are available. I've had one for decades and have about a thousand hours in it. Expect total operating costs to be around US$100 per hour. Expect to put about 60 hours in an airplane to score your private license, and don't forget the cost of the instruction.

If you are in the United States, you will not be able to get a pilot's license. There is no such thing.

The FAA issues Airman's Certificates, an altogether different kind of legal document than a license.

I agree with the HTA (flying rock) people. Cheaper to rent and find out exactly what features you want in an airplane. Your first aircraft is going to be very special to you --- don't rush into a marriage without playing the field first.

I wouldn't even recommend a brand new hot-air balloon to a LTA student, and they're far cheaper than airplanes.

Study hard and good luck in your aviation endeavors....

---(balloon pilot, and I LOVE that little certificate I carry in my wallet.)

I would definitely try a few out before you purchase one.

For a beginner, I would suggest a Cessna 172 or 182 or one of the Piper Cherokees (this is the Pa-28 series and includes the Warrior and Archer). I would advise staying away from Bonanzas and such until you have more experience and an instrument rating.

Try a basic cessna skyhawk or skylane. There relatively cheap and very popular. Therefore, you have the opportunity to sell it on when you have finished the course. Another option would be not to purchase a plane and just rent one out for the lessons. If you're still unsure try consulting a flight club or flight school.

Get the licence first. Its not to difficult to get private licence then you can decide on what plane to buy. Its just like buying a car, its all changes per your need and trequirment. I was all junk ho about that i wanted thsi and that but when the time came to buy and the hanger time, cost, my free time to enjoy it, cost of maintance etc i decided to wait until I was really sure i could afford it and have time to enjoy it as well. I waited for 5 years after i had my pilot licence before i bought a cessna 152. Ita great piece of flying machine and i loved it. It not cheap but the maintance, hanger cost etc is even higher etc if you can afford the money and time. My advice is to enjoy the training, fly for a few years and then decide. ......... Good luck

You don't want to buy a plane before you get your license and know you love flying, like I do.

Go to a local flight school. I would recommend flying out of a larger airport as opposed to a small field. Yes you spend a little more time taxing and getting clearances but you get to count it as flight time and you need the practice talking to ATC and the tower.

You'll love it! I had my 1st solo on Pearl Harbor Day (Dec 7),1975 & it was a true rush! I much favor the Cessnas as they are easy to fly & they do have a loooong glide path for safety.

I also jumped out of a Cessna Caravan on Aug 29,1999 @ the age of almost 60 for my 1st jump & it was at 14,000 feet! That was another unforgetful & treasured moment in my life!

So,I highly reccomend that you GO FOR IT! And,good luck!

I would focus on getting your VFR license first. Then, during training, you can ask the instructors what they prefer. Personally, I like the Cessna 170 series (four seater, fuel efficient, nice glide time, etc...)

How much do you plan on spending for the plane, insurance, upkeep, etc?....For a good used one with updated avionics, figure at least $1500/month. Otherwise, just rent as needed.