Good Single Engine Plane

jwyatt1 · May 3rd, 2006, 10:31

What would be a good single engine plane to do alot of long distance traveling?

wheelsup · May 3rd, 2006, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwyatt1

What would be a good single engine plane to do alot of long distance traveling?

How much $$ you wanna spend?

jwyatt1 · May 3rd, 2006, 10:36

No more than about 80-90K

Ian J · May 3rd, 2006, 10:37

F-16. Single engine, good speed.

Seriously... anything but a 152 sized plane because of speed and legroom. Comfort is key on a long x-country. For low cost plus legroom (though not a lot of speed) I like the Piper Cherokee 140.

EDIT: Oh! I didn't know you wanted to purchase one... thought you were talking about renting. Disregard.

wheelsup · May 3rd, 2006, 10:49

Commanders are extremely comfy inside - lots of room, etc.

Hopefully this link works:
Commanders on ASO.com <$90k

Only thing is they're retrac.

n57flyguy · May 3rd, 2006, 10:53

ASO.com great website for looking at planes. ( I do it for fun)

SteveC · May 3rd, 2006, 13:19

Older Mooney or Bonanza.

Ralgha · May 3rd, 2006, 13:34

The couple Mooneys that I've flown I wouldn't consider comfortable, at least compared to a Bonanza. They are fast though, and fuel efficient. I'd go with a Bonanza if I could find a quality one in the right price range.

Aero_Engineer · May 3rd, 2006, 14:35

Check out www.controller.com, there are some nice aircrafts on there too.

meritflyer · May 3rd, 2006, 14:57

Check out a PA-28-201T. Speed, room, huge useful load, fixed gear, and reliable.

mtsu_av8er · May 3rd, 2006, 16:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by wheelsup

Only thing is they're retrac.

Nothing wrong with that!

adreamer · May 3rd, 2006, 16:31

I would go for Cherokee 235. There are few on the market. I do not know anything about buying airplanes though.

adreamer

ps: By any chance do you know anyone name Kerry (same last name)?

wheelsup · May 3rd, 2006, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtsu_av8er

Nothing wrong with that!

From an owner/operator stand point, there certainly is. More cost at annual time, more cost on insurance, etc. vs. not much of an increase in speed.

And you'd have to get a REALLY old Bonanza to be within that price range. Not to mention they're expensive (Beechcraft) to maintain. I'd skip it.

typhoonpilot · May 3rd, 2006, 17:22

Mooney 201, although they may be at the top end of your budget. Operating costs would be way lower than a Bonanza. The Lycoming 360 is a bullet proof engine.

Would really have to explain more about your mission requirements to get better answers. How far will you typically go ? How many people/bags do you want to carry ? What kind of instruments do you want IFR/VFR ?

TP

meritflyer · May 3rd, 2006, 18:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by adreamer

I would go for Cherokee 235. There are few on the market. I do not know anything about buying airplanes though.

adreamer

ps: By any chance do you know anyone name Kerry (same last name)?

Problem is they are difficult to find parts for. Retract can cost you an extra couple thousand a year thats why I went for a good performance fixed gear bird.

EatSleepFly · May 3rd, 2006, 18:08

The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.

I flew a V35B Bonanza for awhile. That was definitely my favorite HP single, followed by the T210, and 182RG. Don't underestimate the 182RG, they are great airplanes. Those are, of course, from my standpoint as a pilot, not an owner that has to pay for fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs.

TheFlyingTurkey · May 3rd, 2006, 19:45

Figure a complex A/C will cost much more at anual time. I am looking for a fixed gear, fixed pitch prop, airplane but I may go for a C182 if the price is right.

A good initial low cost A/C is a Cherokee 160. Very simple airplane with decent performance = lower cost when the annual comes around.

The Bonanza and Mooney are very attractive though. Anyone know what kind of $$ you can expect to spend on maintenance for a complex A/C compared to a simple A/C?

Try and find an airplane with a fresh overhaul too.

meritflyer · May 3rd, 2006, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatSleepFly

The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.

The Turbo Dakota had some good speed and fuel economy. Mine does 160 routinely. The 235 HP Dakota is a dawg.. but it has a great useful.

Timmypig · May 3rd, 2006, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by EatSleepFly

The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it.

I have plenty of time logged in a PA-28-236 (ie a Dakota) and it's perfect for this task, although I'm not sure how many good ones you'll get sub $80k.

It isn't particularly fast (~ 135 KIAS) but you can load it and go. CSU and fixed gear, but only the one people door, like all 4 seat Cherokees. The cabin is a smidge wider than Bonanzas and Mooneys, and they have plenty of panel space for all the works'n'jerks.

Good luck with your search, but geez! buying not renting!?!?!? Prepare to tip your wallet upside down and shake it!!!!!

jwyatt1 · May 4th, 2006, 00:35

So you think I would be better off renting everytime I wanted a plane Vs buying one? not sarcastic sincere question. I just kind of viewed it as buying Vs renting a house but I am still very new to aviation.

desertdog71 · May 4th, 2006, 00:40

Get you a Comanche 250 $50-60K and should suit you.

MDPilot · May 4th, 2006, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwyatt1

So you think I would be better off renting everytime I wanted a plane Vs buying one? not sarcastic sincere question. I just kind of viewed it as buying Vs renting a house but I am still very new to aviation.

As a very general rule of thumb, if you're not renting at least 300 hr a year, you're better off renting. Over 300 hr, buying a plane MAY pay off.

ComplexHiAv8r · May 4th, 2006, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDPilot

As a very general rule of thumb, if you're not renting at least 300 hr a year, you're better off renting. Over 300 hr, buying a plane MAY pay off.

Also owning allows to get YOUR plane last minute without issues, on nice days when everyone wants to fly, and no issue taking it for a few days.

Happy Hunting!

MDPilot · May 4th, 2006, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by ComplexHiAv8r

Also owning allows to get YOUR plane last minute without issues, on nice days when everyone wants to fly, and no issue taking it for a few days.

Happy Hunting!

But I was speaking purely from a monetary standpoint. If you want to factor in pride of ownership, availability, ability to customize avionics, etc, then figure how much money those advantages are worth. 'Cause you will surely pay something for them.

stuckingfk · May 4th, 2006, 01:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by MDPilot

As a very general rule of thumb, if you're not renting at least 300 hr a year, you're better off renting. Over 300 hr, buying a plane MAY pay off.

I heard it was 100.

300 seems a little steep to me.

Where is this rule of thumb book anyway

May 3rd, 2006, 10:31	#1
jwyatt1 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 19	Good Single Engine Plane What would be a good single engine plane to do alot of long distance traveling?

May 3rd, 2006, 10:36	#3
jwyatt1 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 19	Re: Good Single Engine Plane No more than about 80-90K

May 3rd, 2006, 10:37	#4
Ian J Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 6,091 Blog Entries: 7	Re: Good Single Engine Plane F-16. Single engine, good speed. Seriously... anything but a 152 sized plane because of speed and legroom. Comfort is key on a long x-country. For low cost plus legroom (though not a lot of speed) I like the Piper Cherokee 140. EDIT: Oh! I didn't know you wanted to purchase one... thought you were talking about renting. Disregard.

May 3rd, 2006, 10:49	#5
wheelsup Old Skool Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: _ Posts: 5,611	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Commanders are extremely comfy inside - lots of room, etc. Hopefully this link works: Commanders on ASO.com <$90k Only thing is they're retrac. __________________ "It takes just as much time to be nice to someone as it does to be a jerk."

May 3rd, 2006, 10:53	#6
n57flyguy Old Skool Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,803	Re: Good Single Engine Plane ASO.com great website for looking at planes. ( I do it for fun) __________________ Proud member of the JetCareers Really, Really Mini-Libertarian Movement *I'll keep my freedom, my guns, and my money... you can keep "THE CHANGE"*

May 3rd, 2006, 13:19	#7
SteveC Modulator Join Date: May 2003 Location: GRR Posts: 8,788	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Older Mooney or Bonanza. __________________ . If life gives you lemons, throw 'em into a quart of vodka. ~Red Green

May 3rd, 2006, 13:34	#8
Ralgha Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fresno, CA Posts: 944	Re: Good Single Engine Plane The couple Mooneys that I've flown I wouldn't consider comfortable, at least compared to a Bonanza. They are fast though, and fuel efficient. I'd go with a Bonanza if I could find a quality one in the right price range. __________________ 09 F9 11 02 9D 74 E3 5B D8 41 56 C5 63 56 88 C0

May 3rd, 2006, 14:35	#9
Aero_Engineer Old Skool Join Date: May 2005 Location: California, USA Posts: 2,052	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Check out www.controller.com, there are some nice aircrafts on there too.

May 3rd, 2006, 14:57	#10
meritflyer Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Winchestertonfieldville Posts: 6,802	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Check out a PA-28-201T. Speed, room, huge useful load, fixed gear, and reliable. __________________ The simplest answer tends to be correct.

May 3rd, 2006, 16:31	#12
adreamer Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: AZO Posts: 1,424	Re: Good Single Engine Plane I would go for Cherokee 235. There are few on the market. I do not know anything about buying airplanes though. adreamer ps: By any chance do you know anyone name Kerry (same last name)? __________________ CFI/CFII/MEI/Right seat

May 3rd, 2006, 17:22	#14
typhoonpilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Dubai, UAE Posts: 378	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Mooney 201, although they may be at the top end of your budget. Operating costs would be way lower than a Bonanza. The Lycoming 360 is a bullet proof engine. Would really have to explain more about your mission requirements to get better answers. How far will you typically go ? How many people/bags do you want to carry ? What kind of instruments do you want IFR/VFR ? TP

May 3rd, 2006, 18:08	#16
EatSleepFly Old Skool Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ?? Posts: 4,600	Re: Good Single Engine Plane The Cherokee 235 is fixed-gear. It is the predecessor to the 236, aka Dakota. Good plane, though not especially fast or fuel efficient. However, if you can fit it in the door, you can probably take it. I flew a V35B Bonanza for awhile. That was definitely my favorite HP single, followed by the T210, and 182RG. Don't underestimate the 182RG, they are great airplanes. Those are, of course, from my standpoint as a pilot, not an owner that has to pay for fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs.

May 3rd, 2006, 19:45	#17
TheFlyingTurkey Old Skool Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 2,987	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Figure a complex A/C will cost much more at anual time. I am looking for a fixed gear, fixed pitch prop, airplane but I may go for a C182 if the price is right. A good initial low cost A/C is a Cherokee 160. Very simple airplane with decent performance = lower cost when the annual comes around. The Bonanza and Mooney are very attractive though. Anyone know what kind of $$ you can expect to spend on maintenance for a complex A/C compared to a simple A/C? Try and find an airplane with a fresh overhaul too. __________________ Twin boys!

May 4th, 2006, 00:35	#20
jwyatt1 Newbie Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Columbia, South Carolina Posts: 19	Re: Good Single Engine Plane So you think I would be better off renting everytime I wanted a plane Vs buying one? not sarcastic sincere question. I just kind of viewed it as buying Vs renting a house but I am still very new to aviation.

May 4th, 2006, 00:40	#21
desertdog71 Old Skool Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: KIDP/KCNU Posts: 3,008	Re: Good Single Engine Plane Get you a Comanche 250 $50-60K and should suit you. __________________ www.flywhiteair.com http://www.myspace.com/desertdog71 Following message is for SkyCougar. Took my chances on a big jet plane, Never let them tell you that they're all the same.

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