This post, I've decided, is both realistic and unrealistic. It's practical and impractical. I thought it would be a good idea to write out my thoughts on an airplane wish list. Since I began flying, my thoughts have often drifted toward aircraft ownership. Two years ago being young, naive, and fresh to the field of aviation, I had no idea what an airplane cost, nor how to even acquire one. A quick Google search found me having to reattach my jaw seeing how much even a 30 year old beat-up trainer would even cost. This discovery has taught me that I am not currently financially stable enough for aircraft ownership, and frankly, I'm not sure where or when this might happen. Yet, the dream lives on that I might someday own an aircraft of my very own. What follows is a list of what I'd like to own. Keep in mind that I'm not looking to buy jets, or even a new airplane, but something simple and practical that would allow me to continue to fly for fun and travel.
#1. 1978 (or newer) Piper Arrow II (PA-28R-200)
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| PA-28R-200 |
Built on Piper's classic PA-28 airframe known as the "Cherokee" series, the Arrow is a classic 4-place airplane with the addition of retractable landing gear and a constant speed propeller. This airplane would be "it" for me; it's a complete package and would allow me to transition to a complex airplane and use for further training and travel. The Cherokee has always had docile handling characteristics, is very forgiving in stalls, and is easy to fly. A 200HP 4 cylinder engine allows for higher cruise speeds without guzzling gas and retractable gear creates less drag. If I were actually looking to purchase this airplane, I would also be looking for a moving map GPS, such as a GNS 430WAAS, an autopilot, and a three-blade constant speed prop.
There are several drawbacks to this airplane, though. Any airplane that has retractable gear means more money in insurance costs and annual inspections. Gear-up landings are a fear of every retractable pilot, though Arrows are equipped with a system that helps to prevent this, when it is working properly, or hasn't been completely disabled by a previous owner. The other fear is gear failure. If you don't have "three greens" on final, you've got to find a solution. Gear malfunctions are always a possibility, and a quick search on YouTube of gear malfunctions will cause you to grind your teeth when you hear aluminum slide across a runway. Gear up landings usually mean prop strikes too, which means the engine comes out, gets torn apart and inspected for damage. As any pilot will tell you, "That ain't cheap."
#2 1976 (or newer) Piper Archer II (PA-28-181)
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| PA-28-181 |
Another entry in the PA-28 airframe series, the Archer is very similar to the Arrow, with a few exceptions. A cabin that's smaller by a few inches is hardly noticeable, but what is easy to notice is the fixed landing gear. Archers are outfitted with a 180 HP engine, resulting in cruise speeds that are slower than the Arrow, but still makes for an enjoyable trip. The same docile, forgiving and easy flying characteristics are still there, and '76 introduced the tapered wing design, where the previous versions featured the classic "Hershey bar" wing. If I were purchasing one of these, I would still be looking for a moving map GPS. Wheel fairings would also a must because personally, a fixed gear airplane looks naked without them.
With any airplane, there are some trade offs. The fixed landing gear would definitely cause you to avoid any gear up landings and both insurance and annual inspection costs would be lower compared to the Arrow. However, a less powerful engine means slower cruise speeds and fixed gear means additional drag on your airplane. What you exchange in lower ownership costs results in taking a little longer to get to your destination. Still, its a great airplane to have for a first-time owner.
#3 1978 (or newer) Cessna 152 (C152)
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| C152- one I actually flew! |
I would think that a lot of pilots would've thought that they would see this airplane earlier on this list than where it falls. Really, that comes down to me as the author. I built about half my time in a 152 training as a private pilot before I switched to a Piper, and I've simply found a low-wing design to be better than their counterpart. However, the Cessna 152 is an unsung hero to it's big brother, the 172 (which I have 0 time in!) Yes, half the world has trained in a 172, but 152's are just fun to fly. A small two-seater plane, with a 110HP engine allows you to build time by flying slowly. 152s aren't about getting to your destination quickly, but enjoying the trip along the way. 152's are effortless to fly, and are tough because their primary purpose is a trainer. Best of all, they're relatively cheap. Cheap to buy and cheap to own. All these factors make the 152 a great first time purchase. If I were buying one for myself, I'd still want the moving map and IFR certification.
The 152 is a great airplane, no arguments there. I prefer Piper over Cessna, and I'll still tell you the 152 is a great airplane. But you'd be hard-pressed to find a nice 152 that does not have a ton of hours on it. Because the 152's primary purpose was to serve as a trainer, they are highly available, but most have quite a few hours on them. This can also translate into them being beat up. I've had my share of bounced and hard landings in a 152 and the 152 has to endure such abuse from many students. You'll also have to sink some money into some avionics if you want to fly IFR. 152's are usually VFR airplanes. They're light, and flying IFR in some conditions may get you and the plane thrown around a bit, so you may just want to save your money and fly VFR only. Stalls can also be tricky with this plane. If you're not coordinated when the plane stalls (and even when you are) you can likely experience a wing drop which, if not caught in time with the rudder, would result in a spin.
Honorable mention: Piper Cherokee Dakota (PA-28-235)
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| PA-28-235 |
Visually no different from its Archer counterpart, all the difference in this plane lies underneath the engine cowling. Under the cowling is a 235 HP engine turning this plane into quite a load carrier for the single engine Piper fleet. This airplane is one of those that is an actual four place aircraft, where you can take off with four people in the plane and the tanks full of fuel. You can't do that in the Arrow or the Archer. You could try it, but they'll be pulling you out of the trees- if you can get that high. Out front is also a constant speed propeller creating greater efficiency when flying, and underneath, reliable fixed gear. If you've got WAAS avionics, this plane has you all set, in my opinion.
But the advantage is your disadvantage. A 235 horsepower engine will guzzle gas all day long. And, you'll also need a high performance rating for this airplane. It seems to me if you're not carrying a full load, you're wasting your money on this plane. But if you've got the extra cash to throw around on extra fuel, why not? Then again, why not upgrade to a bigger plane since you're getting a high performance rating. A Cherokee Six, Saratoga, or Lance will let you carry six passenger with 300 horsepower. Probably not the best option for a first time buyer, but still a solid airplane.
