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Hey Guys:

I have been in love with the Lancair Columbia 350 ever since I first saw one in 2004 and then I actually got the chance to fly one, I mean no matter how far I pulled the the side yoke back, it literally refused to stall. I urge everyone if you get a chance to take demo DO IT! It was one of the most exciting opportunities I have ever had, there isn't any other single piston aircraft that I would rather own, now it has the Garmin 1000, Sweeeeeeeet.

However at $485,000 this isn't the least expensive airplane on the market but with Erik Lindbergh's iFly already up and running on the west coast http://iflysmarter.com/ check it's a really cool site, this may be one alternative to have a Col 3, they won't be on the east coast, where I am until another 3-5 years .

I have always been the type of guy that if I set my mind on something then I'll find a way to get it. So I'd like to know what aircraft would you guys like to own someday? If I opted for higher Fight Levels then I would like a King Air 90 or Cessna Mustang .

Space Shuttle – But only for the view, zero gravity effect and the million dollar hamburger ride to the ISS
F-16 Fighting Falcon – For the speed, maneuverability and firepower

All kidding aside, I really like the Cirrus SR22 and the Diamond DA40. I’ve been fortunate to ride in an SR22 when one was first introduced into the club I’m in. What an amazing aircraft. Though not as fast as the Columbia 350 it performs very well and the CAPS system is a huge peace of mind for this student. I have never been so lucky to ride in a DA40 but boy-o-boy it just looks like fun. Panoramic views and it looks like it would glide forever. Both are loaded with all kinds of gucci gear not only make them safer but more fun to fly.

Of course when I see the Columbia 350 up close this year at the AOPA convention, I may change my wish list. It’s always good to have options.

Gerry

for a 4 seater, ill take a Cessna 170B with an IFR panel. For all the money involved its about as efficient as you can get with a certified airplane. Plus its a taildragger. ive always liked the piper Colt for a 2 seater. Could easily be an IFR platform, has a great useful load, and decent speed for the power, especially if converted to tailwheel. Plus the price is right, as nice ones can be had for less than 20,000.

Otherwise most Experimental stuff is built as well or better and stronger than lots of certified stuff, is cheaper to buy, and is more efficient in a dollars/mile sense.

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Everyone must believe in something, I believe that I will go flying.

If money is no object then I'd take a Gulfstream 5 because that's about as luxurious as you can get. I've flown in one a few times and it's also like a rocket on rails.

Of course, money is an object, and since I'm in the evaluation process to buy my first plane I'm a little more "down to earth" about how to get "up in the sky." Here are the criteria I need in this first plane:

1) Safety and reliability. I'm a newbie with just 80 hours or so, so I want something that is forgiving but will help me grow my wings even better. Also, reliability because I don't want to end up with huge unexpected repair bills.

2) Reasonable speed and payload. Although I expect the majority of my flying to be solo, I'd like the option to take a couple of friends, or spouse and luggage for a weekend, so definitely a four-seater.

3) Some style. I know that a huge percentage of people learned in C172s and that is the first plane they buy, but I confess to being a low-wing biggot...I learned to fly in one, and I just like the way they look. No offense to the Cessna buffs, but I just think they look "awkward" or something.

With all that (and a few other esoteric criteria) I've really settled my search on a Piper Archer II (or maybe souped-up Warrior II) in the 1978-1983 era. They fit my price range, have reasonable performance and payload, and they look pretty classic. So I'm going for my first checkride in a rental Warrior tonight.

So I'll open it up to the group...any experiences you have in the Piper Cherokee series that would help me confirm or refute my selection criteria, please pass them along. Any input (good or bad) will help. Thanks!

Jeff

I learned in a C152, then graduated to the C172N. Flew that for a few years, and decided to check out the other FBO on our field, which has Diamond Katanas (DA20-A1, 80hp Rotax powered).

What a difference! Same panoramic view as the DA40, but only two seats. 111kt TAS at 6500 feet and 4.4gph (100LL or 91 octane auto fuel). 14:1 glide ratio. Can comfortably carry two average sized adults, 40lb of luggage, and full fuel. Very easy to fly, yet very responsive. Compared to this sports-car of a plane, the C172 handles like a truck.

They no longer make the -A1, but the -C1 Eclipse is identical in size and shape, but sports a rear window as well, and a 125hp Continental. Fuel burn is higher, at 5.5gph, but cruise is up to 138kt TAS (not sure what altitude).

A brand new one costs around $135,000. If I were buying, that is what I'd get.

As it is, I'm building an Evans Volksplane (http://www.stefanv.com/volksplane). Should do about 65kt at 2.7gph. Can comfortably carry one average sized adult (me), and virtually zero luggage.

I will be the exception to the fast and IFR desire....I want a SLOW plane. A SuperCub with a basic VFR panel and big tires is my dream plane.

A Beaver would be nice...I love the sound of that big round engine...but who can afford 25 gallons per hour?

Chris

I'm digging on the fuel economy of the new diesel/jet-a power plants that are emerging. Several 172 models have been certified for a retrofit of a diesel engine. The DA-40 has a diesel option. Yes you trade off some useful load due to jet-a being heavier but imagine sipping along cruise at 4.2 gph or less in a C172? Converting to ground speed for fuel consumption you can beat the fuel economy of the average 25 mpg auto! Besides with the eminent demise of 100LL (in the next 20 years) this only makes sense to move that direction as soon as it is practicable.

But to totally dream the testosterone something I can break the sound barrier with. Now that would be cool. In my humble opinion. Or reach sub orbital, invert and watch the continents slip by.

Beau

Number 1 pick (for raw fun): a Piper Super Cub on amphib floats.

Number 2 pick (for...raw fun): an F4-U Corsair, for the sound of it alone. Really, any warbird for that matter. There are a couple of folks in the area I fly that have warbirds, and these guys can get away with murder. Shore-tour of Cape Cod at 30 feet MSL, 20 yards off the beach? No problem...heck, most non-pilots are THRILLED to get to see a warbird fly at that altitude, forget "calling the FAA".

Number 3 pick (for insomnia): a C172. J/K

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Inst: "So how far out so we make our initial call-up?"
Student: "10 miles"
Inst: "OK, let's make that call"
Student: "Airport Traffic, Cessna 172, 3 miles east..."

this may sound redicolous but, i dream of owning an airbus a380 or maybe a b747 as a personal airplane.

Of course... with all the seats removed and customized to my own liking. Maybe put a swimming pool in there Or an archery range... maybe an empty spot in the back to experience zero gravity, a tiki bar where the first class section of the plane use to be

just imagine how much stuff you can put inside a b747 or an a380.

Okay, this thread is just too much fun not to contribute to.

Since the Texas MegaMillions Jackpot got up to 370 Million last week, that got me thinking as to what I'd want in my personal hangar. Since I'm writing here and not out flying these things, I'll let you guys figure out for yourselves whether or not I won.

First, I'll go through the money is no object scenario, then the more realistic:

1) I'd go test fly the Cirrus SR22, Colubia 350, Diamond DA40, and Cessna 172, all with glass cockpits, then buy the one I like the best. My guess is that it will be one of the ones with a G1000 in it, as those are more popular with the TAA's that I'm interested in. This would be my training and spread my wings airplane.

2) Just for fun, I'd get a Legend Cub (so I can transition class B without destroying a classic Cub by retrofitting an electrical system into it) and an Extra 300

3) When it's time for me to transition to a TAA I'd get a G1000 Bonanza, then a G1000 Baron for my Multi.

4) Then, after the hours are built up, I'd go for the Cessna Mustang, again with the G1000.

Okay, back down to real life (but damn it, it's good to dream):
As I've mentioned in other posts, I've only flown C172's thus far, but that's due to availability more than anything else. Now that you guys talk about the different fuel economies, I'm kind of attracted to the DA40, but unfortunately they're all too new to be in my price range. So, I guess what I'm left with for starters would be an older 172 that I could toss a diesel engine into. I guess I'll have to do some research as to which years/models are eligible for that mod.

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-PJ

PPL ASEL as of 8/15/2007

"Flying is a lot like riding a bicycle, it's just a lot harder to put baseball cards in the spokes!" -Captain Rex Kramer, from the movie "Airplane!"

So many to choose from...

A Lancair 4, or a Pilatus (maybe one on floats!) or any one of the Grumman amphibs.)

What would I want to own? I don't know, I think a DA-42 would do me just fine. That is one sweet looking ride.

-Student Pilot Will

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Learning to fly is a lifelong project. Every time you start the engine or hook up a tow line you begin a lesson.

pilotwill@sbcglobal.net
http://web.mac.com/pilotwill/Site/Home.html
http://pilotwill.libsyn.com/

My short list would be...

A PBY-5A Catalina amphib flying boat with luxury interior refit
A Starship 2000 (or Piaggio if a 2K is not available) just because I like the twin pusher canard look
An Adams A700 because I like the twin boom dual jet design

I have to say a Lancair IV P

1. The speed. wow.

2. I am leaning toward the freedom of an experimental. There is no Federally mandated maintenance ... as far as I know. That is not to say I wouldn't maintain it meticulously ... I would ... but the probability of an AD grounding me would be smaller.

jason

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"To Live is To Fly" - Townes VanZandt
www.thefinerpoints.net
jason@thefinerpoints.net

I sold my 182 so that I could build a shop at behind new house and then build a Van's RV-7A . (Yes, Jason, I changed my mind - the RV-8 just wasn't as versatile with respect to the CG range.)

I haven't built anything of this magnitude before, but it's just a thing... follow the plans, get good advice, take the classes at AirVenture... piece of cake, right?

Total performance. 200mph on 9gph. Aerobatic. 2 adults plus baggage.

And, if you are conservative, you can build one easily under $30K!

Oh, and here's my "pre-Alpha" version of the plane... on my shop cam (shop should be built within a couple months...) http://rv.goofball.cc As you can see, it has tons of elevator authority. But I do have an issue with lift.

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Jeff Klug
RV-8A prebuild