Old man Winter is making his exit but not without some good lessons for me.
I have spent much of the Winter months impatiently anticipating the arrival of Spring so I can finally pursue my dream to learn to fly. I’ve diligently studied my flight lesson materials and read everything I could get my hands on relating to general aviation. I flew X Plane 9 “simulator” versions of the specific models of aircraft that I plan to train in and have aquainted myself as much as possible with flight maneuvers and procedures that I will be required to execute someday during my checkride. I researched flight schools and compared rates, and I even bought aircraft renter’s insurance. I did everything I could to suppress or delay the onset of cabin fever that I usually experience in Winter, but because I am out of excuses and completely prepared to learn to fly, I knew this bout with the fever would be one of the worse.
I did some “research” on aircraft ownership and the costs associated. I was astounded at just how expensive it can be to acquire, store and maintain an airplane. Don’t get me wrong, there is an abundance of beautiful used planes for sale at great prices so acquisition is not where my frustration lies. It’s everything else. The idea that replacing a powerplant in a used aircraft can actually exceed the cost of the aircraft itself nearly knocked me off my feet, and, depending on where you live, the annual cost to store the aircraft can be as much as 1/3 of the price you paid for it. It was probably just my imagination but as I was coming into this knowledge I felt as though I was literally experiencing the smell of money burning. This revelation, heightened by the frustration that often accompanies my cabin fever left me somewhat depressed. (Not suicidal depressed, more like fast food eating binge depressed.) Depressed, but motivated.
I’m not shy about being money conscious. Truth be told, I can’t even enjoy the tour of a large house without agonizing over what I fear the utility bills would be monthly. Even still, I’m closer to artful budgeteer than I am to skinflint and the cost of experiencing a life long dream doesn’t bug me so as long as I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. I know the majority of the cost of my flight lessons is aircraft rental fees and though ownership would probably cost me a little more than I’ll pay to get my license renting, it would be a worthwhile investment to own because of the savings I would experience not as a student but as a licensed Pilot. The trick, of course, is making the absolute best purchase that will justify the upfront expense and pay dividends once I’m licensed. As I pondered the possibilities of aircraft ownership, I realized what I needed was a veritable “perfect storm” of circumstances and the skinflint in me accepted the challenge.
So I thought to myself, I need an aircraft that the FAA would allow me to maintain and annually inspect myself, that can be stored at my home for free that won’t run me six figures. I’m thinking like the high winged Just Aircraft Highlander, with foldable wings that could fit in my garage(to my wife’s dismay) but could be built from a kit so that I could do the maintenance. Of course, I would have to scratch build it to keep the cost down and with my work schedule, it would probably take me years to complete. Okay, so it looks like I’ll be renting for a while still but I’m certainly on the right track.
This exercise in critical thrifty thinking has caused me to come to two conclusions:
1. Because of the cost, the sport of Aviaton is a privilege and frankly, not for everybody.
2. It is definitely for me, no matter the cost.
There are creative ways to save on operating costs of aircraft ownership and the skinflint in me will continue to seek them out. Until I discover that “perfect storm,” I will rent and train until my dream is achieved. After all, it’s Spring and I’m fresh out of excuses.
