Reflections on Aircraft Ownership: The First 100 Hours
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2024
- Having just crossed 100 hours of aircraft ownership - in my first bird - I wanted to capture some of the thinking, motivation and decision points that went in before I pulled the trigger.
I talk a bit about the plane and why I decided on it but I don't go into many details. If you're interested please consider subscribing as I am planning a "review series" of videos for the Lancair Legacy RG - all the things that I would have loved to have known before pulling the trigger - performance, capabilities, what she does well, what she doesn't do well. Stay tuned! 
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OUTSTANDING video & what a GORGEOUS aircraft...CONGRATULATIONS! I'm on the verge of buying another aircraft, (something fast for cross-country) after having owned an experimental Acrosport 2 Biplane twenty years ago. Just like in your video, the best piece of advice I got from other aircraft owners back then was: "So what are you actually going to DO with the airplane?" Another buddy told me, 'Yeah, it's not cheap, but in 100 years, it won't matter!" Life is short, treasure every day, for tomorrow may not come. THANKS for the perspective & taking us along on your adventure!
Great video! Just bought my first airplaine 90 days ago!
Thanks for the comment, and congratulations on getting your bird!
Very well done Video. Enjoyed it. Gorgeous airplane you got there. I don't think you will ever regret that.
Awesome video. Super informative. Tailwinds to you and your beautiful ship sir!!
Excellent video. Hopefully, one day I’ll be in a similar situation. I’ll certainly keep this video in mind should such an occasion present itself.
I’m not a pilot. I never expect or intend to be one. I have something approaching a phobia of flying.
Therefore, my “mission” (believe it or not) is to watch excellent RUclips shows about planes and flying such as this one. Thanks for allowing me to accomplish this.
What an awesome comment. Thank you for leaving it. Kinda makes it all worthwhile ... :)
@Pi In The Sky - your video really was concise and informative. No time wasted at all. Have you heard of the JMB VL3? That too has been catching a lot of attention. I've read that FAA will be introducing new MOSAIC rules on light aircraft in the near future, and that this is expected to significantly change what's being offered in the marketplace. There may be a lot more of these better-performing light aircraft coming out in the not too distant future.
@@manofsan Thank you for the comment. I am always amazed at what folks are doing with AULs or LSAs ... really solid performance. I have seen the VL3 before but know relatively little about them. Beautiful aircraft!
take a discovery flight it’s an amazing experience
Congrats - you may have just saved $500,000 in aircraft costs over a typical holding period!
Great video. Thank you for sharing. It's inspirational and I wish you all the luck and joy in your coming adventures.
Thank you so much for the feedback, glad you enjoyed!
Excellent video! Very inspiring. Thanks for putting the time in to make this.
Thank you Andrew, glad you enjoyed.
Some really good information here. Thank you and look forward to seeing your flying adventures.
Thanks!
Great choice this is one of my favourite air craft 👍
Awesome. Thanks for the video. Reminds me of what we have when we're airborne.
Incredibly well presented and solid content. Thank you very much!
Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. I hope to get my next one out in the next few weeks, stay tuned.
Awesome, well thought out and balanced video.
I love to see GA content from the True North Strong and Free. Keep it up!
Happy to hear you enjoyed, thanks for leaving a comment.
Best ownership video I have seen. information provided that other videos don't cover, such as subscriptions. I love your approach to covering distance with economy. Also, your attention to detail in maintaining a reliable and capable aircraft. Mostly, your video is free of ego. Thank you for a video with out narcissism. You have great empathy for pilots at all levels of experience and situation. Sorry, a lot of thought for one video. Beautiful plane.
Thank you so much for the comments, greatly appreciated :)
Good point, Wolf, content beats
slick self promotional, snarky,
channel owners any day.
Congratulations on your Lancair. What an amazing bird. Very well photographed too, I will watch this many times.
Thank you for the comment, glad you enjoyed!
Wonderful narration on flying; thank you! I've been flying since 1978. I still get a thrill out of going to work and seeing my aircraft awaiting me! I can't wait for my first venture into ownership. Thanks again!
Christian, thanks for the comment, and post back here please when you get that first bird ...
Kurt, The timing of watching your video today could not have been more fortuitous and spot on. As I listened to you examine and evaluate the ownership considerations, I felt that you were articulating everything that’s been going on in my head relative to the same considerations. I abandoned the potential of purchasing a Cessna or a Piper many months ago, leaning toward a Trinidad TB 20, and then a Commander 114 B. Then, I began researching Columbia 350s and 400s, these, of course, being progeny of Lancair. I found your rationale and logic to be superb. Considering your thoughts echoed mine, how could I think otherwise.😊 I sincerely appreciate the time you had taken to put this valuable video together.
Eric, thank you for the great comment - I appreciate hearing that the message resonated. Will you be going down the path of a Columbia?
@@PiInTheSky Unless something unforeseen occurs, it certainly is looking that way. 😊👍
Nice video, beautiful airplane. Love the large viewing area.
Glad you are happy with your purchase despite the costs. Safe flying!
Awesome video, great job explaining a complex process...i can see why you like flying and why you're good at it.
Appreciate the feedback, and thank you!
Cool story. I like the way you think. You went straight for a Lancair for your first plane, that's a bold move.
High quality narration
Thanks to the RUclips algorithm I discovered your channel. What a nicely narrated reflection on your aviation journey. Glad you’ve found an aircraft that fits in with your aspirations Thanks ! I’ve subscribed.
Thanks Graeme, really do appreciate the subscribe!
Very well rounded review of aircraft ownership: Many videos cover the numbers, but I like how well you articulate the growth mindset and adventures that ownership brings to a pilot. Cheers
Thanks for the comment, appreciate it!
Excellent content and video, wow! Love your choice of plane too, happy flying
Thanks Greg, appreciate the feedback.
Great video man, thank you for narrowing it down. This plane is the one
Thanks for the awesome comment James!
Hope to see more of your videos on your future trips and training.
Cheers!
For sure, thanks Roy!
Great video. You did it! Some how you communicated how spending ridiculous amounts of time and money pursuing something that few people understand, can be so enriching and challenging. Safe flying and hope to see more videos!
Thanks so much for leaving the comment and glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing this. I found your thought process interesting and it clarified a few things for me. It's unlikely I'll ever fly at this point but I do enjoy hearing others experiences. Cheers.
Thanks Darrell, appreciate the comment.
Superb informative and no hype video, thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks for the comment Noel.
Wow, I didn’t expect to connect with your video so much. I never thought I would be saying this, but I too am struggling with keeping flying exciting. I think I’ve found myself chasing the next rating instead of enjoying the ride. I’m glad you’ve found your passion again. I don’t think I’ll be far behind in purchasing my own aircraft to enjoy. Thanks for taking the time to make an excellent video.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. Looking forward to hearing about your purchase down the road!
This is really good to hear about your experiences in this area.
Thanks Terence. One of my goals with doing this (I am not a professional RUclipsr or Video guy - clearly!) is to inspire, so I'm hoping it does to some small degree.
You have a beautiful plane.
My wife and I have been deep in fractional ownership airline operations for over 20 years. We have a daughter, she said ‘My parents work for insert airline name and I have never flown’.
As a kid we had an Arrow II my dad used in his law practice but we took it on vacation and at the time $50 hamburgers. I lost my medical but my wife is a pilot with over 200 hours in Arrows. I found one I liked bought it and it is in annual now.
I am the experienced pilot but my wife, daughter and future son in law will be flying it so it had to be as safe as I could get. Nothing could beat a Piper, s-i-l and I are big guys so we need the most HP we can get.
I learned in a 150, the kids will learn in a 172 but they will fly the Arrow once they get their license. They are already fighting who gets copilot, so I think the family likes the new toy. I think my s-I-l and I will either go for something real fast or a flying Jeep once he gets licensed. The girls have mentioned how much better the Arrow flys with just them in it so I think we are being chased off.
Excellent, descriptive video...thanks!. I get a lot from these sorts of videos, spend some time on Microsofts Flight Sim 2020 and I'm lucky to have a high spec pc along with a Oculus VR headset with a preference for the smaller diamond or the gravel (Alaska) craft, flying across the US in small 2 to 3 hour hops and seeing the landscape change etc, is an experience I'll never get for real, but flying around in a VR setup and seeing videos from people like yourself helps the whole experience.... thanks again...
Thanks for the comment! As you describe it, it IS an experience that is maybe not as far away as you might think. Check out a local flight school for an introductory flight...see where it takes you. All the best!
This kind of challenge is worth every penny.learning and .sharing
Boy you really hit home on thoughts I am having. Excellent! Stay Safe.
Happy to hear it resonated. Thanks for the comment, Rene!
Great flight goals! Good luck to you!
Congratulations Pi, what a refreshingly candid introduction to your story. Generally I wouldn't make a comment until I had viewed the whole video, but (maybe, just maybe it's because I have never owned my own plane, regretfully after many years flying). Now what else do you have for me as I watch the rest of your story. Thank you in advance!
Awesome perspective. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the comment, Bob!
Awesome video and info! Thank you for sharing!!
Thanks for the comment Hugo, glad you enjoyed it!
Congrats on ownership and reaching the 100 hour mark. Regarding cost, there is an hourly cost in fuel, oil and time on the engine. Of course the big one is the time on the engine before overhaul. Whether you bank those dollars as you go, bite the big bullet when the time comes or eventually sell and pay the cost in depreciation or reduced appreciation ultimately the cost gets paid. Enjoy and stay safe.
THANKS, have fun!
An absolutely awesome and informative video. 4:09 - 4:40 says it all in terms of where I am regarding my flying status.
Thanks for the comment!
Great video !!! Good luck with your 2 bucket list items and finishing your IFR ticket. Cheers from Akron, Ohio.
Thanks Joyce!
Thanks so much for sharing this... I have been looking into the evolution
Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed. The Evolution is an absolute beast! Good luck!
Thank you for the video.
Great video. Thanks. Especially love the comparison between finances and the other advantages (e.g. being able to take an aircraft away for a week in summer). I remember something said years about about the finances: "If it floats, flies or f*^@s, rent it".
Wonderful. I got my IFR in a Mooney and have been dreaming about Reno and a move to a Super Legacy. Keep us posted on your Reno goal!
Thanks for the comment, Doug, will do!
Top-notch video. Thank you.
thanks for the comment Bruce!
...and now for the remainder of the story. Really well done Pi. Beautiful airplane, and the enjoyment and satisfaction of it reflected in your voice matches that of the machine itself. Well done on the research, the analysis of what you really wanted the plane to give back to you and the your ultimate choice of which type was right for you. Clearly you made the congruent choice. What you want to do with the airplane is a huge question and many do not thoroughly think this question through, I think partly because we don't really know. We haven't experienced what we could do and what our preferences are without first actually experiencing them. Also as you related, our preferences change over time. I really liked your motivation to grow as a pilot and be challenged to become a better pilot. Flying one type consistently (and frequently)is how you really get to know a plane. With the benefit of owning that can be achieved. As I said, really well done. Subded.
Warren, thank you for the thoughtful comment. It's support like this that pushes me to get more stories out there.
Your Vlog is very inspirational thx!
Thank you for the comment.
As an almost-qualified pilot I am starting to think about all the issues you cover so this is really helpful. Also your delivery style is so refreshing compared to a lot of video makers who seem to think they are the next big social media/TV personality. You are calm and considered just like a serious pilot should be! Very envious of your Lancair, a beautiful and very capable aircraft that is one of those featured on my current wish list. Fly safe!
Chris, thank you for the comment, and glad you enjoyed the video! Fly safe as well.
I'm 200 hours into ownership and I agree with everything you said. Thanks for sharing. The Legacy is on my shortlist for when I'm ready to move up. Yours is beautiful.
Thanks for the feedback, Jeff! Really appreciate it.
Well that’s an honest question for the same question I had. Thnx
Totally agree. After I sold the Glasair and started renting again, I found that after a time I was getting demotivated to fly. At the time I thought aircraft ownership was a tad too stressful, but have now come to the conclusion that, for me, ownership is the preferred option. As an MBA, I couldn't resist building a spreadsheet with all estimated costs, including annuals, insurance, airport fees, engine and prop allowances and opportunity cost of investment; and found that (again, for me), 80 hours a year is the break even point where ownership costs equal rental costs - based on a $100,000.00 Lancair 360 210hp IFR model.
There is also an additional 'X-Factor' that needs to be considered - the excitement of a high performance experimental compared with the Cessna/Piper/Beech offerings. Thanks for posting.
You're welcome, thanks for the comments.
Very well done. I've owned a 360 (mk ll) and a Lancair IV. Now flying a Baron with a different mission. The Legacy is a beauty. Enjoy!!
Thanks for the comment, Mark! Would love to fly a IV one day and compare.
Beautiful Ride!
Yes it is worth it! You can leave work in the summer be home at 5pm and then head to the hangar for an evening flight.
Congrats on the purchase. I don’t have my certificate yet and I’ve been looking at owning an experimental Sling. Subscribed and looking forward to more videos. Thanks for the video 🤗
Thanks for leaving the comment. Sling looks like a nice aircraft, and I hope I get a chance to fly one down the road.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts
You're welcome, thanks for the comment.
If you're not a member of LOBO Please consider joining. Great information!
Excellent clip and great info here! Thanks!
That is a gorgeous airplane! I'm in the process of buying my next airplane. Just lost $900 on a pre buy on a RV-6. Poor construction and cancellation fees for the money I wired added up. I'm getting sick of traveling all over the country only to find that planes aren't in good shape or that there are serious problems. Buying and selling these things isn't fun. It's worth it in the end (when you find a good one) though.
Thank you for the comment. I totally get it, and I had a bit of the same experience. Racked up lots of air miles looking, but hang in there. As you said, it'll be worth it in the end. Always loved the RV-6 and 7 line (and currently share a hangar with an RV-7).
Totally agree. I was a renter for way too long. Stagnation is the best word to use. That was me. I don't quite own my own, but co-own with 2 other pilots in a great Mooney. It stretched my flying skills for the better. BTW for your plane, 100 knots over the fence on landing,.. wow, that's fast.
Nice presentation, nice airplane. Wishing you continued enjoyment and safety with your airplane.
What a great comment, thank you very much for taking the time to write it!
Awesome perspective on type of plane and what’s involved!😀
Thanks for the comment John!
Good luck on your trip to greenland. I have the same goal and the same route in mind but in my very slow PA-22... luckily I can carry a lot of fuel.
Thanks Peter! Let me know when you are planning on going, that sounds like an amazing trip in a PA-22!
Beautiful airplane! Glad it’s working out for you.
Thanks for the comment!
Excellent.
I started flying 20 years ago. I can't even afford to rent anymore much less buy. Gas hike in 2004 pretty much ended my flying when it doubled or tripled rental cost. Your plane would be the one I would buy. Always loved the Legacy and i'm super jealous! Very nice plane you have.
Thank you Dwayne, I appreciate the comment, and I get it. Yep, everything across the board is more expensive than when I first started ... gas is up for sure, but insurance took a jump it never recovered from after Sept 2001.
Same with me. So now I"m a CFI in paragliding and do tandem flights and acro paragliding in SoCal,and also the last 15yrs hanggliding. It;s incredibly fun, technical and adventurous for sure! My dad had a couple of fast twins and my gpa flew and uncle was a fighter pilot. I also fly PPG (Powered paragliders and ultralights too) for fun in Mexico and various parts fo the world. As I watched this video i thought "man I want to fly GA again, but also thought, I can get so much more gear and instruments and wind in my face and para hunt all over the country, for 3 mths of GA flying again. Maybe someday hopefully. Loved this video.
Highly informative videos , keep it up!
Thanks for the comment, Benni!
This is was very informative. My brothers and I are thinking of owning also.
Thanks for the feedback, Terence.
Thank you I loved this, it was so informative. I so wish I was where you are! (Maybe someday) I love the plane, it is a big plus on my wish list! ha ha
Thank you for the comment, Skyla. Glad you enjoyed the video.
just came across your channel and this is the first of your videos I've seen so far. Very engaging. The location looks familiar - I've been renting the past 20 years here.
Thanks! Nice to meet a local here.
Very nice! Glad you’re that happy with your decision. Can you continue this series with more airplane specifics please? I hope that’s what you already plan to do!
Thanks for the feedback, and glad you enjoyed! A review series on the Legacy RG is exactly what I plan to do.
Hey man, GREAT video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights into your purchase. Huge inspiration for younger pilots. Hoping to get my own plane some day!
Thank you Thomas, one of my goals with this video was to inspire, so really appreciate the comment!
Great balanced critique. Renting or even being in a group owned aircraft syndicate, means that you don't know what happened to the aircraft since you last flew it, so have to be so careful and vigilant. Even as an instructor, I always had to assume the previous student and instructor had done something or left something undone, which could turn my day into a particularly bad one. Owning an aircraft and having exclusive access must mitigate this significantly.
That is a really good point, and it factors into my checklist and checklist procedures to this day. As sole owner you know _exactly_ the state of your aircraft. Thanks for the comment, appreciate it
Beautiful aircraft
Glad I found your video. My thoughts are heading the same direction of yours. So many times I've tried booking a rarely used private hire (that's an excellent machine and a great price). But other bookings plus serviceability (mostly maintenance induced) mean I missed half a summer of flying.
Thanks for the comment, and glad it struck a chord. Hope you find something that works for you.
Nice. Thank you.
This has always been my dream plane as a kid. At this point I’m Deciding whether or not I’ll build my own kit or buy complete. Thanks!
A build would be ideal because you get the plane exactly how you want it, but it's the most time consuming and expensive of the two options. I quickly realized I was neither a craftsman or a test-pilot so the choice to buy was simple after that.
As someone who as built airplanes before, airplane builders and pilots are different people. Some love to build and some just want to fly. If you have the urge to work on car engines, fixing mechanical things, then you will find aircraft building extremely gratifying. If none of these interests you, then building airplane will be the most frustrating thing you will do. Trust me, I've seen many people thought they could build an airplane but gave up, not because they didn't the skills, it was never their passion to build.
Wow thanks for the inspration.
Glad you enjoyed, thanks for dropping the comment, Mike.
Another aspiring (youngish) pilot here. I've been trying to understand the economics of it all. Getting my PPL is not at all close to out of the question, but maintaining, in particular affording, the hobby without ownership while managing all of the inherent rental disadvantages with scheduling-- I often wonder whether its even worth it at all. Granted, I own a modest and extremely affordable home with a Honda Civic in the driveway; I don't spend extravagantly and have no children- there is an opening for an expensive pursuit of passion. While potentially uncouth, an open and accurate total cost analysis of your journey I'm certain would be valuable to those of us interested in the hobby! Excellent work on this video and I look forward to the 500 Hour Reflection!
Why don't you make aviation as your career. Make a goal of getting the commercial and CFI after your PPL so you can add time, and then with time and experience, you may get the chance to fly for an airline. As you progress through your aviation career, you will have a different perspective of aircraft ownership, flying, instead of it being just another hobby. I was just like you at your age. I was fortunate that I had a career that I like that I was willing to delay the gratification of airplane ownership until I was older.
Beautiful flying machine, congratulations
Thanks Robert, appreciate the comment! One of my criteria was the plane had to have _some_ curves :) Lacair (most of the models) fit that bill well!
Nice video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the comment!
Nice job and airplane I have a Piper Arrow but wish I could move up like you
Yep… I’m in the same exact situation: my flying time is decreasing due to the combination of availability and weather. I need my own plane!
I can’t wait to buy my first plane hopefully later this year.
Thank you SO much for this video! I got at exactly the same point after 15 years of renting -- all the same issues. Indeed, i might get my own ride very soon..
Thank you!
Awesome, glad you enjoyed, and thanks fo rthe comment! You're pretty close to where I was when I started thinking seriously about buying.
What a wonderful bird! Congrats! I hope you come and visit us in Québec in your travels!
Thank you for the comment. One of my first trips was to Trois-Rivières for breakfast. Where are you based? I'm always looking for and excuse to come to La Belle Province.
π In The Sky I’m in Montréal! Ping me if you come around!
Very informative and nice quality video man
Thanks, appreciate the comment!
Beautiful plane! I just took an early retirement from United Airlines in October. I've flown professionally since 1986. I was an Air Force F-16 pilot for 7 1/2 years and flew for the airlines for 28 years. The one thing I would caution you with is taking unnecessary risks. Out of my over 17,000 hours of flying, I only have 23 prop hours. I owned a PA-28-180 with my brother and I only flew it 3 hours. I was very careful. Know your limitations and don't push it. Great video and good luck! Ps. It's funny that I have a youtube channel and only a few of my videos are of aviation.....
Appreciate the comment, and thank you for the great words of wisdom.
Beautiful plane, hope you’re still enjoying it.
Very much, thanks Doug. Just recently flew her back from California to Eastern Canada. A dream machine.
Brilliant video... my plane has been hangered for over a decade and now i am thinking of getting it current :) greetings from Sweden
Thank you @British Nomad! Hope everything goes well with your bird ... getting her back in the air sounds like the right thing to do. I also hope your weather in Sweden is better than what we're seeing in Canada :)
@@PiInTheSky I remember once somebody told me that Canada is just a magnified version of Scandinavia... so weather is rather similar 😅🙃
Well done, well said and congratulations on one of the most beautiful Lancair Legacy. Keep those videos coming, they're trully inspiring! Greatings from BC! Come and visit us in Pitt Meadows anytime. My best buddy built a spectacular and show stopper Glasair 2S.Furthermore, we also have an highly experienced Lancair & Glasair pilots/builders crowd out here too. ;)
Thank you! Will do!
What was the chance of randomly stumbling upon this video and seeing another Pittster here! :)
Excelente excelente plane 🛬🛩️🇺🇸👍 congrats 👏🏼
Thanks for the comment!
That was an informative and well well thought out explanation of aircraft ownership. Good work! I haven't seen this in the comments and was curious, what was the small but important gotcha found in the maintenance records for the other plane you looked at? Seems like a good tip especially since it was not obvious. It might also help with finding issues in the same family.
Thanks and happy flying!
The logs read as if she had been majored, but in reading the replacement parts list that wasn't the case. It really pays to play very close attention to every entry in the log, in some detail.
Absolutely great video. I went the other way and bought before I started training. Now found I don't fly that much. You say buying changed everything for you, which it does. However, the type of plane is what makes the bigger difference.
Thanks, appreciate the comment! Agreed, finding a plane that does the things you want is pretty key, but I also think I was just tired of working around other people's schedules with renting, and that's no longer something I deal with.
My Cardinal is in pre-buy right now and is pretty much sold. I guess I'll find out how the rental thing works now. Until I can get the Velocity I want.
What an amazing video! It's all about perspective. It is easy to see that you fly and have purchased a plane purely for the love of flying and the challenges. I fly drones simply because I could never afford flight school or my own airplane. It's the closest thing to flying that I can afford and I love it! Thank you for sharing your insight and I am positive this will encourage others to get into flying or take it to the next level! I hope you achieve your end goal if you haven't already. Cheers!
An awesome comment, thank you for leaving it! Flying can be expensive or inexpensive (generally just expensive :) but taking some introductory flights at a local school can give you taste of what it's about. After that it's budgeting and saving :) Appreciate your feedback!
Aircraft ownership is an expensive hobby. It works best when your business requires travel. Then your operation, maintenance, hangar and insurance costs are tax deductible.
@@arthurmontana8791 Yes, if you have a business, then tax laws (depending on the country you live in) can definitely help reduce some of the costs.
Awesome video!
Thanks!