Adrian Lewer Posted April 7, 2009 Posted April 7, 2009 Hi all, apart from here and the rec aviation mag, where can i find a decent 2nd hand aircraft ? Getting close now, have heard of some bargains lately.
Guest brentc Posted April 7, 2009 Posted April 7, 2009 From my experience ring about aircraft in the magazine even if you can't afford them. Often people are far more flexible than you may realise. It's how I came across my second aircraft. Price dropped over the phone from $46k to $28k! On another example it was $28k negotible and they sold for $15k. Also try the Aviation Trader from the Internet or the Newsagent.
Simonflyer Posted April 7, 2009 Posted April 7, 2009 Id get on the blower to a few airfields/airports as well, as ive heard of people becoming willing to sell once they know someone is buying, and some others just work off word of mouth.. Just my two bobs.. Very Exciting for you no doubt.. Good luck..:thumb_up:
Vorticity Posted April 8, 2009 Posted April 8, 2009 As already stated, make calls, get out and talk to people. You may look into a handfull just to find 1 or 2 that are suitable but that's life. Be carefull in search for a bargain though, make sure you understand fully why it is a bargain. You may have to accept some problems, limitations or costs after purchase.
skydog Posted April 8, 2009 Posted April 8, 2009 read up Read Lots of good articles about buying on many aviation websites and its a damn good idea to do so. (Plane & Pilot mag for one) Get to know the type you want real well beforehand and all its AD`s etc have they been done?. Always buy subject to check out by a LAME or type 2. Very Good time to buy at the moment but bargains are rarely so. Check if money is owed on it. Check fly in it for sure and check engine temperatures if possible oli temps and if hours and engine times match. Dont get carried away, be logical and make a list and cross it off as you go. Good luck and enjoy.
Guest brentc Posted April 8, 2009 Posted April 8, 2009 Perhaps Adrian you could tell us what you are looking for exactly? We might know of a bargain or someone with experience may be able to tell you more about the aircraft type or possibly the aircraft that you are actually looking at.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 13, 2009 Author Posted April 13, 2009 Well My position is this We have not bought an Aircraft due to the fact we knew out trusty old hyundai would need replacing. We have since replaced it with a VE commodore and I use the hyundai to commute to and from work. Since I have my priorities straight I can now concentrate on getting the money back in the bank for the VE. Once this is done I can Buy an aircraft ? What can I afford ? Well this is basically it. I can afford around the $130,000 mark. I would love a Pioneer 200 Sparrow with 100HP CSU Etc but When you consider hangarage, Insurance, Fuel, Rego, Maintenance it will be at the end of my Bracket which will bring flying to the level of (oh would love to fly my pioneer but can not afford the $60 of juice for the few hours this week) which makes it not fun. Love the Idea of the X-Air Standard as it is Cheap, fun, Cheap and Cheap.... but the Draw back Is 45-55Kt cruise (no good for me relay but could get away with it) The Idea Of a New J120 is relay appealing ATM and I will say it is looking like a winner but recently saw a Jabiru LSA in relay excellent condition Old but not damaged in anyway, looked old but looked well looked after and apparently was purchased for $30K I have never seen an LSA for 30K around anywhere, for 30K you could fly and not be worried about the money side of things which keeps the hobby a hobby and affordable ? Which brings me to my next dilemma ? I have been burnt allot of times with used equipment of any shape or form ? and would like a new aircraft so this would be heavily minimized (even new have bugs) X-Air new $30 odd K ? used Jabiru LSA 30-40 K ? Which brings me to my next point most aircraft (jabs etc) you see for sale used go for about the 40K mark and have 500 odd hours on the clock. you need a major at 1000 hours (if it gets there) but for 58K you have a new J120 of which has a 0 Hour engine and 1000 hours to run ? Ah decisions decisions ? 1
skydog Posted April 13, 2009 Posted April 13, 2009 Took me 5 years Yep, took me 5 years to get what I think is the right plane. No need to rush and with this economic climate prices will only go lower me-thinks. Go fly the planes you are tossing up.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 13, 2009 Author Posted April 13, 2009 Yeah I know ? I might go fly them as you say. (gives me an excuse) ;) Whad did you end up buying skydog and what helped you make a decision and what other advice can you give
Burlc Posted April 13, 2009 Posted April 13, 2009 My personnel opinion with Jabiru's is why would you buy a second hand 160,230 for 10-15,000 cheaper with 200hrs and no warrenty when Jabiru are offering 2 yr 500 hour warrenty on a new aircraft.If you can get a second hand jab at less the cost of a new engine plus say 5-10,000 left in the pocket then you would consider it. Still if your not in a hurry to buy you may see some bargins come up in the near future as finances get tighter.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 13, 2009 Author Posted April 13, 2009 Yes this is true, exactly what I am thinking. but money,practicality and other factors come into play..... who is selling a great jab for 30K ;) please call me ;)
Adrian Lewer Posted April 13, 2009 Author Posted April 13, 2009 Oh yeah and have to say the better half has also been floating the idea of getting a j230 and building it with 4 seats so in the future we can have an aircraft capable of carrying myself and her as well as our son Julien and 1 extra which will come along when the time is right ? cost of the J230 4 seat version is $75K then you have to build her I like this idea
Guest drizzt1978 Posted April 13, 2009 Posted April 13, 2009 There is a very low hour kit built j160 for mid to high 50's, for sale, I think thats a bargain! I might be missing something tho!!
Guest brentc Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 J230's are actually more like $67k + build. My 400 cost $76k complete after I threw it together.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 15, 2009 Author Posted April 15, 2009 Rang the factory about a month ago and was quoted $75K ?
Guest brentc Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 I'd have to check, you may have requested a specific instrument package which would account for the difference. Speaking of which I believe there is a 10% increase in price coming for the J120 at the end of the month. Not sure if it applies to other aircraft too.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 15, 2009 Author Posted April 15, 2009 yes I heard the same about the 10% price increase, instruments yes..... Er... NVFR ;) either way 70 odd K for a Kit ? and I have never built one and do not know if I have what it takes. 70K Is alot of kit to have and not finish.
Guest brentc Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 Easy, you just finish it. It only took me 6 months part time on weekends and 3 weeks solid. A smart energetic person could slash that!
skydog Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 Adrian I ended up buying a Vans RV6A. The yellow & blue plane in the picture. I have flown JABS,the J230 120 etc, Gazelle, Cessna`s 150, 172, 180, Piper Warriors, Beech Sundowner, etc and took my time because your ideas change, just like what is happenning now with your wifes suggesitons. Dont rush in. The RV uses the same 160HP engine as a C172 but cruises at 150kts at height. Uses 29 litres per hr doing that and lands nice & slow at 48kts. Seats two because that is the most common load. If I have more passengers I hire a C172. You can buy one second hand for about 100,000 or build one.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 15, 2009 Author Posted April 15, 2009 Only 6 months ? Did you find the build easy ? How much glass work is involved ?
Guest brentc Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 I spent 6 months of weekends, but only 3 weekends out of 4 full time in a remote location, then 3 weeks solid holidays on it. If I had the ability to work on it after work it would have been much quicker. There's lots of fibreglass work, but it's not complicated. If you can find someone who is willing to come along and do the sanding, finishing and painting for you it will make it MUCH quicker. I did most of the build from start to finish but did not touch the final finish or tidying up of the joins and areas to be painted (except for the window surrounds) and had a pro-backyard guy come in with his specialised sanding gear to tidy it all up. He spent 4 days on it and I left the building after masking it all up. He was filling and sanding his heart out. From there, it went to a car booth to be painted. I spent around 450-480 hours prior to painting an I had no specific mechanical skills. Some would say it's more of a project management exercise than anything. Guy at my field spend 250 hours putting a Jab SP6 together and you couldn't complain about the finish on that one. If I had a spare double garage or shed and I was doing it again after work as well, I'd be flying away in less than 5 months.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 16, 2009 Author Posted April 16, 2009 Hummmm Might have to look into it a bit more. I have a Double garage at home empty looking for someone to move into it and a j430 might be the go. but we will see. Might even take a trip to the bundy factory to see a j430 kit and just get a first hand look at what i am in for before i build.
Adrian Lewer Posted April 16, 2009 Author Posted April 16, 2009 Have to admit the RV-7 looks nice but pricey ?
Guest basscheffers Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 Have to admit the RV-7 looks nice but pricey ? RVs are supposed to be very nice and the quickbuild kits easy to build, but remember these are (with the exception of the new RV-12) GA planes only. I wouldn't mind building an RV-8 some day. 160kt cruise and aerobatic for just about $100K australian. Nice. The Zodiac always seemed like a nice RA plane to build, but after the news yesterday, I am not so sure!
Guest drizzt1978 Posted April 16, 2009 Posted April 16, 2009 RVs are supposed to be very nice and the quickbuild kits easy to build, but remember these are (with the exception of the new RV-12) GA planes only.I wouldn't mind building an RV-8 some day. 160kt cruise and aerobatic for just about $100K australian. Nice. The Zodiac always seemed like a nice RA plane to build, but after the news yesterday, I am not so sure! I thought i have seen some RV 6's that are RA Aus??? not GA??
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