Tips for Buying an Airplane
It has been your dream to purchase your very own airplane and you’ve finally decided, after careful consideration, to take the plunge. Before you rush out to buy your plane, there are some important points to think about. The first of these is that it is highly advisable to consult a number of specialists and experienced individuals along the way; this may include other pilots, mechanics, lawyers and so forth. Such individuals will assist you in making a wise decision when it comes to choosing a plane and dealing with everything that goes along with a purchase.
Before deciding on which airplane to buy, you need to carefully consider the financial aspect of plane ownership. Costs could include a down payment and monthly installments (if borrowing from a bank), liability insurance (in case of an accident), hull insurance (for damage to the plane), storage (from tie downs to hangars), operations (fuel and airport fees), maintenance, taxes and other fees.
Once you have determined whether you can afford your own plane, you can start deliberating over which airplane is for you. There are a variety of factors that should influence your choice. What will you be using the airplane for? Is it for fun, acrobatics, long distance or short distance trips? Will you be taking passengers, and how many? Where will you be landing and what sort of airspace will you be flying in? Is the model relatively easy to maintain with access to replacement parts? What type of aircraft would suit your pilot skills? Do you want a new plane or a used aircraft? And so forth. It is a good idea to try out a variety of aircraft, either through flight schools or with other pilots. Do as much research as you can on the airplanes that interest you.
After picking the model that best suits your needs, you can go about sourcing planes for sale. When contacting a person or company selling a used airplane you may wish to ask what the flight time is for the engine and airframe, about the maintenance schedule, if it has any history of damage, what the condition of the exterior and interior is, and so forth. Be sure to view the airplane’s paperwork, including its state of airworthiness. Make a careful inspection of the airplane when going to view it. Ensure that everything is functioning as it should, look for damage and wear, and check the instrument panel, avionics and electrical system. It is a good idea to get a mechanic in to inspect the plane before the final purchase.
If this looks like it could be the airplane for you, take it for a test flight. During the flight you can listen to the engine, check the avionics, watch the gauges, get a feel for the aircraft and ensure all is in working order. If all works out well, you can negotiate on the price and start the purchasing process.
Please note that this is just a brief summary to aid potential aircraft buyers. We advise all those in the market for new or used aircraft to do plenty of research and seek the advice of professionals and those in the know, before purchasing an aircraft.
Gulfstream Launches New Super-midsize G250
Aircraft manufacturer Gulfstream took advantage of the NBAA in Orlando to launch their brand new G250 on October 5, 2008. The successor to the G200, which has been in use since 2000, the G250 looks set to be bigger and better in every conceivable way and it should dominate the super mid-size sector from 2011 when it becomes commercially available.
Bombardier Q400 Minimizes its Impact
With increasing pressure on companies to take responsibility for their carbon footprint, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft, along with Horizon Air, chose Earth Day on 22 April 2008 to reiterate the features and benefits of the popular Q400 turboprop – an airplane that is proving to be a top performer in its class, particularly with regard to its significantly reduced impact on the environment.
Bombardier Challenger 890 for Corporate Travel
Bombardier, leading manufacturer of innovative aircraft, have delivered the first Bombardier Challenger 890 to Suncor Energy Inc., a major North American oil sands developer with headquarters based in Calgary. The new Challenger 890 will join the Challenger 850 which has been in operation as a Suncor Energy corporate shuttle since March 2006. The addition of the new Challenger airplane is not only an indication of the company’s growth, but is also a reflection of their confidence in Bombardier to meet their transportation needs.
The Impressive Boeing 777 Freighter
In response to the increasing demand from cargo operators worldwide for a long-range, efficient, high-capacity freight airplane, in May 2005 the Boeing Company launched the Boeing 777 Freighter. Delivery of their launch order from Air France is expected to take place in the final quarter of 2008, with additional orders coming in from Emirates, Air Canada, China Southern Airlines, FedEx, GE Capital, Korean Air, Qatar and India-based cargo carriers, Flyington Freighters.
The Multipurpose Antilles Super Goose
The dedicated staff of Antilles Seaplanes LLC have been diligently working on research and development leading to the production of the new “Antilles Super Goose“, a multi-purpose amphibious aircraft. Antilles Seaplanes LLC is now in a position to start accepting deposit orders for this unique airplane. The Super Goose is based on the legendary Grumman G-21 Goose which first took to the air in 1936 – an era which many consider to be the “Golden Age” of flying.
China Aviation Industry Corporation’s New ARJ21
China Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC I), a state-owned company based in Shanghai, is currently assembling a 70 to 90 seat passenger jet with high hopes of using this new airplane to establish China in the world market as a major airplane manufacturer. The new airplane has been named the ARJ21 – Advanced Regional Jet for the 21st Century. The first test flight is expected to take place in March 2008.
It’s Healthier to Fly than Drive
September 7, 2007 by Editor
Filed under Miscellaneous
I don’t like to write about airplane crashes. For one thing, they’re depressing. I also don’t like to write about them because too many people out there are already afraid of flying, and I don’t want to add to their anxiety. Flying, in my opinion, is one of the most fun things you can do. Another reason I don’t write about plane crashes is because dying in one is much less likely to happen than dying in a car crash, so again, why alarm people?
Top Gun – Featuring the F-14 Tomcat
Anyone that was alive in 1986 will likely have at least some knowledge of the legendary airplane movie ‘Top Gun‘. That airplane film is a good mixture of romance, drama and action, and it was a world-wide sensation during the year of its release. Top Gun likely inspired many aspiring military pilots to take to the skies and try their hand at aviation. Even today the film enjoys legendary status amongst those who enjoyed it during their youth.
No Guns in Cockpits on Airplanes
The Federal Flight Deck Officer program, in which flight crew members are authorized to have a gun in the cockpit, doesn’t seem to be catching on. I was never in favor of it in the first place. The thought of bullets hitting innocent people, causing depressurization with shots through the fuselage, not to mention the avionics equipment that keeps the plane aloft, scares me. A stun gun makes better sense.
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