[jimf15e]

I've been flying since I was 16 and an actively flying Air Force pilot since 1996 but have never owned my own airplane. Lately though I've been more and more seriously considering buying one. I'm looking primarily at nicely equipped F33 Bonanzas and Mooney M20J and K's. Any M3 guys here currently own a plane or going through similar thought processes? Regrets? Justifications?

Renters and daydreamers feel please chime in as well.

[Kong Sheng Han]

You should get an F-18; maybe an A-10?

[jimf15e]

Nah, I fly an F-15E already. Much better than those two. Only problem is I can't fly it to the beach or mountains for the weekend - stupid government rules. Hence my dilemma on finding my own!

[emanresu]

Somebody is looking to trade a 1966 Beechcraft for an M3 on Craigslist

[alee0729]

I have a few pilot friends (one with an older Mooney Ovation and one with a newer Pilatus PC-12NG) and the general conventional wisdom from them is that it's a money pit. Affording the plane for them hasn't been as much of an issue as it is keeping the plane airworthy, and repair bills that probably make an S65 engine overhaul look cheap. Inspections, fuel costs, hangar storage costs, and fixing stuff that breaks all contribute to a very expensive hobby. They fly reasonably often for pleasure... your typical weekend getaway craft. If you've been flying for a while, I suspect you're a pretty decent mechanic, so that will certainly help drive down costs of maintenance.

Cheaper than flying charter, more expensive than flying domestic commercial, more convenient than both and way faster than driving unless you have to make a hike to the airport to get your plane.

[M3Pedal]

Originally Posted by jimf15e

Renters and daydreamers feel please chime in as well.

Ok, you asked for it. Daydreaming here, can I get a ride in your F-15E! I can trade for a ride in an 800hp jet boat.

Also, I don't own a plane but I few people I know have. Seems like they really enjoy it outside of the maintenance costs. Personally I don't know how you could stand going from afterburners to a propeller.

[Peahi]

F-15's rock! I saw one performing at the SF fleetweek show a couple of years ago...and he turned it out! It's a navy centered show with the blue angels of course, and I'm sure he was thinking "I"m gonna bring it for the USAF!"
I saw a raptor last year...lots of nice moves.

First model airplane I built as a kid was an F-15! Post up some pics (if you're allowed to).

Bad ass!

[LFOD]

I've been there a few times brother. Shoot me a PM and I can give you the lowdown on M20Js. I think the Mooney (J,K,M,) is the closest thing to an E92 in the GA world.

[jimf15e]

Originally Posted by LFOD

I've been there a few times brother. Shoot me a PM and I can give you the lowdown on M20Js. I think the Mooney (J,K,M,) is the closest thing to an E92 in the GA world.

Now that's what I need to hear! I'll send you a PM shortly.

[jimf15e]

Peahi- beautiful pix. It's too bad our government is so broke it had to cancel demo teams and air shows this year.

[Gee-klaw]

Here is mine ...

[VaclavSV]

[Ghetto2315]

I really envy you guys. I get motion sickness/air sickness very badly so I dread going on planes. I've tried dramamine, the wrist things, the things that go behind the ear. Love flying. Just get really sick. What do you guys take for air sickness that'll help me?

Edit: Just typing about being nauseous just made me nauseous

[nineonenine]

Originally Posted by Gee-klaw

Here is mine ...

Wtf, the airplane needs a drop

[Gee-klaw]

Originally Posted by nineonenine

Wtf, the airplane needs a drop

Haha - and have the prop hit the ground?

My little baby G-KLAW could be no lower. But I have approval from the CAA for low flying :-)

[Gee-klaw]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

I really envy you guys. I get motion sickness/air sickness very badly so I dread going on planes. I've tried dramamine, the wrist things, the things that go behind the ear. Love flying. Just get really sick. What do you guys take for air sickness that'll help me?

Edit: Just typing about being nauseous just made me nauseous

I have carried 97 passengers in my aeroplane and not 1 has been sick yet. It would be easy to make them sick in 30 seconds but there is no fun in that.

You may be surprised - take a positive outlook on it and come flying in G-KLAW.

[VCMpower]

really great photos here!

[vinniechin]

Originally Posted by Team Plutonium

I get air sick too, but my absolute terror of flying overrules it. I keep from vomiting by screaming the entire flight and telling everybody on board that we are going to die. It helps a little, and when you get finally tasered you are unconscious for the rest of the flight. I'd probably be a terrible pilot.

OMG! WORLD'S FUNNIEST POST...i spit my water all over the keyboard!

[Gee-klaw]

Few more:

[jimf15e]

Incredible! I may fly an F-15E, but in reality I only get to *borrow* it. You OWN that work of art, nice!

[jimf15e]

@ VaclavSV - Meridian, right? Way out of my price range by a few hundred g's, but very, very nice!

[AirbusPilot]

Bonanza's are great planes. Easy to fly and rugged.

The F15 is a beast. I'll trade you a nice AB320?