Buying a plane...

[ForensicFlyer]

Crap! Just had to start all over!

Ok... Here goes...

As you all, or some of you at least, know I want to get into flying.

I have been looking into "what kind of license" I should do.

But - after receiving some fantastic advice and great support, I am changing this question.

It seems this is more governed by what PLANE I want to fly, and what I use it for that will determine that...

So, first things first:

I am looking for a plane that will give me all of the following (perfect scenario):

1. The "fun factor" of a trike
2. Two seats (side by side is cool) for softness and me
3. Ability to go cross-country (about 1000 Km maximum distance), and I know about Night and Instrument ratings, etc.
4. Comfortable flight for the longer trips
5. Fairly robust and relatively "all-weather," to enable me to fly in "imperfect" conditions in stead of being grounded in a 5mph wind
6. Ability to carry me, the softness and luggage (besides fuel) totalling about 250 Kg MAX
7. Ease of maintenance, like home-builts, kits, etc
8. STOL ability (why not?)
9. Low maintenance costs (easy home maintenance and/or low price of commercial maintenance)
10. Gravel/grass runway landing capabilities
11. Low stall speed (for aerial photography)
12. MAXIMUM price (me alone) or 400 K or 500 K if shared with another pilot/investor
13. Capable of VFR, IFR and/or Night Flights
14. Well supported in SA for parts, etc.

My flying needs will be:

1. Regular social local flying (fly-ins, etc)
2. Regular local aerial photography (accident scenes, after the fact)
3. "Company car" for traveling to remote locations relating to work
4. Flights after sunset and under IFR conditions - where I am caught by surprise (sudden unpredicted weather changes)

So - please recommend aircraft types, models, etc. If you have aplane and you're looking for a partner, speak. If you have one to sell, speak. If you want to recommend a new one, speak.

Please post photo's of the planes you have in mind...

I am probably looking at starting my license (appropriate one) by February 2007, and at buying my plane by June/July 2007.

I know things can change and I know people will have different ideas, but please add you bit. I'd rather you talk now and help me make a good decision than me make the wrong one and regret it.

Thanks all!

Stan.

[anagod]

Surely the Bantam must be a candidate ? I see it now comes with a 6 cylinder engine as well.

http://www.microaviationsa.co.za/pages/bantam.htm

[The Agent]

FF when you are up here we have serious talk OK.

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Stan....

2 letters RV....

[Ranger]

Gee Stan, you don't want much do you. Have you heard of a hercules C130. They can land pretty short AND enough room for the softness, the cat, dog, mother in-law and all your clobber.

[ForensicFlyer]

Anagod - I've received some warning about Bantams, but what do I know? I'm gonna check it out, thanks...

Agent - and so we should! See you soon!

RV4Ker - Firstly, THANKS for the flip! I must actually admit, I am rather partial to RV's... The quick flip we had was - as you promised - the ride of my life! I have watched the videos, and BOY... Cool sh!t!

Ranger - Yes - I agree. C130. I was kinda looking towards a MD800 actually...

Read my post re "flip in an MD!"

Thanks all...

Stan.

[ForensicFlyer]

Demon,

Why the growl?

Hoped you'd turn me into a Demon as well?

Is there a GT450 C130 hybrid?

Here are the planes that are currently tickling my fancy (no order of preference), or that I reading more about, as NEW aircraft:

1. Dreamwings A-22 Foxbat
2. Micro Aviation Bantam B-22J
3. Rainbow Cheetah XLS
4. Lyda Eurofox
5. Jabiru J 160
6. Jabiru J 230/430
7. Savannah
8. SG Aviation Rally 105 (A bit procey, perhaps?)
9. Skyranger
10. Whisper
11. Zenair STOL CH701 Skyjeep
12. Kitfox

There may be many other recommendations, but these are all featured in the August copy of African Pilot. They all seem to offer good value for money, but I need to SEE them all still.

See, I think AT LEAST a Lap-en-draad 3-axis should be considered.

Stan.

[loansharkblv]

9. Skyranger

All things being equal mine should be here in Feb / March 2007....

Just don't let "the Agent" know

[anagod]

Anagod - I've received some warning about Bantams, but what do I know? I'm gonna check it out, thanks...

Agent - and so we should! See you soon!

RV4Ker - Firstly, THANKS for the flip! I must actually admit, I am rather partial to RV's... The quick flip we had was - as you promised - the ride of my life! I have watched the videos, and BOY... Cool sh!t!

Ranger - Yes - I agree. C130. I was kinda looking towards a MD800 actually...

Read my post re "flip in an MD!"

Thanks all...

Stan.

What warnings did you get about Bantams ?

[Arnulf]

My flying needs will be:

1. Regular social local flying (fly-ins, etc)
2. Regular local aerial photography (accident scenes, after the fact)
3. "Company car" for traveling to remote locations relating to work
4. Flights after sunset and under IFR conditions - where I am caught by surprise (sudden unpredicted weather changes)

Here are the planes that are currently tickling my fancy (no order of preference), or that I reading more about, as NEW aircraft:

1. Dreamwings A-22 Foxbat
2. Micro Aviation Bantam B-22J
3. Rainbow Cheetah XLS
4. Lyda Eurofox
5. Jabiru J 160
6. Jabiru J 230/430
7. Savannah
8. SG Aviation Rally 105 (A bit procey, perhaps?)
9. Skyranger
10. Whisper
11. Zenair STOL CH701 Skyjeep
12. Kitfox

Doubt whether any of those aircraft listed above will legally and safely fulfill the requirements, especially item 4 on wish list.
Minimum requirement for that would be PPL with IF Rating.

4. Flights after sunset and under IFR conditions - where I am caught by surprise (sudden unpredicted weather changes)

Typically on the highveld those are very mean thunderstorms. And that in a microlight?

Regards,
Arnulf

[loansharkblv]

As mentioned on Avcom (for the sake of the other guys in here)

There are currently no NTCA's certified with night or IF ratings...

[Biggles]

Item 4 on your list

Most of your instruction will be how not to get caught by surprise by anything, most of all sunset

[loansharkblv]

Biggles, seems like you know somebody who knows somebody who once, a very long time ago.......

[RV4ker (RIP)]

As mentioned on Avcom (for the sake of the other guys in here)

There are currently no NTCA's certified with night or IF ratings...

Only IF. Plenty have night Auth to Fly...

Stan
Why no RV's?

PS
Demon
Your time will come my mate. I am taking tfr of the spot at the Dam today... Will be far closer to the Action so to speak...

[loansharkblv]

Only IF. Plenty have night Auth to Fly...

Apologies.....