Evening all,
Look I really hate to say this, but.... I think you guys over there have been living in a padded cell for too long.
OK, just before I check over my shoulder to see coming, and /or remove the daggers that will obviously being hurled in my direction, the only thing keepin the price of your aircraft down, is your attitude ( and in some regard licencing rules) for your aircraft.......
Let me explain, A 150/152, by all counts is a very capable aircraft, you all know that, after all you fly them all over the country to Clinton every year..Right...
Take a look outside your own world for a moment.....I'm talkling off shore of USA
A stock standard 150 with very little to offer, outside of the USA is actually a valuable item. Heck, down here for the most avarage aircraft your looking at 32K Aus (around 26-28K, US) We have 152 in good condition selling for 60+K Aus, do the sums...at even 70c in the dollar that 42K US. Ok, I agree, there are more available in the US than just about anywhere else, but, why do you think people all over the world are looking at the US to relocate 150-152 world wide. You even had one of your own club members sell their aircraft recently overseas for a great $$ value - the new owner probably got a bargain for the particular part of the world he live's in.
Then, lets look at what we have to replace the 150/152, an LSA 162 aircraft starting at 105K US...anyone thought of what that does to the local product. Have a look at the cost of a Piper Cub, since they are being built as LSA, who'd have thougth that an aircraft sold for a few 100 dollars years ago would be selling for 20x+ that amount today. What was a 150 worth new all those years ago compared to whats on offer today(remember, don't just be blinded by homeland values - you really need to look outside your shores for a little global relaity).
Look, I don't mean to burst your bubble or be disrespectful an any way, but, if I had the resourses, I'd be snapping up all your cheap 150 over there and bring them back here for when the LSA (or should I say our RAA) rules change to include up to 700KG here, 150/152's and the like are going to go through the roof in price - in some respects its alreay happened in anticipation of the move. Once you can look after the maintenance yourself under the new rules here, why would I buy a cessna 162 for 130K Aus, when I could buy 150/152 including Aerobat models for less than half the price. The only thing your competing with is those who want something "NEW" and who can afford it. For some reason, people see NEW as better, I think we know that's not necessarly the case, but "NEW" sells
The only thing holding back prices in the US on 150/152's is you - but mark my words, should the maintanence/licensing rules change over there for you, and / or once the 162 has had a chance to sell properly your planes will begin to skyrocket - standby, for what will eventually happen there, as its happened all over the rest of the world without you noticing.
OK, I'm done, I didn't mean to offend in any way, but looking in from the outside (as I can), it's just sometimes I think some of you forget there is a whole big world out there outside of you most eastern and western shores......
Cheers..... and be gentle with your replies
I know I might cop a bit kicking for what I have said......and no offence intended..truley
