Dennis,
When I bought my 150 I had close to 200 hours of flight time, my partner had about 100.
The plane had to be ferried from Colorado to Texas. I found someone that did it for the cost of one hotel night plus a cheap ticket back him. I think it was less than $500, including gas. Sounds like it will cost you less with some of the offers here. I didn't feel comfortable doing the flying at the time since I hadn't flown in a while. Anybody can get insurance, but it will cost a little more for a low time owner. I found going through an outfit like Falcon Insurance, who are brokers and carry many different product lines, results in a lower rate. Different companies specialize in different coverages, so it pays to shop around.
Insurance was about $650/yr, including maybe $20K hull. My insurance now is around the same but for a 172 with $35K hull coverage. The mount of hull coverage makes a big difference. I could probably get another $100 to $200 off by lowering the amount covered. However, I live in an area where hail damage is a very distinct possibility and would rather be cautious about this. I have my plane tied down outside. You buy liability, which covers if you damage something else, and hull, which pays for something happening to your plane, kind of like liability and collision on your car.
My first annual was around $600-$700. Nothing major found. They have been like that since I got my 150 and now with my 172. Last year I installed a spin-on oil filter in my 172, so I spent a little more.
I'd budget at least another $2-3K for unforeseen things. I didn't spend that much, but I got lucky. Better to not have to pay something you planned for than the other way around. Of course, a lot has to do with how good the plane you buy is to begin with.
Last edited by Henry_M; 11/08/13 09:13 PM.
