Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes New Member. Help me buy my first airplane.

Tim-

I'm no pro, but the 800 hours on the Continental cylinders seems about right. Actually, I think you'd be happier with the '66 model for $21,500. Look - it's got all the radios you'll need plus a glideslope and new jugs. Total time doesn't seem to be an issue here. And remember, you as a rule get back only 60% of what the avionics cost ya. You're paying for the 430 right now, but in a few years, who's to say that another model might be introduced or a refined more capable 430 which will drive the value of the presently installed 430 down when you try to resell?

I'd give serious consideration to the cheaper bird. Doesn't mean you have to buy it. But a look-see might be in order. Plus, if you are planning on buying a bird, getting an instrument rating, then selling it in a few years, do you really think you can get back what you paid for the first one - $32,800 verses $21,500? With the opportunity cost on top of it?

The instrument layout on both isn't the standard "T" layout - it is the old semi - random instrument layout common in the pre-1967 birds. That would be a disadvantage to me, but perhaps the instruments could be relocated. Someone could comment on that point. I do however, like the vacuum warning flag on the AI on the more expensive bird. Of course, with the money you save, you could get a new AI and still have cash left over.

500 hours is a lot! A lot of owners get a bird, fly like there's no tomorrow the first few months to a year, then back off. Again, 500 hours is a LOT and I doubt you'll go much over that, if indeed you do fly 500 hours. Plus, you have - what is it - $35,000 to spend on a bird Go with the '66, save the bucks or put it toward the required maintainence kitty, and have a ball!

I'd lean toward the one at GPM.

My opinion only.