Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Selling an airplane

After the extremely difficult time I've had (and am still having) procuring my 150, I could write a damned book on the subject.

I'll share a few chapters once I get her safely home.

Terry,

I'm not currently selling my airplane. In all honesty though, I have thought about it lately. I have one son, Grant, who is 13 and will graduate and hopefully go off to college in 5 years. The idea of only having 5 years left of him at home full time, saddens me deeply. I have often thought it would be wise to sell the plane, dedicate the time and money towards doing stuff with him, and then one day pick out another plane.

Although "Victoria" (the name of my plane) means a lot to me, she is still just aluminum. Grant is my blood.

I often think selling would be stupid, but in the context of things, would it really?

Does you son not like flying? At 13 I would have killed to go flying with my dad.

Wayne,

Only you can know what is right for you and your family, and I am in no position to offer advice and counsel. My comment was made in jest, and mostly because I've talked to a number of people who sold an airplane and regretted it later. Family is absolutely my first priority and it sounds like it is for you as well.

I understand clearly what the next 5 years with your son can mean to you and I'm sure I would be thinking along the same lines as you if I were in your shoes. In fact, I wasn't able to even think about airplane ownership before my kids were grown and out of the house, so fortunately I didn't have to struggle with the issues that you are considering at this time in your life.

I'm proud to know you and have the deepest respect for your judgement. If you determine that selling your airplane is the right thing to do for your family, I'm certain that it will all work out for the best.

I started this thread only because I have often wondered what would be the best way to sell an airplane in the event I ever decided I needed or wanted to sell. I also know that the economy is weak, and many people may be in that situation right now, so it would be a help to all of us.

I am blessed in that my family supports me in keeping the plane. They trust me in doing what is best for our family. It's pretty cool just knowing that they trust me.

So far, it has not been a problem financially since my plane is paid for. I do wonder if the money I spend on the plane for fuel, annuals, hangar, and maintenance would be better spent doing things with Grant, such as traveling.

I have held hope that one day he will take a keen interest in flying, and not just the casual approach he takes with it now. He doesn't hate flying, he just doesn't love it. He could take it or leave it right now. He enjoys aerobatics the most (which is why I did the rudder stop mod and did a little spin training with Catherine in Clinton) which is encouraging.

I am like Wayne (maybe because I am Wayne ) and at age 13 would have given my left nut (wait, I'm 13, so make that my left arm ) to have access to an airplane.

If I had a crystal ball, I would know whether selling was a wise thing right now or not. I am still holding out for now, on the hope that he will become more aviation minded, but am cautious not to put my aspirations on him as a burden for him to carry. I don't want Grant to love aviation because of me. I would only want him to love it, because he truly does.

However, this thread is not really about me, and whether I want to sell or not. It's about every club member out there, and a resource to help them in the event they decide to sell.

Thanks for the kind words Terry.

Wayne summed it up very well. We all have to see how our flying addiction cuts into our famalies time and finances. I work a second job to fly and probably would not work a second job if I wasn't flying.
Another "ploy" that an airplane scalper used when I sold my first 150 in 1990 was saying over the phone "this is just what my wife and I wanted. Can you keep it until Monday when I can get money from my bank?" I said yes and maybe told 2 or 3 people that it may not be for sale since a guy and his wife plan to buy it. The guy and his wife did come to look at it but said it wasn't just what they were looking for. One could work with all potential buyers cordially, but insist that he who pays the amount first, owns the plane. It will not be put on "lay-away" for anyone.
Just a note, back then I bought the plane for around "7900 and had it for close to 2 years, changed jobs, moved away and sold it for $7400. This was the going rate back then for a average 150.

Good points, and I often have similar debates myself.

I think it's important to show your children that they are loved and are important to you. But... I also think there is a lot to be said for showing them that following a passion is also important. You may be setting a greater example than you think.