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Also, low to mid-time engines will hopefully allow us to enjoy the aircraft longer before encountering a frightening overhaul bill. Purchasing an aircraft with minimum time before the overhaul is due, or even beyond the recommended overhaul seems risky.
Jared: Of probably the most value to me and easily the hardest feature to come by is finding an airplane that has been loved – maintenance performed above and beyond the bare minimum, meticulous logs, hangered, upgraded...real cherries that jump off the page when you see them. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to two sellers of such aircraft so far, and you can hear it in their voice when they talk about the airplane. These airplanes were their pride and joy, and they tend to fly off the market in short order.
With all of that said, here are our top prospects today: • Mooney M20J – Fast and efficient, the only potential downside is the size of the cabin. By far the “newest”
airframe in our budget.
• Bonanza 35 (M, S, P models seem to be in our price range) – Flying in style in a roomy cabin with a decent ability to haul. Plenty of upgraded engine options that bring the speed up, though at the cost of more fuel.
• Debonair – A potentially more affordable option to the Bonanza.
• Cessna210(DorEmodels)–Longtimecompetitorto the Bonanza, the Centurion would give the flexibility to bring friends along for the ride.
Certainly, the pace of the market right now adds pressure on us to jump to a decision. But as first-timers, we feel it is important to take some time to thoroughly research our options and the many components that come with aircraft ownership (finance, insurance, maintenance, etc.). We are truly fortunate to be surrounded by supporters – people who have owned numerous aircraft, aircraft salespeople, A&P’s, avionics specialists – all chipping in to answer questions and provide advice.
And what better avenue to welcome additional insights than right here – in a magazine that speaks solely to aircraft owners and operators. If you would like to share any sage airplane purchasing advice (or know of a special gem we should consider!), we would love to hear from you: email me at rebecca@twinandturbine.com.
I look forward to keeping you all posted on this exciting new chapter.
Luma Technologies LLC
September 2020 / TWIN & TURBINE • 3