I found a really cool looking WWI styled (and CHEAP) aircraft online. . I am considering flying actual planes instead of simulators. Although I have no license yet, I hate to not buy things when I see them because someone usually buys them before I can. Here is the link and pictures.

ip.biddingace.com/jsp/s/item/533845

It looks pretty cool.. but the airworthiness is questionable it seems?

I would. Depends on the price and I it is a scam.

SE

Allied, aren't you younger than me?

Regardless, if you've got the money to buy, store, and fuel a plane, great! Go for it! I'd request video of it ACTUALLY flying before you bid. Make sure that it can fly more than half a mile.

Good luck, bro!

I wouldn't touch it, unless you are either experienced with certifying and flying experimental aircraft, or somehow get really familiar fast.

- Even if you get your pilot's license, how do you get "current" on that plane? The way to do it in non-experimentals/multiseaters is to have an instructor take you up, get you familiar, and sign you off. Clearly there's an answer, but you shpuld know it before buying an airplane.
- Who would maintain the airplane and keep it flight worthy? Are you a certified mechanic? If not, do you have someone in mind? Might want to show him this aircraft.
- Do you get air sick? Are you colorblind? Anything that might keep you from successfully passing your pilot's test?
- Don't you think that the whole experience of flying lessons and getting your pilot's license will reveal new realizations and interests, and that you might find out a lot about what you want through that process?

But it's your bucks. And the plane does look cool.

Manfred

As a real comm pilot myself I will tell you one main fact, there are a lot of associated costs with the upkeep of the plane. You really need to be financially able to afford it. This plane is limited only to VFR flying ( clear pretty days )

If you really want a plane I would suggest something like a Cessna 150 from the 1970s that you could lease back to a flight school which would help with the costs.

Sometimes you can find really nice Cessna's for $15,000 sometimes less

Would not recommend one of these.

wow I would love to have my own airplane.
But yes, out of all the ones listed, that one looks suspicious. I wouldn't risk it, if that thing falls apart... also any idea how much is to park those on an airport? it's an honest question, I have no clue.

Have to agree with Sir Crockett. There is much more involved than just owning a plane. Get yourself a Paraplane ( powered parachute) low cost, easy maintenance, and great fun in flying!

Here's a good place to start looking.

www.trade-a-plane.com/search?s-type=airc...ries&s-seq=4&s-lvl=0

Always have a reputable mechanic do a pre-buy inspection, it could save you from getting into a money pit.

Nice looking plane...however its a bit like buying the milking machine before you buy the cow. Aircraft are expensive to maintain and store in a hangar, if you are lucky enough where cost is no problem go for it, if I lived near you I would help with maintenance as I am an ex RAF airframe & propulsion engineer of 24 years. Best of luck mate

Looks pretty cool

Being an IRL pilot it almost doesn't look airworthy
Make sure she takes off before you buy

Zup, what did you do before you started Echoboom? You were an investor, right? I feel like I read a blog you wrote on investing a couple years ago.

I think that I probably shouldn't buy that plane now. I know people who could store the maintain the aircraft, but I did not really think about the experimental part. I am planning on joining the USAF and going to OTS after college, to (hopefully) start with the historic "Hat in Ring" squadron in an F-22. (F-35 = Joke). I am going to wait several years for most likely just an ultralight, because they are "supposedly" simpler to start out in. I just wish I was a billionaire so I could buy a MiG-15...

Allied wrote: I think that I probably shouldn't buy that plane now. I know people who could store the maintain the aircraft, but I did not really think about the experimental part. I am planning on joining the USAF and going to OTS after college, to (hopefully) start with the historic "Hat in Ring" squadron in an F-22. (F-35 = Joke). I am going to wait several years for most likely just an ultralight, because they are "supposedly" simpler to start out in. I just wish I was a billionaire so I could buy a MiG-15...

Don't let Ultra lights fool you. They can be a handful as well. My Brother and I owned one for a few years before trading it in the the Paraplane.

I just don't like all those little engines (some rotax have grow on me but they've proven trustworthy). What does your part paraplane have on it?

CalvinIsAwesome wrote: Zup, what did you do before you started Echoboom? You were an investor, right? I feel like I read a blog you wrote on investing a couple years ago.

Nope, I worked on IT stuff for years and then did software for banks. I began investing as a hobby and I keep investing nowadays. I'm a big Warren Buffett fan and I keep my hobbies linked to the work I do = technology and investing.
The blog you are referring to is probably this one: principleinvesting.wordpress.com/about/
I wrote that years ago and I hardly update the posts in there, but I keep investing.

Jacob10000 wrote: I just don't like all those little engines (some rotax have grow on me but they've proven trustworthy). What does your part paraplane have on it?

It is a Rotax 582 with a 64" IVO Prop. Instead of the original "square" canopy, we added a custom Eliptical ram air canopy for better speed. Never had any issues with it. We keep it pretty well maintained.