low priced skymaster....

[Roger]

James

First of all I will probably take some abuse for this, as I don't really post here often, but kind of rely on the board for technical issues. That being said I don't believe that this is necessarily the best place to get advise for what I perceive as a financially conservative and well meaning individual who is not an A&P, that would like to take up flying (which I wholeheartedly support) in a 337 (which I disagree with).

Throughout the past 20 years I have owned a variety of aircraft, and in many ways the aircraft I owned were relative to the amount of money I was making. I started with a 150, and went all the way to a Navajo Panther, plus a fractional in a Piaggio. Now I'm back to a 337-H as a fun mobile, plus the fractional.

However I must warn you that the 337 (be it the one you are looking at or one in better shape for 6 times the price, will not be easy on your wallet. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if the plan for paying off the house early, doesn't change into a 2nd mortgage for the first 2 annuals, engines, and some half way decent avionics.

I believe that the 337 is by far one of the premier aircraft ever built, and that's why I bought my 2nd one. But I also believe that it is at least 3 times as expensive to fly and maintain as a 172 or a warrior.

So my suggestion would be that you continue with your dream to fly (and possibly buy a plane) but you start with a reasonable single and build your way into it> That was it doesn't become such a financial burden that you and your family sour on the beauty of owning your own plane.



R