Like if you think owning a plane is better than a boat!

Hello Ted, as retirement is approaching for me, my wife wants to travel and the sailboats that we've had were wonderful but at 6 knots on a good day (I know you're a sailor) well...you get the picture. I'm also a retired corporate pilot. That said, while watching your videos (while researching Cessna 177B+) I found you. Then my wife started watching. Now my wife has dictated that I drop the boat, buy a plane and take her to the Bahamas and Florida which were our stomping grounds 30+ years ago. I don't know whether to thank you or get mad at you. She says we can rent a boat when we get to our destination...Hmmm. Anyway, keep up the good work and thanks for the honest facts and info. Cheers! KSAV

I'll be 64 in Feb and am a student pilot in my own airplane. I will be flying from Illinois to Sun N Fun in April (with my CFI) and when I get back will solo, and take my final test. I want to eat a steak in every state in the country. May not make it to Alaska or Hawaii, but I'll get to all the rest. I waited a lifetime to do this and it's the most excited I've been in years. Age is a state of mind, and money can't be spent in the grave. Go for it!

"Hi. My name is Dean. I have been an aviation addict for several years now and...I too am over 50 and learning to fly" .." Hi Deeeaaan" :) I started ground school at 51, earned my private at 53, bought a plane earlier this year at 54...and today flew her to the shop to have avionics upgraded because I'm starting my instrument training. 1962 Cherokee with a 180 upgrade...LOVE IT...adding a couple AV-30s, Garmin 175 and a few other knick knacks. So funny how close your story parallels my own and I'm sure many others. I'll never sit around the retirement home talking about the amazingly smart financial decisions I made....but oh man will I talk about those sunset flights!! Thanks for your insight!

Lol! Have to say literally I’m right with you! Bought my Cardinal 1971 177B FG in June 2109 with 230 hours time. Just passed IFR written last month. Upgraded panel, literally finished just now! Starting IFR training next week! Added 2 G5’s, Avidyne 540, PMC 8000 audio panel. Replaced KX 155 with a Garmin something! started flying 2 years ago after beating cancer. Made me need to realize bucket list items, and PPL was first on list! I’m 66 and want to make up for all time flying I’ve missed! 2020 goal is IFR cert and to hit every FL airport with restaurant on airport grounds. Bought 2019 $100 Hamburger book and using that as my guide. Based at KLNA! I’m sure we will cross paths in FL. I’ll buy you breakfast or lunch! Safe and enjoyable flying! 😎

My father said almost anyone can buy an airplane. It is owning it that is another story. He also owned a 1977, 177 RG. I was the A&P mechanic but needed an IA to approve the annual inspection. Still it was expensive. He researched hidden costs and maintenance issues on different airplanes. I did rebuild the IO 360 because of an oil scraper ring failure. Found spalling on the cam so we did a major overhaul. Airplane parts cost a fortune. I’ve owned boats but they never needed the hands on that airplane needed. He loved that airplane! Good video!

Hey great video. I'm also over 50, but learnt to fly in 90/91 and haven't flown since, but am at a time in my life where I'd like to get back into it. I appreciate the $$$$ posting on avionics upgrade, but what I'm really interested is the $$$$ on all the maintenance.......I know this will be so different from A/C to A/C, but breakdowns of maintenance & inspection costs would really set a great picture for anyone (like me) trying to factor these costs. Once again, great video and so stoked to see a chap over 50 having a go.

You won’t miss that fuel consumption rate in a faster plane. I owned and flew my first 300 hours in a 172 and then upgraded to a Bonanza. Overall fuel consumption is the same because I get to my destination so much faster.

Enjoyed your video, Ted. Thanks for sharing. You have a laid back style with a lot of energy that is easy to watch. Keep the videos coming!

Owning your own GA plane is invaluable asset in my mind. Having the ability to go where you want when you want is the ultimate freedom. People will try to justify or negate your decision to own a plane. It's your plane and you own it because you want to end of story. Stay current and proficient! Brad

Single pilot IFR without an autopilot is do-able but you need to remain very current and ease into it with gradually lowering minimums. Just like you disregarded the “you’ll never get your money out” comments, likewise avoid the guys that say you can just keep your scan up and that an autopilot is a crutch for weak pilots. It’s neither. If you plan to fly IFR you should consider adding an autopilot. I’m sure your instrument instructor told you that staying ahead of the plane is crucial to IFR safety. The most offbeat distraction can lead you to losing focus even for an instant and the chaos cascade can begin. An autopilot let’s you deal with the flight from a calmer more confident perspective and goes a great deal towards avoiding tunnel vision.

Awesome!! Glad to see you are loving flying and your Cardinal. You have the right attitude. Love the channel.

Was a 1990 Rusty pilot just bought my first plane (1957 C-172) Oct. 2018. LOVE it. I'm 62 and 225 hrs in now......Fly over 100 hrs per year so far. Instrument next.

Dude I’m 46 and you literally just inspired the hell out of me.. good job

I've owned several airplanes, and loved each one of them. From the Aircoupe, to a Citabria, to my A36 each and every flight is a new adventure. Life is too short for "I wish I would've..." I'm glad you're enjoying your Cardinal. You found a great time-builder and have taken good care of it. When you move up to a Mooney or a Bonanza, you'll really appreciate the 30-40kts of airspeed. Safe Skies!

“Anywhere anytime” ... that was a key factor in my decision to buy an aircraft a few months ago (I’m also over 50 and about 220 hours). I travel mostly for work and being able to set my own agenda, not worrying about what time my flight is leaving and skipping all of lines and hassle of traveling commercial feels amazing. Financially, I do love the ability to write-off the costs of the plane on my taxes. If your a business owner and travel more than 50% for work, then the depreciation and other tax advantages can be significant. That said, we all know flying yourself is rarely cheaper than flying commercial. But what value do I put on the flexibility, enjoyment, and simply sitting in that left seat? Priceless. Great videos! Keep up the good ... maybe it’s time I slapped some GoPros on my wings!

Never too old! Make the most of it

Totally enjoy your videos Ted . Keep em coming !

I love the freedom of owning your own aircraft. Thanks for your thoughts!

Very well put in this video, nice job and accomplishment.

Thanks for the inspirational videos. After watching your videos, I'm more motivated to learn to fly and hopefully can buy my own Cessna 150. Again, thank you very much for uploading and sharing your informative experience. Continue flying safely and God bless.

Nice video men!!! Hopefully I will see you around sometime soon. I fly out KHEF and currently finishing my Instrument rating.

I bought my first airplane, a 1967 Cessna 337, 3 weeks before I took my PPL in 1994. Avemco Insurance let me do my multiengine IFR training in that plane. I started the same day I took my PPL. I’m on my 9th airplane and I couldn’t agree with you more. The cost of rental aircraft to do my multi, MEI and commercial multi would have been 25% of the cost f my airplane. Having your own plane set up the way you want it and then doing all the right things over and over makes you a much safer pilot which is good for all of us. I really like what your doing and have told several of my 50+ friends about it. Keep up the good work you’re doing.

This is SO inspiring! I turned 40 years old a few months ago and I sat down and did some life reflection and life planning. Airplane ownership was high on the list to achieve by age 50. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Don't complain about your speed I only do 70mph, but I love my plane, it land & takes off short and I own it.

I had an opportunity to buy half of a 182RG. My wife words were "Buy the damn plane"! So I did. Then, the fellow who owned the other half got cancer. Pursuant to our written agreement, I bought his share, and now own the whole plane. Absolutely love it. Does it make financial sense? Not a chance. Has it changed my life in wonderful ways? Every single day. My advice - take the plunge. Buy something that fits your experience and price target, and fly the heck out of it. You can always get your money out of it, and the experience really is priceless.

Love the C177. I flew a 177RG for 5 years a loved it. Enjoy your videos.

I’m 54 Learning to fly is still on my bucket list.

I also bought a plane September 2018 right after I started my flight training. I totally agree about the cost of ownership, you either want to fly or you don't. I know some pilots that have spread sheets to tell the the cost per hour etc. but I don't see the point. People usually don't do that for anything else. Let's face it no one needs to fly so there's no way to justify the expense anyway. And I also agree, having your own plane and being able to fly whenever and wherever you want is the ultimate human experience and expression of freedom. And we all know, freedom isn't free.😁

Great video thanks. Just hit 40 and live in Florida too. Hopefully flying with you soon.

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you, great video. I've always been interested in learning to fly, but at 50 year of age, though I may have left it too late to start. I will look into it now :-)

Thank you for posting. I love in silver spring and love to come see your place for an interview. Let me know.

Love your attitude! never too old to learn :)

Great video I agree totally. Owning a plane for me is not a financial decision. Most purchases aren’t. I know I fly more knowing I can just swing by the airport on my way home for a quick flight. By the way, I burn 9gph at 160mph in my old Mooney :-)

Really enjoyed this video. You blend together various re-frames of what's truly important in aviation, that all intersect back to safety vs. the typical seemingly irrefutable topic of cost. Your methodical approach (training, experience, upgrades, maintenance) is refreshing. At the end of the day your aircraft will hold, and probably increase, in value. Interesting comparison between owning a boat vs. an aircraft. Of course, there is overall more responsibility with flying an aircraft, and you're guaranteed to make the nightly news over a boating incident. Coming in on final with that Lear ahead of you. I like observing your thinking -- you remove all the what-if's and side-bar chatter, and make a go/no go decision to land or takeoff. I remember being taught, at a grassfield, to always expect the unexpected. Typically on final, we focus on airspeed, altitude and other aircraft - because that's the language of aviation. In my case it was a last second go-around to avoid a 3 year old who ran on the field to retrieve a ball. Continued success with Commercial Rating. Might as well consider FOI, BGI and AGI....

I am on my third aircraft ... Without a doubt it offers flexibility and freedom that is priceless and the feeling is unknown until you have one,. Flying to places very few have been and places I would not even consider without and aircraft because of the hassle of getting there.... The $$ is always a consideration,, a lot of times I feel somewhat selfish as the money spent could be used for other things , a second home , that everyone could use in a vacation spot. But you only go around once. So if you can afford one I truly recommend owning . But fly it and use it do not let it sit, as I see soo many do.Owning def will make you a better pilot.,and a safer one...

When your CFII is hiding the GPS screen from your view with a notepad, he could just switch to some non-map page (like the home screen). That'll save his arm from getting tired 🙂

Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

I’ll take the fuel burn over speed any day and just enjoy that extra time airborne! 😎 Great video as always!

Thank you for sharing

Love your positive energy!

I grew up in Pinellas County and now live in Northern Virginia. If you ever want someone to tag along for one of those flights let me know!

St. Pete huh? I live here out by Tyrone Mall area. Took lessons at Cecilys Flight School at Albert Whitted AP back in 93. Only have 32 hrs in the book but I was solo. Loved flying but ran out of money. Im getting the itch to get back into a Cessna 150/152 and finish what I started. Thanks for the great vids.

Excellent stuff bro

I bought an airplane!! I am only half way through attaining my ticket but I really liked the idea of learning in my own bird. I plan on using it to build time, get IFR certified and become a better pilot. It is a 1960 C175A. It is in pristine condition and a joy to fly. Thanks for your videos.

Thanks is for the encouragement !!

Thanks for the video.

I appreciate the inspiration! I'm 41 and working on my instrument, and considering buying an airplane next year.

Nice video clip of the landing at the end...Beautiful Bird...!!!

I read through the comments, expecting a bunch of negative comments on the amount you spent, but not a one. I too, went way overboard on my panel and got a lot of those responses. Five years ago, after retiring from a busy approach control, I bought a C172 and promptly spent $85K on the panel and other safety related systems. Did my instrument rating in 5 days. The plane goes back into the shop next month for more panel upgrades. My wife doesn't mind the money that I spend on the airplane, she wants to be safe too.

I am one month away from the 2 year mark myself. My baby is N28SK and like you I am very happy I bought the airplane. I did also do some upgrade in preparation for my instrument rating. Unfortunately i financed the plane and can't afford the gas even at 6 GPH without doing Uber to pay for gas. When it's paid off I plan to fly as much as possible. I enjoyed your video and glad someone agrees that it not about getting my money out of the upgrades more about getting what I want. I never intend to sell her and just give it to my kids when i am gone. That does not mean I will not be moving up to an SR22 but that years from now....

I was exactly the same as you, 220hrs when I bought my Long EZ, 450hrs now and I just got back from my first annual. Garmin panel upgrade with 2 G5s and a GNX375 (and a few other things). It's non-certified, so I've done some cowling mods that bumped my cruise speed up to 145kts @ 6gph. Love it. BTW, I always thought those 177s were faster than that. They look so sleek.

I bought a Mooney in Oct and we’re going through all the, “fixing things now”. I liked the video but the background music was a bit distracting while trying to listen.

great vid boss

Of all the aircraft I have owned or flown, my fav is the Cessna 170 B. 25,000 + hours of flight time and the most fun was that little taildragger.

Hi, my wife and I just watch this video. Amazing Cardinal! She says, when you’re ready for that upgrade to a new airplane, since you’re not in this one to make money, she’d like to buy this one from you. She’s not a pilot yet, but this is tempting.

I am just starting this journey now! I sold my sports car and am now waiting for the right plane to pop up. The plane community is awesome and 3 different people offered me a ride in their Cherokee Six/Lance to see if it was the right plane for me and my family. I truly can't wait till I can get the keys in my hand and fly every single day!

Great vid As I consider plane ownership after I complete my training, your thoughts on my cost estimates if I purchase a cardinal: When I factor estimates for insurance, maintenance, repairs, hangar, a few dollars set aside for overhaul, no financing cost, I come up with an estimated hourly cost of $95 assuming 145 hour per year profile. I understand there may be other variables Am I close based on the cost you’ve experienced??

I’ve never owned a boat honestly but I do own an airplane. I’m not sold on the idea that they’re comparable in costs. I don’t believe there are costly annuals and various other expensive add ons i own a 1970 pa28 180 with nearly identical avionics upgrades so i can appreciate your position, however I believe its all relative. Where it ends usually depends on where it starts, bottom line, be prepared to spend a good deal of time and money.

120 or 130 speed? remember that is way better than most of us doing 55 to 65 in a good day, with good traffic on the highway...je, je. Thanks for the great videos and info. Saludos !!!

thats a long way to go from Washington to Florida, has to be 650 or 700 nm, Great Video.

A real pilot for sure.

That's a sweet Cardinal! My son and I bought our first aircraft in 2016, a '77 Grumman Tiger. In the first year, we had to replace an elevator due to someone running into the plane on the ramp, a burnt out flap motor, a burnt out landing light replaced with an LED model, two main gear flats caused by FOD on the runway, and had to have our 430 WAAS refurbished due to a bad COM switch. Talk about an eye opener. However, I can't agree with you more that owning your own airplane is where it's at! We come and go as we please, weather permitting. We took her to Oshkosh in 2017 for my son's 20th birthday and he's gotten his private, instrument and commercial ratings in that bird and is about to get his CFI soon. Insurance and tie down fees aren't that bad. $850 per year and $110 per month is what I pay. We have no loan payment as I paid cash for the aircraft. We are finally getting around to replacing our outdated instruments with dual G5's, an autopilot and a complete panel overhaul in February. No more vacuum pump and plumbing. We fly a lot of IFR out of Denver when we can, so the upgraded equipment will be a plus. We already equipped with ADS-B back in May, so we are set there. One thing I have learned is to put away cash in an operations account for the aircraft. Every two weeks, I drop $500 into the account no matter what. It helps with the expenses. Great story. Good luck, fly safe and fly often!

Great job and excellent vid!!!...You're an inspiration to the daunting task of pulling everything together. I took the leap of purchasing a plane and have not looked back. Hobbies have taken a back seat to building the safest IFR 172N I can. I like your approach (pun intended) on the "Why put money into it, you'll never get that back". Like you I'm not building on my platform for sale later. My focus is on a safe plane that will do what I need it to do. I'm going to shamelessly steal that thought from you...lol.

In this video, one of your landing, you removed all flaps during short final, and seems to me you continue descending. Why was that? Then in another landing during short final (very close to the ground and runway threshold), you add flaps, why was that? I am confused.

I just pulled my Cardinal off the market. I love the Cardinal. The first year is always HORRIBLE. You have to fix everything that the previous owner didn't and the annual is a huge hit. Maybe I'll see you around Whitted sometime.

Heeeey, I’m in St Pete, don’t live to far from the airport downtown! I’m we’re you started, if you ever have room, I’d fly with you anytime + I have some questions, thanks for sharing!

Yeah baby - Whitted field. I fly in and out of there all the time. I live in Delray Beach and it used to take 4 hours to make the drive across the 70. Now I fly the 172 across in 1.2. I'll 120mph any day in the 172. Call me when you want to sell the Cardinal!.

Inspiring...

35-40 ft power boat??? Those are insanely expensive to own and operate which is why I do not see that size often.

Ever consider building one? They have planes that burn 7.5 g/hr and go 145 knots. That’s my plan and I’m 53!

Do you think is worth to have a Garmin 355 GPS when you can have the same thing with Foreflight and Ipad? Or is it beacause is connected to your Autopilot?

hi there -thanks for all of the videos....can you let us know what the upgrades cost?

How do you pay for it? Do you use a escrow account etc? I see a lot of videos on how much but nothing on how to set things up.

Great to watch the video. I am 55 and have been flying weekly to attain my PPL. I have a great instructor and am planning on continuing on to IFR training also. But like everyone else I am positive I will be buying my own plane. Have been leaning towards a 172 but would like a little more load carrying capacity. Can anyone give me any suggestions? I seriously need to stay with a 2 door type airplane as I will be taking older passengers and it is too difficult to get in and out of. Please letme know your thoughts and suggestions.

Man , I'm 45 and I'm all in to getting my ppl. Traffic making me drained

🤟🏼 Yes! Love it!

Great!

Oh you fly into Albert Whitted Airport. Just before the new year I met a high school friend there and had a burger and took a ride in the Travel Air tha flies out of that airport. How long does it usually take you to fly to DC win that plane?

I just found this video. I live in St Petersburg, FL & I want to learn to fly. I want to buy the plane. I just have to select/find one.

I'm 56 years old and did my cross country flights, passed my written exam but never got my pilots certificate, as life took me in a different direction 36 years ago. I now have three sons on their mid 20's that are very interested in learning to fly. I think this is a great opportunity to make my dream a reality and I'm looking to by a plane. What airplanes do you recommend to get your private, Instrument and Commercial license? Thanks for your advice. By the way I have a budget of 100k. Is it possible?

Great vid but your comparisons re: costs were not accurate. You should’ve compared to the cost of hire as opposed to ownership also taking into account your resale value.

So next time i go shopping i ask how much it is in powerboats? That was not really helpful for someone who does not know how much it is to have a powerboat.

I thought the presentation was excellent. I always liked the Cardinal. It looked like a flap dump on go-around but I'm not sure, could be mistaken.

If you had the option, would you have bought this or any aircraft for your intial training? Knowing what you now know, and before you did your upgrades?

I tend to think that obtaining PPLA license is more like a health care issue. :) flying needs more concentration and overall sharpness of mind compared to other activities what you can master after age of 50...

His friend laughed when he suggested he would catch up to the Lear jet 😂

Hey Ted, great episode. I'm over 60 and getting back into flying in the spring. I have over 250 hours but nothing in the last 37 years! I intend to get my Instrument, Comm, and CFI. I want to something different after I retire from IT. Question: Do you think you have saved money it your training and flying because you own your Cardinal? I have time in both the FG and RG 177 and that is what I will be looking for. I have an instructor, our Daughter-in-love. She is a CFII, MEI. Scheduling will be the hard part. She flys for a major airline and just moved from the 747 into the right seat of a 737. So she is gone a lot. Anyway, keep the episodes coming! Thanks Craig

Aircraft (airplane) ownership is "Pricy" on the ground but " Priceless" in the air.

So what was the cost of ownership for the first year(without the upgrades)? I am very curious.

You did not mention how much the annual costed.

Most of us don't own a 35-40' power boat. So, please be considerate and compare it to something most can relate to... such as the operating cost of owning a breeding herd of Western Bolivian Alpacas in the mountains of Machu Picchu

Wish I stayed in it. It just got to $$$ halfway into my instrument and I lost interest due to being at a large for profit (in my mind) flight school where the cfi's were more concerned about their flight time and future airline careers to focus on truly teaching. I got taken on s $30k ride total for my ppl and half way through my IFR. Got the PPL at 52 hrs, less than national average of 68-74 hrs. The school was just far to accelerated for me. PPL to CFI in 7 months, I am like, nope!!! I was not an A student in school but a C+ student with some B's thrown in and some D's. I went through 5 instructors. I'd love to finish what I started. It pains me deeply inside and miss flying with a passion, to the point of tears.

VERY INTERESTING ... VERY MOTIVATING ... INDEED BY ALL MEANS & DEEDS ...

So without equivalent new avionics like you bought, after military flying in the 80s and 90s flying all over the world without such avionics, I wasn’t really safe?

I have never owned a 35' power boat. Really, please let us have a list of all of the costs. Fuel, maintenance, hanger space and hours per month flown.

I’m 55 and starting ground school. If I hadn’t been raising kids for the last 36 years I might have done this sooner. Everything I do is financially driven. This is going to take a while but commercial is my goal.

Autopilot? For IFR its a must

Kudos for the detailed cost information, this reduces the uncertainty for would-be owners. But it's an important underlying assumption that you have the money already and there is no other alternative spending that money on more meaningful things, so you have only 2 choices: invest or not. While this is perfectly OK for delivering your motivational message, the total picture, in reality, always includes the opportunity costs as well - what do I lose by spending the money on aviation? Will I miss a business investment opportunity? Will I have to provide lower quality education to my kids? Will I disappoint my wife by denying her from long-time favorite holiday destinations? I think this is a homework people have to think through before making a decision.