noobie with questions

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:59 pm

Hey guys, im new to this site and so far it seems i have a lot of reading to do!

The reason im posting this is becuase me and my dad are interested in buying a single prop plane. But it must have floats and be extremely reliable and as low maintnence as possible and have 4 seats!. i did a little bit of research on diamond planes, but it seems they dont make floats for them, or are all floats universal? im looking to buy brand new(not beat) any suggestions?

now the main reason we'll be buying this plane for is to make trips from edmonton to bc (our cabin) and i need to know what training i will be needing to fly the mountain range, im very new to this and i want to learn!
thanks in advance
Colin Hall

Justwannafly · Post by **Justwannafly** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:38 pm

umm...what about a Cessna 206...it's got 6 seets not 4....but put a Turboprop on it...& its got lots of power...PLUS if you like fishing...their pontoons can be modified so you can put boat seats on them & fish right off of the plane

BUt if your looking for cheaper & smaller...The C182

& then there's thedeHaviland Beaver one of the best workhorses of the North

But then what do I know...best people to answer this question can probably be found in the Bush flying forum

wha happen · Post by **wha happen** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:47 pm

Cessna 206...it's got 6 seets not 4....but put a Turboprop on it

Or just find one with a turbo already installed. Seeing as if you go to a "turbo-prop" the turbine will probably cost you close to a million for nice new PT-6. Just a thought. But the 182 is a fine aircraft, so is a 172 with the xp package as long as you are not looking to blow the doors off the barn, it'll get you there and back.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 4:50 pm

our spending limit is 200,000. less if possible, am i an idiot for thinking that? or can i find one easily?
i need a website that sells planes or has info. if anyone know please tell me!

can someone move this topic to the right forum?

ZBB118.10 · Post by **ZBB118.10** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:05 pm

How about this...

http://www.controller.com/listings/fors ... D3A72F8308

Bear in mind the limitations of any a/c of this size and performance type - especially in relation to your necessary routing from Edmonton into BC (you don't say where in BC?) Aside from the obvious training (assume your float rated already) you are going to have to be fairly particular about the time of year that you decide to do the trip, especially if we are talking all the way to coastal BC. Low level scudding it in the rocks is ill advised unless you have some serious local knowledge / mountain time.

Hope that helps.

wha happen · Post by **wha happen** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:06 pm

this forum should result in good results. You just have to weed through the smart ass comments. You might want to contact Prairie Aircaft Sales in Regina, they are a cessna dealer. They should be able to answer all of your questions and more than likely locate your aircraft. They also do deliveries, so you can just sit back and wait. 200,000 should not be a problem, should be able to get a decent 182 on floats for that.

wha happen · Post by **wha happen** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:10 pm

prairieaircraft.com

1976 cessna 185F. $130,000

Check the website, they have a few sitting around. Good luck

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:18 pm

I have no training at all but plan on doin so in june. We will be making trips to shushwap lake and back. and i also plan to explore a little as well. so do i have to get float rated to fly with floats?
i still have a lot of learning......obviously

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:31 pm

" Low level scudding it in the rocks is ill advised unless you have some serious local knowledge / mountain time. "

You should print this and hang it on your fridge...

Scudding in the rocks is a death wish no matter how much time you have flying in the mountains.

Cat

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:36 pm

i will do! now how high would i have to be to not be "low level"?

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:38 pm

now.....my dad doesnt trust a used plane..........what prices would i be looking at for a brand spankin new one w/floats?

co-joe · Post by **co-joe** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:24 pm

How about a 04 Maule for 205 US?

http://www.aso.com

Check out the Aviat Husky as well.

w squared · Post by **w squared** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:25 pm

To do what you're looking at? Probably more than $200,000.

Bear in mind that planes are not the same as cars. Because of the law surrounding aviation maintenance, a used plane usually includes fewer unknowns than a used car.

Boy...am I gonna get flamed for the generalizations that I made in this post!

co-joe · Post by **co-joe** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 6:25 pm

Not sure what they cost, but they come brand new.

JigglyBus · Post by **JigglyBus** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:44 pm

I am almost 100% sure that you cannot find a NEW 4 seat floatplane for less than $200,000 CDN.

Perhaps a nice used one. Perhaps a homebulit/experimental.

I think a Maule might be close... but perhaps more like $270k

Good luck.

200hr Wonder · Post by **200hr Wonder** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 7:54 pm

Colin just so you are aware, the law surrounding aircraft is quite strict and a used plane can be just as safe and reliable as a new one (Some times more so, there are lemon planes too). Just be sure to do your home work and find a good AME to give you his assement before you drop that kind of money.

As for how low to not be "Low Level" in the rocks... well no single prop is gunna get that much altitude.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 5:54 pm

yah, were getting very interested in the maule MX-7 180A with floats. but yes....i do have to do WAAY more research. wich is why i signed up to this site, thanks.

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:44 pm

how about the lake planes?? they looks like a disaster almost. or do they hold their name?
is their something online or a book for the basic of flight? cause ive been reading some of these threads, and i dont get half of it.

wha happen · Post by **wha happen** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 6:46 pm

how about the lake planes?? they looks like a disaster almost. or do they hold their name?
is their something online or a book for the basic of flight? cause ive been reading some of these threads, and i dont get half of it.

Im not following you

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 7:03 pm

http://www.controller.com/listings/fors ... 93CBA73A9A
those lake planes.....

ScudRunner · Post by **ScudRunner** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:28 pm

Quick question how much time do you have? Insurance will take a big chunk out of you pocket if you just get your PPL and Float endorsment.

Dust Devil · Post by **Dust Devil** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 8:33 pm

. wrote:Quick question how much time do you have? Insurance will take a big chunk out of you pocket if you just get your PPL and Float endorsment.

He said none

ScudRunner · Post by **ScudRunner** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:11 pm

Oh right my bad,

but ya good luck buddy

TorontoGuy · Post by **TorontoGuy** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:19 pm

Colin,

It all sounds very exciting. So exciting that I think you are starting off with things backwards.

I think you should get into flight training to see if you are cut out to be a pilot before you invest $200,000 in buying a plane.

I know that sounds conservative and boring. But honestly, some people get into training and discover it's not what they expected and not something that's for them afterall.

Your first major expense will not be the plane, but getting your licence. Others may disagree with me, but I'm guessing that a) getting your private pilot's licence and then b) the float rating might set you back between $8,000 and 10,000.

I hate to be a spoilsport some more, but if you are young and just starting out with a private pilot's licence, the flight from your home in Edmonton to your cottage in Shuswap is a mighty long trip and I'll bet a tricky one considering you have to traverse the mountains right into the heart of BC. If you're the only pilot in your family, and new at it, that's a lot to take on immediately. Some of the others here can advise you better than I on the wisdom of attempting that so soon. I could be wrong, but I think you're going to need lots of experience in easy flying before heading for the mountains.

It's a pretty cool dream you and your dad have. You've got to look at it with a cold, hard eye to see if it really can become a reality. It'll be worth the time, finding out.

(PS Anybody want to give him an estimate of the annual cost to keep and maintain a plane like he wants to consider?)

Colin · Post by **Colin** » Sat Mar 11, 2006 9:34 pm

we plan on gettin our licenses soon, we went for a plane ride last week and it was amazing! their is no way we are gonna buy a plane before the licensing. you guys are making it sound like im stupid for wanting to fly, i dont understand.....why say good luck? is it next to impossible to get a license or something?
thanks toronto guy, we arent planning on doing the edm to bc trip anymore thanks to all the negative feedback, it seem extremely risky....