Let me give you some thoughts from one who has owned close to a dozen airplanes of different types over 35 years. First, you never save money fixing up a basket case. It's always cheaper to pay good money for a good airplane. Naturally, if you enjoy working on airplanes, and consider the fun you get from it to be of value, then that has to come into the picture. In all of the airplanes I've owned, I've never majored, or even topped, an engine. I've always looked for one with less than 500 hours on the engine, and then figured that I would fly it less than 500 hours more before I sold it it, and was able to sell each before the engine time got high enough to seriously compromise the selling price. The same goes for avionics. Installing new radios, and majoring engines are the two most expensive parts of aircraft ownership. Let someone else spend all of the money - buy a good airplane, and pay a reasonalbe price (not exorbitant) for it, and you'll be far better off. If you don't know how to read logs and maintenance records, so you can see for yourself what kind of care and quality have gone into an airplane, saddle up with someone who can. Good luck!
Jerry Eichenberger N2906H >>> DKM7546 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 03/05/98 04:23AM >>> I am researching the potential purchase of an Ercoupe. Would it be better or less expensive to buy a coupe that has a high time or run out engine and have it overhauled myself or should I just pay premium price for a "cherry" plane? Anything better about the Forneys or Alons? What else should I be on the look out for? Thanks, Dave Claremont, Cal. !
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