6 Questions That Reveal Your Perfect Airplane (Mine Was a Cessna 182)

Buying my first airplane seemed like a pretty ambiguous task until I was given the advice to determine what average MISSION I would need the airplane to accomplish. Once I understood this idea and was able to forecast my average mission, picking out an airplane became a lot easier and I've been incredibly happy and blessed with my Cessna 182.
In this video we'll cover how to determine your average mission so that you can know with confidence what airplane is going to fit your flight and budget needs the best.
(Referenced in this video) 7 Airplanes That Are $40/Day to Own and Fly: • How much does an airpl...
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[@UncleDonDon]

After the first question, I found out I could afford a drone that flies at 50 ft for 10 mins before needing a recharge.

[@leedsmanc]

Attach a little Ken doll with a postal tag that say's "Don" on it, there's always a way.

[@jonathansmith3031]

I figured out that maybe I can afford a paper airplane. It's miserable that a person's dreams are limited by something as superficial as money.

[@bigrich6750]

I figured out my mission. I need a C-130 Hercules - the one equipped with the howitzer sticking out the side.

[@leejohnson7293]

And a pilot. Definitely gonna need a pilot. Lol

[@mikebri5274]

LOL! It's called the AC-130. In case you're interested, here's a link to the Wikipedia page: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_AC-130 Best to you!

[@lycossurfer8851]

I'd settle for a C-47 with just a mini (or two, or three) sticking out the side.

[@stefzac9707]

Lycos Surfer I would settle with the C5 galaxy I think, perfect for carrying all my helicopters and tanks

[@Thijsjeboeitnietveel]

I try to figure out why I'm watching this since I'm certainly not in a position to buy a plane lol

[@novicereloader]

You can probably afford$180. Check out the pietenpol website. BTW, I am in the same boat, but I have to get airborne.

[@baomao7243]

This is how your heart gets stolen. At first you have general interest, then you begin to stare at the planes, ... Stare more frequently, each time a little longer ...and you become smitten. (Love? Lust? Yes.😉)

[@gogilgau]

I have been watching these types of videos for a LONG time. I had to first believe that it was remotely possible in the future... Fast forward to now and i just bought a Cessna Cardinal 177RG last week! Dreams happen but you have to start with a dream.

[@chillylizerd]

Same!!! Haha oh the heart of the sky-borne... Tis a weird thing.

[@rrice1705]

Same here. It's still fun to dream

[@theBamaJammer617]

I've owned seven airplanes in my flying lifetime....one Bellanca Super Viking, three Cessnas, two Piper Cherokees, and one PIper Tomahawk. My favorite by far are the Pipers. In my opinion, they fly better, land easier, and are better engineered.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for sharing! Most of my time is in 182/172 but I have about 150 hours in a super cub and 5 hours in an arrow. So, I don't feel like I've got enough data points to compare Piper vs. Cessna because comparing the 182 vs. a super cub is apples to oranges. So that's interesting to hear your experience!

[@daltonloney6539]

Found your channel yesterday, love the quality and work out in!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate that

[@thomasw.richter5212]

I have done this “mission”, giving factors weights befor seeing this video (I am business manager). And it clearly identified the Cessna 182 to be the ideal airplanes. So I bought one.

[@mrivc211]

Hi Charlie, great video. I've been instructing for 20 years and own a school at KSNA. You addressed all the points I would discuss with students looking to become aircraft owners. I will be referring the potential buyers to your channel. My biggest challenge is getting these students to accept the cost of ownership isn't just putting fuel in the airplane. I've purchased 8 airplanes now, and you hit the nail on the head, talking about buying into previous owners bad maintenance. I can't tell you how many times me and my team have bought airplanes only to see shocking workmanship or down right neglect. It's happened so frequently, I now assume I'm going to be spending $5,000 post purchase on deferred maintenance items that aren't disclosed or caught on the pre buy. If you're ever in Socal, lets go grab a $100 hamburger!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much for the comment and for your perspective. I agree with all of this. I haven't flown out to California in the 182 yet but would like to do so!

[@StardustADV]

I used a simular meathod when deciding what exactly I wanted when planning what to get for the experimental aircraft kit I am planning on putting together in the next couple years. Though in the future if I have a family I would love a Cessna 175, 182, or 210. Love cessnas. But right now im single and have a passion for building things. Managed to get the price of my full dream build down to about $17,000-$20,000. Just have to finish my upcoming move and get settled first.

[@mannypuerta5086]

Good way to look at the process. Our decision to buy a 185 just over twenty years ago has been a great one to this day.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

So awesome. 180/185 is on the bucket list for me one day.... absolutely amazing aircraft.

[@EchoTangoSuitcase]

I just started watching and I decided to name what I THINK I would want, then watch the video and see if I change my mind. Cessna 172, hands down. PROBABLY a Pre-Millennial model, on the theory that 20-30 years old is a good balance point for price versus age. 1. High Wing. (Personal preference) 2. LOTS of them produced, which helps keep purchase price and maintenance down. (It's like a flying Chevy Caprice) 3. Still in production, which helps on #2. 4. Decent seating, capacity, speed, range & and burn rate. --- Now watching the video --- Nope, didn't see anything to change my mind, but it was some good advice. Thanks for the video.

[@JC-wr7mu]

It's hard to beat a 182 for an all round utility airplane at a reasonable price. Yours is a little newer than the ones I've flown. Love the old fast back, straight tail models.

[@TheWilsonk99]

You are the man Charlie! Passion should be your middle name :). I enjoy the heck out of your show and appreciate the obvious care and effort that is put into the content. The joy you get from life is contagious thank you!🙃

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks a bunch - that means a lot to me and really glad you enjoy it.

[@kevinhaynes47]

Enjoyed! I used to own a 172XP. This was the perfect plane in my view, it was between a 172 and 182, being a lot closer to the 182 than the skyhawk.

[@tomatosoupwoo]

@Kevin Haynes, I looked a 172XP’s cockpit, I literally said to my self, “MY EYES ARE BURNING” because I don’t know how to fly on those old instruments 😂 and they also look hideous

[@AirplaneAcademy]

It's funny how much the extra 20hp on the XP makes.... very noticeable difference versus the 160. I remember training in the regular 160hp and then renting an SP with 180hp and felt like a very different airplane.

[@kevinhaynes47]

@@AirplaneAcademy Actually the XP has a 195 hp 6 cyl engine.and a Constant speed prop.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

@@kevinhaynes47 Sorry I was thinking the SP!

[@joedavis6522]

I enjoyed the video and agree with everything you said. Years ago, I went through similar reasoning that led me to a Turbo 210 that I operated for years. If cross-country travel is the most important mission, endurance, speed, and payload are all coupled together. It can be hard to sort this out. My hard and fast rule was to never land with less than 1 hour of fuel in reserve. Much more than 3 to 3.5 hours in the air is a practical limit for most pilots and passengers. So roughly speaking, practical range is how far you can fly in about 3 or 3.5 hours. Practical payload for that mission is useful weight with 4 to 4.5 hours fuel on board. So my 210 had a practical range of about 500 nm with 2 or 3 people. If the weather is IFR at the destination, range is much less. Another factor is pilot fatigue. Bad decisions increase at the end of a long day. My limit was about 6 hours of flying a day. So, for me in my 210, I could do about 1000 nm on a good day. Coast to coast was at least 2 days flying. It would be very expensive operating an aircraft with better numbers.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Good advice! I have often thought about a 210 but I fly by myself so much I would only be using it for what it can do about 5% of the time which feels like overkill. Very cool airplanes though!! Really pretty without those wing struts.

[@petermendoza1170]

A good point you brought out was something I realized long ago. The LURE of going FAST is always tempting. But then I thought. "If money were no object and I bought something in the 230mph range so I can go from NJ to Fla in almost the same time as an airliner *(one could consider it possible in that one can keep their aircraft in a local small airport saving time a d not have to be at the air carrier Airport 1 hr,ahead of time,it's possible) I asked myself "What's the point? Why get there in 3 hrs and MISS OUT an extra 3 hours of flying I'm a much smaller aircraft. So speed ,which USED to be up there as a goal, went to the side. It's more fun taking, let's say 5 hours instead of 3. I mean,that's why we spend good money to become pilots, to fly. No point "shortening " the fun.😉

[@traderman1001]

Very good video. Thanks fir the input you’ve made here.

[@SoldiaT]

Great videos. Ratio of Information per Video Length is perfect.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much and that's helpful to hear!

[@davidmalone9022]

I owned a 182 (with an O-550 upgrade) for 26 years. Every time a knowledgeable person found out I owned a 182, the comments were consistently positive. Stable platform, great IFR platform, perfect balance, great plane, haul anything, the station wagon or F150 of Cessnas, great for back country strips, etc. And not once did I ever wish I had chosen something different. The one thing I go back and forth on is the choice to upgrade to the Texas Skyways conversion (with a 3-blade prop). While the higher speed was great, it really changed the useful load. But other than that, no regrets over 1700 hours in it. I just sold mine. If I had kept it, I would have added one thing and upgraded another. I would have added an autopilot - man, that would have been great over the years (and I did a lot of cross-country flying.) And, I would have upgraded the panel. I still had my original panel (with the exception of a basic panel GPS I added when they became available.) The one thing I might say is that I almost bought a Piper Arrow when I bought my 182. The 140 kts and 10 gph would have been nice; however, when I think of the times I landed in the back country, the times I tossed our bikes in the back and headed out, the times I had four people in the plane with luggage - yeah, no regrets on the 182. Nice channel. Thanks for the work.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the comment and I enjoy hearing your methodology and can relate to it a lot. It's fun thinking through what airplane would fit the mission and fit into the confines of a certain budget. There's never a "right" answer and so it's fun to hear what other pilots think and where they landed (pardon the pun) based on their needs. I agree with everything you've said! I've never met another 182 owner that ever regretted it.

[@SuperV8driver]

May i ask why you sold your c182?

[@davidmalone9022]

@@SuperV8driver When I lived in Moscow, Idaho, I needed it to sustain a commuting relationship. When I moved to Lubbock (to solve the commuting issue,) it was the perfect escape vehicle - a little over two hours to Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Denver, Albuquerque, etc. I flew it a lot in both places. When I moved to Ogden, Utah, I just didn't need it as much. Couple that with a GA-unfriendly airport, I put it in a hangar about 30 minutes north of me. That was the death knell for my flying, as it turned out. I only flew it a couple of times a year, which is just not a good situation - either for the pilot or the airplane. So, with tears in my eyes as I drove away from the airport for the last time, I gave it all up. Believe me when I say that there are many days when I look up at an airplane going by and wish I still had it; however, at 64, I knew the day was going to eventually come. When the opportunity (offer) came, I took it. It's a really tough decision. I put my life in the hands of that airplane many, many times.

[@jan3195]

Found you this weekend and glad I did. As a wanna-be pilot and plane owner, your videos are incredibly educational. Thanks for the great content, Charlie!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, and glad they are helpful! Appreciate you saying so.

[@joycethomas8868]

The 182 is a great airplane. I owned a Cessna 150 and a Piper Archer. Loved them both.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome! The 150 is such an easy airplane to fly, it's very enjoyable!

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Airplane Academy, specially Aerobat 150....

[@zackmason9062]

Fantastic video, just like all your others! I’m looking into buying an airplane of my own (turbo 182RG is currently my top choice). I think I’m a much savvier shopper now thanks to all your insight and experience.

[@southjerseysound7340]

One option my friend did is he bought a sporty 2 seater that covers 98%of his flying and rents when it's time to take the family along. I forget what the 2 seater is, but it's a blast to fly and it was a lot cheaper than a nice Bonanza. It's been a while but last time I talked to him he was looking into a Bonanza share that will still be cheaper all around and be the best of both worlds.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for sharing - there is a lot of truth and wisdom to what you're saying. If you buy an airplane for a mission you'll only need 2% of the time, you probably bought too much airplane. I'm probably right on the line for whether or not I bought too much airplane in a 182 if you analyze my logbook, but I'm still glad I did.

[@southjerseysound7340]

@@AirplaneAcademy I just wanted to throw it out there because not many people think about it. As for me, some people might say that my Maule is too much for most of my flying. But it serves me well and sometimes our wants outweigh our needs 😉

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

I also think being comfortable in the airplane. Some airplanes like the piper have only one door and it is very hot in that aircraft. Some aircraft like the Sporststar have high glare shields that is difficult to see over and you end up with a sore back. Also the Sportstar is like a hot green house due to the canopy type closure. Would be great to have A/C but it's way to expensive.

[@edgarcorrea7866]

Another incredible option, unless you don't want to or have the ability to build an experimental, is the rv 10. 1000lbs useful load, 4 seater, 11gph burn cruising at 190kts (it can get lower too). Cheaper than an old 182 at less than $200k and you'll get a brand new plane with garmin glass IFR equipped. Only real con is being experimental. Insurance is a bit more but the Van's Rv fleat has better insurance prices, being that it has the lowest accident rating of an experimental and it's lower than the GA average. Also, it's almost as low as the 172, which has the lowest GA rating.

[@bryanholliday1864]

Let me publicly thank you for making 4 seats one of your top requirements! Thank you again!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@kchansen5933]

For me it’s all budget, price of aircraft, and maintenance cost you may be able to afford the aircraft, but not the upkeep So your last video it’s something to keep in mind

[@sheltonsmith4261]

This was so helpful! I hope to buy a plane one day

[@AirplaneAcademy]

You will buddy!

[@zappuppy6992]

I bought a lancair 360. 200kts+ @ 9 GPH makes a big country small :)

[@JMRBR]

How much?

[@zappuppy6992]

@@JMRBR $100K AUD about 4 years ago

[@jimmy_roffa]

Love your vids man! keep up the good work.. greetings from the Netherlands.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you so much! Means a lot. Excited to have you as a viewer, all the way from The Netherlands. That's awesome!

[@johnnyford2433]

Glad I found your channel! Keep up the good work!!

[@NebuChadNezzarKBDN]

T206H is best by far if you can afford it. It’s definitely another level over the 182.

[@MichaelBrown-ys6tj]

Years ago, I flew a lot of hours in a number of different aircraft. Among light 4 seaters, I always enjoyed Pipers. For longer trips where comfort was premium, give me a Bonanza over a 210 anytime. (CFIAIME/G)

[@HoosierPilot]

Excellent video. I’m currently trying to narrow down what I want as a first plane. It’s such a tough process trying to narrow down the non-negotiables. I know speed is at the bottom of my list. Like I tell people even a slow plane is a lot faster than driving.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Hope it helps in some way. And yes even 100kts flying in a straight line beats driving 60mph with turns, traffic, and stoplights, ANY day!

[@gringoloco8576]

I would debate that last comment. In a 172 it's not much faster than driving! Throw in a 30 knot wind and cars will pass you.

[@HoosierPilot]

Gringo Loco true wind can have a huge impact. During one of my solo CX’s it took me an hour to get to an airport that would typically take an hour to drive to, however it only took me 30 mins on the return trip.

[@gringoloco8576]

@@HoosierPilot it's true you normally will save time unless you're in a 150 but the costs add up quick! A 5 hr drive took me about 3 hrs in a 172 but it costs $450

[@HoosierPilot]

Gringo Loco was that the total cost including wear and tear, fuel, oil, maintenance, etc...?

[@michealclark4788]

Budget isn't an issue. I want hours to further my career. I chose a kit fox sti. We have a 5 person family and why I could afford whatever I want we only take 1 or 2 vacations a year. So price to fly something bigger just for gaining hours doesn't pay off. We can always rent or just drive to the location we want to vacation at. Plus low and slow over the rivers and mountains of east Tennessee just sounds better then high and fast.

[@jonskowitz]

"The slower I fly the more hours I log" Genius! Personally, I need a 2-seater +fuel for cross-state VFR flying (with the option for 4 people, no gear joyrides). The only avionics I really need is a set of VOR radios for navigation and a mode-c transponder (lots of D, C, and B airspaces in my area of operations). 110 knots IAS is plenty for me. I'm thinking a Cessna 172 or a Piper 140/160 will be plenty of airplane for my needs. I am looking at the Vashon Ranger as a possibility but I'm not thrilled at only 2 seats and there's some dispute on that plane's real working limits versus the limits they published as an LSA.

[@c180sky6]

I am so glad to see the younger pilot invaded ( younger then me) your channel is great Keep up the great work

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy it.

[@toddallgier914]

Great videos and content. Much appreciated. Thank you.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate your kind words and glad you enjoy the channel.

[@vgrof2315]

Was an active pilot for 63 years until retirement from an FAR 135 outfit recently. Owned a 172 years ago. Anyone who buys and owns/maintains his own airplane has loose screws. Rent one when you need it from a good FBO or flight school. Owning one might have made sense 30+ years ago, although you could NEVER have justified it financially. The government, the insurance companies, the lawyers, the cost of maintenance/av-gas and general societal/security hassles have made general aviation almost prohibitive. The old $100 hamburger has turned into a $500 hamburger. It just ain't what it used to be. I'm amazed that AOPA still exists.

[@joehilty59]

Love the Gaston's hat!

[@rrice1705]

Great video. Very well thought-out and informative!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@WillN2Go1]

Good video. Thanks. A possible future topic (if you haven't already done it) is What are the things people think they're going to do once they own an airplane and what do they really do? And what bits of equipment and training most VFR pilots might use only once and then all that extra training and equipment is well worth it?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Noted!

[@neerajchaudhary1821]

Another great video buddy

[@brent1041]

My mission was 2 seats, carry full fuel plus 400lbs of people, travel 260miles in less than 2 hours, easy to build, less than 150hp for cheaper fuel burn, good company support, reasonable cost to build. That lead me to build a zenith 650

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Very cool! Sounds like you have a good handle on your average mission. Good stuff.

[@sailorbob4530]

You do a nice job I’m in the early stages of looking for a plane

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much! Best of luck on your search. Let me know what you end up going with.

[@zimberticagames5291]

I'd love a twin engine prop, like a 414 or 421 but realistically I can't afford it because of the higher fuel burn, cost of overhauls, and annuals even if I could eventually afford the plane itself. I really want something with 6 seats, nice useful load, and range but I'd also love something that can handle flying in and out of the back country for fishing, hunting, camping trips with the family.

[@deckmasters7208]

Great video! I'm 182 shopping as we speak. I got my license in my dads 1966 J many years ago, rented a 1968 L from a friend for about 4 years, recently owned a 1960 C that I sold to buy a newer nicer one. I have 3 friends and a brother all with V tail Bonanzas, and it's easy to get "Bonanza fever" sometimes, but the 182 fits my mission the best. Funny how the more years you fly, the more you know EXACTLY what you want, right down to the detail.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Awesome!! I've never met a 182 owner that regretted it. I certainly haven't regretted mine.

[@rainysunday6186]

Cirrus Side yoke is my choice.

[@K5YAC-DX]

Your 182 is DOPE! Looking for a C-1xx for my son and I to fly. He is 16 and wants to get his PPL. I have my ticket, but think it would make sense to go for my Instrument if we can afford a properly equipped ride. I cut my teeth in Pipers, which I really enjoyed flying, but I have no beef with the Cessna line and think that my wife and son might enjoy the views better. Enjoying your channel.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks Mark! I feel really blessed with it... it's been a great bird and I've really enjoyed it. I've got about 150 hours in a super cub but only about 5 hours in a low-wing Piper (an Arrow to get my 5 hours of complex for commercial), so I can't speak a ton to their comparisons. But I've definitely enjoyed the heck out of the 182! Excited for you and your son. Don't be a stranger.

[@andrewwatson9805]

Did you ever consider the Cherokee 235? We had a 1969 235 C with the 250 hp field upgrade, and getting in and out of short, hot, rough bush strips was never a problem. With a useful load almost equal to its own empty weight, weight wasn't so much a factor as managing to get heavy equipment parts into the plane. It also had long legs, useful for us not so much in the range, but being able to get to the various strips without having to divert to refuel, across the country (then Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe) where we had heavy machinery operating on contract. It was the perfect aircraft for our mission. A Six had more useful load, but we didn't need six seats, and there wasn't much one could not carry in a 235. OK, maybe those big barn-sized doors at the back of the Six may have helped a bit. :-)

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the stories! Awesome stats on the 235. I was really wanting a high wing plane in no small part because of how hot it gets in Texas and I wanted to be in the shade :) Plus I had most of my hours in 172s and 182s and a super cub at that point so I felt really comfortable committing to a 182.

[@Allegan49010]

Comfort factor, being tall, that limits a lot of aircraft!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Fair point. I feel like high-wings are sometimes a little more spacious so you might consider that.

[@Allegan49010]

@@AirplaneAcademy I did own a 1979 C210, very comfortable plane for tall pilots and great plane for long flights as I used to fly between Michigan and Florida.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

@@Allegan49010 I've always wanted to fly a 210. They seem awesome.

[@3SM20Pilot]

My dad and I are both 6'5" and we both own Mooneys. It takes some gymnastics to get in and out of but once you're in head room and legroom are great!

[@Allegan49010]

@@3SM20Pilot I really enjoy flying a Mooney but I just finding it much easier to get my 6'6" old body in and out of a Cessna 182 or 210. :-)

[@dam4274]

There are aftermarket 12 volt a/c units you can put in the luggage area.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Yes! I tried to make my own and it wasn't nearly as powerful as I needed it to be. Might have to pull the trigger on the more legit ones.

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Airplane Academy or scare up a Lear 23?

[@FunPlacesToFly]

Good Information! We have a Cessna 172 (the Sky Chicken). Agreed on the limited number of passengers possible. (dang it)

[@Aerospace_Education]

Nice breakdown. 182 is still my favorite as well. Did you look at some of the newer kit airplanes? Some are pretty competitive pricewise, sip fuel and have pretty good speeds.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Have loved my 182 and would be hard pressed to move into something else unless it was maybe a 180 some day. Kit planes aren't really my thing but I totally understand the reasons people love them! Some solid perks to going that route.

[@keepyourbilsteins]

Thanks for the video! I haven't flown in over 25 years (am 48) and never owned an airplane. Got wife and 2 kids now and want to get back into it. Have been looking at inexpensive 4cyl vfr airplanes to get my chops and hours up by myself or with a friend. Eventually moving to a 6 seat with payload, range and ifr suite to fly the family around. Budget, and operational economy have been my primary factors in shopping thus far since I don't think it's going to be my "forever plane". It's slim pickings out there for my criteria, that's for sure. Enjoy your channel!

[@gringoloco8576]

I just bought an M20 E.. you should look at the vintage Mooneys. M20 C are the cheapest. You get retract and fast travel times is you don't use grass much. Very fuel efficient Supposedly (I haven't tried it yet) I can pull the E back to 6 GPH if I go slow. I think it's a bit hard on the engine though at such low RPM so I haven't tried it much but I'm time building and will experiment. Normal cruise in the E is 150 knots at 10.5 GPH and the manual gear is easy to maintain and a very simple system. I couldn't really find much else that was as efficient as the Mooneys for such low cost.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

You might look at the 7 airplanes I cover in this video that can give you some ideas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4mnkpiGid19j80 Comment below about the mooney is good also.

[@keepyourbilsteins]

@@AirplaneAcademy Used aircraft prices have gone totally apes**t bananas in the past month. Mis-spent #ppp money? I have no idea, but I am out of the market. I wish I had 20 Cirruses and 100 RVs for sale right now.

[@paulregarg7455]

We chose the 180 hp 172m sportman stol constance speed prop do to 1800 ft grass strip on farm, full load jumps out of there nice. mostly local flying alot of fun for $40,000 plus great trainer for my 15 year old daughter who has 12 hrs now👍

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Sounds so awesome, and congrats to her! I solo'd on my 16th birthday and will never forget it. Maybe she has that in store too!

[@paulregarg7455]

@@AirplaneAcademy thank you that is our goal

[@jholliman2385]

Hey fellow Addison pilot - great tips on which type of plane. Could you do a video on how you picked that particular 182, pre-buy inspection, how did you find a good mechanic to work on it after purchase? What really went into making the purchase.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks for the comment. Good idea and I'll make a note of it to consider doing a video on this. Thanks!

[@eaglerandall11]

im looking for a plane that cost more like a nice car than a house, lol. nice work and great channel

[@tdb922f]

That could be a kit plane.

[@landen99]

@@tdb922f plus 10k hours of building.

[@tdb922f]

@@landen99 maybe for an old school build off plans, but modern ones don't have to take nearly that long.

[@thomasmixson7064]

Try a Taylor Craft or a 172 in reasonable condition to deserve a little investment of care and maintenance

[@grannyblinda]

Great video, thanks! In my experience, there aren't many perfect airplanes on a limited budget/limited resources - lots of compromises, BUT, you have to start, you have to get in where and when you can in your personal realities! You don't want to get into heavy debt, large payments, high maintenance airplanes - that will ruin your experience and might just shut you down for good...we have to be realistic and live within our realities in aviation...not easy but...

[@AirplaneAcademy]

All well said! Totally agree.

[@SteveAubrey1762]

Really like the channel. I'm subscribing. MY perfect plane? Hmm. F4u Corsair, no, P40, no B17, no, scratch that...speed, Me262, no these all are too far above my budget. Realistically, 1962 Cessna 172.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad you like it! Excited to have you subscribe!

[@tinmisuun]

My mission requires at least 4 seats, cargo door for cargo (boxes of food, supplies), pressurized (fly over AK Range), deice (winter flying) and at least 190 kts (AK is a big state (over twice the size of TX)).

[@AirplaneAcademy]

So what would you choose then?

[@tinmisuun]

That's a hard one. I guess I can just take oxygen and choose a PA31-310.

[@DVolvoguy777-x7o]

Murphy Moose for you. For performance, with an MP14.

[@richwhippersnapper]

Much better performance than a 172, but more $$$. The Cessna 210 is another option, but even more money!

[@calebgarcia4557]

Would you make a video about your sources of income to afford flying?

[@christopherhand4836]

Jobs are excellent sources of income.

[@extremereclusefallows5779]

Experimental. Builders are meticulous. I would trust an experimental over a certified any day. Reputation and safety is everything in aviation. Builders are proud of the 2000 hours of pure craftsmanship they pour into their projects. The builder knows every rivot, every electrical connection, every detail. The latest technology for the lowest cost. Experimentals are pound for pound the best performing aircraft. Why would I spend 2 million for a plane when I can get the same performance for a fraction of the cost? What would I get? Probably a Glasair 3. You would spend 2 million for a certified plane with the same performance. 13-15 gallons per hour cruising at 225. It is a no brainier.

[@Felix-bj9et]

what I would like to know is how to decide between the 172, 172RG, 177RG, 182, 182RG and the 182RG turbo. I dug quite a bit into that stuff and I really couldn‘t decide which one I would prefer.

[@MrZrryan2]

I have owned at least one of each of those. If you have the money (lots and lots of money), then get the 182RG turbo. RG vs. fixed gear (non-turbo) is about 15 knots. BUT, for that extra 15 knots, your insurance is DOUBLE, and the annual inspections are considerably more too. I now have a 182 fixed gear, older, low time, no damage history... and I think I have the best compromise for ME. Your preferences and budget might be different.

[@seadawgs1962]

I enjoy your channel and the videos. Great content! I am just starting to look for my first plane and all my research brings me back to the 182. Any chance you can break down what you find as your cost of ownership?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! I actually intentionally don't track my cost of ownership because then I will know the hourly rate and then compare my flights to the dollar cost, which I don't want to do. As long as I'm above 100 hours a year it's "cheaper" for me to own. That being said, I do cover some ownership costs of 7 airplanes in this video that might be helpful to you. You'll need to update some of the assumptions for a 182 (purchase price, gallons per hour, etc.) but it should get you in the ballpark. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4mnkpiGid19j80

[@seadawgs1962]

lol 😂 that is probably what I should do... just enjoy the flying experience! It’s not like we are going to stop!

[@ronangel1704]

G,day from down under, great channel.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoy.

[@rickthemagicguy6075]

I love your channel!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you so much!

[@phxJohn2010]

Great content. Thanks. I subscribed

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and pumped to have you as a subscriber.

[@CharGorilla]

Guess you're not a Mooney fan. If you can get a well maintained "vintage" model with an upgraded turbocharged engine, that's a really really high-performance aircraft for less than 6 figures. It's easy and comfortable to fly, whilst being somewhat sophisticated for the time time. Obviously the avionics will need an upgrade, but if you're willing to pay a little more over time, and do a bit of work, I think it's worth it... I love mine.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Adam - thanks for your comment. I've actually never flown in a Mooney but would love to do so. I agree with the specs you've mentioned, they can be very high performance! I like more off-airport type stuff that might not be a great fit for a Mooney which is probably why I've never really explored them more. But I know people who own them love them!

[@thomasmixson7064]

I have hundreds of hours in 182's, but was rather fond of a Piper Dakota

[@budowens6478]

Great info, thanks!

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jimscoffee4913]

For cross countryyou need a cesssna.. for backyard you need a super cub..

[@Tassaczek]

Awesome video! :D

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thank you! :)

[@tomedgar4375]

Surprised you didn’t look at a Cherokee six, the Comanche fit my mission but sometimes I would like the load/room of the six

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Tom - good call out. I did consider the six, however I didn't have any firsthand experience flying them and at the time I had hundreds of hours in a 172 and about 40 hours in a 182 so I was comfortable with that platform. I thought the 182 might be a little more nimble in short field stuff as well. But I do like the idea and the roominess of the Cherokee six!

[@TrainSounds]

I go for the 182

[@Kaelnovar]

I would love your opinion on LSA aircraft and certification for beginning pilots that are only looking for recreational flying.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I think if your average mission is recreational and you aren't wanting to fly IFR or nighttime, etc. etc. then it can be a wonderful option. I never went the LSA route but have friends that did and for their situations it can work great. I have a different average mission than what a sport license or LSA plane would accomplish but that's unique to each person.

[@deadcell5149]

doing research in getting my ppl love your vids, seem like an avg guy not a loaded rich phony. keep it up

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad you enjoy the videos! Thank you.

[@azulay1287]

can you make a video explaining da 40 ng because i am interested in buying one, thankyou

[@sloopjohnb.24]

I want a fixed gear, high wing, piston twin that runs on jet A or av gas with fiki and seats 6 adults and burns 8 gph. I'm only half kidding. By the way, why no fiki on cessnas?

[@williamfahle151]

Richard Collins famously flew a P210 with fiki.

[@calvinnickel9995]

Honestly, no unpressurized piston aircraft should be FIKI. De ice and anti ice is like 4 wheel drive. It’s mainly for getting you out of trouble but it often gets people into even more trouble.

[@greggbrown0]

My choice would be a Mooney M20J

[@teenflon]

How long would you plan to keep the aircraft for? Do people keep their starter aircraft for 20 years or 5 years? If planning for the future it would make a big difference.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I think it totally depends on the situation. I'm 4.5 years into my aircraft and unless my mission changes or I can afford a 180 I don't plan to change. A lot of people hang on to theirs for 20+ years. Everyone is different based on their situation.

[@miadrain1454]

Another good plane that is fast it cost around 500K it is the Mooney acclaim it has speeds at or above 200 knots and is air conditioned and seats 4 and can fly to known iceing and is spacious enough and has a turboprop type feel with the engine not giving you a lot of jet lag

[@gringoloco8576]

Or spend $40 to $100k and buy a vintage Mooney M20 series. 150 knots, 10.5 gph.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Yeah I've heard great things about the mooneys! Never actually rode in one yet but I'd like to at some point. They don't have the STOL capabilities I want for Idaho and such but they seem like a really fun cross country and IFR machine.

[@mlhbrx96]

@Airplane Academy - for power to weight ratios, and super short takeoffs and landing distances, how come there isn't a 182T with the 310hp engine and flaps from a 206?

[@danmetcalf2511]

I found your channel today. Great information. I just got my PPL in January and I'm looking to buy a plane. My question is, and this might be a video idea is: After I find a plane online that I might want to buy that is not local, now what?

[@williamfahle151]

Use a broker on your behalf. Ask them a ton of questions. Also ask other aircraft owners a ton of questions. What did they do right in their purchase, what did they do wrong, etc. For me, we bought our second airplane first - a Bonanza. What we did right is get a prebuy. What we did wrong is we failed to negotiate an annual as part of the purchase, which was due one month afterward and cost 8k.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Agree with this. It's worth the expense of hiring a mechanic (that YOU hire, not the seller) to come with you and do the pre-buy. I had a close friend who was a mechanic and my broker and so he handled most of this for me, which was incredibly helpful. Good idea though on covering the buying process... this might be worth another video.

[@chrissams7517]

Hey Charlie,I lost your information you gave me on ground schools, I remember you said one was king’s where you did your 3 day cram, so you could take your test, but I can’t remember the other one. I’m looking for something I can do online, thanks for your help, love your channel! Ps. Do you offer discovery flights?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi Chris - I have used King Schools for the commercial and liked them. For private and instrument I did in-person ground school at American Flyers here in Dallas where it's an intensive 3-day program and you get your written test endorsement at the end of it. I liked both methods. Just depends on what resonates with you most. I don't currently offer discovery flights, sorry! Maybe one day though? Going to start working on my CFI soon.

[@josesbox9555]

C-180 yo! 182 is a great lower 48 airplane though.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Gosh I would LOVE to own a 180 one day. It's on my list for sure. They are so expensive, one of the best airplanes ever made.

[@josesbox9555]

Airplane Academy boy no kidding. 182s are great though. Real sleepers.

[@t34bravo]

Great video. Quick question, did you set up an LLC for your plane? If so, any insight/advice on the benefits or drawbacks?

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Wish I could advise on the legal front but don't feel comfortable doing so.

[@1pjlewis2]

good info.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Glad you think so! Thank you!

[@Martin-ql2bd]

Electric is the motor of the future! No TBO's. Small, lite, few parts! We aren't there yet but it's going fast. Battery tech is going to be there

[@michaelroby6538]

Watched this TWICE. Great content, Charlie.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much!! I'm glad the video is helpful!

[@nojabformeeducateyourself3393]

I want Jato rockets on my 182.

[@juanmanuelgallego3630]

Would I hit subscribe? Why wouldn't I? This is amazing, very precise and clear, thank you for these videos

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Thanks so much, pumped to have you!

[@highendaudio]

HI Charlie - what are your thoughts on a Cirrus? Have you ever considered switching? Would love your honest opinion on Cirrus. Thank you in advance. Mike.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

I don't have personal experience in a Cirrus so want to be careful with what I say since it's mostly conjecture. They have a lot of fantastic features (high speed even with fixed gear, parachute, CSIP training network, etc.). I am personally more drawn to aircraft that have more of a backcountry capability as that grabs my heart more than high speed XC type stuff. So I have not considered switching myself. I'm working on doing a demo video with them though as I'd like to be able to speak from more experience. Airplanes are all tradeoffs though and it all comes down to your mission. If your mission profile is fit for an SR22, it is a great airplane.

[@highendaudio]

@@AirplaneAcademy thank you. I’ll be very interested in your take on the Cirrus after you fly it. Your presentation skills and quality of videos is next level. No wonder you have so many followers.

[@Mauriceandcarolyn]

Thank you very much for sharing. I am looking at joining a flying club at Ft Meade to get my PPL here in Maryland looking at the possibility of getting my own aircraft to help with training costs. I have 2 small kids now (10 and 7) and I would like to fly at least 2-3 hours per weekend. We have family in Charlotte, NC, Newark, NJ, and Raleigh, NC. Do you think the 172 or piper 180 would be the best? I know high wing vs low wing is always a big topic. THanks in advance.

[@AirplaneAcademy]

Hi there - it kind of comes down to personal preference on the high wing vs low wing. Their specs are a little different too so you'd need to decide which would be preferable for your average mission. We do have an article discussing low vs. high wing here: airplaneacademy.com/high-wing-vs-low-wing-aircraft-pros-cons-and-key-differences/

[@calebmorton6434]

I am looking to purchase a plan and really looking at the 177b or a 182. This will be to build time and travel for business. I am wanting to finish may training in it as well. I lean towards the 182 for the ability to carry more weight. I would like to get my IfR in the plane and the 177 seems to be a bit cheaper and cheaper to operate. Any advise would be great. Thanks.

[@toddwebb7521]

Well I'm strongly considering getting into the world of flying after I get my weight to a more reasonable level.

[@charlesdahmital8095]

So..... A TBM 'might' be a bit much for a first plane?

[@kevinthomson9537]

is the 182 an easy plane to transition to? Have flown 172 and SR20

[@kakerake6018]

Well shucks looks like I maybe shouldn't get that 737 bbj

[@lukwinkert]

Very nice breakdown. Thank you! For me, another important point is the actual room/design in the pilots seat. I'm 1,96m tall and have no way to fly things like a PA28, because I'd only be able to put in right aileron. When I try to turn the yoke to the left, it just hits my thigh after 5-10°. Oh and you definitely forgot the coolness factor ;-)