You are bidding on a Cherokee 160.

 It is a great aircraft.  It has been hangered for most of its life, and cared for very well. It has a Total Time value of 3,100 hours, and 400 hours SMOH.

It is fresh out of annual, and has had a fresh prop overhaul. By the way, I’m selling him only because I have another aircraft, a 1960 Debonair. It is crazy to have 2 aircraft, even though I am very attached to the Cherokee.

I have been a Line Check Airman, a Captain, and currently I am an instructor, and yes I was once a fledgling pilot trying to figure it out. Even my son is a pilot. He has just turned 22 and is about to finish his instrument rating. I only mention this because I want you to know what I’m offering with the sale of my Cherokee.

I initially bought the Cherokee because it’s so expensive to rent vs own. It is a lot different when I learned to fly for $20/hr. These days a basic C172 costs north of $120/hr. The Cherokee burns about 8-10 gal/hr. At $5.50/gal it costs about $50/hr.

There are more costs associated with owning an airplane (insurance, hanger, oil, maintenance, etc.). But when you consider the convenience of going out and hopping into your own plane whenever you want, there’s no better bargain.

I don’t know how kids will be able to afford the FAA’s new ATP 1500hr requirement to become employable with the airlines. Unless you figure out how to get your flying costs down, it doesn’t pencil out to rent vs own.

Another reason to buy my Cherokee is that he will fit 4 people (barely) and scoot along at respectable speeds. I regularly see speeds of 105 knots while sipping fuel.

The Cherokee does not have an autopilot, but it’s very stable. I have had people that have never flown before be able to hold a heading and altitude within +/- 200’. I have seen a lot of pilots become dependent on autopilots and glass, and it shows when they actually have to hand fly.

The Cherokee also has legacy instruments. Which certifies it to be IFR. In fact, you can legally shoot an actual approach to 200’ minimums in it.

 I know that most people want to buy something more updated with a glass cockpit and a parachute. If you have a spare $500,000, I don’t blame you. But what I recommend is to use foreflight on your Ipad. You will get everything you need for a lot less money. Foreflight, with stratus gives you a moving map, terrain, traffic, and an attitude indicator. Essentially what you get is a glass cockpit for pennies on the dollar, while out pacing the cirrus with all the bells and whistles.

You just can’t beat a Cherokee for flying on the cheap! When you share the costs with another safety pilot, you are flying cheap!

If you’re thinking about buying an aircraft for yourself or someone you love, this is what I’m offering. You get my Cherokee, you get my commitment to show you how to fly him right. I am a current CFI, and I will teach you what you need to know, and I will help you fulfill the insurance requirement.

Additionally, if you are on the airline track, I will spend time mentoring you for that too.

I hope I’ve given you a glimpse of who I am, and what you are bidding on, and hope that I’ve helped you recognize that you are purchasing way more then an airplane!!

If you are a serious buyer, please feel free to contact me at  813-571-2528 and I will be happy to answer any of your questions.