A smart and involve aviation enthusiast. We clearly have ample evidence to say that is a typical BT member.

BT is one of the highest signal to noise ratio forums on the planet with seemingly a much high average IQ than most others. it is enjoyable to be around smart people.


BT is worth preserving, it is fabulous way to help others interested in aviation.


Absolutely, I'd like to help every aviator enjoy the maximal benefits from the activity. My contributions are worth what you paid, I guarantee it.

Mike C.

If you buy an airplane, you marry a mechanic/maintenance facility.

I’ve had people ask me to find them a “good” piston single and I don’t want to take on the responsibility of finding them a maintenance facility. I certainly don’t want to oversee their maintenance but someone serious about ownership must get their hands dirty with their own upkeep.

I think that an airframe should improve or be as clean as possible, as it was when it left the factory.

Which is why I started dispensing this advice a decade ago: “If you have a mechanic you like go give them a big kiss and tell them you love them’

Or perhaps, the "airing of grievances," a Festivus dinner, and "feats of strength"

Or perhaps, the "airing of grievances," a Festivus dinner, and "feats of strength"

If someone asked me what Chip's market is, I'd say it is someone who wants to be mostly hands off and let someone like Chip spend their money in mostly obvious ways. That doesn't sound like the typical BT reader to me, a person who seeks the underlying details on their own and can make their own decisions, and one who usually will be frugal with their money. If a person is reading BT they can learn as much if not more from BT than Chip. BT also represents a cross section of people, not just one voice with its particular biases and opinions.

Forums like BT are a tremendous resource to educate prospective and current owners so they are as "expert" as someone they can hire. 30 years ago, that wasn't the case, the experts held knowledge not easily found elsewhere, but times have changed in the Internet age. You can select any type airplane and in 2 weeks you can be an expert in the issues of that type on your own.

Mike C.

Sometimes people just don't want to put in the work that goes into what Chip does, they'd just rather pay for it and be done with it.

Just like hiring someone to mow your yard, doesn't make you an idiot, or lazy, or anything else just means you'd rather do something else with your time and that you can afford it. They may not mow it the same way you do, but you aren't going to stand around and critique them. If it looks good when it's done you're going to go on with your day, pay them, and enjoy your pretty lawn.

Just imagine Chip riding zipping around on a zero turn in a bandana and you'll feel better.

This pretty much sums it up.


Robert T

If I simply helped my clients purchase airplanes listed on Controller you guys would be sort of right, though the reality of buying turbine aircraft and getting them inspected correctly is still much more difficult than many would like to believe.

But, the majority of airplanes that we buy are airplanes that we find off market directly for our clients. I’ll be the first to say that if all we did was buy advertised airplanes, we wouldn’t deliver enough value to have a business.

What owner wants to sell and tells only you? They must be idiots if they do that.

Mike C.

What owner wants to sell and tells only you? They must be idiots if they do that.

Mike C.

You took that the wrong way, I wasn't saying anything negative about your service, only saying that it's a service, it's not for everyone but there's always someone willing to pay to simplify their life (be it mowing the yard or buying an airplane) your service does that for turbine purchases for people who don't want to do it themselves.

What owner wants to sell and tells only you? They must be idiots if they do that.

Mike C.

Fidget spinner in one hand, vape in the other, with a man-bun, steering with his elbows

Hey, if we’re comparing imagination…

What owner wants to sell and tells only you? They must be idiots if they do that.

Mike C.