I'll be there Tuesday-Thursday. Let's get together.

Now that's marketing

He could get a field commission

Seems to me a big factor in tanking twin prices is the cost of engine overhauls. At 30k a side plus 500 hr 5 year props, a high time twin needs 80k in work just to remain flyable. Add on big ADs, a ratty interior, paint, and radios, there isn't much way short of pumping $150000 into an old twin to get it into decent shape. Unfortunately that adds maybe $60000 to the value of the airplane. Cheaper to fly it till it dies, then part out.

yes, especially when you can buy an airworthy twin 800SMOH for less than the all-in costs of single overhaul.

This will eventually work itself out, but a lot of losers in the meantime.

I have loved owning my TA. Safe, reliable and fast (relative). I will experience first hand the twin market perils soon. My mission changed and I need a STOL plane to land on the farm. I'll miss the two engines, the Beech product itself and the sheer fun of flying the plane. My best deal would most likely involve trading. There is only a 6-7 GPH spread between where I'll end up (1957>182 straight tail) so I won't be saving a fortune. My plane is simple and can still be maintained without being "upper middle class" My observation is that some basic twins like mine and B55's have found their place for the time being. The 7/8 condition planes do sell at a price that might have some reflection of supply/demand. My .02

Let me know when you are ready to sell. I may be interested in buying it to add ME ratings to my commercial and CFI, as long as the condition and price are right. Buying from a BT user is always best! I had my eye on one here in McKinney, but it's sat for so long I think it's done

Shame because according to the stickers on the side it once flew around the world.

Let me know when you are ready to sell. I may be interested in buying it to add ME ratings to my commercial and CFI, as long as the condition and price are right. Buying from a BT user is always best! I had my eye on one here in McKinney, but it's sat for so long I think it's done

Shame because according to the stickers on the side it once flew around the world.

Just read this whole thread. Great debate. I learned to fly almost 35 years ago. All my buddies that got their license about the same time I did have given up flying - every single one. Too expensive, too hard, and too complicated. The hourly cost is a big factor but it's more that that. To fly comfortably today, simple VFR proficiency (which is really the most that part time flyers can manage), has become incredibly difficult to retain. Airspace designations alone are more than most people are willing to keep up with. How many different kinds do we have now? 15, 20, 25? If you live near or in a big city (and most of us do) you are going to have to deal with Class B, or fly ridiculously circuitous routes to get in and out. To a regular flyer these complications are background, a part of the challenge that makes flying interesting. But for most people it's simply too much.

Anyway, airspace regulations are just the tip of the iceberg. Non-commercial GA is no longer valued by the government or the public. It's barely tolerated, and only just. Once the majority of the public concluded that they should be guaranteed a risk-free life by our government, the future of GA was doomed. It is and will be regulated out of existence. Not with a single stroke - a clear decision to ban, but through death by a thousand decrees.

I've been encouraging my kids to take lessons, telling them they will be the last generation in this country who will have the opportunity to jump in a plane and go fly.

To me, the outome is inevitable. Private flying will never be a popular (as opposed to a niche) sport - it will never be an activity that is embraced by a large enough segment of the public to impact regulatory and legislative policy in the US. The only thing that has allowed GA to continue until now is that the last couple of generations of Americans still felt strongly enough about America's inherent guarantee of individual rights, that it would be very risky politically for legislators/regulators to push for strict limitations or a ban. That is all changing however, and there is no longer broad support in this country for an individual's right to participate in non-mainstream activities - especially if or they are associated with "wealth", "the wealthy", "the top 10%" and so on.

Recreational (private) fllying will never be easier, cheaper, or more feasible than it is today - a statement by the way that will be even more true every day into the future, right up until the date recreational flying ends entirely. 10 - 20 years from now the US will look much like many other countries. If you want to fly you will have to enroll in a regulated commercial flight academy and commit to an airline pilot career, or you will have to be ultra-rich so you can fly your own mini airliner (biz jets). The kind of flying most of us do simply will not be possible.

James, you related to John (Adams)?
That was a good post, Sir.
Chris

The ramp is packed in Panama City right now. ECP. Line guys sweating. No ramp space.

Why types of A/C is it packed with? C172s, SE Pipers, Bo's?

Or Citations, C421Cs, Gulfstreams, and others that are business tools?

It could be related to the NBAA being in town. Next week they will be gone.

NBAA is in Orlando. That's a long way away. I'm in Panama City.

Why types of A/C is it packed with? C172s, SE Pipers, Bo's?

Or Citations, C421Cs, Gulfstreams, and others that are business tools?