Hi guys, First thread (and first post) on AvChat. As a bit of background info, I'm a 26 year old married guy from Honduras, living in the US for about 4 years now. I used to dream of becoming a pilot as a child (a dream I inherited from my Dad, who himself has not been able to get his PPL yet, but has logged like 30 hours), then I grew up and I kinda went another way for some reason. I'm falling back in love with it all now, and have started researching flight schools in my area (MD). I was hoping someone knows what the operating costs, insurance, tie-down, etc... might be for an early C150(2) or a C172? I'm trying to figure out if it makes financial sense to purchase an early model of these Cessnas to get my PPL and possible IFR, instead of renting. Renting for the PPL alone would cost at least $5k, calculating 60 hrs at $85p/h on a C152. I figure it might be better to get an inexpensive plane, get my initial ratings and get some hours on my logbook, and then sell at the same price I paid, since these planes are completely depreciated. The costs involved would be gas, tie-down, insurance, and any scheduled preventive maintenance, right? Hopefully I would get one with a fresh annual, and I'd sell it before the next is due. I'm also thinking, if I'm able to get my CFI and CFII quickly, I might be able to instruct my Dad for his PPL? Maybe, there might be some problems there as he lives in Honduras, and only comes here for business and to see his 6 month old grandson! Anyway, thanks for reading my post, and any and all information will be HIGHLY appreciated!! This is a great site Rob, I've enjoyed FChat for a couple of years now, and I know I'll do the same with this one. Thanks again
