The 90% Solution
January 2012
Most pilots want two things: To fly fast and to log as much time as possible. The problem is that these are contradictory goals.
When you think about it, any type of airplane is a collection of compromises:
- Slow, fast or faster yet
- Passenger-carrying capability
- Rock-solid stability for instrument work vs. sportiness for sheer fun
- Runway length requirements
- Equipment for day, night and/or instrument flight, ice protection and storm detection
- Uniqueness vs. parts availability and cost
- And any number of other pros and cons
But most pilots – especially first-time aircraft owners – choose an airplane without considering the full array of pros and cons of the airplane or the way they really fly. And that can result in an unsatisfying airplane ownership experience.
Avemco's experienced aviation underwriters can give you insurance quotes on several different aircraft during a single call, the insurance premium on an aircraft can tell you lot about how the airplane matches up with your pilot experience.
For instance, unless you're regularly flying long cross-country trips, say more than 500 mile legs at least once a month or so, you may find the lower cost and less expensive maintenance of a fixed-gear single is much more in line with your mission and your budget than a high-performance, retractable-gear single or light twin.
Of course, there may be mitigating circumstances that point you to the bigger airplane, such as weather capability, overwater flight or payload needs. Although it might seem a kick in the ego to fly an airplane whose fastest cruising speed is just under the speed of a twin in the traffic pattern, what are you really losing by flying along at 110 knots instead of 180; maybe a 40-minute reduction on a 200-mile trip? If most of your flying is local sightseeing, Young Eagles flights, and Saturday hamburger runs, does it really make sense to buy a fuel-thirsty, maintenance-hungry airplane?
We all like the "ramp appeal" of a rare or unique airplane. But unless you have the patience and budget to track down and pay for hard-to-find parts and mechanics who know how to inspect and maintain your airplane, you'll find that an unusual airplane doesn't always provide the happy ownership experience you may have imagined.
Every year, GA loses pilots and passengers when they fly aerobatics in an airplane not certified for this use. By the same token, if your primary use will be cross-country navigation, you don't want an open cockpit or a one-seater with little room for baggage. If your idea of a good time is lazy eights and wingovers, you don't want an airplane with high stick forces and a predisposition to straight-and-level flight. By the same token, if you plan on flying IFR, you don't want a touchy, light-on-the-controls aircraft.
Every airplane is a bundle of compromises, and your best ownership experience may come from finding an airplane that can do 90% of what you want, even if that means it can't do aerobatics or fly long trips in a single bound. It may be that a more modest airplane is perfect for your personal aviation experience.
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