Starter cars, starter houses, starter airplanes?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and airplanes typically follow a similar pattern to other “starter” belongings in that a beginner aircraft tends to be a lesser model that’s ideal for new pilots. That’s not to say there isn’t a bond or connection with any starter plane, just that it likely won’t have all the bells and whistles that your second or third plane is likely to have.

In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about a starter aircraft – from choosing an aircraft for your family to low, mid, and high-range options and more. Read on to learn more and see this post about how to purchase an aircraft.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Aircraft For Your Family

Let’s start by discussing what factors you want to be on the lookout for when considering a starter aircraft. Here’s what you need to weigh when making your decision:

• The type of flying you’re planning to do: The first thing you’ll want to determine is what type of flying you’re planning to do. Most experts suggest buying an airplane that’s going to meet 80 percent of those intentions. Not every aircraft is going to meet all of your needs all the time, but selecting one that meets the vast majority of them is key.
• Think of ownership in three to five-year windows: The aircraft you purchase to start isn’t likely to be the one you end with. In fact, you’ll likely be ready to upgrade within three to five years to a better model as you fly more and gain more experience. Regardless of whether you can afford a better plane or not, it’s the experience that should dictate purchase. So start small and upgrade over time. The initial plane you buy should be very similar to the one a pilot is training on.
• Be sure to price it out for insurance: You’re likely to be surprised at how much it costs to insure an airplane. Make sure you have an idea of what your monthly premiums will be on the aircraft you’re considering.
• Talk to a mechanic: We always advise having a mechanic look over any used plane that you’re considering. A professional mechanic will be able to spot any potential issues and advise you on the types of problems the model you’re considering has experienced.
• Comfort and cabin size: You want to be comfortable in any aircraft you purchase. And don’t just think about yourself and the passenger – but anyone in the rear cabin as well. Furthermore, think back to the first consideration we posed on this list – flying purpose. Will the aircraft you’re considering be able to adequately transport luggage, golf clubs, etc.?

Budget-Friendly Options

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics to be on the lookout for when shopping for that first family starter aircraft, let’s get into some of the options that you might consider. For convenience’s sake, we’ve broken them down into budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end. Let’s kick things off by discussing budget-friendly aircraft options. These options include:

• The Cessna 150
• Piper Cherokee 140
• Grumman Cheetah
• Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

Depending on the condition, these aforementioned planes are typically priced at or below $50,000. Though they tend to be smaller aircraft and have a limited range compared to other options on this list, they represent examples of ideal, budget-friendly starter aircraft.

Mid-Range Options

Mid-range starter family aircraft are a little bigger and more comfortable than some of the more budget-friendly ones we’ve listed here. Some examples of solid mid-range selections include:

• Cessna 182: : With a top speed of around 135 knots, good fuel economy, and enough space for four adults, the Cessna 182 is easy to handle and versatile enough to fly across the entire country.
• Piper Saratoga: A step up from the Piper Cherokee we mentioned earlier, the Saratoga is a six-seat, single-engine aircraft that features fixed landing gear and is still small enough to land in places where most other small aircraft cannot.
• Bonanza A36: Though a bit limited in cargo space, the A36 is often considered top-of-the-class of six-seat aircraft.

High-End Options

Finally, if your budget warrants one of these higher-end starter aircraft, there are certainly plenty of options. Options include:

• Piper M350: Fly high and fast in this aircraft. Its cabin is roomy and spacious to boot, something ideal for a larger family or families with teenagers or adult children. Many compare it to a Ferrari in terms of six-seaters.
• Beechcraft G36: A high-quality option, this aircraft is appealing to business flyers for its nice, roomy cabin. It’s a step up from the Bonanza A36 that we covered in the mid-range section above because it is upgraded with the Garmin G1000 suite of avionics.
• Cessna TTx: Offering the fastest maximum cruise speed of any single-engine aircraft, the Cessna TTx is in a class of its own. With a range of 1,250 nautical miles, this aircraft is comparable to a high-class sedan. It also comes with a luxury price of close to $1 million.

Choosing The Best Family Starter Aircraft

As we said in the intro, when selecting the best family starter aircraft you should consider more than just budget – but flying purpose, insurance costs, cabin size and comfort, condition, and more. But beyond all of this, it’s important to think of your starter airplane as nothing more than a small part of your flying journey. Remember, the aircraft you buy to start is likely not going to be the one you own over the long term. Think of ownership in three to five-year intervals to help guide your initial purchase.

Contact J.A. Air Center Today

For more information on what factors to consider when shopping for the best family starter aircraft and to learn more about budget-friendly, mid-range, and high-end beginning options, contact us today. Our showroom is always featuring ideal starter aircraft options.