Buying an aircraft is a huge decision for most pilots, but the same rule applies as for any other purchase you make: Buy what you need first, not necessarily what you want. Separating needs from wants is an integral part of making that aircraft selection. Start with your logbook and look back at the kind of flying you have done in the past 12 months. Is this flying likely to change much in the next few years? The answer to that question may be yes if you are moving or earning your instrument rating, or a family member is joining you in the purchase. If it’s just you, the type of flying you do may stay the same. Keep your set budget in mind and plan to spend that budget based on the pilot you are and not the pilot you want to be. Rarely is there going to be that one perfect make or model for you. Just like buying a house, every aircraft purchase is a bit of a compromise. As you narrow down your search to two or three possibilities, talk to other pilots who are flying those models. Ask for a realistic appraisal. Study the ads; talk to brokers; talk to other owners who will help you reach a decision.
AOPA Aviation Finance makes it easy to finance an airplane purchase. Visit the website or telephone 800-62-PLANE (75263) to speak with an aviation finance expert.
Membership. Modify your student trial membership or take the next step and become an official member of AOPA. You’ll continue receiving all of the following great benefits, services, and discounts while supporting the organization protecting your right to fly. Student members can join AOPA at a special reduced rate of just $35 (www.aopa.org/membership/membership-options.aspx).
Flight Training helpline. Dedicated toll-free number (888-232-7456) for student pilot members to call for support, advice, and answers to help you reach your flight training goals.
Advocacy. Taking on regulatory and legislative threats to GA at national, state, and local levels has remained the association’s primary focus for 75 years (www.aopa.org/advocacy).
Magazines. As a student member you’ll receive Flight Training magazine (print or digital). When you renew your membership, you’ll have the option of selecting AOPA Pilot (flighttraining.aopa.org).
Newsletters. Customizable weekly email newsletters offer aviation industry news, information, and tips. Sign up online (www.aopa.org/news-and-video/newsletters.aspx).
AOPA Air Safety Institute. A wide array of interactive online courses, safety quizzes, webinars, and seminars to help you increase your knowledge and become a safer pilot (www.airsafetyinstitute.org).
AOPA Live. Weekly webcast show recaps the week’s news and showcases aviation feature stories (www.aopa.org/aopalive).
Car rental discounts. AOPA members save on car rentals with our strategic partners: Enterprise, National, and Alamo (www.aopa.org/cars).
AOPA Lifestyles Collection. Save money with exclusive members-only discounts and special offers from top aviation and nonaviation companies (www.aopa.org/lifestyles).
Renter’s insurance. A renter’s policy with AOPA Insurance Services provides comprehensive coverage (www.aopainsurance.org/nonowned).
CFI insurance. Whether you’re an instructor/owner, borrowing or renting aircraft, full-time or part-time, we can provide comprehensive coverage for both professional and personal use (www.aopainsurance.org/cfi).
Life insurance. We also protect you and your loved ones in the air and on the ground with term life insurance, emergency assistance, and AD&D insurance (www.aopainsurance.org/life).
Pilot Information Center. Experienced pilots and CFIs are available on our toll-free helpline (800-872-2672). You can also go online (www.aopa.org/pilot-resources/pilot-information-center.aspx) for access to information most often requested by our members.
Flight planning. Robust flight- planning capability; airport directory information; and aviation weather for your smartphone, iPad, or computer (www.aopa.org/flightplanning).
Weather. Online graphical real-time aviation weather information (www.aopa.org/wx).
Airport information. Online directory with vital preflight information, updated daily (www.aopa.org/airports).
Legal and medical help. AOPA Pilot Protection Services helps safeguard pilot and medical certificates from FAA action (www.aopa.org/pps).
AOPA Foundation. Your tax-deductible donation provides funding for important work that membership dues alone cannot support: safety, education, growing the pilot population, preserving airports, and providing support for good work being done in general aviation (www.aopafoundation.org).
AOPA Aviation FinanceCompany. Whether you’re purchasing an airplane for personal travel or your business, we can help you find the right financing for new and used general aviation aircraft (www.aopafinance.com).
Aviation Job Board. Find your career in aviation or the best candidates to complete your team (http://jobs.aopa.org).
Related Articles
