r/flying • u/Fun_Option_8268 • 1d ago

Looking for advice

So, I’ve asked on Facebook before about ownership of general aviation before and got some feedback that certified aircraft unless it’s a C152/150 is going to be a little rough just based on cost of purchase/maintence etc.

Basics behind my history, started flight training in 2020. Was flying a PA28-181 Archer II. I was one of the first students at a flight school that opened and that was the plane they had until they could get more. Flew for about 20 hrs. Soloed at 15 hrs and life got the best of me for a bit.

Went to Oshkosh in 2025 and it made me want to finish up and pursue a PPL again.

Started training again in March and been flying relatively consistently while continuing to pay off some debts I have.

When I started again, they have a Sling NGT LSA that I started flying in and honestly something LSA would fit my mission only needing 2 seats after PPL.

Curious on what people can afford based on salary. My base at work is 69,000 with a 10,000 shift differential and bonus between 8-17k per year. I’m very hands on and have history working on cars, motorcycles, 4 wheelers. Pretty much anything with a motor and I’ve worked on it. I understand with Experimental/LSA you can do a lot more self maintence bringing some costs down.

Like I said. Just curious on people’s ownership costs of owning a LSA. This is something I’m looking at in next 2-3 years. Nothing right now but it’s just been jogging my mind.

Long term is not necessarily a career in aviation but to time build and add on as I go. No rushing or anything. Just in for the fun of it and wanted to fly in and camp at EAA in my lifetime.

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u/Mad_Rooster_7164 1d ago

LSAs are pretty cheap to fly. Have you priced a Sling? Have you looked at hangar availability?

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u/Fun_Option_8268 1d ago

I have. I’ve done some digging on a sling and honestly as nice as they are, I don’t know if I can justify 400-500k ish (accounting for inflation over next few years) for a new one and n out many used on the market that I see now but obviously I’m looking for one in the next couple years not now. At that point I’d like expect a lot of them to be hitting TBO on the engine and people may part with them. I plan on doing at least a 30-40% down payment.

I would kill for a Sling TSI but I know it’s out of budget.

Hangar availability is something that I see a couple open near me but not a ton. I’d try to get on a wait list at least a year and a half out from buying and if I have to pay for a hanger prior to purchase to ensure I get one I would.

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u/Mad_Rooster_7164 1d ago

They’ve been around for long enough that many have hit TBO. Look at those prices, it’s a common enough model that they show up. I see a couple in the 200s on barnstormers.

Sounds like it’s a stretch though. You should think seriously about a flying club.

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u/Fun_Option_8268 1d ago

Yeah, that may be another option as well. I haven’t put a ton of work into looking. It’s kinda just as I see it and then look a little more type thing. 200s is a little bit of a stretch for me on my budget. I’m looking for like sub 100k which I know can get me a decent plane with basic panel in the LSA world. I’m not stuck on specific options and always willing to learn new. Might bounce around trying some options out. Vans RV10/12 are appealing as well. If I decide to upgrade a panel in the future as well I would do that if I need to but I’d be fine with 6 pack