Leaderboard

I would consider an Ovation, except for two small problems. One is that the Ovation's useful load (around 1000 lbs. if I'm not mistaken) is lower than the A36's. But I could live with that because I would need way less fuel. The bigger issue is cost. The cheapest Ovation on controller is $165k. Byron's comment that one can get a [mid-70's] A36 for $100k is accurate. So while the A36 does lack the dedicated baggage area and is less efficient and is older and has the tail on the wrong way, it is cheaper. Way cheaper. The A36 does not have the CG issues that plague the shorter Bonanzas. Note: I wouldn't even consider a shorter Bonanza because if I'm going to do that I would just get a 201. The 201 is more efficient and is also prettier and can be had for less even than the A36.

you can get an A36 for a hundred grand now. Two years ago a friend of mine paid 169K for a 1980 A36, but they are much more affordable now.

I have no kids of my own and never wanted any, but my wife's son from her first marriage lived with us from the time he was 6 until 16. I've been fortunate in my career so I was always able to support him and my flying habit. And it's probably no coincidence that I upgraded to my Acclaim about a year after he moved out. Neither he nor his mother share the wonder I always felt about flight. In fact, they both slept through most of our flights. Kinda bummed me out, but to each their own. My wife has no desire to learn to fly. That's fine with me because I wouldn't want her backseat driving to transfer to the cockpit! She's a bit of a scaredy-cat in the plane so I'm having a hard time convincing her to take a pinch-hitter course, which would make me feel better as the years keep piling on.

Not married, so no kids. Hopefully the married part happens and she is sure as heck going to have to be ok with flying in my airplane - preferably learn to fly herself. If marriage leads to kids, I hope to make flying a part of the family. Super rich required? I don't think so. But I keep a really strict budget for myself outside of flying so that I can still save a solid portion of my income. Assuming my income can grow with experience, I don't see being able to afford aviation and a family to be much of a problem. I feel that having an airplane of some sort is integral to my career as it keeps me connected within the aviation community. It would take a lot for me to give it up.

Our airplanes are our children. They cost a fortune, don't always behave as desired, but are super rewarding at the end of it all.