by Pete Schoeninger
Q: I am looking to buy my first airplane, probably a Cherokee Six, as I have a big family and not a lot of money. I asked my mechanic about them and he said they’re good airplanes, but watch out for corrosion on the belly behind the exhaust stack. So what can an owner due about possible corrosion there?
My mechanic also said the 260 hp version has a bigger useful load than the 300 hp version. Wouldn’t a more powerful engine on the same airframe carry more, not less?
A: Lots of corrosive, bad stuff comes out of the exhaust pipe of all airplanes. It is important (but not much fun) to clean that stuff from the belly, occasionally. If not done, the belly skins can eventually rot out and have to be replaced.
The airplane manufacturer and the FAA set the gross weight of an airplane when built. In the case of the Cherokee Six, that is 3400 pounds, and you can’t go over that with 260 or 300 hp. The empty weight of every airplane is different because of different equipment installed, but in general a 260 hp airplane will weigh about 35 pounds less than the 300 hp airplane and thus legally carry a little more weight. Cherokee Six aircraft are some of Piper’s best products (IMHO), but be very careful about fuel tank selection (there are four of them), as you have to switch tanks frequently.
Q: I am looking to buy my friend’s hangar, which is built on land he leases from the city. The lease ends in 9 years, and language in the lease says the ownership of the land reverts to the city at lease expiration. I talked to the public works director and he said not to worry as they usually just renew the lease. Would you worry?
A: STOP! Don’t sign it…unless you can get that statement in writing. Nine years from now, there probably will be a new public works director, newly elected people at city hall, etc. I strongly suggest you consult an attorney before signing a long-term lease and putting big bucks into a hangar. Email me for more stories and ideas.
Q: My 1975 Piper Warrior has a gross weight of 2325 pounds. The engine is about due for overhaul. I am considering going to a 180 hp conversion as it will in effect become a 180 hp Archer and go faster and carry more. What do you think about that idea?
A: The Archer has a gross weight of 2550 pounds. If you do the conversion, you have a 180 hp Warrior, still with the gross weight of 2325 pounds. Since the engine baffling, exhaust system, prop, etc. are all a little heavier, your useful load will be less than it is today. Do your homework, as there are some STCs pertaining to increasing the gross weight in Warriors , but make sure they would apply to your serial number. It would be more economical and a better return on your dollar to sell your Warrior and buy an Archer, or better still at overhaul, pay a small amount of money to get your present 150 hp engine converted to 160 hp.
Q: I am looking to buy an older two-seat airplane like a Cessna 150 or 152 and put down $2500 and finance the rest. I’m having a little trouble finding a lender for this purchase. Ideas?
A: I would NOT suggest financing the purchase of an old, low-cost airplane. You’ll need some money to maintain the airplane, not make payments.
Q: I own a 1981 Cessna 414A Chancellor. I love it, but would like something newer. There isn’t much out there that is a lot newer that will fit my needs that I have been able to find?
A: The 414A series of airplanes are popular and do a good job of carrying up to 7 people in pressurized comfort. For good reason, they outsold competitors by a big margin. But production ended on them in the mid 1980s.
If you’re looking to buy a much newer airplane with similar carrying capability, you’ll probably be looking at a Piper Meridian, TBM, or Pilatus. All are turbo prop singles, with excellent reliability, pressurization, and good performance. Of course they cost a heck of a lot more money than your 414A does, but who said lunch is free?
Q: I am trying to get a job as a corporate pilot. My flying history is spotless, I have all ratings except ATP, a BS degree and I have gotten several interviews, but no job offer. I have no criminal history nor DUI, nor medical problems.
A: When companies hire a corporate pilot, they are usually looking for an employee who not only can fly well, but projects a good corporate image. Here are tough questions, but someone has to ask you, and it may as well be me: Is your personal grooming impeccable? Are your clothes, fingernails, and teeth (and breath) and shoes spotlessly clean?
Remember that the people on board a corporate airplane are likely to be middle aged or older conservative-looking people. If you do not look/act somewhat like they do, or if you have poor grooming, or poor English, or bad breath, you may not be hired even though you might be the best pilot in town.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Pete Schoeninger is an aviation consultant and aircraft appraiser who lives in Wisconsin. He is an experienced fixed base operator, aircraft salesman and airport manager. Email your questions about all things aviation to: Pete.Harriet@gmail.com. For assistance with aircraft appraisals or fixed base operator and airport management consultation, call 262-533-3056. Any answers provided in this column are the opinion of the author and not this publication, or its editor, publisher, owners and affiliates.
