# Pilots: You must choose any five planes to own, but... **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 24, 2017, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159 "2017-04-24T19:39:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/1 "2017-04-24T19:39:27Z")
OK, here’s the game: You must choose five aircraft to own. You may choose any aircraft you want, but you have a budget of $7.5 million to buy them, maintain them, and fly them. For exmple, buy a used [Gulfstream G400](https://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/17441953/2003-gulfstream-g400) for $7 million if you want, and fill the rest of the slots with General Aviation aircraft. If you choose, say, a Cessna 150, a Cessna 172, a Piper Cherokee, and a Beechcraft Musketeer to fill out your list (after the Gulfstream), you’ll have a few hundred thousand to fly them and the jet. Here’s my list: [ul][li][1970 Cessna 172K Skyhawk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_172) – Cost, about $45,000. Come on, you know you love it. And the 172K is especially interesting.[/li][li][Hughes/Schweizer/Sikorsky 269/300](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schweizer_300) – Cost, about $400,000 new.[/li][li][North American SNJ](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_T-6_Texan) – Cost, around $200,000.[/li][li][Chance-Vought F4U/Goodyear FG](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vought_F4U_Corsair) – Cost, $2.5 to $4 million.[/li][li][Douglas AD-4/5 Skyraider](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_A-1_Skyraider) – Cost, roughly $500,000 to $750,000.[/ul][/li]So that accounts for about $5 million for me, leaving $2.5 million to fly them with. I’d _really_ like a T-34 and a TA-4J, plus a Hawker Hurricane, and a PBY-5A Catalina, and… But the given budget won’t allow it. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/2 "2017-04-24T21:30:45Z")
I’m not a pilot, but I, er, _talk_ to a lot of pilots these days, so I hope you don’t mind if I weigh in. [ul] [li]Stearman – $135K; must have a big yellow open-cockpit biplane[/li][li]Cirrus SR-22 – $600K; the runabout[/li][li]Aero L-39 – $300K; the hot rod[/li][li]Piaggio P-180 Avanti – $2 million; there are probably better choices for an exec a/c, but I just love the look and sound of them[/li][li]M-D 500 – $500K; for dropping in on my rich friends’ parties (if I ever end up having any rich friends, that is)[/li][/ul] That comes out to a little over 3.5 million, so I guess I could afford to learn how to fly (lessee, single and multi-engine, jet and heli, so that in itself will take a while) and to maintain them on the remainder. All from the used market, prices guesstimated from the listings in _Controller_. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/3 "2017-04-24T21:37:18Z")
Errata: > [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I’d _really_ like a T-34… I meant to say Northrop T-38 Talon. But a Beechcraft Model 45 Turbo-Mentor 45C/T-34C (cost new for the Turbo-Mentor, $1.34 million, none sold; T-34Cs, probably about $1 million) would be on the list if I could choose six aircraft. > [@El\_Kabong](#): > > I’m not a pilot, but I, er, _talk_ to a lot of pilots these days, so I hope you don’t mind if I weigh in. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/4 "2017-04-24T22:30:43Z")
I was going to go with a [Dornier\_Seastar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dornier_Seastar), but that is going to eat up all my money. Can save a little bit with a rebuilt Turbo Mallard: [http://www.mallardaircraft.com/](http://www.mallardaircraft.com/) ($4 million?) (plus one million for insurance 🙂 ) If I have anything left, maybe a LSA like a Remos Brian ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/5 "2017-04-24T22:32:30Z")
Former private pilot and all around aviation geek: 1. Beech Starship- Call it 2$M Coolest prop exec plane ever. 2. [Grumman Turbo Mallard](https://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/18614169/1948-grumman-turbine-mallard)- 1.4$M Cos you never know when Jimmy Buffett might call… 3. DH Tiger Moth- 80$K When I’m not in a hurry to get anywhere in style. 4. L-19 100$k- Propstands in a Cessna 140,; Yes please! 5. [Mk 25 Spitfire](http://www.globalplanesearch.com/listing/aircraft-for-sale/Splash/Supermarine-MkXXVI-Spitfire/217511)- 400$K Because if you’re going to fly a warbird it might as well be fast as hell AND pretty! aannnd I have almost 3 Mill left to pay for my “contributions” to the Caribbean Police Force to make all those trumped up “smuggling” charges go away… 😉 Stupid Parrot heads. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/6 "2017-04-24T22:44:48Z")
Haven’t flown in years, and don’t feel like looking up detailed specs right now, but my choices: 1. Older C172 - flew a sweet 50 year old once, 6 stroke engine which was smoother than the usual 4 stroke, much greater visibility than the newer models and more suited to the VFR flying I do 2. Piper Warrior - another basic GA airplane that non-pilots sometimes find more comfortable than a high-wing for first flights in a small airplane. 3. Citabria - flew one for my tailwheel training and really enjoyed it. 4. Stearman - because I like biplanes and open cockpits, which brings me to… 5. [Max Air Drifter](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KbrxX44A10U/Tb3vbjq-KII/AAAAAAAAFqs/8Wk-_Kv9OSA/s1600/XPC+RT+30-04-11+%25289%2529.JPG) - because it’s the closest thing to a broomstick I’ll ever get to fly. 😃 Just for the record - I have actual flight time in all of the above. None of them are particuarly pricey to purchase, I suspect most of the budget will be spent on adequate hangars, maintenance, and perhaps some additional training for me (have not soloed a Stearman) On-going training is part of maintaining an intact airplane, yes? ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/7 "2017-04-24T22:44:50Z")
Some sort of warbird - Mustang, P38, Corsair - whatever is available in the price range. MD520. I like the NOTAR. Stearman/Pitts. Something cool and aerobatic. That’s all. I would never fly far, so it’s better to go close in as cool manner as possible. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/8 "2017-04-24T23:30:28Z")
> [@swampspruce](#): > > 1. [Mk 25 Spitfire](http://www.globalplanesearch.com/listing/aircraft-for-sale/Splash/Supermarine-MkXXVI-Spitfire/217511)- 400$K Because if you’re going to fly a warbird it might as well be fast as hell AND pretty! I think you’re about an order of magnitude off on that Spitfire cost assuming you want a really clean, restored, and most importantly, _flyable_ instance… ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 8:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/9 "2017-04-25T08:02:28Z")
I want my very own [Schweizer 2-32](http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/463783/12241154/1305563930837/Schweizer-SGS-2-32-s4814DA.gif)! Not the most high-performance aircraft by modern standards, but it was a record setter in its day. There were only 87 ever built, of which about 70 are still accounted for, and they are very much prized. I’ve long had a fantasy to fly one of those, and a few months ago I went and did that – a 30-minute lesson, in the plane in that picture. It was a gas! It took me all of 10 seconds to feel totally at home flying it. And, I wouldn’t mind having a Cessna 182 or a Piper Cherokee Archer. Eventually, I’d want to try doing some acro. So a plane for that too. Not sure which one I’d want. The above-mentioned 2-32 does acro, although I suppose there are newer and better planes for that. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/10 "2017-04-25T08:37:18Z")
Hmm, interesting question. My first thought is to find out what aircraft a local aero club or flight school would use, buy 3 planes for that role and lease them to clubs or schools. The income from those leases would supplement the operating budget for the other 2 planes. Then I’d want something historic, like a Beech Staggerwing or a Lockheed Electra. Then I’d look for something that would fit my remaining budget, that I could hope to fly myself with some training, and useful in terms of performance and payload. maybe something like a Beechcraft Baron (although that Turbo Mallard is pretty sweet, too). ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/11 "2017-04-25T09:46:29Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > I think you’re about an order of magnitude off on that Spitfire cost assuming you want a really clean, restored, and most importantly, _flyable_ instance… Mk 25 Spitfire is a 75% scale replica. My list, without sticking to budget first, then I will refine it: 1. Mk IX Spitfire $3.4M. It’s the first aircraft type I was aware of. Always wanted to fly one. 2. A4 Skyhawk $2.95M. Made up New Zealand’s strike capability when I was growing up. I have a strong nostalgic affinity for them. 3. Shrike Aerocommander $125K. I have flown these a bit, a great aeroplane. This would be my practical choice. 4. Pitts Special for aerobatic fun $125K. Have flown one before. Has more personality than some more modern monoplane machines like the Extra, Edge, and MSX-R. 5. Sopwith Camel $2.2M. Because Biggles. Total: $8.8M I’ll swap #5 for a T6 Harvard (Texan). A cheap, practical, warbird $125K. The rest can be for running/maintenance. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/12 "2017-04-25T13:03:05Z")
> [@Richard\_Pearse](#): > > Mk 25 Spitfire is a 75% scale replica. That’ll do it! ---
**Author:** ![Pabitel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Pabitel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pabitel)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/13 "2017-04-25T13:16:48Z")
HondaJet $4.5 million 1950s DC-3 $200,000 1945 Piper Cub $60,000 Super Petrel sea plane $160,000 Lockheed T-33 $355,000 Total $5,275,000 ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 1:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/14 "2017-04-25T13:26:15Z")
Also not a pilot but I’ve actually thought about this before. From the standpoint of just cool things to own. Ercoupe Volksplane (what can I say – I’m DIY) Piper L-4 Piper Apache B-25 (in case someone really pisses me off) ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/15 "2017-04-25T14:36:40Z")
Q is a bit confused. “Buy” is one-time expense. “Maintain” & “Fly” are ongoing expenses. There’s no way to sum the two to a total unless we add a time factor. Like “maintain and fly for 5 years.” With that much money I’d like to buy an Extra 300, plus spend enough “maintain & fly” funding for maybe 200 hours per year. In an airplane like that an hour is plenty for one day and 200 days per year is more than I’ll use. Then put the rest in investments to pay for hookers and blow. And the occasional high-end sailplane rental. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/16 "2017-04-25T15:04:35Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > Q is a bit confused. “Buy” is one-time expense. “Maintain” & “Fly” are ongoing expenses. There’s no way to sum the two to a total unless we add a time factor. Exactly. The idea is that you need to think about the operating expenses over time, and not just fill your shopping cart to the budget limit. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/17 "2017-04-25T15:06:16Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > I think you’re about an order of magnitude off on that Spitfire cost assuming you want a really clean, restored, and most importantly, _flyable_ instance… My mistake. I didn’t realize the link I had was a kitplane( and a “Mk.26” which never existed AFAIK) D’oh. :smack: So instead I’ll take a [Ventus](https://www.schempp-hirth.com/en/sailplanes/the-new-ventus.html) or Nimbus 4 sailplane and spend 200 $k. ---
**Author:** ![MikeF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/18 "2017-04-25T18:42:17Z")
Jonkers JS3 sailplane - state of the art glider and simply beautiful. P-38 Lightning Spitfire J3 Cub That’ll do. We’ll, I might need a Piper Pawnee to tow my JS 3. Since I have no time in power, I’ll skip the fifth plane and use the money for lessons and to hire a tow pilot for the Pawnee. ---
**Author:** ![Weisshund](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ba8739/32.png) [@Weisshund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weisshund)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/19 "2017-04-25T22:39:07Z")
I am not a pilot per say, but i would like to play this, but doing the math i dont think i can? P51-D Mustang 1.7 to 4.5 million USD FW-190-D9 1.2 billion USD B17-G 6.2 to 12 million USD (none currently for sale) Curtiss P36/H75 Hawk (can not find a price, none currently for sale) Bristol Blenheim MKIV (can not find a price, possibly none currently for sale) 7.5 million wont get the planes purchased. And while the physical aspect of maintaining them is not an issue, the 7.5 million would also not allow me to setup and equip a proper fabrication and maintenance facility at the hangar to properly maintain them. I found a J3 piper cub for 37,000 USD, but i think i would rather have a replica DR1 for a 3rd of that. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2017, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159/20 "2017-04-25T23:28:16Z")
Do I have to (hypothetically) pick five aircraft? As I’m leaning right now, I might pick one or two reasonably budget friendly aircraft and use the rest of the money to retire and screw around with my one or two aircraft the rest of my life. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pilots-you-must-choose-any-five-planes-to-own-but/785159.md?page=2)