Before I go on, let me get on my soapbox. The Sport plane category has opened the door for a lot of people to get back into flying. Especially the target market, pilots without medicals. But what about adding to the pilot starts? You know, bringing new people into the market and getting them interested in aviation. I think that’s one thing that has not been marketed to…yet.
When I was researching my book, Ultimate Boat Maintenance Project, I discovered that the National Marine Manufacturers Association estimated that there were over 70 million people participating in the recreational marine industry. 70 million! Wow, think about that number and the clout that market has. It should be a powerful force when it comes to water front access, regulations, etc. Yet, the marine industry is worried about losing market share.
Why do you suppose that is? Cost of participation? Cost of entry level boats, maintenance or training that is required? I don’t think so. It’s not any different than aviation. We are all in the same boat (no pun intended). Sure all those items are a factor for boats and planes.
But, I think “time” is a bigger problem. Today we are more involved in activities than ever before. Kids in multiple sports, families eating in their cars, or even shopping online.
Technology has made it easier to do many things at once and technology has removed the need for the “real” experience. Why spend the money to actually take up flying when I can do more on a simulator. The average person can “virtually” take up any sport or activity through computer, video games and reality shows. Why are reality shows so popular? The public can vicariously participate without spending time actually doing the activity.
When the Sport plane market started I believed it was going to be a great entry level way for people to get into flying. The training requirements were almost the same as driver’s education requirements. Cost of the planes should be reasonable and maintenance could be performed by the owner like owning a boat or car. All of that was, and let me point out, is well and good, except we don’t see it.
The general public has not been the target market. The ads, the promotion and the marketing emphasis have been to existing pilots without medicals; it’s the old “preaching to the choir” problem. People in aviation, like aviation and want to stay in aviation. On a side note, Cirrus and a few other manufacturers have seen the new market, they advertise in magazines other than aviation magazines.
Until the aviation marketing guru’s put the sport plane into the general public market, they will not be seeing the increases necessary to maintain the industry. The Sport Plane category can compete with personal watercraft, boats, motorcycles and travel trailers. Most of the people that I have met participate in more than one industry. They have boats, cars AND snowmobiles. Adding a Sport plane can actually enhance their other activities.
I know what you are going to say, it is the cost of the plane. The feeling is that even though the market might be there, the cost to get in is too high. Sport planes cost close to $100,000. If you don’t buy a high priced new one, then your only option is to look for an old (I mean really old) antique plane that would fit the category. Not necessarily true.
There are more affordable sport planes. There are new and used sport planes that cost less than $100,000. In fact, there are many that can be bought for less than $60,000. If you are willing to put a little elbow grease into the building process, you can be in the lane at less than $30,000. Still too much?
You know our problem, the Cessna 150 spoiled many of us. You could buy used Cessna a150’s for $5,000, to $20,000. There are thousands of used ones available. They are the perfect plane for most people, except that they don’t meet the sport plane category criteria. Yes, it is a shame the Cessna 150 wasn’t approved for the sport category, but it wasn’t. So we have no choice but to look elsewhere.
So what else is there?
There are old planes like Champs, J3 Cubs and the Aircoupe. There are a lot of planes that can be built or bought that meet the sport category and many of them are tri-cycle gear.
I won’t got through a huge list but let me mention a few aircraft that come to mind. The Zenith 601 and 701 are basic straight forward aircraft. They are very comfortable and easy to fly. I really like the 701; it has all the short field performance of a helicopter. Okay, so not quite a helicopter, but what a fun off road airplane.
The Sonex and Rans aircraft are nice efficient, two seat planes that can be bought used, or built for a reasonable cost. But that’s not all, start watching for the older Kitfox and Avid Flyers. Check out the Pober Pixie and the “Ragwing” Pitts. I have customers that are building planes that are going to be in the LSA category although they were not originally designed as an LSA, in this case the EAA Biplane and the KR2S.
Just to makes sure planes like these were available, I research a number different models that were for sale. In a quick search I located a Sonex tri gear for $40,000 and an Avid Flyer for $10,500. Oh and I forgot a couple of older heavy ultra lights for less than $10,000. Also, don’t forget weight shift trikes and Para-planes!
Really want to see what’s available?
Make plans to attend Sun “n Fun in April. Sun ‘n Fun is always the season’s big kickoff show. The location in Florida is great, the atmosphere is relaxed and the assortment of planes is huge. This the second largest sport aviation show. Second only to Oshkosh! Attend Sun ‘n Fun and find your next plane so that you can fly to Oshkosh later in the summer. (And I hear the USAF Thunderbirds will be performing at Sun ‘n Fun!)
Remember, reasonable price is in the “eye of the beholder”. The range can be from $5,000 to $105,000. That’s something the buyer has to decide. These alternate planes will not be in the production numbers of the Cessna, but they are available. With a little patience you should be able to find a used aircraft that fits the LSA category and your pocketbook.Labels: cheap planes, LSA, sport planes, sun n fun