ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Jul 27, 2015 12:03:58 GMT -5
Man, can you believe the luck that right when you become interested in flying a once in a lifetime opportunity comes up to buy a plane. If you only had a few more months to make sure it was right for you.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Jul 27, 2015 12:10:24 GMT -5
Instrument rating was an insane training from what I've heard. The only guy who I knew had it was a retired Air Force pilot.
Him and another guy I knew both had small planes. I've flown with them multiple times. Both are surgeons so plenty of disposable income. The one lived a few hours from an airport of any size so it was a major time savings for him. Plus tickets tended to run $800-1k/person. Not saying it justified the plane cost but when you can fly four people it starts to add up.
I do get motion sickness. I can't even read on the metro train. I never had a problem on the small planes.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jul 27, 2015 12:40:39 GMT -5
From what my various pilot buddies have told me, planes are very similar to boats - resale is tough. I'm guessing that although this particular plane won't be available in a couple of years when you're ready, there will be some other screaming deal out there if you look. Don't get caught up in the idea that this deal will be the only one. When you're ready, there will be others.
And at the risk of being a downer, training to be a pilot was how we found out DH has some pretty serious (previously unknown) health issues, so for me this is a sad subject. First I was all worried because he's a huge impulse spender and it was a foregone conclusion that he'd just buy a plane on impulse one day. But then partway through the process of getting the training, he just stopped talking about flying any more and stopped going. I pieced together that it was just after some sort of mandatory health exam, which gave me a clue something was up. He still hasn't told me everything, but from what I'm guessing, it may be a good thing we have decent health insurance and life insurance.
Not that this will happen to you, but it is kind of a way to rain on the parade. Yes, I have sleep apnea, so I know I'll need a special issuance and will need to see my GP for a note about the health of the right side of my heart.
If the time is right, he may want to talk to Dr. Bruce Chien. He is super above board, but is an EXPERT at navigating the FAA airman medical and knows what the folks in OKC will need to see to approve him and under what conditions.
You are sweet to offer and I will remember that name. Right now, he's in denial and until he decides to suck it up and gets the additional testing and biopsies done, there's no formal diagnosis, just big red flags. Again, just guessing, but flying is the last thing on his mind right now.
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Knee Deep in Water Chloe
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Post by Knee Deep in Water Chloe on Jul 27, 2015 12:45:33 GMT -5
So, let's clarify a bit.
IF you buy the plane, how long does that postpone home renovations/additions?
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hoops902
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Post by hoops902 on Jul 27, 2015 12:58:41 GMT -5
I'm not saying this is you, because I don't know you. Some of this seems a bit like the person who decides they're going to get into great shape and runs out and buys $10K worth of exercise equipment...treadmill, free weights, stair climber, heavy bag, etc. The practical advice is probably "join a gym for a month, see if you even like it" or "buy 1 thing first to make sure you use it".
I think too often we convince ourselves that "deals" are just too good to pass up. In general I think the advice of "try it out for a while, see if you really like it, then after a year or so you can spend some money on it" is probably sufficient (it won't help those who truly do stick with it, but it will help those who won't...and in the beginning everyone thinks they will be the former but most find out they're the latter).
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lexxy703
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Post by lexxy703 on Jul 27, 2015 13:15:25 GMT -5
Is this the new mid-life crisis thing to do? I just had this same conversation with my brother. Increase your life insurance as high as you can so when you die your wife can get the house done. Don't you watch the news? There was just that small plane crash where the grandparents burned to death in their plane. oh, and yes. I work my ass off and have only really done stuff for financial benefit and my duties. this would be something for me, that would also benefit the family.
for example, around Seattle, there are a LOT of cool things to do/see/go that are 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours+ in the car.
My brother had similar reasons. Their grandbaby is 7-8 hours away by car but short trip by private plane. He figures they can pop down to visit on weekends. The idea terrifies me but if your family would enjoy flying it probably isn't the worst idea ever. Would your wife let the children fly with you?
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 27, 2015 13:29:11 GMT -5
25K and the cost of fuel/maintenance on your own plane buys a LOT of commercial plane tickets! It is like buying a vacation home and say : look at how much money I will save on hotel costs Or an RV....
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jul 27, 2015 13:37:27 GMT -5
That's very funny. Bad joke, but very funny.
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whoami
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Post by whoami on Jul 27, 2015 13:52:21 GMT -5
From what my various pilot buddies have told me, planes are very similar to boats - resale is tough. I'm guessing that although this particular plane won't be available in a couple of years when you're ready, there will be some other screaming deal out there if you look. Don't get caught up in the idea that this deal will be the only one. When you're ready, there will be others.
And at the risk of being a downer, training to be a pilot was how we found out DH has some pretty serious (previously unknown) health issues, so for me this is a sad subject. First I was all worried because he's a huge impulse spender and it was a foregone conclusion that he'd just buy a plane on impulse one day. But then partway through the process of getting the training, he just stopped talking about flying any more and stopped going. I pieced together that it was just after some sort of mandatory health exam, which gave me a clue something was up. He still hasn't told me everything, but from what I'm guessing, it may be a good thing we have decent health insurance and life insurance.
Not that this will happen to you, but it is kind of a way to rain on the parade. Yes, I have sleep apnea, so I know I'll need a special issuance and will need to see my GP for a note about the health of the right side of my heart.
If the time is right, he may want to talk to Dr. Bruce Chien. He is super above board, but is an EXPERT at navigating the FAA airman medical and knows what the folks in OKC will need to see to approve him and under what conditions.
This is alot more difficult than you are making it out to be. The airline has an expert as well, and it can takes months and months for something that seems minor in the grand scheme of things to be resolved. i know several guys with various heart issues (not even heart attacks) who have been out for a year or more. DH just went through a bunch of BS becuase he had a sleep study done and did NOT have sleep apnea, but because the study was done (a year before)his medical was conditonal until he provided them with a report from an MD of what he was doing to resolve his non issue. Took several months to get it sorted out and they had a whole list of hoops for him to jump through to get it done.
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jul 27, 2015 13:58:15 GMT -5
Wow... You either don't care about your husband dying or you are a saint. Your husband has a known health issue and you are ok with him not sharing exactly what it is with you? Not knowing the details? Wow! Much respect! How exactly would you suggest I proceed? Beat it out of him? This is who he is. When he is upset, scared, angry or any of those things, he internalizes and completely shuts down. The more someone tries to force their way in, the more closed off he gets. The only way I've found to respond that is effective is to be patient and supportive until he's willing and able to talk.
It totally sucks and it's not my personality, but it's what works.
I think he's starting to talk now mainly because we're going to have a pretty difficult year health wise with my oldest son's surgery coming up and anything that's up with DH will be on top of that, so he's realizing we need to figure out some things together.
I understand completely, milee. My late DH was the same type of person. He kept many things to himself, even if I asked and even if I prodded. There comes a time when you have to accept that the person you're badgering is a human being with a right to self-determination. Nagging isn't going to improve anything and may make things worse. Sometimes, one must simply hold one's tongue and be supportive in whatever way possible.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Jul 27, 2015 14:01:21 GMT -5
A Honda Civic and while the purchase/operating cost may be about the same (although I would own 100% of the car as opposed to your 25% of the plane) but I am pretty darn sure I would use that car a whole lot more often than I would a small plane.
Also, who pays if an unexpected big repair is needed?
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whoami
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Post by whoami on Jul 27, 2015 14:16:59 GMT -5
Is this the new mid-life crisis thing to do? I just had this same conversation with my brother. Increase your life insurance as high as you can so when you die your wife can get the house done. Don't you watch the news? There was just that small plane crash where the grandparents burned to death in their plane. oh, and yes. I work my ass off and have only really done stuff for financial benefit and my duties. this would be something for me, that would also benefit the family.
for example, around Seattle, there are a LOT of cool things to do/see/go that are 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours+ in the car.
LOL Austin is about 4 hours from here, or a 45 minute flight. It still takes about the same amount of time going to the airport, waiting around blah blah....sometimes I fly because Im feeling lazy but when its all said and done, I don't save that much time by flying. There is prep that needs to be done to an airplane before you take off in it. Its not like hopping in the car and leaving. We have flown numerous times from San Diego to Catalina island and while the flight isnt all that long, it seemed like the whole thing took at least half a day and was a total PITA.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2015 14:17:11 GMT -5
A Honda Civic and while the purchase/operating cost may be about the same (although I would own 100% of the car as opposed to your 25% of the plane) but I am pretty darn sure I would use that car a whole lot more often than I would a small plane. Also, who pays if an unexpected big repair is needed? Additionally, if I own the Honda Civic, I know how it's been taken care of mechanically, and I know how it's been driven, which would be carefully by me. I also know "I" would not be driving if I was impaired, but you will have no idea if one of the other owners is going to or has been flying while under the influence.
As part of owner of the plane, you would share legal responsibility in case of an accident whether in the air or on the ground. Do you have the ability to insure yourself for any and all contingencies? Maybe even to the detriment of your wife and children...all for the middle age crisis of flying and being part owner of an airplane.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2015 14:35:34 GMT -5
Additionally, if I own the Honda Civic, I know how it's been taken care of mechanically, and I know how it's been driven, which would be carefully by me. I also know "I" would not be driving if I was impaired, but you will have no idea if one of the other owners is going to or has been flying while under the influence.
As part of owner of the plane, you would share legal responsibility in case of an accident whether in the air or on the ground. Do you have the ability to insure yourself for any and all contingencies? Maybe even to the detriment of your wife and children...all for the middle age crisis of flying and being part owner of an airplane.
To the first point, yes, other members would fly it, but they're all aviation engineers (a methodical and careful bunch). Regarding liability, the plane is owned by an LLC and has insurance on top of that. OK, how long as you known the other members?? Just because someone is a physician doesn't mean he's not addicted to drugs or doesn't drink himself stupid every night. And what happens when 2 people just have to take the plane at the same time? Does seniority of ownership win?
on edit: I think Air Streams are cool!
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ArchietheDragon
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Post by ArchietheDragon on Jul 27, 2015 14:39:11 GMT -5
Man, can you believe the luck that right when you become interested in flying a once in a lifetime opportunity comes up to buy a plane. If you only had a few more months to make sure it was right for you. Hi Archie,
I appreciate the tongue in cheek response, but statistally, this really is a rare (if not once in a lifetime) opportunity to get into the exact plane that i want long term, that the other members rarely fly, at the airport i want, with a new engine and interior, and meticulous maintenance.
It really is the perfect situation *for me*. For other pilots, it's not necessarily perfect, but for me, it hits all the needs and has virtually no disadvantages and tons of upside. If we pass on this, I'll either spend 60K more 3 years from now (have to buy my own without partners) or i'll have a much less capable and nice plane.
If we pass, then i at least want them to consider adding me as a 5th member in a couple of years, or keeping me on speed dial if one of the others leaves the partnership.
You are the one doing the research, not me. Just an interesting coincidence, that's all.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jul 27, 2015 16:11:38 GMT -5
So, my family knows that when i get something in my head, i research and work towards it pretty incessantly until I've gotten or done it.
Current situation:
DW and I (just north of 40) make very good $$. Retirement on track, college funds on track, cars paid for, etc. Only debt is RE debt for our rentals and our main house.
We want to spend a boatload of money in the next two years to expand out house (from 2500 to 4000) to match the neighborhood and be the house we want to live in. We're also going to build a separate garage/workshop with a rental apartment above it to bring in some rental income.
We've agree that we have to build the separate building first so that we can move us/our stuff into it when we expand our main home.
My wife is very interested in the house getting done, and sees the garage getting done as a "gift to me". (it is) that has to happen before she can get what she wants, the new house.
_________________________
So, I've decided to become a pilot and have started researching, checking stuff out, reading the internet incessantly, etc (my one track mind stuff at the top of this post).
and unfortunately, i stumbled across a "too good to miss, and won't show up again" opportunity to buy a share of a plane.
Background/context: Plane is of a type that would be great for family trips and is my ideal brand/feature/condition/model. Good room/cargo, brand new engine (the most expensive thing that you need on a plane) Current partners seem great, but rarely fly, so for buying the share, you'd get a lot of options for when you want to fly.
Finances: Plane is 18K (for 1/4 of it), plus you pay 100/month (covers insurance and storage) and 175/hr to fly (covers fuel, annual inspection, other maintenance)
Plane is worth about $25k/share.
This type of opportunity won't come up often, so if we pass on this and decide to buy one in 3-5 years, we'd probably have to buy our own.
OK,
agree with my wife and shoot me down. Some thoughts. Would you rent an apartment above someone's wood shop with howling surface planers or auto shop where they are running air compressors and impact wrenches? And, as a landlord, will you insulate the heck out of the building and put in other sound abatement features to make an over the garage apartment habitable? And will you limit your hobby activites so they aren't an annoyance to your tenant? Ownership in an airplane sounds great. But it's a significant ongoing expense. You've got hanger rental, a variety of ongoing inspections, maintenance costs, and insurance. And, are you ready to deal with the issues of having partners? Younger brother had an interest in a flying club. He'd reserve the plane, go out to the airport, and find the hanger empty. Either someone was delayed returning the plane or they decided to make a quick recreational flight without checking the reservation log. And, you'll have to have an agreement with your partners that they can't use the plane while it's sitting on an airport 300 miles away for a week or so while you're on vacation. And when you are no longer interested in flying yourself, will you be able to sell your interest in the plane and get out from under the financial obligations? Selling a time share is easy peazy compared to selling an interest in an airplane (it took DB over three years). Some other options that you might consider. Rent an airplane from a flight school when you want to fly. Or, charter flights when you want to travel.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jul 27, 2015 16:46:29 GMT -5
25K and the cost of fuel/maintenance on your own plane buys a LOT of commercial plane tickets! Have you ever flown commercial? It's like being punched in the stomach and then having your polyps checked.
I do fly commercial for work, i'd love to stop flying commercial for family trips within 4-5 states.
(we'd still fly to Hawaii, but anything west coast would be fair game).
Have you flown in a small plane various places? My one trip I don't remember being all that comfy nor was the quick small plane flight with a friend who got his pilot's license. I've also flown smaller aircraft in the British Virgin Islands and actually from a college airport to O'Hare. (Not recommended. Scary to see how small the plane is compared to commercial planes I usually flew. )
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whoami
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Post by whoami on Jul 27, 2015 16:54:53 GMT -5
LOL Austin is about 4 hours from here, or a 45 minute flight. It still takes about the same amount of time going to the airport, waiting around blah blah....sometimes I fly because Im feeling lazy but when its all said and done, I don't save that much time by flying. There is prep that needs to be done to an airplane before you take off in it. Its not like hopping in the car and leaving. We have flown numerous times from San Diego to Catalina island and while the flight isnt all that long, it seemed like the whole thing took at least half a day and was a total PITA. Sorry to hear that. It depends on how you manage logistics. In this group, they use a shared calendar to book times, so you'd log in before you went to the airport and the airplane is kept full of fuel. So you show up, preflight it, taxi and then go. Shouldn't take more than 15 minutes to be in the air, unless you're waiting for planes ahead of you.
Renting planes would be like that, go there, finish "checking out" the plane, then do preflight/etc.
Yeah Im well aware of how GA works. We/DH have been members of a flying club for nearly 30 years. My husband is a meticulous pilot who doesnt want to kill his family or himself. He looks at the log, files a flight plan, inpects the airplane etc. It takes longer than 15 minutes. You are going to do whatever you want, but Im telling you whatever value you think you are going to get out of this is a pipe dream. DH is a CFI (which he no longer does but keeps up the cert) and the vast majority of people who start training never finish. I would never buy an airplane before I had the license....and no offense, but I wouldnt get into an airplane with someone with so few hours and no way in hell would I let my kids fly in an airplane with so few hours. No way do you have enough experience to handle an emergency and I wouldnt risk myself or my children. My husband has nearly 18,000 hours and he still practices emergency procedures etc for both GA and the 737. So do all of the other pilots I know.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jul 27, 2015 16:56:38 GMT -5
Is this the new mid-life crisis thing to do? I just had this same conversation with my brother. Increase your life insurance as high as you can so when you die your wife can get the house done. Don't you watch the news? There was just that small plane crash where the grandparents burned to death in their plane. oh, and yes. I work my ass off and have only really done stuff for financial benefit and my duties. this would be something for me, that would also benefit the family.
for example, around Seattle, there are a LOT of cool things to do/see/go that are 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours+ in the car.
I think a newer, better deal will manifest in the future AFTER you get your pilot's license if you still want to pursue fractional plane ownership. There are companies that specialize in that. Get the pilot's license first, let this opportunity go to someone else. JMO. FWIW.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2015 17:03:20 GMT -5
You said you haven't met the current owners, but now say " The current partners seem like a great bunch"
Of course they seem like a great bunch, even though you haven't met them, they have something they want to sell to you....ever met a used car salesman or an insurance salesman that wasn't a great guy?
Whoami said it correctly, you're going to do what you want and what you want is to be able to say you own an airplane.
Good luck, so go for it!
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TheHaitian
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Post by TheHaitian on Jul 27, 2015 17:09:08 GMT -5
Get your license first... And if that is something you are still interested in after getting your license and certifications you are RICH, just buy your own damn plan!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2015 17:14:50 GMT -5
Get your license first... And if that is something you are still interested in after getting your license and certifications you are RICH, just buy your own damn plan! Seriously, how much would it suck if a year from now you don't have a license for whatever reason, yet you're part owner in a plane you can't fly and responsible for all it's upkeep?
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Jul 27, 2015 18:10:56 GMT -5
OK, how about this: Start taking your lessons, take all the flight physicals and finally get your license. If you really enjoy flying then, start by renting some Cessna type planes. Find out what makes and models you like, what you like or dislike about the features of each plane. Talk to other pilots and get their take on makes and models along with fractional ownership, both good and bad. During this time, keep racking up those flight hours and consider whether you want go for your instrument qualification.
Considering you have no knowledge of flying or airplanes, I don't see how you can make an intelligent decision on something you can't even fly.
Also during this time, start the construction on your garage and place to live. If financially you can handle both expenditures, there is no reason you and your wife both can't have what you're wanting
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weltschmerz
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Post by weltschmerz on Jul 27, 2015 18:12:51 GMT -5
So, my family knows that when i get something in my head, i research and work towards it pretty incessantly until I've gotten or done it.
Current situation:
DW and I (just north of 40) make very good $$. Retirement on track, college funds on track, cars paid for, etc. Only debt is RE debt for our rentals and our main house.
We want to spend a boatload of money in the next two years to expand out house (from 2500 to 4000) to match the neighborhood and be the house we want to live in. We're also going to build a separate garage/workshop with a rental apartment above it to bring in some rental income.
We've agree that we have to build the separate building first so that we can move us/our stuff into it when we expand our main home.
My wife is very interested in the house getting done, and sees the garage getting done as a "gift to me". (it is) that has to happen before she can get what she wants, the new house.
_________________________
So, I've decided to become a pilot and have started researching, checking stuff out, reading the internet incessantly, etc (my one track mind stuff at the top of this post).
and unfortunately, i stumbled across a "too good to miss, and won't show up again" opportunity to buy a share of a plane.
Background/context: Plane is of a type that would be great for family trips and is my ideal brand/feature/condition/model. Good room/cargo, brand new engine (the most expensive thing that you need on a plane) Current partners seem great, but rarely fly, so for buying the share, you'd get a lot of options for when you want to fly.
Finances: Plane is 18K (for 1/4 of it), plus you pay 100/month (covers insurance and storage) and 175/hr to fly (covers fuel, annual inspection, other maintenance)
Plane is worth about $25k/share.
This type of opportunity won't come up often, so if we pass on this and decide to buy one in 3-5 years, we'd probably have to buy our own.
OK,
agree with my wife and shoot me down. A 4,000 sf out house? That must be some out house!!
Anyway, if you can afford it, go for it. When you're lying on your deathbed, what will you regret? "I should have built that garage"? No. "I should have bought that plane"? Probably.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jul 27, 2015 22:02:06 GMT -5
Have you ever flown commercial? It's like being punched in the stomach and then having your polyps checked.
I do fly commercial for work, i'd love to stop flying commercial for family trips within 4-5 states.
(we'd still fly to Hawaii, but anything west coast would be fair game).
Have you flown in a small plane various places? My one trip I don't remember being all that comfy nor was the quick small plane flight with a friend who got his pilot's license. I've also flown smaller aircraft in the British Virgin Islands and actually from a college airport to O'Hare. (Not recommended. Scary to see how small the plane is compared to commercial planes I usually flew. )
Small planes don't bother me, since you usually have to fly them to get to the really interesting places. I like it when the pilot is in shorts and we all eat snacks out of Tupperware. But I did get a kick out of the landing strip in Africa where we had to clear the herd of Zebra off the strip before we could take off.
Wait, this isn't helping the thread. Um, small planes are BAD. Bad, I tell you.
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taz157
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Post by taz157 on Jul 28, 2015 7:24:32 GMT -5
For a relatively new hobby and no license, I would NOT buy the interest. Way too much money for a new hobby.
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The Captain
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Post by The Captain on Jul 28, 2015 8:53:10 GMT -5
Have you started taking flying lessons? Are your wife and kids even interested in going on trips with you as the pilot? (I would never - too many stories on the news about small planes going down with families in them). Would you use it enough to take advantage? $18k plus $1200/year and 175/flying hour is a lot of money - would you use it the plane enough to make that money worth it versus just buying plane tickets when going on trips? Let's turn this on it's head.
would you rather own an airplane, or a Honda civic... purchase and montly costs are the same. operating costs are obviously different.
Ps, meant to tag The Captain in this thread
Ok, I've only read until this point (sorry - was offline yesterday!). You will log thousands of more hours in the civic. So yea, I'd go for the civic. Much more use per dollar (this is YM after all ). As far as the "Once in a lifetime" opportunity - I find these come alone far more frequently than we realize. I mean, would you have stumbled across it if you weren't looking? Of course not. Like you, I've dreamed of getting a pilot's license. I've done some research these past few months and have found that both the cost and time commitment aren't something I can handle right now. DH and I want to do some major renovations in the house (gut job and moving walls for a whole new kitchen, master bath, refinish the basement, and add a sunroom). Can't speak for you, but if I had money to burn, yea - I'd go for it. BUT - we don't, and (sorry dude - you did tag me ) I can't put my personal wants ahead of what would benefit the family. So, it's very likely that by the time I'm able to go for it financially I'll probably be in my mid 50's. Don't know if that's too old or not but I guess I'll find out. So, if it were you and me in a bar having a beer, yea - I'd try to talk you out of it (for now).
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
Senior Associate
"How you win matters." Ender, Ender's Game
Joined: Jan 2, 2011 13:33:09 GMT -5
Posts: 11,291
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jul 28, 2015 10:52:09 GMT -5
Is this the new mid-life crisis thing to do? I just had this same conversation with my brother. Increase your life insurance as high as you can so when you die your wife can get the house done. Don't you watch the news? There was just that small plane crash where the grandparents burned to death in their plane. oh, and yes. I work my ass off and have only really done stuff for financial benefit and my duties. this would be something for me, that would also benefit the family.
for example, around Seattle, there are a LOT of cool things to do/see/go that are 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours+ in the car.
Which then require you to rent a car once you land to do/see/go to those cool things? Add in rental car costs to your numbers.
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Post by mojothehelpermonkey on Jul 28, 2015 18:54:22 GMT -5
oh, and yes. I work my ass off and have only really done stuff for financial benefit and my duties. this would be something for me, that would also benefit the family.
for example, around Seattle, there are a LOT of cool things to do/see/go that are 30 minutes by plane or 4 hours+ in the car.
LOL Austin is about 4 hours from here, or a 45 minute flight. It still takes about the same amount of time going to the airport, waiting around blah blah....sometimes I fly because Im feeling lazy but when its all said and done, I don't save that much time by flying. There is prep that needs to be done to an airplane before you take off in it. Its not like hopping in the car and leaving. We have flown numerous times from San Diego to Catalina island and while the flight isnt all that long, it seemed like the whole thing took at least half a day and was a total PITA. Wow! I drove from San Diego to Dana Point and then took the ferry to Catalina. We had a discount on the ferry tickets, so it was around $100 for two people, round trip. The total time in transit from leaving San Diego to arriving in Catalina was still less than half a day. Take my advice with a grain of salt, but the only time I would ever advise someone to buy a plane would be if they lived in Alaska.
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whoami
Well-Known Member
Joined: Jan 8, 2011 12:43:49 GMT -5
Posts: 1,292
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Post by whoami on Jul 28, 2015 21:25:13 GMT -5
LOL Austin is about 4 hours from here, or a 45 minute flight. It still takes about the same amount of time going to the airport, waiting around blah blah....sometimes I fly because Im feeling lazy but when its all said and done, I don't save that much time by flying. There is prep that needs to be done to an airplane before you take off in it. Its not like hopping in the car and leaving. We have flown numerous times from San Diego to Catalina island and while the flight isnt all that long, it seemed like the whole thing took at least half a day and was a total PITA. Wow! I drove from San Diego to Dana Point and then took the ferry to Catalina. We had a discount on the ferry tickets, so it was around $100 for two people, round trip. The total time in transit from leaving San Diego to arriving in Catalina was still less than half a day. Take my advice with a grain of salt, but the only time I would ever advise someone to buy a plane would be if they lived in Alaska. The airport on Catalina is in the middle of the island. It takes time to secure the airplane and all that. We used to take the bus to Avalon It took a while. Now we fly to LAX take a cab to Long Beach and take the ferry.
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