Reflections on Aircraft Ownership: The First 100 Hours

Having just crossed 100 hours of aircraft ownership - in my first bird - I wanted to capture some of the thinking, motivation and decision points that went in before I pulled the trigger.

I talk a bit about the plane and why I decided on it but I don't go into many details. If you're interested please consider subscribing as I am planning a "review series" of videos for the Lancair Legacy RG - all the things that I would have loved to have known before pulling the trigger - performance, capabilities, what she does well, what she doesn't do well. Stay tuned!

[steve_neuser]

OUTSTANDING video & what a GORGEOUS aircraft...CONGRATULATIONS! I'm on the verge of buying another aircraft, (something fast for cross-country) after having owned an experimental Acrosport 2 Biplane twenty years ago. Just like in your video, the best piece of advice I got from other aircraft owners back then was: "So what are you actually going to DO with the airplane?" Another buddy told me, 'Yeah, it's not cheap, but in 100 years, it won't matter!" Life is short, treasure every day, for tomorrow may not come. THANKS for the perspective & taking us along on your adventure!

[WilliamsWings]

Great video! Just bought my first airplaine 90 days ago!

[dwb]

Beautiful plane, hope you’re still enjoying it.

[robertvasquez]

Glad you are happy with your purchase despite the costs. Safe flying!

[aldohattonduran]

Excelente excelente plane 🛬🛩️🇺🇸👍 congrats 👏🏼

[cinnamanstera]

Awesome, well thought out and balanced video.
I love to see GA content from the True North Strong and Free. Keep it up!

[ericmcgrew]

Kurt, The timing of watching your video today could not have been more fortuitous and spot on. As I listened to you examine and evaluate the ownership considerations, I felt that you were articulating everything that’s been going on in my head relative to the same considerations. I abandoned the potential of purchasing a Cessna or a Piper many months ago, leaning toward a Trinidad TB 20, and then a Commander 114 B. Then, I began researching Columbia 350s and 400s, these, of course, being progeny of Lancair. I found your rationale and logic to be superb. Considering your thoughts echoed mine, how could I think otherwise.😊 I sincerely appreciate the time you had taken to put this valuable video together.

[jayalaska]

Cool story. I like the way you think. You went straight for a Lancair for your first plane, that's a bold move.

[WolfandCatUnite]

Best ownership video I have seen. information provided that other videos don't cover, such as subscriptions. I love your approach to covering distance with economy. Also, your attention to detail in maintaining a reliable and capable aircraft. Mostly, your video is free of ego. Thank you for a video with out narcissism. You have great empathy for pilots at all levels of experience and situation. Sorry, a lot of thought for one video. Beautiful plane.

[CAROLUSPRIMA]

I’m not a pilot. I never expect or intend to be one. I have something approaching a phobia of flying.

Therefore, my “mission” (believe it or not) is to watch excellent YouTube shows about planes and flying such as this one. Thanks for allowing me to accomplish this.

[juteint]

This kind of challenge is worth every penny.learning and .sharing

[ryanwalters]

Awesome video. Super informative. Tailwinds to you and your beautiful ship sir!!

[DWBurns]

You have a beautiful plane.
My wife and I have been deep in fractional ownership airline operations for over 20 years. We have a daughter, she said ‘My parents work for insert airline name and I have never flown’.
As a kid we had an Arrow II my dad used in his law practice but we took it on vacation and at the time $50 hamburgers. I lost my medical but my wife is a pilot with over 200 hours in Arrows. I found one I liked bought it and it is in annual now.
I am the experienced pilot but my wife, daughter and future son in law will be flying it so it had to be as safe as I could get. Nothing could beat a Piper, s-i-l and I are big guys so we need the most HP we can get.
I learned in a 150, the kids will learn in a 172 but they will fly the Arrow once they get their license. They are already fighting who gets copilot, so I think the family likes the new toy. I think my s-I-l and I will either go for something real fast or a flying Jeep once he gets licensed. The girls have mentioned how much better the Arrow flys with just them in it so I think we are being chased off.

[christaylor]

As an almost-qualified pilot I am starting to think about all the issues you cover so this is really helpful. Also your delivery style is so refreshing compared to a lot of video makers who seem to think they are the next big social media/TV personality. You are calm and considered just like a serious pilot should be! Very envious of your Lancair, a beautiful and very capable aircraft that is one of those featured on my current wish list. Fly safe!

[dwaynedwayne]

I started flying 20 years ago. I can't even afford to rent anymore much less buy. Gas hike in 2004 pretty much ended my flying when it doubled or tripled rental cost. Your plane would be the one I would buy. Always loved the Legacy and i'm super jealous! Very nice plane you have.

[JoshuaHambyOfficial]

Awesome. Thanks for the video. Reminds me of what we have when we're airborne.

[quinnjim]

That is a gorgeous airplane! I'm in the process of buying my next airplane. Just lost $900 on a pre buy on a RV-6. Poor construction and cancellation fees for the money I wired added up. I'm getting sick of traveling all over the country only to find that planes aren't in good shape or that there are serious problems. Buying and selling these things isn't fun. It's worth it in the end (when you find a good one) though.

[JeffWinters]

I'm 200 hours into ownership and I agree with everything you said. Thanks for sharing. The Legacy is on my shortlist for when I'm ready to move up. Yours is beautiful.

[britishnomad]

Brilliant video... my plane has been hangered for over a decade and now i am thinking of getting it current :) greetings from Sweden

[JonMulveyGuitar]

Excellent clip and great info here! Thanks!