AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2015 - 106

NEWS & NOTES

AVIATION FINANCE

What airplane is right for you?
Big decision for aircraft buyers
BUYING AN AIRCRAFT is a huge decision
for most pilots, but the same rule applies
as for any other purchase you make: Buy
what you need first, not necessarily what
you want.
Start with your logbook and look back
at the kind of flying you have done over
the past 12 months. Is this flying likely to
change much in the next few years? The
answer to that question may be yes if you
are moving, earning your instrument rating, or a family member is joining you in
the purchase. If it's just you, the type of
flying you do may stay the same. Keep
your set budget in mind and plan to spend
that budget based on the pilot you are-
and not the pilot you want to be.
If you are a current airplane owner
looking to make a change, make a list of
the things you don't like about your current airplane that you want to have in
your next. That might be air conditioning, for example. If your family is growing
and that skinny little eight-year-old son is
now a teenager, you are definitely going to

need more room. Maybe as you age, the
ease of getting in and out of your airplane
becomes a consideration. Determine
how many of your wants are must-haves.
Air conditioning may be nice, but your
six-foot, two-inch son no longer fits in

Ask for a realistic appraisal. This is the
time for research. Study the ads, talk to
brokers, talk to other owners-all will help
you reach a decision.
Contact AOPA Aviation Finance to see
what type of loan is available for your finan-

Determine how many of your wants are
must-haves. Air conditioning may be nice,
but your six-foot, two-inch son no longer fits
in the back seat.
the back seat. One is a want and one is a
must-have.
Every aircraft purchase is a bit of a
compromise. As you narrow down your
search to two or three possibilities, talk to
other pilots who are flying those models.
ON THE

WEB

cial profile and aircraft selection. Is there a
match? The goal of AOPA Aviation Finance
is to make it easy for AOPA members to
finance their airplanes. The experienced
team of aviation-savvy loan experts is ready
to discuss your unique situation.

Visit the website (www.aopafinance.com) or call
800-62-PLANE (75263) to determine which loan works
best for you.

CONTACT AOPA
AOPA FOUNDATION
ADDRESS CHANGE?

Send your new address and AOPA
membership number to AOPA:
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, Maryland 21701-4798
Fax: 301-695-2375
www.aopa.org
TOLL-FREE PILOT
INFORMATION CENTER

800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)
www.aopa.org

AOPA AIRCRAFT INSURANCE

AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE

AOPA AIRCRAFT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

AOPA CREDIT CARD PROGRAM

AOPA PILOT PROTECTION SERVICES

AOPA AIRCRAFT FINANCING

AOPA RENTAL CAR PROGRAM

800-955-9115
www.aopafoundation.org
800-638-3101
www.airsafetyinstitute.org
800-523-7666
www.aopa.org/creditcard
800-627-5263
www.aopafinance.com

800-622-AOPA (622-2672)
www.aopainsurance.org
800-622-AOPA (622-2672)
www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership
800-USA-AOPA (872-2672)
www.aopa.org/pps
866-315-9155
www.aopa.org/cars

AOPA PILOT INFORMATION CENTER HOURS

Do you have questions or need information about an aviation topic? Access the team of aviation experts in our Pilot Information Center
during our convenient weekday hours. Call 800-USA-AOPA (872-2672) Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Eastern time, with
your questions and our staff will be happy to assist you.
WEB Visit the website (www.aopa.org/aopapremier) to learn about upgrading to the AOPA Premier membership.

106 | AOPA PILOT April 2015

http://www.aopafinance.com http://www.aopafinance.com http://www.aopafoundation.org http://www.aopainsurance.org http://www.airsafetyinstitute.org http://www.aopa.org/aircraftpartnership http://www.aopa.org http://www.aopa.org/creditcard http://www.aopa.org/pps http://www.aopafinance.com http://www.aopa.org/cars http://www.aopa.org http://www.aopa.org/aopapremier

AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - April 2015