A question about assessing a ramp queen for purchase (disassembly of the wings...)

[Airmutt]

I use understand your concern about the wing AD but I think you need to get some basic info. Some of which impacts the spar AD.........
What year is this airframe?
What is the AFTT?
When was is last flown?
Why was it parked?
Are all the log available?
Do understand and have a list of all the outstanding service bulletins and ADs that need to be incorporated?
When was the engine last majored?
Have you borescoped the cylinders?
What do the engine logs indicate or tell you?
Do you have an A&P in hand who is willing to work with you?
Do you have the necessary shop space?
Do you have the necessary tooling on hand?
Do you really have the skills to pull this off?
Do you have the time to invest to get this project completed?
Do you realize that almost every system on this plane will need to be gone through and most likely require a rebuild or replacement?
Have you and or your A&P inspected the airframe for corrosion?
Do you really have a handle on the cost of replacement parts in today’s market?
Have you done a balance sheet for the project?
Do you have the financial resources?
Are you married, and if yes, is she OK with what you’re about to undertake?

The above is just a short list. Yes any airplane can be brought back from the dead given enough time, money and determination. It’s tough to separate the emotion & passion from reality. Not trying to rain on your parade but just want you to fully understand the complexity of the task you are contemplating.

[CHICAGORANDY]

Sounds to me like IF the above excellent beginner checklist is answered and acceptable to you and IF it indeed is a $1000 project starter abandoned plane then have a ball.

I read enough 'money pit' stories from pilot-owners of used planes bought in flying condition to be too timid to buy one that doesn't even start there.

[rwanttaja]

Sounds to me like IF the above excellent beginner checklist is answered and acceptable to you and IF it indeed is a $1000 project starter abandoned plane then have a ball.

I read enough 'money pit' stories from pilot-owners of used planes bought in flying condition to be too timid to buy one that doesn't even start there.

I don't disagree with you, but.... I think the OP's estimate of $6,000 to get a $1,000 airplane flying is WAY optimistic. In all likelihood, after the airplane is restored, just the first annual inspection will probably run about half that.

On the other hand, $1,000 is basically nothing in aviation. If the OP determines the plane cannot be economically brought back to flying condition, he can get much of his money back by parting out the airplane.

Ron Wanttaja

[Sam Buchanan]

The salvage yards have more scrapped Cherokees than they know what to do with............................

[Bill Berson]

That's because the cost and hassle of General Aviation has exceeded the value.

[JBlack]

That's because the cost and hassle of General Aviation has exceeded the value.

That just about sums it all up.
It's mostly beyond reach for most pilot wannabees.

[CHICAGORANDY]

"

I would STRONGLY recommend that you walk away! "

More like run away or jump into a fast car and drive away. lol

[BrianS]

I don't disagree with you, but.... I think the OP's estimate of $6,000 to get a $1,000 airplane flying is WAY optimistic. In all likelihood, after the airplane is restored, just the first annual inspection will probably run about half that.

Totally agree - but the $6000 wasn't just an estimate pulled out of thin air, it's based on a very specific and lucky anecdote: http://www.thisoldcherokee.com/

YMMV, but we can all dream...

[CAVU Mark]

Everyone needs a hobby and hobbies only need to be enjoyable. Once you put a price on it, it no longer becomes a hobby or passion, as so many of us describe ourselves. Remember money doesn't spend itself.

[L16 Pilot]

Slightly off the subject but I'm always amazed at folks who will buy a fine piece of machinery (airplane) and then tie it down outside and let the weather and sun beat it to death. Often they apparently lose interest in the subject and it sits on the ramp or in the weeds for years and never touched. I can think of several right now. My father in law who was a good farmer never left his machinery outside. Once it was done for the season it was cleaned up and put away under shelter. I was just looking at a Cessna 150 yesterday that I don't believe has been moved for 10 years.