Buying and Owning Your Own Airplane

The new Fourth Edition of James E. Ellis' handy and comprehensive guide is now available in eBook format. If you've been flirting with the idea of purchasing a private plane, this book provides key assistance toward helping you make that dream become a reality.

Buying an airplane isn't an easy task, but it doesn't have to be difficult, either. Author Jim Ellis goes over all the information and special considerations for buying your own airplane, including selecting partners and home fields, negotiating sales contracts, and maintaining and upgrading your treasured bird. Learn how to manage the paperwork involved with airplane purchases, obtain insurance coverage, and make smart buys through reviewing projections for long-term trends in the aviation industry. Pertinent internet references are also included to assist readers in finding the right aircraft and guidance through the purchase process.

Includes comprehensive coverage of what first-time owners should consider, with analyses of popular planes, and an examination of complex single-engine aircraft. This new-edition eBook features full-color images, updated pricing and production details, and new chapters for light-sport aircraft (LSA), the glass cockpit revolution, as well as glass panel upgrades and alternatives.

James E. Ellis: James E. Ellis is a retired Air Force Reserve lieutenant colonel and systems engineering manager who formerly supported Air Force programs at Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts. With over 2,800 flying hours logged, he holds a single-engine commercial land and sea license with an instrument rating plus a commercial hot air balloon rating. He has flown nearly 300 different aircraft including the Piper Cub, most of the Piper Cherokee series and most Cessna single-engine aircraft, as well as new types including the Lancair Columbia, the Cirrus SR20 and SR22, the Diamond DA-40, and more than a dozen different Light Sport Aircraft. He has owned and flown a Cherokee 180 for 38 years. He conducts EAA Young Eagles flights to inspire a new generation of pilots. Now retired from hot air ballooning after flying balloons for more than 25 years, he has flown hot air balloons at festivals in the U.S., Canada, France and New Zealand. He also lectures, writes for a monthly aviation newspaper, and serves on the Aero Club of New England Cabot Award selection committee.