The obvious question you should ask first is how much do you plan to fly. Most experts advise that if you don’t fly at least 10 hours a month you are better of renting or join some kind or shared ownership arrangement.
When I bought my airplane I had made the assumption that my son would be flying it those 10 hours month or more. Well, those plans didn’t work out the way I thought they would.
So, these are my costs.
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The cost of the airplane was $180,000
My ongoing fixed annual expenses $22,447.43 This airplane is tied down outside at $55 a month . If I were able to find hanger space it would run $500 to $2,000 in my area. The $500 is your basic shared you can park here. The $2,000 space is an air conditioned 30X40 space you can call your own. Good luck finding hanger space these days.
My variable per hour expenses are actually fairly inexpensive at $45 an hour.
My initial plan would have put my cost per hour at $232 per hour. The reality is it’s cost me $686 per hour to fly since my time flying has been closer to 3 hours per month.
Are you tired of paying at least $130.00 an hour to rent airplanes that are older than you are?
Would you like to fly an airplane with modern glass avionics and autopilot?
Does your FBO cancel your rental in favor of their students when their other aircraft are in need of maintenance?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and plan to fly about 5 hours a month or more and just want to fly an airplane with modern avionics so you can see and avoid the other airplanes in the crowded Arizona airspace you should join the club.
I bought this airplane for my son so he could build time and pursue advanced ratings without the hassles he had getting his private license. The airplanes he was renting were built over 50 years ago with over 10,000 hours on them. His lessons were getting cancelled close to one third of the time for maintenance issues. Another third of the time his lessons were cancelled for other students who needed the one working plane for a checkride. And the biggest reason I bought this plane. Can you put a value on the lives of your loved ones? As much as I can reduce the risks of flying by having a low time airplane with modern avionics and an autopilot, that’s what I did.
Now, I want to share this airplane with others by starting a club for my friends, coworkers and their kids that have a love of aviation and want to reduce as many risks of flying a general aviation aircraft for a reasonable cost. The club will have a minimum of 5 members and a maximum of 12 members.
The club airplane is a Vashon Ranger R7 Cascade Model tied down at Casa Grande, AZ. (On the waitlist for a tie down at Chandler). The Ranger is a two place single engine SLSA high wing airplane. As of today it has less than 100 hrs TT on the engine and the airframe and came out of the factory in 2023.
The advantages of an SLSA:
Flying a Light-Sport Aircraft (LSA)—specifically a Special Light-Sport Aircraft (SLSA)—comes with several advantages, making it an attractive option for pilots, flight schools, and recreational aviators. Here are the key benefits:
1. Lower Certification & Medical Requirements
Sport Pilot License: You can fly an SLSA with just a Sport Pilot Certificate, which requires fewer flight hours (minimum 20 hours) than a Private Pilot License (PPL).
Driver’s License Medical: Instead of an FAA medical exam or Basic Med, you can use a valid state driver’s license as medical qualification (if you don’t have any disqualifying conditions).
2. Lower Operating Costs
Fuel Efficiency: The Ranger has a Continental O-200-D. Average fuel burn 6 GPH
Lower Maintenance Costs: Simpler systems and fewer components mean lower maintenance expenses compared to certified GA aircraft.
Lower Insurance Costs: Insurance premiums for SLSAs are typically cheaper than for traditional GA planes.
3. Modern Avionics & Technology
Many SLSAs come equipped with glass cockpits (Garmin G3X, Dynon, etc.), ADS-B In/Out, and advanced autopilot systems—features usually found in much more expensive aircraft. This plane has Dynon SkyView Avionics.
4. Ease of Training & Handling, Lightweight & Simple Controls:
Lightweight & Simple Controls: SLSAs are designed to be easy to fly, making them great for new pilots.
Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL) Capability: Many models can operate from short runways, increasing accessibility to smaller airfields.
5. Faster & More Fun Than Ultralights
While ultralights are limited in speed and passenger capacity, SLSAs can cruise at 100–120 knots and carry two people, making them more practical for cross-country flights.
6. No Need for an FAA Type Rating
Unlike some Experimental or complex aircraft, SLSAs don’t require additional endorsements (like a high-performance or complex rating) for most models.
7. Factory-Built & Ready to Fly
Unlike Experimental-Amateur Built (E-AB) aircraft, SLSAs are fully assembled and certified by the manufacturer, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with ASTM standards.
8. Versatile Use Cases
Flight Training: Many flight schools use SLSAs because they’re cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Recreational Flying: Perfect for weekend trips, sightseeing, and short cross-country flights.
9. Lower Regulatory Burden
SLSAs are certified under ASTM standards rather than strict FAA Part 23 rules, allowing for faster innovation and updates from manufacturers.
10. Potential Drawbacks to Consider
Weight & Payload Limits: Max takeoff weight is 1,320 lbs, limiting baggage and passenger weight. N363VR 400 pound useful load..
No IFR Certification (in most cases): N363VR is IFR equipped but may not be flown in IMC.
Limited to Day VFR (unless equipped for night flight). N363VR is equipped for night flight.
11. Best Uses for an SLSA:
Sport flying & training
Short cross-country trips
Aerial photography
Scenic flights
Backcountry adventures
Best Reasons to Join:
If you want an affordable, modern, and easy-to-fly aircraft without the hassle of a medical exam or high operating costs, an SLSA is a fantastic choice—especially for recreational pilots, flight schools, and adventure
The Cascade is based on the highly successful Redwood model and includes all standard items and upgrades. The additional avionics feature the Avidyne IFD440 (GPS/MFD/COM/NAV), Avidyne AMX240 audio panel, GPS/COM/NAV antennas, etc.
Avionics
Dual 10” SkyView HDX Displays with Backup Battery
Avidyne IFD440 (GPS/MFD/COM/NAV) Garmin shown in picture.
Avidyne AMX240 audio panel (P.S. Engineering shown in picture).
GPS/COM/NAV antennas
Primary Flight Instruments
Outside Air Temperature
Angle of Attack
Engine Monitoring
Navigation and Mapping
SkyView Two-Axis Autopilot
SkyView Mode S Transponder with 2020-Compliant ADS-B Out/In
SkyView COM Radio
Avidyne 2 Place Intercom and Bluetooth Phone Connection.
SkyView Autopilot Control Panel with Level Button
SkyView Wi-Fi Adapter
The club is currently in formation and looking for Founding Members.
Initially membership is being offered to AWA pilots and their families with at least a Sport Pilot’s License. The airplane can either be leased or if enough people decide they would rather be an equity club vs a non equity club that is possible as well. The number of members to make this possible will be at least 5 and no more than 12. The club has a CFI that will provide member checkouts and pilot proficiency checks as a part of membership.
