Airplane

There always are plenty of airplanes for sale. When the economy is good, everyone wants to buy an airplane. When the economy is bad, everyone wants to sell an airplane. And at all times people want a different size airplane.

Before you put down any money, it might be a good idea to learn how to buy an airplane.

You can find airplanes for sale online. Aircraft Shopper Online (ASO) is a popular site. Other sites are Airplane Trader and Controller. You’ll find aircraft for sale by owners, aircraft dealers and aircraft brokers. If it flies, someone has one for sale.

There are more than just airplanes for sale online. Airplane parts also are for sale. People even have airplane tools for sale. I bet you weren’t thinking about those.

Not ready to buy? You can gain entry to the heavens by searching for aircraft for lease instead of airplanes for sale.

How about an aircraft for fractional ownership? You can own a share of an airplane and the right to use it a certain number of hours each year. That may meet your needs at a fraction of the costs.

If you own an airplane, you can swap or trade. The alternatives to airplanes for sale are like the alternatives for other vehicles for sale.

What do airplanes for sale cost? As you can imagine, the range is huge. At the low end, you can pick up a piston single plane (that’s one with a single propeller) from the 1960s for about $60,000. At the high end, you can expect to write a check for almost $50 million for a Bombardier Global Express XRS business jet. OK, maybe a turboprop is more your speed.

If these airplanes for sale sound a bit pricey, consider charter aircraft with air charter services. No fuss, no muss. You can do it with a credit card.

There also are antique aircraft and classic airplanes for sale. These also are known as vintage aircraft.

If you live in Alaska you can buy an amphibious floatplane or a seaplane, whatever you want to call it.

Yes, aircraft financing is available for those who qualify. As the saying goes, if you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.

Don’t forget about pilot training. If you plan to fly your airplane you are going to have to be certified by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). You will obtain an airman certificate.

You’ll also need aviation insurance. No, it’s not cheap.

You might want to join an aircraft partnership and share ownership and periodic use of an airplane.

There are experimental and homebuilt airplanes for sale. Be careful and make sure you know what you are doing. They’re called experimental aircraft for a reason. Maybe you can start with an ultralight.

If you are old-fashioned you might want to get a hot air balloon. But that’s another Web site.

There also are airplanes for sale at aviation auctions. You can find everything from collectibles to foreclosures.

Once you buy a plane, remember to join the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Then you’ll be one of the cool kids.