VC10er From United States of America, joined Feb 2007, 1877 posts, RR: 9 Posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 11383 times:
Or any other unwanted bird?
If I ever really wanted a commercial aircraft (like John Travolta) fix it up, make it airworthy and paint it the way I wanted and flew it all around the world (let's say I'm a multi-multi millioaire) what would it take and what would be the best old model to go for? I love an L-1011 but I'd be happy with a 747-100 or a DC-10 or even, dare I say a VC10! Where would I start?
Lexy From United States of America, joined Jun 2006, 2345 posts, RR: 10 Reply 1, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 11355 times:
Boneyards.
L-1011 would mean you could start in ROW and go from there. You won't get one for less than $100,000 though. Everything depends how intact the airplane is, age, cycles, etc. It's not a very easy thing for just a one man operation to undertake. I would try to solicit for a co-investor or something along those lines.
474218 From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 6340 posts, RR: 9 Reply 2, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11336 times:
You could pick up an L-1011-500 for less than $500,000 but be prepared to pay $1.5 to $4 million for an D-Check and engine overhauls.
Cchan From New Zealand, joined May 2003, 1491 posts, RR: 2 Reply 3, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11317 times:
Quoting 474218 (Reply 2): but be prepared to pay $1.5 to $4 million for an D-Check and engine overhauls.
It depends on how airworthy you want your plane to be and where you want to fly it to. A proper maintenance check may not be necessary if you want to risk your (and others') life and only fly to countries which everything can be sorted through a payment to the officials.
VC10er From United States of America, joined Feb 2007, 1877 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11300 times:
Not bad. $500k for an L-1011. Half the price of my apartment.
I'm getting excited!
Beeweel15 From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 1603 posts, RR: 0 Reply 5, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11301 times:
Quoting 474218 (Reply 2): You could pick up an L-1011-500 for less than $500,000 but be prepared to pay $1.5 to $4 million for an D-Check and engine overhauls.
Think I can get a discount if I purchase a couple in a package deal
LAXtoATL From United States of America, joined Oct 2009, 1526 posts, RR: 1 Reply 6, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11209 times:
If you are interested in an L1011, there are many available for purchase. Although I do not know the exact costs, I would assume they would be pretty cheap to purchase. The cost of one would be be roughly the same as its scrap value, which I would assume is a lot less than $100,000. The big problem you would have is restoring it back to airworthiness. Almost all of those planes have been parted out (no avionics, no engines,etc), require extensive maintance, and other costs which would definitely require you being a millionaire if you wanted to get it back in the air safely (or at all).
474218 From United States of America, joined Oct 2005, 6340 posts, RR: 9 Reply 7, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 4 hours ago) and read 11198 times:
Quoting Cchan (Reply 3): It depends on how airworthy you want your plane to be and where you want to fly it to.
413x3 From United States of America, joined Jul 2008, 1983 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 11056 times:
I had no idea Aladia went belly up so fast? And what is a newly painted Delta 767 doing there? Sad to see those sights
SCCutler From United States of America, joined Jan 2000, 4794 posts, RR: 33 Reply 9, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 10999 times:
I hear there's a guy in Scotland, wants all those 1011s for himself...
...three miles from BRONS, clear for the ILS one five approach...
Tommytoyz From United States of America, joined Jan 2007, 581 posts, RR: 2 Reply 10, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 3 hours ago) and read 10953 times:
A few people have built houses from retired airliners. And it can make sense. Use the fuselage as the main abode and the wings as patio and garage roofs or something creative. Should last for hundreds of years in this use - aircraft grade aluminum house structure.
Sandyb123 From UK - Scotland, joined Oct 2007, 718 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 10934 times:
Quoting VC10er (Reply 4): Not bad. $500k for an L-1011. Half the price of my apartment.
Yeah, but that's only the start of the cost. To get a bird like that airworthy and fit it out will cost $$$$$$$$ and then you've got to fuel it, crew it, pay for it to live somewhere, the list goes on.....
Out of interest, why does a New York Graphic designer want to own a L-1011?
Flighty From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 6470 posts, RR: 3 Reply 12, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 6 days 2 hours ago) and read 10878 times:
Quoting Sandyb123 (Reply 11): Out of interest, why does a New York Graphic designer want to own a L-1011?
I believe he said he wants to "paint it the way he wants it and fly it all around the world."
It's certainly doable if you have $5-10-20 million to spend on the project. You could have your very own L-1011 or whatever you like. The Sands L-1011 are probably quite nice.
VC10er From United States of America, joined Feb 2007, 1877 posts, RR: 9 Reply 13, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 17 hours ago) and read 10491 times:
Quoting Sandyb123 (Reply 11): Out of interest, why does a New York Graphic designer want to own a L-1011?
Even though I am 48, deep down inside I am a little boy who loves airplanes. While just a dream (unless i win big in the lottery) I would love to create my own livery and spectacular interior and fly to wherever i wanted, whenever i wanted and bring everyone from airliners.net with me.
Aside from state-of-the-art avionic's and engines etc, I would need a chef, some cute FA's (both sexes) and a few bartenders.
You're all invited. First stop Rio! (I would swing by Glasgow or Edinburgh to pick you up! just have a pot of mince and tatties ready)
(and I would be happy with a 747, DC-10, VC-10 or even a nice old 767)
SEPilot From United States of America, joined Dec 2006, 5853 posts, RR: 39 Reply 14, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 10353 times:
Quoting 413x3 (Reply 8): And what is a newly painted Delta 767 doing there?
Most likely temporary storage due to lowered demand. I doubt that it is going to remain there.
The problem with making things foolproof is that fools are so doggone ingenious...Dan Keebler
JBirdAV8r From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 4381 posts, RR: 23 Reply 16, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 10237 times:
Obviously you're not serious, but here's some more guidance.
Acquisition costs are the tip of the iceberg. Assuming you spend $500k on the jet, a little less on a parts airplane, a heavy check worth more than probably both airplanes, interior outfit, etc., that just gets you a somewhat serviceable airplane.
All that for an airplane you can only land at a handful of airports.
It's a neat thought if you like spending money, but its practicality is absolute zero. Only a very few people have private widebody aircraft and they are all way into the billionaires. And even then it's more of a status symbol than a viable personal aircraft. Most of the richest people in the world use something much, much smaller.
N471wn From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 907 posts, RR: 1 Reply 17, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 9954 times:
Bottom line is that you can buy a 747 stripped and parted out (except for the doors) for the scrap value and that is about $50,000. Then you need a piece of property near by to tow it to and then you tie it down and go to work. I know this as I am going to do it.
Mtaabq From United States of America, joined Oct 2009, 81 posts, RR: 0 Reply 18, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 9841 times:
You know, it's fun to dream. When I read the posting I just had to smile. Who amongst us in this forum or on this website has not, at one time or another, had the same dream? Or similar? I used to think it would be so cool to acquire the old Regent Air B727 and fly my friends around to parties and all the happening hotspots. (I'm seriously dating myself referring to Regent Air!) There is also that incredible B757 in Dallas that the Mavericks charter to fly their team, and I think it seats only 63 pax. I'd load it up with all my co-workers and fly us to our annual convention in style. Call me crazy, silly or downright certifiable. I'm in my mid-40's now -- my reality is a house that has two mortgages, a 1995 Corolla with 200+K miles and two somewhat ungrateful cats. And yet, yet, everyone once in awhile my mind drifts to my "happy place" where I'm in my private plane at 30,000 feet (or higher), being served Maker's Mark and soda by my model-gorgeous cabin crew and headed off somewhere -- ANYWHERE -- away from my current reality. Don't get me wrong -- my life is not at all bad, in fact it's pretty effing good. Dreams are free. You keep dreaming, buddy. I think your dream is awesome.
Revelation From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 7290 posts, RR: 13 Reply 19, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 9816 times:
I've read here and elsewhere that there are some recent airworthiness directives for the L1011 that are very expensive to comply with, and without these being addressed, you aren't flying (legally). As above, many of the expenses will vary with the size of the airplane (and in particular the L1011 will need a 3 person crew), so your fantasy has a more realistic chance of becoming real with a smaller, more modern airplane.
Trojanclipper From United States of America, joined Nov 2008, 63 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 12 hours ago) and read 9273 times:
Why not buy a used plane that's already airworthy? It was reported this last week that The Donald is selling his 727 for something bigger. It is ready to go and is reportedly worth about $4M. That's far less than a new business jet and a lot more room. Just do us all a favor - take the word Trump off the side immediately! LOL.
Warreng24 From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 653 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 9089 times:
Don't forget that you'll need to find a crew that is currently rated to operate that aircraft!
CARST From Germany, joined Jul 2006, 526 posts, RR: 2 Reply 22, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 9028 times:
Buy a Phenom 100...
I know you only get 1-2% of the size of an L1011 and perhaps 20% of the range, but you can perhaps afford it at $3.5 million, fly it on your own (single pilot certified) and take 4 - 5 people with you.
And you can still design a cool livery, you just have to downsize it a little bit from the L1011.
Flighty From United States of America, joined Apr 2007, 6470 posts, RR: 3 Reply 23, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 8701 times:
Or, how about this... They probably wouldn't be interested, but you could CHARTER a widebody like the Sands L1011s, or even a DC-8 for several days or weeks. You could have a lot of fun and a widebody VIP experience for as long as you can afford it. This would be much easier than trying to rehab an aircraft yourself. In fact you could even paint a livery on a chartered jet if that floats your boat. It's like renting a vacation home rather than buying or building one. It can be a good deal.
Airnerd From United States of America, joined Oct 2007, 243 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (2 years 2 months 3 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 8284 times:
Quoting Mtaabq (Reply 18): You know, it's fun to dream. When I read the posting I just had to smile. Who amongst us in this forum or on this website has not, at one time or another, had the same dream? Or similar? I used to think it would be so cool to acquire the old Regent Air B727 and fly my friends around to parties and all the happening hotspots. (I'm seriously dating myself referring to Regent Air!) There is also that incredible B757 in Dallas that the Mavericks charter to fly their team, and I think it seats only 63 pax. I'd load it up with all my co-workers and fly us to our annual convention in style. Call me crazy, silly or downright certifiable. I'm in my mid-40's now -- my reality is a house that has two mortgages, a 1995 Corolla with 200+K miles and two somewhat ungrateful cats. And yet, yet, everyone once in awhile my mind drifts to my "happy place" where I'm in my private plane at 30,000 feet (or higher), being served Maker's Mark and soda by my model-gorgeous cabin crew and headed off somewhere -- ANYWHERE -- away from my current reality. Don't get me wrong -- my life is not at all bad, in fact it's pretty effing good. Dreams are free. You keep dreaming, buddy. I think your dream is awesome.
Mike
Right on Mike. Couldn't agree more with this approach.
25 VC10er: Funny you should say that, I work for the company that named the "Phenom" for Embraer. I even met the people who designed her. She is a rockin' airpl
26 Irobertson: Welcome to my respected users list Mike. Dreaming is good - sometimes, dreams can come true, and in the mean time, we can derive a certain amount of
27 Flighty: You can charter F-100 VIP charter 757-200 charter DC-8 VIP charter MD-83 VIP charter (more realistic): how about chartering a Gulfstream II
28 Ayubogg: It is pretty cool to dream... Perhaps I have yet to experience something dreadful in airports and commercial airlines, but am I the only one here that
29 Thegeek: How's John Travolta fly around in his 707? They require a 3 man flight crew don't they? Or is it possible on short trips to do without the F/E or some
30 Falstaff: You could buy my entire block for 500K and have money left over!
31 Aaflt1871: John has a full flight crew with him.
32 Randykkubo: would be kinda cool if members from airliners.net pulled money together, bought a plane, and had trips/get-together's from different main cities from
33 Atlturbine: Perhaps the BEST post I have ever seen on this site! Mitch
34 SEPilot: John is not legally qualified to be PIC on the 707; legally he is copilot even though he owns the plane.
35 TSS: One of the Rockefellers had this (or at least words to this affect) to say on the subject: "Planes, boats, and mistresses- all three are much cheaper
36 Thegeek: Most people would just buy a Ferrari and a big house to impress chicks. Perhaps those things weren't enough for him.
37 Pellegrine: Nice thread! I don't even know where you could fly a L1011 anymore though, anyone know? it's my DREAM to have a flying 747SP, if not flyable though, j
38 JETPILOT: Why is John Travolt not "legally" allowed to be PIC of his 707? He has a type rating for it..
39 Aesma: State-of-the-art avionics and engines on an old bird is not really feasible, I fear. And where would be the fun ? Personally for things like having a
40 Revelation: In the common vernacular, "If it flies, floats or f*cks, rent it!"
41 474218: You can fly L-1011's anywhere you can fly any other aircraft, there are no restrictions on their operation. He can fly all the passengers he wants (w
42 Burkhard: L1011's have the big problem of spare parts just not available. Better take a DC10, as long as FEDEX and the USAF fly them Boeing will produce the spa
43 Bri2k1: It's all in the eye of the beholder, I guess. When you fly a private jet into a small airport, it's usually closer to the part of the city you want t
48 SEPilot: He does not have a rating for PIC of the 707, just first officer. He has to have a pilot who is PIC qualified in the 707 with him. He needs more time
49 VC10er: Thanks everyone! I'm sorry if some thought I had the dough right now to buy an L-1011, but I thank you all for your advice. (The Air China 747-SP) is
50 Pellegrine: For some reason I thought they were Stage 2 and banned in the EU and US for that matter. I think the L1011 is much more advanced than the DC-10 of th
51 Pohakuloa: I may not come with you, but if you stop in HNL I will gladly show you around!! Sounds like a good time! "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the o
52 Malaysia: Rather a Pilatus PC-6 cause I can easily land and take off from my backyard
53 PGNCS: Ah, that's obviously because you haven't flown an L-1011!
54 JETPILOT: I have no idea what you are talking about. A type rating is a type rating. It's only requird for PIC. FO's don't get a type rating. If he's got a typ
55 Bri2k1: They are not required to hold a type rating to act as second in command, but I recall hearing about a SIC rating required for international operation
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