“I might buy an aeroplane” sounds like a sentence. In reality, it is the cancellation of your normal evening routine.
Soon you are comparing payloads and avionics while other people watch television and remain financially composed.
My shortlist for a modern IFR two-seater centred on the Bristell B23 and Tecnam P-Mentor. Both made a convincing case.
When support becomes attractive
The P-Mentor struck me as modern, efficient and, naturally, rather well dressed. Bristell won ground through the factory visit and the conversations around it.
The production environment felt organised and calm. Questions received prompt, engaged answers. Aircraft ownership is a long relationship; the prospect of somebody answering the phone matters.
The cockpit space and the 915 iS configuration I was considering also appealed. Two adults should not need to become exceptionally close friends merely because the cabin insists.
Then the spreadsheet lost
Eventually I noticed I was imagining trips rather than comparing columns. That was revealing.
An IFR approval does not make an aircraft an all-weather machine. The specific aircraft's approved limitations, equipment, weather and pilot qualifications remain decisive. Enthusiasm is not an exemption.
Current details: Bristell and Tecnam.
For my mission, the Bristell felt right. Then came hangars, insurance and maintenance planning. Apparently buying the aircraft was merely the opening paperwork.
Personal aviation writing, not a flight briefing. Use current official information and the applicable aircraft flight manual.