Ztex wrote:
Great questions...we, the great unwashed, non-airplane owners, wanna know.
#5 What does it cost to recover the control surfaces...how long od they last?
#6 What does an annual cost?
#7 What does it cost to shelter it?
#8 What does it cost to enter it at RENO!?
#9 What does it cost to be competitive at RENO!?
??
#5 Takes about 40 hours of labor per x 5 surfaces. So about $15K in labor and another $1K in materials maybe? With modern materials they will last indefinitely if hangared, maybe 10-20 years outside.
#7 Hangar rent is solely dependant on location. In Southern California probably $400-$1500 per month. Tiedown outside $50 or more per month.
#9 To be competetive at Reno you need a specially modified airframe, engine, and prop. Buy the rule book and do everything they say you can do and then do some other stuff that nobody will be able to catch you doing. You need to basically do a ground up restoration specifically for racing, sealing up every hole and gap in the structure, flush canopies, flush riveted side panels, seals around the tires, etc.
Also don't forget personal property tax (1% of assessed value annually in California unless you have proof of displaying the aircraft at a minimum of 12 public events). If your plane is assessed at $150K value you must pay $1500/year in tax or the state puts a lien on your aircraft and you won't be able to sell it until you pay up (including any penalties accrued). Many states do not have the antique aircraft/public display loophole!