I Bought a Cherokee 6 for Less Than $30K and It Changed My Life | An Airplane Renovation Story
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- Опубліковано 29 тра 2024
- I bought a Piper Cherokee 6 (PA32-300) for less than $30,000 and then my A&P/IA Piper Guru friend completely renovated it. This is the story of N631BW and its total renovation and resurrection from Engine Overhaul to Avionics to Paint and Interior.
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We go from ancient avionics to an Avidyne IFD 540, PS Engineering PMA450a, Avidyne AXP322, Skytrax 100 ADSB IN, Dynon HDX for Certified, and Trutrak Autopilot. New Airtex leather seat interior, carpets, side panels.
**So many people have asked about the cost of the upgrades: It’s hard to specify the total cost since the project was done over such a long period of time and in phases, and considering my buddy was doing a lot of the work at friendly rate. It’s safe to say it was likely around an additional 100k. I may end up making a follow up video about the numbers since there seems to be quite a bit of interest in it. Stay tuned!
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Awesome work, she’s beautiful! I originally wanted a Cherokee 6 before I went with the Kitfox, it’s still on my list 🤘
Your awesome videos make me really want a Kitfox to do the type of flying you do! Looks super fun. We should chat cinematography sometime...
Haha, thanks man! And always happy to chat about cinematography!
Just found this channel watching Trent's videos! Subbed immediately. Awesome work. 🤙
Been a fan of Trent’s for some time now. Awesome to see him on here too. Subbed here as well. Gotta support another southern Cali brother
Seems to be a common thought......we want a Cherokee 6 as our family commuter, paired with our existing Pacer Bush plane. Tied of driving 1200 miles each way to see the extended family!
"I'm a professional cinematographer" ahh makes sense now
:)
Ha! Had that in mind to! Great video!
Right. That cleared up a lot. I was thinking this video is too legit. Lol.
When I seen what this guys job is I instantly immediately looked up a cost estimate of owning a plane. The cost of the pilots licence and the initial airplane purchase is the cheap part. The upkeep is more than most people can afford.
I am very impressed by the quality of the videos and as soon as I heard him say that, I thought, "No wonder they're so good!"
This is honestly the most high quality story telling I’ve ever seen
Couldn't agree with you more. I'm not even into airplanes but this was an awesome story!!!
He does this for a living
Agree👆🏿
Right?!?!?! Just crushed it.
Hi
How much total after upgrade and repaint?
How I can do similar thing
And is the aircraft still FAA certified ?
The greatest thing about this video is that he convinced his whole family to be a part of the Storytelling. Kudos to you
We had fun making it! Thanks!
6:17 “I’m a professional cinematographer.” That… that explains the quality here lol great video!!
Thanks!
Moral of the story: completely ignore your wife.
Definitely do not ignore your wife! And be appreciative when she is super cool and gets over her fear of the airplane so you can pursue your dream...and then you can have a laugh about the whole thing and make fun of yourselves in a silly video on youtube... ?
LOL, at your own perils.
Haha - came here to say this :P
Awesome story, AWESOME PLANE!!!
А лучше вообще не женитесь. 😜
That's it... this video has finally made my mind up, I've been undecided for a while now and after watching this and seeing how much fun the aircraft is we've decided to splash out and get Microsoft flight simulator 2020...
I’m gonna buy it too :D
May I advise you look at X-Plane instead. Much better graphics, physics and database. Also available for MS/Mac/Linux for life. X-Plane 11 added VR support (if you have the setup and are into that sort of thing) which is also awesome.
Vejitasei not fsx he means the new flight sim
@@Vejitasei why would he buy x plane? MSFS 2020 literally comes out in 12 days and has much better graphics than any other flight sim by a mileeeeeeeee.
@@Vejitasei xplane is inferior in every aspect to 2020
Just found your channel and how nice. I'm just getting my certificate at the age of 73 and enjoying flying. I always wanted to fly since a kid and finally decided to do it. Against all odds and lots of people saying things like your too old and can't do two things at one time. WoW that really made me want to do it even more so I did. I studied and studied and finally went and passed my written test and have 5.1 hours under my belt now and am working on more. I'm hoping to finish up my training before the end of September. Hope all those saying I couldn't do it can wake up and enjoy their own lives. I'm sure going to keep enjoying mine. In the Wild Blue Younder. :)
You’re awesome sir
How did your training turn out? Did you get your PPL?
@@q1o2 Yes! Thanks
For those who are saying it cost more than $30,000, you are right. Just the avionics he rattled off at 3:32 to 3:47 cost around $35,000… more than the plane. Then add $10,000 for the installation… $45,000
I was wondering how the cinematography and editing was so ridiculous for a vlog and then you telling us your job at the end explained everything.
Thanks!
agree.
I was thinking the same. Incredible job.
I think he has done this once or twice......great production
Yea was thinking the same thing, wow awesome video,
well told story! great cadence and b-roll to match.
Thanks! I appreciate that!
War thunder
Playvwith german please!(our german tank always lose, you were my only hope)
Buy a plane Phly
wait what is phly doing here?
"This thing takes off like a scalded dog and climbs like a homesick angel" love me the Don.
As an A&P and Commercial Pilot, I’ve watched this video half a dozen times and shared it with countless others. What a great story about how aviation can change your life.
especially if you have lots of money and work in the film industry
"I wanna buy a plane"
"Only if you want a divorce"
*BUYS PLANE* LOL also the production value and family inclusion is hilarious.
"Can't divorce me at 1500 feet!"
Him to her.. "WTH!?! But you promised to divorce me if I buy a plane!!"
@@user-sx5hm9uk7l I should try that. Um, not.
"So... two birds with one stone? SOLD!"
"..climbs like a homesick angel." Wow what a line. I was all mad about it not really being 30k but that line won me over.
Right? So witty and eloquent, gonna have to steal it.
I would love to take credit for it but all those colorful phrases are direct quotes from my mechanic buddy himself. LOL
SoCal Flying Monkey lol touches down like like a butterfly with sore feet
If there has ever been a perfect aviation video, this is it.
hey thanks!!!
I like how you don’t just film yourself sitting in a chair but you actually have other people act out the scenes. I just subbed
"Climbs like a homesick angel" your videos rocks.
Thanks!!
Just for the record, the homesick angel thing...not exactly original.
He makes the upgrades sound like he bought them off ebay. Lol
we did get some parts off ebay. :)
@@SoCalFlyingMonkey lol
Probably the 14th time I've watched this 😂😂😂 love the energy.. family interest.. the rendition of the youngest daughter mechanic with fake moustache 😂😂😂😂 and the voice overs discussing the investment aspects 😂😂😂 I see how you made it so professional being a cinematographer! Mega shout out 💪🏼💫🌞🌛🏆✈️🛫🛬🇺🇲
Thanks so much! I really appreciate this.
This is what I call " money to play with "..
I'm sure he works hard for what he has.
"I'm a professional cinematic photographer" ok... that explains the quality of this video.
Title should have been “ how I spent $100k on a Cherokee 6”
then you probably wouldn't be down here commenting
still a really good price for a Cherokee 6
I'll bet it was more than that! Beautiful transformation!
Between the paint, overhaul, interior, and avionics upgrades, I bet he ended up spending over 150k
Agreed!
This is probably the best edited video I’ve ever seen in my entire life
LOL. Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.
Apart from being an inspiring story, this video is a really good example of excellent film-making. Well done!!
oh, and then I see at the end you're a pro! Ha, no wonder! So good man, so good...
Thank you so much!
Solid story telling here - that's the hardest part of making engaging content and you crushed it - great plane as well - I recently got to do a pile of flying with my family in a Cherokee 6 all over Mexico - normally aspirated made for a challenge getting around some of the mountains down there, but it was a tank and did a great job for us.
Thanks for the comment Steve. I've been watching your channel for a long time and I have to say it's really great and it inspired me to get out and create my own stuff. Glad you've had a chance to fly the Cherokee 6 - it's a real work horse and super comfortable. Looking forward to seeing how your RV turns out! (forgive me I am behind on episodes) And yes I agree we need to tell stories not just show flights. It is the essence of good content and key to sharing the human condition.
The storytelling is amazing! Lighting, depth of field, editing, and voice over is so engaging. Wow!
@@hollysuniverse5706 thank you that is very kind!
06:17 - I was like "ahaaaa, that's why this UA-cam video is so brilliantly shot and edited!". Great work, subscribed :)
haha yeah unfair advantage I suppose!
My exact thoughts when he said what he did for a living lol.
You just inspired me to finish my ppl training, I had stopped because it was getting expensive, but I'm gonna push through.
be sure to check out my next video. (tomorrow) I'm glad you are getting back into it!!
@@SoCalFlyingMonkey ok
do it!!!!
Ah, at the end I could understand why the video looked like so professional!
Hello from Brazil 🇧🇷
Dude you are gonna do so well on youtube, keep up the good work!
Thank you! Its been super fun creating lately!
You bought a 6 for under 30k........GREAT ! You just made a bunch of A&P mechanics VERY happy !
Best part of the video for me was seeing you being a fun dad for your girls...
Great editing and Oscar-worthy performance by your daughter!
Thank you very much!
Wow. I am a film production consultant and a pilot that flies a Saratoga and happened across this video, and your channel. All I can say is WOW. You are amazingly skilled at both shooting and piloting (and writing, editing, lighting...). Can't wait to see the rest of your channel. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished so far and best of luck on your future travels and films! You should be so proud.
Shoot... I thought this was about getting an airplane cheap... "I bought a plane for 30k and then put 190k into it" is not my plan... But it WAS a fun video to watch anyway... Enjoy your beautiful plane.
Yup, kinda clickbait title
@@TheMaxik It's not clickbait, the video is exactly what the title was. You are at fault for making assumptions.
So my Florida "buddy Don" not only finds a high time cargo plane that's been flown hard and put up wet, he can rebuild it. Imagine the luck. Then my "buddy Don" manages to separate you from your money for 18 months. Still buddies? Your story telling was great. Excellent video. Pilots will understand my comments. Gamers won't understand the details.
A Cinderella story if there ever was one. GA is just so over the top expensive in the USA. My wife and I were were thinking of getting back into flying after retiring but prices have more than tripled in 20 years. It’s a crying shame.
"Don" did such a great job in this video!! :-)
New title suggestion "how I paid $300k for a $30k airplane"
I'm just hating. All in all great video and that looks like the perfect plane to get for my family!. Would love to see a break down on costs including labor.!
I also have a family of 4. I completed ground school when I was 18 back in 2002. I'm finally in a position where I'm starting to think about getting my license again. This video nearly made me cry. I hope I can follow in your footsteps and own a plane that gives my family the freedom some amazing experiences. In the mean time I'll following along with your channel. Thanks for sharing!
I had to take a 15 year break after nearly completing the PPL. Ran out of money. Got engaged, then Marriage, kids, house, life and then 15 years later jumped back in. I say go for it. There are many ways to make aviation work as part of your life. Flying clubs, partnerships etc etc etc.
I love seeing worn out airplanes being brought back to life. You videos are amazing by the way. You should have 100k subscribers in no time.
Yeah me too. I like seeing old things becoming new again.
Yes me too .. I enjoy watching the progress of Refurbishing all types of aircrafts. It’s a work of Art all to itself.
Amen!
I was about to comment "what a great video & editing.Looks just like a pro!" …… then you revealed your daily job 😃! Great job.
Thanks!
What a refreshing video, first time seeing your channel, you've got a new subscriber.
I keep thinking: what on earth goes on in someone's mind when they click dislike in a video like that? Informative, entertaining, great shots, incredibly well-edited... it's all there. What's not to like? Fantastic job!
Very important view i do agree
Sometimes I wonder if UA-cam just throw them in lol. Then I saw some idiot make a negative comment on a video because of the UA-cam ad. So basically people are idiots.
it's a tool for adjusting youtube suggestions. if you suddenly a hit a cooking show while you watch planes you will hit a "dislike" to see less of cooking, not because you hate the food shown. it's stupid to take dislikes personally .
I looked at the way the scene was lit 💡 in the bedroom and I was like hmm..... This UA-camr has some skills. Then I stayed till the end “Professional Cinematographer” 😎.
GREAT video! Thanks for sharing something personal and extremely beautiful that you and your family do together. I pray you have thousands of safe flights and a lifetime of enjoyment together.
I love the solo with your daughter as PIC!
"How i bought a Wreck and Restored it for a quarter mill"
Was going to say 😂
75K more like.
Jealous?
i will admit i am jealous. but title is still misleading. frame might have been indeed 30K, but i do not see how the parts + labor were under 100K at least to complete this. good for the OP to be able to afford this. maybe i'll own a plane to some day...
@@coffeefish Engine and paint probably 75k. 100k in avionics, easy.
You: "I think I wanna buy a plane?"
Wife: "Yeah only if you wanna divorce!"
You: "BOUGHT ONE!"
LOL. Obv it was an exaggeration of the dynamic! She's been awesome and supportive. :)
@@SoCalFlyingMonkey t
Better to ask forgiveness than permission.
Him to her " where is the divorce you promised me?"
Absolutely love how the story was shot and narrated.. You nailed it! 🎉🎉❤
You're channel popped up on my feed. I don't know why I started looking for an airplane to buy, but you've convinced me to get my pilots licence first. Love you channel btw.
awesome! Hope you get started. I have a good getting started guide at socalflyingmonkey.com.
Gorgeous plane at the end. But, it is deceptive to say you bought it for $30K. What did you put into it on top of the price? $80K $100? or more? I would guess that I might be low...since an engine rebuild can cost more than you paid for the entire original "beast".
Too true. Nothing inspirational about having lots of money and using it to buy your family a new plane.
I’m also curious about this. I hate deceptive titles. I figured this was going to be a I bought a budget plane and slowly upgraded as I could story.. Obviously 30k was the starting point but what was the total? Another 100k is my shot in the dark.
He did say it flew well even before all that
Yeah.. I was fooled too.. but it is a beautiful plane
Nothing says you have to put an expensive glass panel in it right away, if your intention is to fly it daytime VFR for a while. Or fancy leather seats, fancy paint job, etc.
The engine rebuild costs are real though, figure 20K on that. I'm looking at one for around $25K with a engine less than 100 hours from timing out. The paint and interior are in good, but original, condition. If it was a classic car they'd call it a survivor. But anyway.
Wow!
What a amazing story!
Your wife and daughters are good actors!
Thank you very much!
can us viewers take a sec to appreciate the production. Spot on
Thanks!!
next time he upgrades his plane :"i added f35 electronics with 50 calibar machingun with some double turbojet engines and some aim-9 sidewinder missiles for more safety"
Never watched your channel until just now. I’m hooked. As someone who wants to get into flying and potentially owning an aircraft for the family, this is super great to watch! Love the video editing!
Thank you. There is a lot of great information on the internet and youtube from passionate aviators for when you start getting into your training. Check out The Finer Points youtube channel. Lots of great instruction from a great CFI over there.
I will be sure to take a look at those channels! Thanks!
It won’t surprise me if “Don” falls in love with planes in the future. Especially with that mustache.
I just want to say that your videos are fantastic, and that you've inspired me to resume my flight lessons that I postponed in 2013. Thanks and keep up the great work. Fly safe.
Your attitude is stunning. You, with few others, have found the meaning of life - period
Thanks!!! :)
Holy cow! I have 125hrs in that plane, back when it was a freight dog! It's great to see it again, and to see that you and your family are enjoying it so much! Looking forward to more videos.
That's awesome! I have been hoping to connect with someone who flew it. When I get in turbulence I always look at the wings and wonder how it was treated and in what kind of conditions it was flown, especially being a freighter. We call it the Millenium Falcon...also a freighter and the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy. Haha.
SoCal Flying Monkey I certainly don’t think the plane was ever flown outside it’s limits. We hauled bags of cancelled checks around. I was always amazed at how many bags we could fit in the back & still be within W&B limits. The Cherokee Six can certainly & literally haul the freight! It was such a good airplane.
That's good to hear. With the potential wing spar AD coming down for PA28 and PA32 since the wing separation accident at ERAU its always in the back of my mind if someone was hot dogging in the airplane or had a ton of hard landings or flying through terrible storms. :)
Aviation really is a small world!! I was hooked by the video title, then I saw the before pictures of your plane and realized that I also put around 100hrs flying bank checks around in her. I love seeing that you family is making memories like I did in that plane.
@@chadwilson5569 nice!!!
Great video. I suspect a "1" got added to the leading edge of the overall cost once the engine overhaul was done, avionics, interior and exterior work was done. :)
Yes indeed.
Exactly! Great content and production value, but certainly a "clickbait" title. Oh, and I am beyond jealous. Fly safe.
That's the thing, though. If you buy one 'equipped', you pay 125K ish. But you don't have exactly what you want. You don't KNOW what's about to go wrong... I think he did it right! I'm thinking of buying once this Covid thing is over and I pass my CFI ride... Have my students pay the bills!
I don't disagree- I think it's hard to find a balance between something that will grab people's attention and something that exactly represents everything in a video. I definitely struggle with the titles. In any case, I try to have the content be as strong as possible and hopefully not disappoint. But duly noted.
Amazing video!!
I was just about to compliment you on your video editing skills and how cute it was dubbing over your wife and kids voices. Then at the end it all made sense since you're a cinematographer. Great job! Since I'm a professional wedding photographer (now retired), I look at the tiny details.
Your daughter rocks as your ol' gruff airplane mechanic! keep up the good work
Thanks for the encouragement!
Well done video presentation and a fun story to tell. Beautiful job restoring the Cherokee! ♥️
Thanks so much!
WAI family for life
Because of this video I'm suddenly really tempted to get my flying license, get my own plane and start doing the same.
I live in Norway, but my family lives in the Netherlands. Being able to fly to them in my own plane would be amazing, as well as taking vacation trips all around Norway using this plane. My mind is racing, and I love it. Thanks for this inspirational video, mr. Monkey!
don't think about it... just do it
"We need a bigger plane " boy God has blessed you.
I love how the cover of the magazine Eric was reading when he decided to buy his first plane read: “MD life crisis” 😂
This is an amazing production and a very inspirational story! I watch a few UA-camrs on aviation, but your is really unique! Thank you for doing it!
Thank you for the encouragement! I appreciate it a great deal.
Gotta be honest, I’m not really into planes but like the way it was filmed, so you’ve got my subscription
“I’m a professional cinematographer.”
Yeah that tracks. This is a gorgeous video. Subbed!
Much appreciated!
Looks awesome! Nice work on rebuilding it!
I'm thinking "Wow, this dude knows how to make a fun you tube video".....and then a couple of minutes later explains he's a cinematographer.........and suddenly it all make sense....great job
I learned at KWHP in 1989, BFR at Vista and also work in the TV and film industry (below the line). I love your stories and they really are an inspiration to involve my family in aviation more. With two redheaded girls as well and a wife that doesn't like small planes to, you've touched my heart. Thank you!
Great vid. Content like this always puts a smile on my face. Thank you!
Man you’re story telling is on another level. I definitely have a lot to learn from you
This is such a wonderful video and story 😃 I absolutely adore the shots of your "mechanic" flying the plane by herself, lol!! We too are a family of aviation lovers, just on a much smaller scale. I would love to fly with you one day 👍⚓😎
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for the nice comment!
@@SoCalFlyingMonkey How exactly did you even get that shot?
I learned in a Piper Archer. Boy I liked that plane. I remember thinking I'd like to have that 6 place Piper, 300 hp, constant speed prop. lol I still can't afford a plane, but I did buy a Jeep Cherokee in 1998! Wow that plane is gorgeous. Inside and out. All those beautiful big screens, wow, I'm going to have to sit here for a few minutes and watch baseball.
I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee as well....adjusted for inflation they would be selling for $35,000 today.....
Our Civil Air Patrol had a Piper Pa-28 back in 1972 we flew all over the place.....
If we sell our property, I will definitely look into flying again, and lifting the Jeep 3 1/2 inches with 33's.....
FM--bless you for this wonderful video. Your fellow actors win the Supporting Actress awards..
I adore how you family helped you make this.
Great video! It made me smile. I'm a grounded airline pilot after losing my medical to lung damage from Covid-19 last year. I have been flying for 34 years, so this has been difficult. But I came across this video and it put a huge smile on my face today! What a great way to tell a love story for aviation and including your family was awesome! Well done!
Fly a light sport like an RV12…I’m building one and hope to be finished in a couple of years
What is your current status with flying, was this Vac. Related
I love the CAP planes in the background. Grew up in that organization and can't begin to explain how much it's benefited me throughout the years
Same i just had my first O-ride
same! I thought I’d seen N939CP a couple weeks ago too but apparently I got it mixed up with another, either way it’s an amazing organization
the editing is marvelous
amazing! Love all the updates
This is great! The story, the video, and specially all the cast! Well done!
Thank you so much!
if my father had been this cool maybe we would still be talking lol
Go call him on the phone or face time...it's that easy my friend !!!!!!!
Thank you for all those exciting pictures
GREAT PRODUCTION AND PLANE PROJECT
BLESSINGS AND SAFETY
Wow that was brilliant! Such a good way to tell a story that might be boring for some and make it very entertained for everybody! Congrats mate!
Awesome job on the plane 🤙🏼
Glad you enjoyed it!
What an amazing story! I'm just now starting my pilot journey and these are def aspirational goals! Keep up the good work. Subscribed.
That's awesome that you are starting out in aviation. The learning new things part is the most fun, in my opinion...
So Awesome!!! Living my dreams through you! I'll keep watching.
Cinematography...Now that makes sense why the editing was so good..
Excellent video. I liked the tease about the 30K but after hearing about all you have done to this beautiful plane I can only guess what you have into it - Yikes! Looking forward to watching more of your posts.
Subscribed 3 minutes in. Love the acting and the magazines.
Awesome! Thank you!
Great story! Thanks!
What an incredible journey and transformation for N631BW! It's inspiring to see how your determination, along with the expertise of your A&P/IA friend, brought this Piper Cherokee 6 back to life. As a fellow pilot with a pilot license and the privilege to fly under the name of One Bravo Tango, I can truly appreciate the joy and satisfaction of being intimately involved in the restoration process. From engine overhaul to avionics, paint, and interior, every step of the process must have been a labor of love. Wishing you countless safe and joyful flights in your beautifully renovated aircraft! 🛩✨
Thanks for sharing, but obviously this costed a lot more than just $30k. Would you share your breakdown and total cost?
Probably not, his wife might see it. She knows about the initial 30k.
@@DanSlotea lmao
Has to be another $30k on top..
@@lawrencenisbett7579 is Probably closer to another additional $100K on top, based upon everything that was done, and that was his FRIEND doing it at a reduced rate.
I think about 200k on top. No joke
Great video, thanks for sharing your journey
This is soo my husbands goals. He is a rather new private pilot and after renting from others for 10 months, he wants is own plane he can hang his headset in. Thanks for sharing!
Hope y'all can make it happen. It's a really fun adventure.
Voice over: 100%
Cinematography: 100%
Stories: 100%
Contents: 100%.
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Subscribers: WTF?
Hey Eric, I was the guy who stopped by your hangar while you were finishing up this video. You have an awesome story and great content creativity. See you on the ramp...Gerald
Gerald it was great meeting you at Whiteman. I hope you are enjoying your 182. When this virus thing subsides I'd love to see it. Hit me up at flyingmonkeysocal@gmail.com to stay in touch and stop by the hangar anytime!!!
Great video. Food for thought for those of us who dream to fly. Thanks a bunch. Keep up the good work.
That's great on the restore-- absolutely great job!!! More people need to fly !!!