Anyone fly themselves to work?

[Juan Tugo]

How many guys out there fly themselves to work in their own aircraft, whether it be commuting across a state or two, or across town? Just curious...

 

[KeroseneSnorter]

How many guys out there fly themselves to work in their own aircraft, whether it be commuting across a state or two, or across town? Just curious...

Hehe, like airline pilots could afford their own airplane anymore!

The few that still own one probably have it on the market as we speak.

Maybe the senior boys might still be in good enough shape, I had to sell my last airplane back in 2000.

 

[Sonny Crockett]

I used too....

I am based in LAX and commute from MCO, but when I was based in MIA I had a Grumman Tiger and a BE-55 Baron just for the job, also since I live on a Fly-In community it made it nice since when I landed the "little airplane" I was home. Might do it again sometime if UAL opens a FLA base....won't hold my breath.

I Broker airplanes so that is how I can afford some pretty exotic toys..

I know of few SWA based MCO guys that commute via general aviation.

 

[pgcfii2002]

There is a SWA pilot who commutes from Chico to OAK in a Cessna taildragger.

Sorry, don't know the type.

 

[skiav8tor]

I am BOS based, and commute via LGB...and I get there from F70 in my Cessna 172XP...27 minutes vs. a 2-3 hour drive with traffic!! Everything else I have may be on the market...but NEVER my airplane!!

 

[satpak77]

any tax breaks or write-off's based on the fact you are commuting to work? versus out flying around for recreation

yes, real question. Would like to know

 

[skiav8tor]

No, not really. When I was a contract pilot in the corporate world, I was able to able to realize some tax advantages...but careful documentation was in order. I don't fly for the tax write-offs...it's a simple peace-of-mind reason!! Have you ever driven on the SoCal freeways?

 

[AlbieF15]

I fly 2.6 hours sometimes to MEM from my hometown when RJ seats are tight due to spring break, holidays, etc. Its a very nice trip to and from--strolling to FBO and going at "my pace" vice security and TSA issues is nice. At 4 bucks or more a gallon for AVGAS, however--that is a "desert" I enjoy every couple months, not an every trip kind of deal. It SURE makes worrying about jumpseats a lot less stessful...but then again I do have to pay a bit more attention to the weather...

Huck--QC my calendar. Maybe I can take you to/from work sometime when our calendars align...

 

[Huck]

I'll feed three cylinders, and you can feed the other three....

BTW, where do you land, and where do you park(which FBO)? MEM or Olive Branch?

 

[AlbieF15]

Stand by for a PM, but for public info...

Had plans to base at Hernado (friends there), DeWitt Spain (by the River, pretty, and cheap gas) or even Millington. However, after stopping twice at MEM and using Wilson Air Center there wasn't any reason to go anywhere else. Gas may cost me .50 more than an outlying field, but the facility is great--wireless-coffee--meeting rooms--and a quick ride to the AOC when I need it. Took my girls up last year for New Year's (had a trip) and they had rental car waiting for us under the apron...pretty hard to beat that arrival. I was a HERO to the whole family. Best FBO I've ever seen anywhere--period. They spoil me and I can't find an excuse to leave. If any MEM regulars have other ideas or want to go flying let me know...might bid some B-reserve one of these days just to have the mornings free to go cloud chasing with some like minded GA types.

Only drawback is trying to get in/our around the NWA pushes--but a bit of SA on when you leave makes it easy. I usually ask for a Y departure on Rwy 9 and head east, then south just west of Olive Branch. App is usually very helpful.

So far I've made 2 arrivals into MEM with good weather forecast, but been going between yellow and redline on 27 final to beat storms in. Those experiences are what solidified the decision to get the Garmin 396 with nexrad last month....I've been lucky but don't want to show up "surprised" to be racing a storm in again.

Cost for the trip isn't avgas--I'm usually doing some kind of business in MEM besides FedEx when I do show up. However--lunch at the Catfish cabin is always negotiable...

 

[brnstrmr]

Commuting is never a deductable expense, however , if you have any type of business to conduct in your base, then it probably would be.

 

[satpak77]

lets say I have a rent house in San Antonio, one in Santa Fe, one in Colorado.

I fly once a month to visit my landlord and look for additional property for investment in those respective areas. Wife and kids come and while "off duty" we enjoy the recreational activities in those areas, paid for out of our personal funds.

My airplane is registered to FLY HIGH REAL ESTATE LLC, and avgas, hotels, etc, is purchases via credit cards with FLY HIGH REAL ESTATE as the card holder. I assume since this is a "real" business expense, it all can be deducted?

 

[Gofish]

I used to fly my 150 from VNC to KRSW for my ramp job all the time.

I had an STC for autogas!

 

[brnstrmr]

satpack77: what my cpa told me was that if you keep a written record of your trips including date, place and name of person and company you were visiting, then you should be ok. The scenario you described sounds pretty legit to me. Going to view investment properties is a time consuming business requiring multiple trips, I dont think anyone would argue otherwise. However, the usual disclaimer applies, I am not a cpa, please consult one for the pertinent rules regarding business travel.And lastly, have fun flying around on before tax dollars, it does make for a more enjoyable flight.

 

[satpak77]

brnstrmr

thanks sounds good