How to Fly Your Own Private Airplane 

Man im so excited i think i found my passion. I flew a plane for the first time yesterday and i am hooked! It’s really cool how you can just go anywhere you want land anywhere you want…im inspired dude. Im flying again in a couple of weeks, i might just go for my license

Matt makes it all look very easy but he is an experienced and very professional pilot. Even so, he started in a small Cessna like the rest of us and I think flying will probably be the best thing you will ever do. I only wish I had started twenty years earlier. It would have been worth some sacrifices. One thing I definitely learned. If you wait until you are sure you can afford it you will never do it. My three companions when I learned to fly were the chairman of a huge company, a 17 year old student scratching money from from casual jobs and a driving instructor who could only afford half an hour's tuition a fortnight. But we all got there.

Priorities.... you make your mind up as to what you want to do! I have owned three aircraft and the current plane I have had for 24 years. But my house is only a two bedroom cottage.... and I couldn't be happier!

Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right - Henry Ford

Microsoft flight simulator 2020 is the closest I'm getting to this!

First step: Get a whole lot of extra money.

Matt, Just wanted to let you know how great it is to see a new generation sharing the passion of aviation. I started flying at 17 and was active for 35 years, (now 62) had several airplanes, and held a CFI, my favorite was my Cessna 182. You Sir are spot on about goals. People who not set goals and work toward them see us who do as some how cheating. I did not come from a wealthy family and had a career as a first responder. All one needs to do is set priorities and goal and work.

"How do I afford this?".... "I make a TODO list"... I think you missed some steps in there. I think what people are asking is more like "what do you do for a living to allow you to afford a 200,000 dollar airplane and maintain and fly it everywhere." Especially because you are so young people are curious.

I think what Matt is suggesting, perhaps you can afford flying but their are tradeoffs. I loved flying and took on two partners to lower the yearly costs of ownership. If you fly less than 100 hours a year its cheaper to rent but scheduling isn't easy. Between annual, insurance, tie down and reserve for maintenance the cost was $3500 for the plane to sit there every year without any flying. The cost become lower the more you fly every year. It's all about priorities and passion. If you really want to fly GA you will find a way. I did for 41 years. Still love every minute.

Hey Matt.. Have been meaning to write you a few lines for a while. Just wanting to thank you sincerely for your channel and for you sharing your aviation adventures and knowledge with everyone. It must take a lot of time sourcing the content, editing and uploading etc etc and it is appreciated a lot. If it wasn't for you sharing, many/most of us would simply never get to see and learn so many interesting things related to aviation. Your a good guy Matt, an awesome pilot and I like mostly spending many hours flying around with you in 367HP. Cheers...ps..just learnt about patreon.

I just realized I spent as much on my gun hobby that it would take to get lessons. Your channel is really inspiring and this is what I want to do next.

"Always make sure you have fuel" I can confirm. This is good advice.

whatever you do, GO POOP BEFORE YOU FLY.

Another amazing insight and incredible self flying adventures. Love the "increase productivity" and "...discipline and drive to make it work..." That's where I am at at present - consistently doing the small things daily to make it happen!!

Here’s how you actually afford a plane: -Go to school and study something like engineering and you’ll start at around 55-70k a year -save up for a couple years then buy a small plane for around 40k (Matt’s bonanza is at least 300k or more with all those avionics) -Or get lucky and start a business and get really wealthy Absolutely no way Matt afforded a bonanza by not having a car or living cheaply, unless he has a very lucrative business (which he may have). The bonanza is probably sponsored by a few companies or family, which isn’t a bad thing. It’s unrealistic to say you save money by flying a bonanza around instead of going through the airlines. Remember, a new bonanza goes for 600k or more. Matt’s is probably over half that. Anyway, your videos are great Matt. I really do love that you promote General Aviation. Too bad it’s so expensive.

Thanks Matt for the inspirational message. Lot of people don't know that if you put enough effort into something one can do just about anything.

haha that re-route... Nah I'll just cancel and go VFR lol awesome video Matt

Ha, nice little 210 dig for JP in there! Nice video. I sold my car and got my Ercoupe, the dream of flight is possible!

Have watched numerous of your videos, but just came across this. What a guide on many levels for folks in life. “Priorities”, and the persistence to enjoy your accomplishments. Yes, many are envious of your experiences, me included, but you really show ways to make it happen. I was blessed to enjoy a lifetime in the aviation world, flying in many spots of the world, and would love your experiences now...Prioritize right! Be safe,and continue to share. 👍😀

I'm 52 and I know that at your age I never would have had the confidence to do what you have achieved. Well done and I look forward to the next video 👍

I say to you...good job! Enjoyed your video and I can say that you have a great attitude about life goals and how you can accomplish them. You are on top of your flying, lots of work...yes, but goes to show it can be done if you want it bad enough. Thanks...enjoyed lots.

Another great video Matt. You and some of the other aviation youtubers like s1k and Niko's wings have inspired me to get back up in the air after many years. Now I'm looking to buy my first airplane and it seems like an overwhelming task. Hopefully I can find one that I can afford to operate and still go on some adventures like the ones in your videos. Thanks again for the inspiration!

Happy Birthday Matt. Just found info on wikipedia about you sir. Blessed with the gift of genius. Pay it Forward if it's in your heart, and I must say, you certainly are committed to people involved in general aviation and provide a great product to benefit many others.

Another great video Matt, thanks for sharing and it's always fun to ride along!!

Thanks so much Matt, I've never seen it like that.

this the best series , you should go platinum!

I’m training and want my own A36. Going straight to instrument rating. Excited for this extremely valuable business tool.

Enjoy your aviation descriptions as you fly around. Your approach to affording to fly makes perfect sense, great insight, appreciate you sharing your thoughts with your viewers.

Well done Matt. Another super cool video. Always a pleasure flying with you. Look forward to the next set you post.

I think what you are doing is awesome! Being early 50's now, and seeing how much $ I have wasted on cars, rent and commercial travel, I think I likely could have paid for my own PP cert. and maybe even a fractional pship in a 210 or something. Another way to save some $ w/b to participate in the annual yourself via the Bonanza Society. There's a RU-vid story about that which is cool. Looks like a fair amount of work, to be honest, but it would be a great way to learn more about the Bonanza's systems. Cheers!

He is telling the truth. I'm taking lessons for my Light Sport Pilot Cert. I'm already looking at and pricing Ultralight Sport trikes.

Thanks to you I’m in the process of getting my pilot certificate and thanks for another awesome video, it’s greatly appreciated.

Hey Matt, enjoy watching your channel. Never really thought i'd be into watching an aviation channel. Spectacular editing and great vids. Question for you. Not sure if you have covered it in a separate video, but how cost effective is it to actually own your own airplane? As in, cost of your plane? monthly payments in the hangar? gas? maintenance?

I like your new headrest mount!!! Looking forward to more videos.

Thanks for the video. All of you you tube pilots are inspiring me to fly again. Have not flown since 2007. The avionics in that Bonanza are too cool.

what a great young man. Really like his approach and humble ways. I salute him.

Step 1: Accumulate money Step 2: Spend it Step 3: “ Step 4: “ Step 5: “

Hey Matt! I'm actually one of the ones that lives in Northwest Indiana! I can't say you're entirely wrong--there is a lot of industry here and I myself always allude to the fact that these industries have a negative effect on our environment, but if you come visit one day, you'll be pleasantly surprised! We have a beautiful national lakeshore, the Indiana Dunes, some really amazing nature and wetlands areas, really cool historic towns and cities scattered throughout! Hope you'll stop by one day and visit! I'd love to show you around! Cheers man!

Thank you. that was really interesting, and you answered many questions I had on how you managed to achieve the things you've done. Thanks :) It's an inspiration.

Great trip! Thanks for taking us along!

Totally agree, my brother and I are partners in a Cessna 150 to build time and train. We commuted to college instead of dorms, drove older cars, but could easily afford to own our own airplane to meet our mission. It took sacrifice and focus but is absolutely the best way to get a start in an aviation career. Now I’m instructing and it’s starting to pay for itself. Would not have been possible for me had I only rented, not a fan of massive debt for a very volatile industry. Now with the talk of LSA weight increases, hopefully C150 values go up and we get our investment out of it after our mission is complete. If you do it right, surprise costs like maintenance aren’t a huge deal. We put a new engine in when we bought it, we made sure in the buying process we could buy it right and this was made possible by relationships at our local airport. 10/10 would recommend 👍🏻 great videos Matt!

*MATT ALWAYS DOING SMOOTHS LANDS*

Good to have you back brother! Love the vids!

I love your videos, you're such a great pilot. Your videos are so inspiring. Thank you!

I usually enjoy your vids Matt but this one has a real patronising tone to it. Recreational flying is, and really always has been, a very expensive pursuit out of reach of most average people. You’ve not mentioned how you acquired your aircraft or even what it cost but I’d hazard a guess that it is financed or was purchased with help from the Bank of Mum & Dad. Getting the capital alone is not feasible for the vast majority of people, let alone paying the ongoing costs. Whilst your lifestyle at the moment - young, unmarried, no dependents, presumably a good income - makes it much easier, you might be surprised how much more challenging it becomes as you mature and grow older. Anyway, I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but a little bit of perspective in your video may have been preferable to making sweeping statements.

Remember Meigs field? I used to practice closed traffic on Microsoft Flight Simulator so many years ago. Hahaha.

You have just inspired me to literally take logistics directly into my own hands. Which I will. Yes I will be getting my Private Pilots Licence as a hobby.

I grew up going to Clow Intl in Bolingbrook, IL with my dad (born and raised close by) and just stumbled on this video. I think it’s one of your best of the dozen or so I’ve seen, Matt. Really good content. I was looking for info on buying an aircraft lol but this was still relevant! Appreciate the videos you make man and would love to fly with you one day!

19:20 "It could even be a 210!" A little dig at JP there:-)

Very nice Matt! Great vid as usual, you're a true aviation ambassador! There's always a misconception that you have to be rich to fly. That's far from the truth. Initiative and a "can do" attitude is all it takes. People always say I can't afford the fixed costs........there are fixed costs in everything we do as adults. It's all about managing ones lifestyle choices. Where there is a will there is a way. We'll see ya next time Matt.

I'm a student NFO with the Navy and I'm starting my PPL lessons again today thanks to inspiration from RU-vidrs like yourself. Thanks for the awesome content and keep it up!

Matt, Clow is one of my favorite airports! Spent so much time there with my father, a retired CFI, as a young child. Cool little restaurant too. Hope you enjoyed it!

My concern is how do you avoid collision with other planes flying nearby or coming into your route? How do you control communication with other planes?

Hold on, are you actually saying that making a to-do list and having a 'slightly less nice apartment' is all it takes to go on pleasure flights all the time? Come on Matt, admit that you completely dodged the question here... It's definitely not 'super cheap to go fly around', that's just not reality.

I was a little mad at Matt for being able to fly as much as he does and in a cool airplane..then I listened to his talk about how to do it and more specifically how he does it and now I admire him.. Yeah..from jealous to joyous.. Great video!

God bless you, Matt. Keep pursuing your passion!

man that is a sweet ride. all that glass, the leather seats. at least 150K i'm guessing.

Step 1: be rich Step 2: spend lots of money Step 3: keep spending money

Good advice. Fun flight! Thanks!

The best description of general aviation I've seen so far is the guy who said "It's an expensive toy that MIGHT get you somewhere you need to be." He also said something along the lines of "The most deadly words in general aviation are "I'll see you there on the 5th at 10AM.'"

Step 1. Have a good paying job Step 2. Have plenty of free time from said job The truth is flying just isn’t feasible for a lot of people. Now I agree it isn’t technically a “rich mans sport” but it sure is mostly played by them.

Step 1: be rich/have high disposable income/born into a rich family Step 2: learn to fly

I just love your videos keep up the good work 👏

Love your “can do” attitude matt. You’ll be super successful in life

4:43 did someone say mayday or am i dumb?

I MUST HAVE MY OWN PLANE AT HOME NOW :DDD

Great video man. Keep up the great work, love the narrative.

So coming in from the SE you passed over fields that I spent summers working on while visiting my Uncle who lives out on 12 towards Bath... thanks for another great video...

Effort and priorities are one part of the equation of being able to do something like own and frequently fly your own airplane. The other parts of that equation are priviledges and opportunities.

TIME vs VALUE: It all depends on what’s important to you...? Flying keeps you sharp and young minded... Flying keeps you healthy by having regular flight physicals thus being on top of blood pressure, diabetes, weight, etc... you can’t be a pilot and have felonies, drunk driving issues, or use poor judgement.... PLUS, there’s the always being around the smartest and like minded awesome friends you’ll have in your life...😎 while giving you something to talk about when you get old and all of your reliable aviation friends hear your flying stories for the tenth time or visa versa...

Good video bro!, thanks 👍🏼

Thanks for sharing! Great video.

16:10 Matt: Waste money on outdoor stuff, going out Also Matt: Has dinner with girlfriend on the plane

I like Matt, love the videos. But in no world is flying and owning a Bonanza just as expensive as driving or flying airlines. Hangaring the plane costs 300 a month. 5 to 10 thousand a year for an annual. Plus costs for oil changes, and repairs. Parts for these things are obscenely expensive as well. Did I mention insurance? That’s another 3 to 7k a year.

Matt I got your note. Thank you and I will subscribe now. Love the way you tell us what your're doing.

I'm so pleased watching this, it's a dream to one day fly

whoever watches this video give it a thumbs up this guy is awesome huge fan plz make more vids

Let's be honest. I have my PPL but this is not the 60s to 80s any more and the income gap has increased as well as purchasing power middle class decreased (which has disappeared largely). I love the "find a way to make it work" but reality for vast Americans is different. Economics have drastically change. I think your financial situation is great that you can afford it but the facts state different for most Americans. Increasd GA cost, regulations of FAA coupled with increased cost of living (healthcare, insurance, taxes etc) all provide a perfect storm for decrease in GA. I don't see it changing for average Americans and sadly airports will be on chopping block as those airports are funded by the taxes off working class that cannot afford to use it. LSAs and experimentals although promising as they are haven't saved GA. Not sure what the answer is but the Vast majority of people I know who own a small plane and actually fly fit in two categories: old men with old planes they have had since 60s or 70s or really rich doctors (surgeons or specialty) or business men. That is about it...I know more who have given up flying due to cost and have planes waiting to be sold or just being ramp queens. GA needs cheap, reliable and economical power plant innovation. Also needs FAA to back off. Yes, safety is important but they are the reason we are all flying 50 year old gas guzzeling planes. A change in economical situation in America to foster middle class would also benefit GA but we have better shot of unicorns coming to life than for that to happen.

Thanks for the advice and answering questions about how you find the money to fly regularly.

Great video Matt, and you're exactly right about priorities , it applies to all things . Looking forward to next episodes. Btw my eldest boy just got his first licence last week, a journey to Commercials for him :) Thanks again.

Dont give in for cheap crap RU-vid music !

13:13 video start here ;)

Very nice video . First time watcher. I love to fly. Your living my dream.

A very informative flight! I find it fascinating in my own sense for you to fly solo and yet at the same time conduct a speaking engagement to thousands aviation buffs. I must give you a very comforting and purposeful feeling. I think I got that out straight. :-)

Who can teach how to pay my bills and how to afford fly school. I want to go to fly school but is expensive. It’s my passion.

He reminds me of the preppies when I grew up during the eighties

Great video Matt ! That’s one beautiful bonanza . Hope to fly one someday !

Love watching the gear retract!

If you wear glasses are you allowed to fly? With bad eyes

I have been hearing that "Airports are welfare for the rich" crap for years. What a load of uneducated nonsense.

Nice words you made my day with them I will definitely try the ideas on a note card

Matt, I appreciate your videos greatly. I have been discussing with my wife about purchasing our own airplane. Your videos have given her a few answers....Thank you very much.

"How to Fly Your Own Private Airplane"... Very Carefully young man, Very Carefully.

I don't care how you justify it or rationalize it, flying a private plane is never cheaper than flying commercial

I work at KROC and it's always nice seeing the hometown airport in your videos!

I soloed at Clow in a 140 Cherokee back in 1980. It's one of those gems people fly into on weekends for breakfast or lunch.

Matt I love your flying videos but the advice is pretty patronizing and frankly useless. ‘You just just need to be determined and do it!’ Yes of course, that goes for lots things in life. Your Bonanza with all the avionics costs what $1/3 million? Plus the variable costs. Not everyone can “make it work” perhaps unless they have wealthy parents or are a boy genius like you seem to be. It’s like saying everyone can afford a Ferrari. When you get older perhaps you’ll see this, in the meantime more flying less life advice please.

HOW ARE YOU SHOWING US HOW TO FLY A PLANE WHEN YOU DIDN'T TELL US HOW TO TURN ON THE AIRPLANE, WHAT BUTTONS TOO PUSH...?????

Thank you for sharing, God bless you!

I absolutely love your plane. It's so beautiful. I wish I could afford to get my pilot's licence, and then afford an aircraft like your Bonanza.