Time to sell the airplane?

This has been in the back of my brain for a while now--since the twins were born, really--but it recently decided to move to my frontal cortex.

I think it is time to sell my airplane.

The logic is unassailable. I hardly ever have time to fly anymore, maybe 30 hours in the past year. Most of that was on a single trip to Orlando and back for a trade show. It costs $6,000 to $7,000 per year just to own it, even if I never pull it out of the hangar (and for about 18 months after the twins were born, I didn't). According to Vref, I could get close to $100,000 for selling it.

The fundamental problem is that a four-place Archer isn't big enough for the whole family, but we don't have the money right now to upgrade to a larger plane (like a Cessna 206) which would carry everyone. As a result, plane trips are necessarily solo affairs, which means they're time away from the family instead of with the family, and, well, you get the idea.

So, my frontal cortex has decided that selling the plane is the logical decision. But my limbic system hasn't come around yet.

This is the only plane we've ever owned, and we've had it for close to ten years. We've grown rather fond of the old girl, and she's taken us many wonderful places. There's something about always climbing into a familiar cockpit, being able to leave personal stuff in the cargo hold, and knowing exactly what to expect that you just can't get from a rental.

If I sell this plane, I know in my gut that it will be years before I fly again. It is hard enough these days to get to the airport when I can do it on a whim....if I have to schedule my flights in advance, and deal with all the headaches that come with rental, I simply won't do it. I probably won't be flying regularly again until my company (or the next one....) is successful enough for me to buy the next airplane.

So....

If you know anyone who is interested in buying a 1979 Piper Archer, about 2,500 TTAF, 500 SMOH, excellent paint and interior, dual glideslopes, HSI, Stormscope, DME, ADF, intercom, backup electric AI, and two Bose ANR headsets....let me know.

The price will reflect the equipment and condition of the airplane. Sadly, it will not reflect the memories our anniversary in Glacier National Park; commuting between Minneapolis and Champaign, IL; trips to Grand Marais, MN, my favorite place in the whole world; flying into Meiggs less than a year before the airport was destroyed; hours spent dancing in and among the clouds; the thrill on Scooter's face when we'd lift off; watching a Piper-sized path through in the thunderstorms open in front of me over Georgia, then close after I'd gone.

Whoever buys this airplane will buy a piece of my soul. Please take good care of it.