Stephen and Phil,Thank you for the comments. I just purchased Ronald Wanttaja's book and will explore the options. Anyone have experience with partnerships or flying clubs?

I am a student pilot who is thinking ahead to after I pass the checkride. Renting is always an option, but doen't always provide the flexibility of flying when i want to go rather than relying onaircraft availability ar a FBO. I am taking flight training in a technically advanced Cessna 172SP with a Garmin G-1000. Chances are that if I purchase a plane it will be an older model without a glass cockpit. I would be interested in reading about the experiences of others in the same situation and the pros and cons of sole ownership versus partnering with others to purchase a newer aircraft, or joining or forming a flying club.

I recently changed flight instructors after spending nearly $12,000 and I hadn't soloed. I was so focused on getting my PPL that I was not paying attention to my finances. My bad. I realize everyone's learnign abilities are different, but during the holidays I took time off frpm flight training to be with family and I also took a look at where I was in my training and looked at my balance sheet.I have a new instriuctor who is fabulous. He's aware of my situation and is bending over backwards to give me additional instruction and focusing on specific areas to get me soloed. My confidence is back andI expect to solo in the next couple of weeks and then on to cross country work. Lesson learned: When it comes to your flight training YOU are always the pilot in command. If your CFI isn't aggressive enough and just "along for the ride," it's time to move on to a new CFI or new flight school that will monitor your progess and make sure you are not wasting funds or running up the Hobbs meter to their advantage and not yours.