OK, I OWN A DAKOTA,NOW WHAT?

daviddillehaydaviddillehay
in General Discussion

JUST JUMPED IN TO A 82 DAKOTA. HAPPY DAY I THINK?


I PLANNED ON UPGRADES…ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOME.


DAVID DILLEHAY

Comments

  • empanninempannin

    Congrats! The first priority is to fly it! I would put at least 20 hrs on before looking at upgrades as then you will have a much better perspective on what you really need vs want.

    Where are you based?

    Have fun!

    Eric

    Eric Panning
    1981 Seneca III
    Hillsboro, OR (KHIO)

  • jacobsjajacobsja
    edited April 6

    Congratulations!

    To answer the question, I have my favorite question: What is the typical mission?

    As an example, the minimum slate of things is different for a VFR flyer versus a heavy IMC flyer. So, where / how does the Dakota need to fly? Planning to carry people prone to motion sickness? Planning to carry people prone to altitude sickness or in the ~50+ territory? Planning to regularly fly at night? The list of questions is nearly endless and driven from the mission.

    Will also help to know the Dakota's starting point in terms of equipment and any aftermarket items.

  • griff390griff390
    https://piperowner.org/talk/discussion/156902/ok-i-own-a-dakota-now-what

    David;

    First of all, congrats on becoming a Dakota owner! It's a very capable airplane.

    Agree with Eric. Start flying it. 20 hrs is a great number to begin with. Fly a mix of pattern work, maneuvers, and take it on some long x-country flights.

    During that time, learn and become comfortable with the plane's quirks. Monitor fuel burn, oil consumption, etc., and listen to the plane closely. It will usually tell you when/if it needs something.

    You'll also determine what you can live with vs the "That's cool! I want one!" upgrades. We've all been there (and many of us still are)! 🤣

    Of course whenever you have questions, come here for answers!

    Wishing you many happy hours in your new bird!

    Jim "Doc Griff" Griffin
    PA28 - 161
    Chicago area

  • daviddillehaydaviddillehay

    I WILL BE BASED AT PEARLAND REGIONAL (JUST SOUTH OF HOUSTON, KLIV.


    THANKS


    DAVE DILLEHAY

  • roevadasroevadas
    https://piperowner.org/talk/discussion/comment/1445350#Comment_1445350

    Do you mean KLVJ?

    The Dakota is very capable, I've owned a 235C for twelve years and loved it. Been all over the country...great traveling bird...Good luck and have fun. We spent some time at Victoria Tx (KVCT) and loved the area...

  • Dakota55TDakota55T

    David,

    I agree with the other comments. What is the mission and how is the airplane configured currently? I've owned mine over 7 years and it's been a continuous upgrade process but it's been tremendously rewarding.

    Matt

    PA28-236 KRFD

  • Irene1958Irene1958

    We have had the Dakota for over 20 years. Very solid and comfortable plane to fly.

    We just upgraded our avionics with 2 Garmin G5's and Garmin auto pilot.

    It is a dream to fly.

    Good luck !!!

  • pa28navigatorpa28navigator
    IMG_8515.jpg
    IMG_8518.jpg
    IMG_8519.jpg

    I'd suggest you consider a new interior. I recently re-did my seats and side panels and new carpet and seatbelts in my 1982 Dakota. Very happy with the result, feels and smells like a new aircraft. It has made it a completely different airplane to fly.

  • daviddillehaydaviddillehay

    Sorry about that incorrect identifier, yes it is KLIJ.

    That interior looks beautiful, but N8442A looks nearly the same so my upgrades will probably include avionics. Already have a Stratus ADS B, mini iPad with mount. A tired GNS 430 may be the next move.

    Thanks for your comments.

    Dave Dillehay

  • Irene1958Irene1958

    where to you get your interior done?


    Jim

  • daviddillehaydaviddillehay

    SORRY BUT I DON'T KNOW…IT WAS THAT WAY WHEN I BOUGHT IT.


    DAVE DILLEHAY N8442A

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