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We made up our minds and decided to start searching for “our” Robin DR400. Time to power on the computer and browse to “PlaneCheck” to find out what’s available out there. There were a few Robins that got our attention and we contacted the sellers for additional information; some didn’t bother to respond; others came with a short “it’s already sold” response. It’s clear that we need to act fast when a new plane is put up for sale!

Then Bas warned us: even when everything looks great on paper and on the website, once you stand next to the plane, you may find that you either love or hate it. We need to get on the road and start to visit some of these beauties.

Switzerland here we come!

I did a lot of homework on Robins and was in favor of buying a 180 hp version. Bas would like to have a look at a 160 hp model as well. We decided to go to Switzerland to have a look at the HB-KFW. This plane was built in 2002 and was for sale at a reasonable price.

On the 17th we drove down to Konstanz Germany where we booked a hotel to stay the night. During dinner we discussed who would do what during the visit. Bas and Gea would inspect the plane, and I would focus on all the paperwork.

The next day it was just a short drive to Flugplatz Lommis; home of the flying club that was selling the plane. Once we found our contact, everyone got to work.

Well, Bas was right: first impressions are important and I must admit: I was not impressed.

Yes, the price is low and there’s a good reason for that. This plane needs a full makeover; both interior and exterior have seen better times. And when I started to look at the aircraft flight manual, it became clear that the performance of this plane might not be as good as hoped.

Our contact was very knowledgeable and helpful. He explained what one could expect from a plane like this and as I expected, the performance of a 160 hp model is not that impressive. He also explained that once you have found a Robin, France is the place to go for major work or maintenance on the plane. He was more than happy to advise us on a few shops we could consider.

After a few hours, we thanked our man from Switzerland and went for lunch to discuss our next steps. We were both happy and disappointed; it was a very well spent day, but it became clear that we would not buy this Robin.

What about this one then?

During lunch I mentioned that there’s a Robin for sale near Strasbourg. We could visit it on our way back home. Time to give the seller a call. They mentioned that the plane was still for sale, but there was already an offer. Meaning, we need to act quickly.

The plane was with their maintenance shop near Nancy. Time to get going! We drove to Nancy and booked a hotel for the night.

The next day it was a short drive to the airport to have a look at F-HNNG. The plane was at the maintenance shop to get a 2,000-hour inspection and to do some repairs. They already removed most covers for the inspection and that allowed us to also peek under the hood. They expected that the inspection and repairs would take at least 6 weeks to complete. But after all that work, it would be a very nice option.

We were impressed. But it was also clear that we must act fast if we want to buy it.

While driving home, we decided to inform our man from Switzerland that we would not buy their Robin, and we decided to try to buy the F-HNNG.

Unfortunately, another buyer made a better offer, and we were left empty-handed.

Let’s evaluate

Bas was right: you need to see and touch the plane and once you’re next to it you just “know” if it’s the one for you or not. We also concluded that we should focus our search on 180 hp models. The “nice” 180 hp models are sold quickly, so we need to act fast if we find one.

We didn’t buy a plane, but we learned a lot again. And the 1,500 kilometers drive allowed us to discuss all sorts of things. Great bonding of a small group of people trying to buy a plane.

The search continues.

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