Mmm, this got me thinking
*sorry if this is illegable typing from phone half asleep*
I seem to remember you mentioning that you where a flight instructor. Have you ever tried to write off some of your personal equipment as tax deductible? I have a brother who teaches guitar and he was able to write off over $7000 worth of his own stuff. Its just a thought, I'd imagine if worked out like that you could get your hands on some pretty hi end stuff without costing you much.