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Not exactly, but close. The airplane pictured below is the Vashon R7 Ranger S-LSA and it has an intriguing story, an inviting price and the latest Dynon avionics. First, the story. Several years ago Dynons founder and CEO John Torode had an idea to build and sell a new airplane model and although it wasnt necessarily supposed to be an LSA, it fell within the price point he was after. After years of listening to pilots describe what they might want in a modern LSA, Torode figured out that the obvious stuff potential buyers wanted was something he could offer. It had to have plenty of cool factor, an affordable price and capable avionics.

Second to engine replacements, autopilots top the list of the most expensive aftermarket retrofits you can make to the aircraft. Until recently, pricey entry-level systems didnt offer much more than basic wing-leveling functions.But thanks to a welcomed switch in FAA regulatory mentality, the certified market has recently seen no fewer than three new budget-based and full-featured autopilots (priced under ten grand) trickle down from the experimental aircraft world. This includes the Garmin GFC500, the Trio Avionics Pro Pilot and TruTrak Vizion, which all earned STCs last summer.

You imply that re-webbing a seat belt is simple and cheap. My experience is that it can be far from so. For newer (1997 and beyond) Cessna aircraft, the seat belts are dynamically certified. This apparently means that it is quite hard to find a place that will re-web them (none of the vendors mentioned in your article will). I got a quote of $2147.30 per belt the last time I asked about this a couple of years ago. Insane. Is this only a problem with newer Cessnas, or does it apply to all newer aircraft?

Combining spacious cabins and relatively small, efficient engines, the 414 series can carry lots of fuel or a small crowd with their belongings-but not both. All told, Cessna built nearly 1000 of the airplanes-roughly a 50/50 split between early tip-tanked 414s and wet-wing 414A Chancellors-during 16 years of production. Once in service the airplanes became popular as workhorses for small charter and corporate flight departments, as we’ll as comfortable transports for private owners.

the last of the pressurized, piston, 400-series airplanes Cessna developed, pilots and mechanics will tell you that Cessna got it right with the models 414 and 414A. Combining spacious cabins and relatively small, efficient engines, the 414 series can carry lots of fuel or a small crowd with their belongings-but not both.

When I heard that Italian aircraft manufacturer Vulcanair earned an FAA type certificate for its V1.0 four-seater this past December, for some reason my mind did a rewind to a time when Fiat was trying to sell its X1/9 targa sports car in the American market. The two have absolutely nothing in common, of course, but everything in common when it comes to market acceptance and support confidence. Thankfully, the X1/9 went away in 1982. Tony will never have to fix many of them again. These days Fiat is enjoying better American market acceptance with a few new models that seem priced just right. Whether the American airplane market will embrace a Skyhawk look-alike from Italy is anyones guess, but Vulcanair might be nicely positioned for success.

In the November 2017 issue of Aviation Consumer, we were happy to report that ADS-B manufacturer NavWorx announced a fix for its AD-stricken ADS600-B ADS-B system. The replacement model-the ADS600-B 2.0-was seemingly the upgraded transceiver NavWorx buyers were hoping for. The first-gen systems were essentially useless after the FAA ruled that the internal WAAS GPS module NavWorx used in the transmitter didnt meet the required TSO spec. As youve probably figured out, the November issue of the magazine didnt even make it off the presses before the company announced it had shut its doors.

In the November 2017 issue of Aviation Consumer, we were happy to report that ADS-B manufacturer NavWorx announced a fix for its AD-stricken ADS600-B ADS-B system. The replacement model-the ADS600-B 2.0-was seemingly the upgraded transceiver NavWorx buyers were hoping for. The first-gen systems were essentially useless after the FAA ruled that the internal WAAS GPS module NavWorx used in the transmitter didnt meet the required TSO spec. As youve probably figured out, the November issue of the magazine didnt even make it off the presses before the company announced it had shut its doors.

As we reported in the January 2017 Aviation Consumer, the model ADS600-B ADS-B In/Out transceiver from NavWorx was hit with an AD (airworthiness directive) and an unapproved parts notification that forced owners to have their systems removed, and shops and distributors to shelve the products in their inventory. Affecting nearly 600 systems in the field, it was the first ADS-B product hit with an AD.

If youre looking for an airborne toy, something to both challenge and perfect your skills, youve come to the right place in a Pitts. Straight up, if youre looking for a one- or two-seat cruiser, we suggest looking elsewhere. The used Pitts market can be daunting. Many different variants have evolved over the years, including factory-built and experimental versions, but there remain two main types: a single-seater and a two-holer.

For a moment, lets forget that the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet is arguably the most technically advanced personal light aircraft weve ever flown. Or that Cirrus likely will achieve its goal of making it a safe step-up jet for qualified SR22 piston pilots. Moreover, its cabin and cockpit dwelling is perhaps the most satisfying weve experienced. But in our view, the most impressive thing about the Part 23-certified SF50 is that it even exists to talk about.

It all started with a bathtub. In the late 1920s, the cost to rent the airplanes available was a dollar a minute-thats over $14 in current dollars. The over 100-HP radial engines necessary to power the boxkite biplanes werent cheap to run. Naturally, there were a lot of people trying to come up with an airplane that would be more affordable for the many who lusted to fly.