Get a taste of aerobatics and eventually you might have the burning desire to add an aerobat to your own hangar. Like everything else in the process of airplane step-ups and skill building, a Decathlon or Citabria is likely a much better choice than an Extra. Many call these airplanes perfect for “gentleman’s aerobatics,” where […]
For pilots with substantial time in a Cessna 182 or even a 172, stepping up to the non-pressurized six-place 210 Centurion could make good sense—especially if the mission includes traveling with people and stuff. These are stable and capable weather-flying machines, and turbocharged models are honest 180-knot-plus cruisers. But as with any high-performance retrac, there’s […]
If you have a need for speed and want retractable landing gear, your used market search of four-placers will likely include a Mooney, Piper Comanche or turbo Arrow, to name a few. But you might not consider a Bellanca Viking, which could outrun any of them. With wood-and-fabric design, it’s heavy (which also means sturdy […]
It’s big, beefy, has plenty of power and is just as capable on water floats as it is on wheels. Indeed, Cessna’s venerable 206 Stationair long ago earned its reputation as a flying SUV. Load it with people, cargo and even small motorcycles. And better yet, with the right instruction, transitioning to a Stationair is […]
For pilots transitioning to twin-engine airplanes, the Cessna Skymaster is often overlooked. Maybe that’s because the airplane is rather unconventional, with a unique design and different handling characteristics than any other twin. And if you have experience flying a conventional twin, forget everything you know about the “dead foot, dead engine” theory when dealing with […]
Piper’s PA-28R Arrow series has long proven its versatility. We’ve trained in Arrows, we’ve traveled in them and we’ve wrenched them, too. No, these airplanes won’t break any speed records, although turbocharged models move right along in the sweet-spot higher altitudes. That makes them worthy for travel. For pilots moving into the world of complex […]
Consider that in the early part of 2016, a 1979 Cessna 152 II had a typical retail price of $24,000, according to Aircraft Bluebook. At press time (January 2022) the same airplane is shown at $40,000, and there’s no sign of a downward price trend. Moreover, we’ll cared for 150s and 152s with good engines, […]
First, the good news. Since the earliest 36-series Bonanza entered the market in 1968 (and is still in limited production today as the G36), there are a variety of used models at multiple price points to choose from. The bad news for buyers in the current market is that prices are up—way up—for all models. […]
Diamond’s DA40 is one of the more desirable used piston singles around. It works as a trainer, moves right along for traveling, and for those who might eventually step up to a Diamond twin, the DA40’s systems are a good primer. But a big draw is the airplane’s sleek composite design and styling. If you […]
In the world of aviation accomplishments, the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy is a pretty big deal. And deservingly, the award for Garmin’s AutoLand acknowledges the huge engineering effort that brought to market airplanes that land themselves when the pilot can’t. To me, the engineering talent that made this possible sort of got lost in […]
Talk with a Grumman Tiger or Cheetah owner and you’ll hear them boast of the airplane’s crisp and responsive handling, respectable climb rates and cruise speeds, plus a relatively easy and affordable ownership experience. This checks mostly all of the important boxes when searching the market for a four-place, fixed-gear single. The other good news […]
We usually revisit the majority of the aircraft in our Used Aircraft Guide every three years, but with aircraft like the Warrior—increasing in value seemingly by the month—we’re revising our data reports and market scans more often. Indeed, clean, well-cared-for PA-28-161 models are in demand and the market prices are proof. From our own recent […]
