The Cessna 414 may not be the ultimate piston twin, and like others in its class, there are compromises. Combining spacious pressurized 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 […]
Like most other used aircraft, resale values for well-kept and nicely restored J-3 Cubs are up. We’ve been watching prices of classic Cubs climb steadily over the past several years, and it’s easy to draw parallels to the classic car market. Meticulously restored models are often worth as much as someone is willing to pay […]
Without question, after all these years the venerable Cessna 172 Skyhawk still delivers enormous practical value. There isn’t a mechanic around that can’t wrench one, parts are plentiful, it carries a reasonable load and it’s stone simple to fly. These desirable traits only scratch the surface. But, it used to be that you could get […]
Aircraft insurance underwriters might demand hefty premiums for some high-performance taildraggers, but the tame Cessna 120/140 series could put them at ease. With the right initial training, a focus on staying current and keeping up with maintenance, these little Cessna classics are decent airplanes for pilots stepping into the world of tailwheel flying. The reality […]
In a market where used aircraft prices are skyrocketing, it’s no surprise that the Aviat Husky models are premium priced. As of spring 2021, the earliest Husky (from 1998) has a typical retail price around $75,000, while later models are we’ll north of $200,000. Seem pricey for a two-place fabric taildragger? For some people. For […]
Park a later-model Cirrus SR20 nose-to-nose with its big-brother SR22 and you’ll be hard-pressed to tell which is which. And that’s a hint for why the SR20 is a good primer for flying the higher-horsepower SR22, and for many new pilots, starting in an SR20 is the better way to move up. It may never […]
Earn your wings in an entry-level Piper PA-28 and a logical step-up may be a PA-32R. From the early 300-HP Lance to the late-model Saratoga II TC, these high-performance retrac singles are nicely supported (both in maintenance and aftermarket mods), plus pilots and passengers like them for load-hauling go-places travel. Comparable-performing singles are the Beech […]
Shopping the market for a fun, reasonably affordable and easy-to-fly two-placer? Add the Ercoupe to the list of potential candidates. Nearly 82 years later, owners still appreciate the Ercoupe’s intended design as an exceptionally safe airplane that’s resistant to stalls and spins. But there’s more bragging rights. It’s really the first successful production GA airplane […]
There’s really nothing quite like the Bellanca Viking. Motor up to the ramp and inevitably someone from the inquisitive outdoor lunch crowd will ask what it is. After explaining that it’s not a Mooney or a Comanche, you can say the Viking is very much its own airplane. Yes, with wooden spars, fabric covering, impressive […]
Years ago, the legendary Bob Hoover proved the 500-series Rockwell Shrike Commander’s nimble handling with an eye-widening airshow routine that will forever live on. But for more typical missions, the 500 Twin Commander rates high for owner satisfaction and dispatch reliability. It’s simply a well-constructed and durable high-wing piston twin that doesn’t make blistering speed, […]
For many pilots, Piper’s PA-46 series, which includes the Malibu, Mirage and Matrix (and current M300 series), could very we’ll be the ultimate step-up piston single. Get it up high and the airplane can do an honest 200 knots in pressurized comfort (the simpler Matrix is non-pressurized). It’s also a good IFR airplane thanks to […]
If you’re in the market for a used STOL (short takeoff and landing) taildragger, a Maule M-series model should certainly be on the short list of machines to consider. For years, tailwheel Maules have offered an impressive balance of utility and performance. On wheels, floats and skis, you can do a lot with a Maule—especially […]
