Aviation Consumer

PA-28 Warrior

Subscribers Only An affordable, easy-to-fly airplane that bridges the gap between pure trainer and entry level cruiser.

Helluva Landing Light

Subscribers Only After skidding through the mud and slime for 50 feet, our Boom Beam still works. Testing continues.

Cylinder Wear Tests

Subscribers Only Continental’s jugs had more bore wear than the ECI version but both suffered valve guide wear that’s worrisome.

Flight Planning Programs

Subscribers Only The Big Three have closed the performance and feature gap but Destination Direct is still the best deal.

UPSAT’s Color Mapcomm

Subscribers Only The rumors come true: UPSAT’s new color mapcomm is WAAS-capable and high on interoperability.

Air Data Computers

Subscribers Only Insight’s TAS-1000 is technically advanced but Shadin’s ADC-200 remains the best value.

Prices Take a Tumble

Subscribers Only After a decade of impressive appreciation, used aircraft prices are in decline. It’s a bargain-hunter’s paradise.

Letters: 05/03

Diesel Numbers I just read the article in the March 2003 Aviation Consumer regarding the SMA diesel. I help manage a flying co-op named the Flying Country Club, Inc.  We are a for-profit corporation owned by its members.  We’ve been in operation since 1961 and have six airplanes including a Cessna 152, Cessna 172M, Piper PA28-180, PA28-181, Cessna 177RG and a 210L.  Our member/owners pay both monthly dues and for flight time tach hours when they fly.  We are located in the heart of the Midwest at Moline, Illinois. A few things come to mind as I read the article. I’d like to put them on the table as concerns I didn’t see discussed in the article. The first one is that wi...