Aviation Consumer

Piper Lance/ Saratoga

Subscribers Only For many owners, these six-placers offer ideal speed, payload and operating economy.

Gas Guzzlers Are Us

Subscribers Only By EPA standards, airplanes are profligate fuel wasters. Yet Diamond, Mooney and Cessna hold the economy high ground.

Three Days, Three Boxes

Subscribers Only No, you don’t need an expensive full-motion sim to knock off the IFR rust. We compare offerings from three companies.

ECI Cylinder Woes

Subscribers Only Heat treating problems in Titan cylinders has led to cracking. ECI says the problem has been contained.

Need More Gas?

Subscribers Only For moderate cost, tip tanks offer transformational range and flexibility. Some even come with payload increases.

Lowrance AirMap 1000

Subscribers Only A large, crisp screen, a GPS-driven flight display and land, sea and air navigation. For $650 discounted, it’s a good value.

Letters: 03/04

Cirrus vs. Diamond The December, 2003 issue of Aviation Consumer  was fun and informative, as usual. The airplane comparison between the SR20 and DA40 held special interest for me as I enjoy new, improved technology and general aviation could certainly use a shot in the arm on that score.  I’m just not so sure about the “improved” part of that equation. With regard to the DA40, it is a great looking airplane and I readily believe that it is a hoot to fly.  But, (there’s always a big but isn’t there?) for a guy who would love to leap into the future of GA, the value just doesn’t add up.  While I realize the following is an apples-and-oranges exercise, it still comes down...