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 […]
BELLANCA VIKING I am a partner with Bellanca Aircraft, Inc. We—a group of three longtime Bellanca owners—acquired Alexandria Aircraft in 2021 with the intent of re-energizing support for the fleet of Bellanca Vikings and earlier models (the earliest Vikings are now 53 years old, with roots back to the Bellanca Cruisar). In response to your […]
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 […]
In February, Aviation Consumer editor Larry Anglisano asked that I use Garmin’s new inReach Mini 2 for a few months and write up my experience with the unit. I live in rural North Idaho and am often out of reach of cellphone service at backcountry airports, remote lakes and on hikes. When I’m flying in […]
Electronic logbooks eliminate the challenge of squeezing handwritten text into small boxes with limited space. They’re tough to lose and destroy, plus they can automatically do the logging for you, with digital graphics as a bonus. It’s true that paper pilot logbooks are inexpensive and for the average pilot, the books can last a lifetime. […]
LIGHT SPORT FOR SENIORS I very much enjoyed your article on Light Sport Aircraft for senior pilots in the July 2022 issue of Aviation Consumer. It is definitely my primary interest at 82 years old. But, I want to add my experience acquiring insurance. At 80 years old, I owned a Flight Design CTSW. I […]
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 […]
As we’ve watched aircraft and fuel prices skyrocket amid a “hard” insurance market, we’ve been wondering whether those variables are conspiring to push prospective pilots to work for a sport pilot rating rather than the private ticket and whether current pilots are downsizing to light sport aircraft and taking advantage of the more liberal sport […]
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 […]
If a Lock & Key Navajo isn’t in the budget, the good news is there are plenty of other twin-engine airplanes on the current market that are worth a look. For the past year and a half, we’ve watched prices of piston singles steadily inflate to levels never seen. And while well-cared-for and late-model light […]
If you had that kind of money to invest in a used twin-engine airplane—perhaps for a company aircraft making regional trips with staff and their stuff onboard—you might consider a small King Air, Piper Cheyenne or even an older Cessna Conquest. But step up into the world of turbine twins and you’re in the big […]
The proposed ADS-B requirements for Canadian airspace have been a moving target the past couple of years. And while ADS-B for flying south of the border is old news, Transport Canada (TC) and Nav Canada (NC) have quietly gone their own way implementing an ADS-B solution that is not entirely compatible with the technology mandated […]
