Search Results for: insurance

The Beech Sierras entry into the normally aspirated 200-HP piston single market was-like its competitors offerings-a growth airplane derived from an earlier model with less horsepower and less complexity. That was the Model 23 Musketeer, of course. Like Pipers Arrow and Cessnas Cardinal RG, the Sierra sports four seats, a constant-speed prop and retractable landing gear, making it a logical step-up for newer pilots and owners looking for something a bit more than a trainer-category aircraft. While its no speed demon, there’s a lot to like about Sierra ownership.

Perhaps one of the most recognizable and most produced general aviation aircraft, Cessnas 172 Skyhawk may also be among the most economical four-placers to own. Sure, there are others worth considering, including the Piper Warrior, Beech Sundowner and even a Grumman Cheetah, but Skyhawks tend to be favored by flight schools. This makes more of them-including modern glass panel-equipped models-available on the used market. And there are plenty of Skyhawks of various vintages to chose from.

This year at AirVenture, Quiet Technologies caught my attention, so I got a demo of its $359 Halo in-ear model and bought one. Initially, the headset offered a good fit and promised to be quiet. When I started the engine, I immediately noticed low-frequency noise that isn’t present in my Lightspeed. I reserved judgement until two hours in cruise flight at 11,000 feet.

Officially called the Third Class Medical Reform and General Aviation Pilot Protections, the bill finally oozed through Congress as part of a continuing resolution to fund the FAA. That improved its chances of passage, but it also required dropping some provisions that would have essentially all but eliminated any kind of medical certification for pilots who now require a Third Class medical. President Obama signed the measure into law on July 15, which sets the clock ticking on a 10-year look back on medical eligibility.

If youre a member of Sportys new Breakdown Assistance Program (BAP), no matter what time of the day or night it is, you pull your membership card out of the glove box, call the phone number on it and provide your membership information. Within 15 minutes-current average wait time is five minutes-you’ll get a call from a person who is an A&P and IA, is looking at the file on your airplane and will start the process of troubleshooting the problem and getting you on your way. From our perspective, its a 24/7 AAA service for general aviation.

Cessnas biggest fixed-gear piston single is really three models, though all are essentially the same airframe. It was originally introduced in 1963 as the 205, a fixed-gear 210, technically known as the 210-5. It had two doors up front and a relatively small rear door on the left side. The engine was a 260-HP Continental IO-470. This airplane was a fixed-gear version of the recently revamped 210; it was produced for two years, with 577 delivered.

Since Cirrus Design first morphed from a quirky kit supplier to a full-blown aircraft manufacturer in 1998, it has consistently proven that it got the vision thing right. The entry-level SR20 and flagship SR22 in their various iterations have proven hot sellers and good performers, with unusually loyal customers. This seems the perfect setup as the company moves closer to delivering its seven-seat, single-engine Vision SF50 personal jet-a logical step up from an SR22.

When Icon released its original aircraft purchase agreement for the A5 the response within the industry was intense. While understanding that Icon was trying to control its product liability exposure contractually, the terms were decried as unreasonable. Icon listened and in mid-June rolled out a newer, shorter agreement. It is a combined purchase and operating […]

Whether and when to apply CorrosionX or ACF-50 depends on the age of the airplane and where it primarily flies. Over the last 15 years, manufacturing changes have meant that new airplanes come out of the factory with far superior corrosion-resistant treatments than previously. Based on what I learned preparing this article, if your airplane […]

If you want to learn how to fly advanced aerobatic maneuvers, we don’t suggest you rush out and buy a Pitts or an Extra 300. Those machines require no small degree of skill to fly safely. Not convinced? Just ask your insurance broker and any aerobatics instructor. Perhaps the better choice for a newbie might be a Citabria or the Decathlon. You might be surprised that these starter aerobatic airplanes have much more capability than you thought.

Icon was launched in 2006 with the stated goal of revolutionizing the general aviation industry with a sexy, two-place sport amphibian marketed not through traditional aviation channels but using methods common to the motorsports market. Icon also promised new business practices and its buyer agreement certainly qualified.

When it first appeared in the mid-1980s, the PA-46 Malibu was a head turner. Aside from its ramp appeal, pilots were intrigued with its high-flying pressurized cabin, 200-knot cruise speed and its impressive range. There was nothing quite like it and Piper soon found a loyal market for its new flagship product, mostly among well-to-do owners who could afford to sink a half-million bucks into a new single and who flew the kind of missions where the Malibu shined.