Category Archives: Aviation

Time to buy an airplane?

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Buy an airplane?

If you are thinking you might buy an airplane, this may be a good time to get serious. Besides the fact that spring always seems to bring out more buyers it also seems like the market is “right” for buying an airplane. By “right” it appears that in today’s economy you can buy some airplane models and probably be able maintain their value or even make a few bucks over the next couple of years. I’m not saying buy new, but good used  popular models.

Anyway, I have been involved in the aviation market for a number of years. I can remember when buying an aircraft (especially a Cessna 172 or Cherokee Archer etc.) was almost a guarantee to make money. Used airplane prices were always going up.  Of course, there were years of high gas prices or high interest rates which had major impact on prices. And then the crash in the in the 2006 – 2007 area where prices went lower than 1995…

But, recently it looks good again.  I was researching aircraft prices for a recent Cessna Owners and Piper Owners Magazines article where I was discussing how to value your aircraft.  Personally, I like to use VREF as a pricing guide and included a recent graph in my story of the light single engine market prices.  See the graph below.

Take a look at the 3rd quarter of 2016. The single engine market started an uphill run and doesn’t look like it will slow down. It looks like if the economy keeps up the momentum, maybe we can get back to the peak prices we had back in 2000 – 2001.

buy an airplane

Of course don’t forget to get an insurance quote from SkySmith for the airplane you are thinking about buying! Click here to get a quote!

75TH ANNIVERSARY – END OF WORLD WAR II

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HUGE FLYING DEMONSTRATIONS FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF WORLD WAR II’s END AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2020

Comprehensive, chronological World War II aviation highlights throughout week

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 19, 2019) — EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2020 will feature expanded warbird flying activities as the annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention commemorates the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The 68th annual EAA fly-in convention takes place July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.

EAA AirVenture will tell the many aviation stories of The Greatest Generation and the worldwide conflict during its renowned afternoon air shows. It will feature flying displays and groups that are favorites for EAA audiences. Highlighting the weeklong commemoration will be major air show flying activities on Wednesday, July 22, and Friday and Saturday, July 24-25.

“Marking the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II and telling all the aviation stories involved is a mammoth task,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of programs, publications, and marketing, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Our goal is to create the go-to event that properly commemorates the aviation story of World War II, from the Eagle Squadrons and American Volunteer Groups through the final Allied victories in 1945.”

Specific aircraft and flying demonstrations are still being finalized for EAA AirVenture 2020, but will feature aircraft from both the European and Pacific Theaters. Additional highlights will tell the stories of remarkable heroism and pioneering technology that changed the course of the war. Further details on individual highlights and aircraft will be announced as they are finalized.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is “The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive the lowest prices on admission rates and all those age 18-and-under are admitted free. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team @Sun ‘n Fun

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For Immediate Release December 10, 2019

F-35A Lightning II Demo Team to Dominate the Skies at  2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo

The U. S. Air Force announced its 2020 schedule for the F-35A Lightning II Demo Team today at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) and the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is honored to be its first east coast stop. Showing off its newest member, Air Combat Command and the 388th Fighter Wing will showcase the U.S. Air Force’s newest fifth-generation fighter that provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability through its aerodynamic performance and advanced integrated avionics. The F-35A Lightning II Demo Team’s performance is known to push the aircraft to its limits as they pull off the kind of aerial acrobatics that can give even the most casual observer a thrill.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo had previously announced participation from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds who epitomize the pride and precision of today’s Air Force. “Having both demonstration teams as part of our 2020 SUN ‘n FUN airshow lineup is a privilege” says Greg Gibson, CMO and Air Show Director for SUN ‘n FUN Fly-in. “Aviation enthusiasts know how special it is to have these teams at our event so come Experience Flight in 2020 and be prepared to be wow’d.”

“The mission of these demonstration teams compliments the overall objective of the SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo which is the largest fundraising event for the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE)” says John “Lites” Leenhouts, CEO / President of the ACE. “The opportunity to connect with America at an event like ours and as a result inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals in whatever path they choose, is invaluable for our engagement with youth as well as the Air Force’s goal of recruitment”.

SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will be making additional announcements regarding its air show schedule in the near future. This year’s event is March 31st – April 5th, 2020 and tickets are available at www.FlySnF.org.