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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!

Pitts Specials at SUN ‘n FUN 2020

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For Immediate Release

Free Admission for Flying Your Pitts to SUN ‘n FUN 2020.

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Pitts Special

February 14, 2020

Lakeland, Florida: The 2020 SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of one of the most exciting aerobatic aircraft ever made – the iconic Pitts Special. The first test flight of the Pitts S-1 was made by Curtis Pitts himself in 1945, after which the aircraft type quickly gained acclaim from competition and recreational pilots alike. The Pitts Special is widely regarded as one of the most agile and maneuverable aerobatic aircraft in the world and has been manufactured in numerous configurations during its storied history.

SUN ‘n FUN is celebrating the diamond anniversary of this beautiful aircraft by inviting Pitts owners to showcase their planes in a specially designated parking area in SUN ‘n FUN’s new Aerobatic HQ. The aircraft will be displayed in the center of SUN ‘n FUN’s air-side attractions, with a full range of forums and seminars for members and aerobatic enthusiasts onsite throughout the week. In celebration of Curtis Pitt’s legacy, those who bring their Pitts aircraft will be awarded free weekly admission for up to two (2). Upon arriving at the Fly-in, Pitts owners are requested to place a sign in their dashboards with large letters ACRO in order to be directed to the Aerobatic HQ parking area. Wristbands will be issued by SUN ‘n FUN volunteers upon arrival and registration.

SUN ‘n FUN has two (2) Pitts Special S-1 aircraft on display year-round in the Florida Air Museum, located on the SUN ‘n FUN Expo Campus. Both from 1972, the first was built and donated by Paul and Audrey Poberezny’s daughter, Bonnie, which currently hangs inverted in the Buehler Restoration Center. Attendees of The Bash during this year’s Fly-In can get an up-close look at this aircraft in its current location before it moves to its new home in the new Aerospace Center for Excellence’s Project SkyLab front entrance lobby. The 22,000 sq. ft. expansion is scheduled for completion in 2021. Bruce Dunham donated the second aircraft, currently on display in the expanding facility.

The SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo is March 31st – April 5th 2020. Come join the excitement in the new Aerobatic HQ and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Pitts Special.

Pitts S1 Plans

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HD Heritage Wheel Bearings Installation

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HD Heritage Wheel Bearings.

Following are a few pictures of installing Heritage wheel bearings.

Recently I was able to buy a 2002 Harley Softail Heritage Classic.

Bearings

One thing I have always disliked on my motorcycles is spoke wheels. Too many parts to loosen up and hard to keep clean.  Anyway, after a search on Facebook and craigslist I was able to buy a pair of solid wheels off a 2002 Harley Fat Boy.

Bearings

But before I install new tires (thinking wide white walls) and installing them on the Heritage, I wanted to install new wheel bearings.

I ordered four new bearings and a bearing puller/installer from MaXpeedingrods.com This is a very nice tool for the money.  It comes with everything you need to remove and install the bearings (besides the wrench’s). One thing that did bother me a bit, was mixing the SAE and metric sized bolts. Although it seems like almost every motorcycle or car mixes SAE and metric sizes too.

Bearings

Next was the process of removing the old bearings.  Read the instructions first!  The removal tool is a hollow bolt that slips into the inside of the bearing and then has a tapered bolt put inside to expand the tool to catch on the inside edge of the bearing.  The kit comes with three different size tools. One for the 3/4 inch axle, 1 inch and 25 mm.   The 2002 is the 3/4 inch axle. I coated all the threaded parts with oil (and the tapered expansion bolt) before starting, as stated in the instructions.

Bearings

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After installing the “cage” on the outside of the wheel, tightening up the wedge to catch the bearing. Then tightening the large nut to pull the bearing out of the wheel. Notice the ratchet, which had a short extension with a hex driver to hold the center wedge bolt to keep the assembly from moving. Just a matter of muscle power to pull the bearings.  Repeat on the other side. I did drop the puller inside the hollow portion of the wheel.  Don’t do that, it was a PIA to get it back out.

After I cleaned the bears races Inserted the installation tool started the install. Make sure and apply anti seize lubricant to the bearing surfaces inside and out to make it a bit easier next time you try this.

Finished installation.