Tag Archives: experimental aircraft

Aircraft Buyer’s Guide Just Released on Amazon

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Aircraft Buyer’s Guide

Just released “Aircraft Buyers Guide” is filled with helpful checklists, personal rating system and more.

Shopping for an airplane? The Aircraft Buyer’s Guide is a handy book to use when you are looking at buying an aircraft. It includes a list of abbreviations that are commonly used, rating worksheets for aircraft you have selected to help you narrow down your search. It also includes basic repurchase checklists and a inspection guide.

Buy your copy of the “Aircraft Buyer’s Guide” at the Amazon Book Store in electronic version or paperback before you shop for you next airplane.

Aircraft Buyer's Guide

‘YEAR OF THE TANKER’ AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018 BRINGS BIG IRON TO FLIGHTLINE

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‘YEAR OF THE TANKER’ AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018 BRINGS BIG IRON TO FLIGHTLINE

YEAR OF THE TANKER’ Air Force Reserve Command 70th anniversary bolsters Oshkosh presence

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (February 20, 2018) — The Air Force Reserve is celebrating its 70th anniversary at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018, bringing its impressive fleet of military refueling aircraft as part of AirVenture’s “Year of the Tanker.” The 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

The Air Force Reserve Command, which encompasses nearly 70,000 Citizen Airmen, will bring operational aircraft to Oshkosh in 2018 and participate in a unique display showcasing the past, present,and future of tanker aircraft.

“We are honored that the Air Force Reserve will mark its 70th anniversary at Oshkosh, as it is a perfect place to showcase the Reserve’s aircraft and Citizen Airmen,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Its presence will make the ‘Year of the Tanker’ possible, but it will feature other aircraft and programs during the week.”

Air Force Reserve Command aircraft will participate in the daily air shows at AirVenture 2018, and be displayed on Boeing Plaza throughout the week. Reserve Citizen Airmen will also participate in WomenVenture, creating opportunities for all to meet and connect in an event designed to encourage and inspire the next generation of women in aviation. In addition, there will be special forums and programs highlighting the Reserve’s mission around the world in support of military and humanitarian operations.

“The 70th anniversary of the Air Force Reserve is a superb time to tell the story of our Citizen Airmen who provide a tremendous amount of operational experience to the Air Force mission and for aviation fans, there’s no better place to demonstrate that than at Oshkosh,” said Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, Chief of Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C., and Commander of Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. “Innovation is in our DNA, and it comes from the diverse experience our Reserve Citizen Airmen bring to the mission from various communities across the nation.”

Announcements of specific aircraft and programming during EAA AirVenture 2018 will be made 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 lowest prices on admission rates. 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.

YEAR OF THE TANKER’

Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

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Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

Q. I am a pilot “wanna be” that attended your “Which aircraft is best for you” seminar.  After a week of seminars and walking the flight line at the fly-in, I am convinced that buying an aircraft probably makes the most sense for me.

Which aircraft is for me?  I was originally thinking of a Cessna 150 (I am the ‘stable’ personality you mention in your book with a little bit of the ‘driver’ mentality too), but I need to haul two people weighing probably a combined 430 pounds, so I think a 150 might be pushing it a bit.

I found an ad for a 1971 Cessna 172, 6300 TT, 2200 SMOH, and was looking for feedback so I wouldn’t get taken to the cleaners.

I would appreciate any help you can offer since I am completely new to this (the story of the $5,000 airplane definitely made me curious).  I do not have my heart set on any one plane, just the ‘being up there’ safely on a tight budget.  Looks are not that critical either.  I just want to fly whether it is ugly or not.

A. Nice to see you “wanna be” not only a pilot, but an owner too.

As you probably figured out in my presentations and columns, I am a Cessna 172 fan. The 172 models are one of my favorite aircraft. It is hard to buy a bad one, but there are a few considerations.  In your situation, the Cessna 150 would probably not be a good choice because of the weight requirement.  A Cessna 172 is a better aircraft especially when used as a two person and baggage machine.

The 172 costs slightly more than the 150 to own and operate, but it is still one of the most economical aircraft around and is also a great trainer.  Cessna did not reintroduce the 152 when they started back in production in 1997.  They introduced the Cessna 172 because it has more flexibility.  The 172 can perform as a trainer and a cross-country aircraft.  It offers more pilot opportunities and comfort than the 150.  The 150/152 models can perform almost all the feats of the 172, except for speed, load and number of seats.

Book prices are just a guideline.  It will probably be difficult to buy an aircraft like this for the book price, but at least it will give you a starting point.  I would think that the engine could make it a few hours more before needing an overhaul.  I would hope it would make it through your training.  In that time, you could put away a few bucks for the new engine.  Adding a lot of new equipment or new engines will not be a direct dollar for dollar recoup.  You will need to fly the aircraft a number of hours (probably 500 or more) to wear off a few of the “new” engine.

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