Tag Archives: experimental aircraft

Which aircraft is best for a “wanna be” Pilot

Posted on by

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.

which aircraft

TOP AIR SHOW PERFORMERS COMMIT TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

Posted on by

TOP AIR SHOW PERFORMERS COMMIT TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

More performers to be added to initial all-star roster in coming weeks

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (January 18, 2018) — Some of the world’s top air show performers have made their commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 – the World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration – as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.

Those performers include aerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites for the 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport. The afternoon air shows are presented by Quest Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada, while the Saturday, July 28, night air show is presented by Oshkosh Corporation.

“This is already an outstanding all-star air show lineup and we’re just getting started,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “We use the feedback collected each year to bring favorite performers back to Oshkosh, while adding exciting new acts and air show attractions connected with particular aircraft, events, and anniversaries.”

Among the performers and aircraft already planning to appear at Oshkosh in 2018 are:

AeroShell Aerobatic Team (T-6s)

Vicky Benzing (Extra 300S)

Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team (Harvards)

Bob Carlton (SubSonex JSX-2)

Kirby Chambliss (Edge 540)

Matt Chapman (Extra 300LX)

Class of ’45 (P-51/Corsair)

Kyle Fowler (Rutan Long-EZ)

Kyle Franklin (Demon-1 Dracula)

GEICO Skytypers (SNJ-2s)

Mike Goulian (Extra 330SC)

Rob Holland (MXS-RH)

Jerry Kerby (RV-8A)

Greg Koontz (Xtreme Decathlon/Piper J-3 Cub)

Justin Lewis (FLS Microjet)

David Martin (Beech Baron)

Jessy Panzer (Pitts Special)

Paradigm Aerobatic Team (Powered paragliders)

Patriot Parachute Team (skydiving)

Jim Peitz (Beechcraft F-33C Bonanza)

Gene Soucy/Teresa Stokes (Showcat)

Bill Stein (Zivko Edge 540)

Skip Stewart (Pitts S2S Prometheus)

Trojan Thunder (T-28 Trojan)

Sean D. Tucker (Oracle Challenger III)

Patty Wagstaff (Extra 330S)

Scott Yoak (P-51 Mustang)

Matt Younkin (Twin Beech 18)

Along with these early confirmations, many more exciting performers will be announced, including some only-in-Oshkosh performers and aircraft. Exact days for each performer and complete daily air show lineups 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 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.

 

RARE BRITISH AIRCRAFT AMONG CLASSIC JETS COMING TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

Posted on by

RARE BRITISH AIRCRAFT AMONG CLASSIC JETS COMING TO EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2018

British Meteor, Venom, and Vampire to join U.S., Canadian, Soviet jets at event

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 14, 2017) — Some of the oldest jet aircraft in existence will be flying over the flightline at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 as the world’s largest fly-in convention brings together a rarely-seen gathering of these early jets.

The 66th annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 23-29 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The event annually welcomes more than 10,000 airplanes and 500,000 people from 80 nations to celebrate the history and future of flight.

Among the airplanes expected to participate is a rare British Meteor, currently the oldest flying original jet in existence, which will arrive from the United Kingdom. British Venom and Vampire jets will be part of the gathering, as will American designs such as the T-33 “Shooting Star” and F-86 “Sabre,” as well as a Soviet-era MiG-17.

“Classic jets have been part of the EAA AirVenture warbirds lineup for a number of year, but to include rare British aircraft such as the Meteor, Venom and Vampire makes the 2018 gathering even more special,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “Many people have never seen some of these jets fly in-person, which is why bringing these airplanes together is another reason EAA AirVenture 2018 is a can’t-miss event for aviation fans.”

“Oshkosh is known as the place where everything that flies is welcome and is appreciated by attendees, so to bring these rare jets to the AirVenture flightline is among the highlights of our odyssey to save, restore, and fly these magnificent airplanes.” said Marty Tibbitts, President of the World Heritage Air Museum of Detroit, Michigan, which is bringing the British jets to Oshkosh in 2018. The museum’s mission is to rescue military jet aircraft from the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s.

Other early jet aircraft will be coming from members of the Classic Jet Aircraft Association as well as private owners throughout North America. These enthusiasts are encouraging all owners of vintage jet aircraft to fly to Oshkosh in 2018 to make this reunion one of the largest ones even undertaken.

“The opportunity to be a part of the air shows and programming at Oshkosh is one that all classic jet owners should attend,” said Zach McNeill, Classic Jet Aircraft Association president. “These airplanes have unique histories and so many individual stories. The best place to share them is at Oshkosh, where worldwide aviation fans are eager to hear and appreciate more about these airplanes.”

The F-86 and T-33 aircraft communities are also urging their members to bring their aircraft to AirVenture, where they will participate in the daily air shows, displays on the Boeing Plaza main showcase ramp, and up-close presentations as part of the Warbirds in Review program. Complete details, including air show participation, will be released as they are finalized.

“We’re looking to create a reunion of these legendary jets at Oshkosh that is rarely seen by the public,” said Paul Keppeler, who owns and flies both a T-33 and F-86 jet aircraft. “There is something about being part of the Oshkosh experience that creates unforgettable moments, and we want as many of these jets as possible to be there this coming summer.”

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.

 

RARE BRITISH AIRCRAFT