Tag Archives: kitplanes

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!

EXPERIMENTAL, AMATEUR-BUILT AIRCRAFT ACCIDENTS REMAIN BELOW FAA DECADE-LONG CHALLENGE GOAL

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Uptick in aircraft accidents in past year a reminder that continual safety focus is essential

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (November 22, 2019) — While fatal aircraft accident totals in amateur-built aircraft remain at historic lows, a slight increase in the total for the last 12-month reporting period shows the continuing necessity for dedicated educational efforts to push the total even lower, according to the Experimental Aircraft Association.

The Federal Aviation Administration reports that for the 12-month period from October 1, 2018, to September 30, 2019, fatal accident totals for the experimental category overall, including amateur-built aircraft, racing aircraft, those used for exhibit only, research-and-development, and some types of light-sport aircraft, rose to 52 – five above the FAA’s “not to exceed” goal of 47 for the period. Of that total, 39 fatal accidents were in amateur-built aircraft, an increase of four from the previous reporting period.

FAA measures accident totals on an October-through-September annual basis to coincide with the federal government’s fiscal year. In addition, the National Transportation Safety Board earlier this month noted that fatal accidents in all categories of general aviation increased in calendar year 2018 after several years of decline.

“What this increase tells us is that enhancing safety is not simply a target number to be reached, but a continual effort to build on the positive foundation we have already established,” said Sean Elliott, EAA’s vice president of advocacy and safety. “We are pleased that the accident totals remain below the challenge goal FAA issued to us in 2010, when the agency asked us to reduce the accident rate by 10 percent over the ensuing decade. It is not enough to simply reach a number, however; we must keep a steady focus on making improvements, especially as the number of general aviation flight hours have increased over the past several years.”

Elliott noted that the overall fatal accident numbers for experimental category aircraft remain much lower than other recreational pursuits, such as boating, skiing and snowboarding, and driving all-terrain vehicles.

EAA has worked closely with the FAA and NTSB on recommendations to reduce fatal accidents, including through participation in the FAA General Aviation Joint Steering Committee that EAA has co-chaired for the past three years. Efforts have also included more than 2,500 copies of the one-year old EAA Flight Test Manual now in the hands of amateur-built aircraft owners and the increasing use of an additional safety pilot during initial flight testing in amateur-built aircraft.

“With already very small numbers involved, a few additional accidents can create a percentage-rate anomaly, so it’s important to focus on driving the overall accident numbers lower,” Elliott said. “We must focus on training, situational awareness, and good pilot skills to complement the ever-improving technology that is part of today’s aircraft cockpits.”

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

EAA CREATING HANDS-ON ‘BUILD-AND-FLY’ R/C MODEL BUILDING

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EAA CREATING HANDS-ON ‘BUILD-AND-FLY’ R/C MODEL BUILDING, FLYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS

BUILD-AND-FLY – Program created in partnership with Academy of Model Aeronautics and AMA Clubs

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (September 27, 2019) — Bringing hands-on aviation activities to young people is the goal as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) unveil the new “Young Eagles Build and Fly” program to engage youth in hands-on building and flying of radio-control aircraft.

The initiative provides EAA chapters the opportunity to purchase a specially designed SIG LT-40 eKadet kit, all building materials, electronics, and accessories that are needed to complete and fly the radio-controlled model. Thanks to the generous support of the Burgher Fund and discounts provided by SIG Manufacturing and Horizon Hobby, the complete project is available to EAA Chapters for just $500, approximately one-third the usual retail price.

“The Build and Fly program meets the challenges of providing hands-on engagement for youth who have an interest in flight,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of publications, programs, and marketing. “Fundamental building skills, aircraft design, theory of flight, and flight training are all involved in a fun project that supplies a true sense of accomplishment when completed. It is also another ‘next step’ possibility for Young Eagles who are flown by EAA chapters throughout the country.”

EAA chapters will partner with their local AMA Club to create a “build project” and a learn-to-fly program for interested youth. Participants will discover how to both build and fly this popular radio-controlled trainer in hopes they will continue their pursuit of aviation. The easy-to-fly LT-40 eKadet is an American-designed and manufactured kit that, when completed, has a nearly six-foot wingspan that can be flown at AMA club flying fields to continue the engagement with youth.

“The path from RC modeling to full-scale aviation is a long-established and successful one,” said Chad Budreau, AMA executive director. “AMA clubs nationwide have the facilities and enthusiasm to welcome and engage a new generation of fliers. We eagerly join with EAA and our partners to make this program a widespread success.”

The “Young Eagles Build and Fly” program is now available to EAA chapters. Additional details are also available at EAA.org/BuildandFly or through EAA and AMA headquarters.

About AMA

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 185,000 from every walk of life, income level and age group. AMA’s purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. It is open to anyone interested in model aviation and is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. More information is available at www.modelaircraft.org.

 

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

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