General Aviation Aircraft

Today’s bargain blends vintage charm with massive flexibility in a package that is as comfortable touring weekend fly-ins as it is exploring remote backcountry destinations. First flown in 1944, the Stinson 108 was developed as a robust, four-place taildragger with a steel tube fuselage and fabric covering. This particular example sports a metalized wing, eliminating […]

When Zenith Aircraft CEO Sebastien Heintz invited me to attend the company’s annual homecoming event at its Missouri headquarters at the Mexico Memorial Airport (KMYJ) in September, he didn’t know I’d been eyeing the company’s designs covetously for over two years—long before I found an editorial home at Plane & Pilot. I eagerly agreed to […]

Of all the gadgetry in airplane cockpits, the magnetic compass is probably the least regarded, least used, and least understood. And yet, it deserves understanding and respect, because it is often the most steadily reliable navigational reference we have. Often referred to as the “whiskey compass,” “wet compass,” or “standby compass,” the magnetic compass is […]

For today’s bargain, we travel north to Ontario, Canada, where a well-sorted 1964 Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser awaits. Despite the 140 in the model name, this Cherokee features a Lycoming O-320-E3D that provides an additional 10-20 horsepower for more spritely performance and is available for CAD $95,000 on AircraftForSale. Among the most popular general aviation […]

Today’s bargain is a type that often goes unnoticed, combining much of the capability of a 182 with the lower price point of a 172. Known as the Cessna 175 Skylark, this is essentially an older 172 with a more powerful geared engine, and is available for $77,000 on AircraftForSale. Built between 1958 and 1962, […]

A new era of aviation is upon us. With innovations in sustainable fuels, airframe design, and safety, we may not recognize the machines that take us into the skies 20 years from now. Incredible resources are being poured into development of new technology at a rate not seen in 80 years—at least in the private […]

With docile ground handling, the Citabria is often used as a tailwheel trainer

One of the most active sectors in light aviation is LSA seaplanes. We’ve seen ups and downs, arrivals and departures of LSA seaplane producers. Admittedly, these flying machines are more complex than current-day LSA. For example, amphibs need retractable landing gear and substantial boat hulls able to take water loads. LSA seaplanes constitute a highly […]

The FAA has awarded Tecnam full type certification under Part 23 regulations for its P-Mentor trainer, the manufacturer announced. According to Tecnam, the company is now on track to begin deliveries to U.S. flight schools. “The FAA certification of the P-Mentor is another significant milestone for the Tecnam team,” said  Giovanni Pascale Langer, Tecnam managing […]

Little known or remembered today, the Boeing B-47 Stratojet paved the way for the modern jet airliner. You might consider its history the next time you take an airline flight. As you look out the terminal window at jet-powered rides, note the elegant profile, swept wings, and sleek tail surfaces of the aircraft on the […]