From The Editor: Red Rock Country

Sedona, Ariz., is known for red rock formations that come alive in the low light of sunrise and sunset. The airport, which sits atop a mesa, is also gorgeous and dramatic. It was there that we met up with Mooney owners John and Theresa Levinson in the middle of their trip of a lifetime from the East Coast flatlands to higher altitudes out west. Last month, John shared the story of preparing for and launching on their big adventure. In this issue, he picks up in the Southwest---new terrain that leaves a lasting impression---onto California and then back home to New England.

While the Mooney Acclaim S is the fastest production piston single, the Cessna TTx is the fastest fixed-gear single, boasting a top speed of 235 knots. For this month's pilot report, Bill Cox climbs the TTx up to FL250 over Southern California with Rich Manor, president of Pacific Air Center at Long Beach Airport. The high-performance aircraft serves as a transition plane for pilots stepping up to the Mustang jet and has features often found in turbines, such as speed brakes and rudder hold.

At many airports, especially outside of the U.S., Jet A is far less expensive than 100LL avgas, which is often hard to find or not available at all. With this in mind, Florida-based Premier Aircraft Sales is now offering the diesel Premier Edition 172. This upgrade fits a Cessna 172 with a factory-new Continental CD-135 turbo-diesel engine. Contributor Dale Smith met up with Premier Chief Pilot Corbin Hallaran at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for a demo flight. He reports on the flight, impressed by how quiet the engine is and the lack of vibration typical of many small piston aircraft.

With the holiday season fast approaching, we've compiled a list of 25 great aviation products. Treat your favorite copilot or yourself! Gift ideas range from flight bags and headsets to flying experiences and aviation literature. There's the brand-new GoPro Hero4 to capture your flights or a DJI Phantom quadcopter for when you're stuck on the ground. What would you like to receive this holiday season? Send us your wish list at editor@planeandpilotmag.com. You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/planeandpilot.

Jessica AmbatsWriter

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