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Today’s bargain provides ample space for two, great visibility, and legendary Beechcraft quality at an operating cost similar to that of a basic Cessna 150. With only 312 examples produced and around 200 remaining on the FAA registry, the Skipper is a relatively rare type that adds some interesting variety to any ramp. This unique […]

Forty years ago, most new pilots aspired to eventually own a retractable gear airplane. Accordingly, aircraft manufacturers built a plethora of gear-up models, with which transitioning upwardly-mobile buyers could satisfy their urge to go faster, in style. The problem is, those retracted wheels eventually have to be extended, in order to taxi to the ramp […]

Firecrown announced Tuesday that, effective Monday, April 22, Randy Bolinger joins the team as editorial director of FLYING, where he will oversee editorial strategy for its flagship brand, FLYING Magazine.  Bolinger, a pilot, aircraft owner, and aviation enthusiast at heart, brings more than 30 years of experience in developing a voice for leading aviation brands, including Cirrus […]

Today’s bargain will provide its new owner with a unique escape into the golden age of aviation. Built in 1947 but with lineage dating back to 1937, this little Luscombe 8E provides the romance of vintage aircraft ownership with sorted mechanicals that should eliminate many of the pitfalls that are so often inherent with aircraft […]

It was with some frustration that I observed my learner Ed attempting to hold a level altitude in a steep turn. He was carving a scalloped path around the horizon while completing his 360-degree circuit. “Ed,” I said, “ya gotta take smaller cuts at this carving you’re trying to make. Two-hundred foot deviations won’t satisfy […]

Today’s bargain combines ease of ownership and docile flight characteristics in a fantastic all-around package. With some major airframe upgrades and recent engine maintenance completed and out of the way, this Cessna is ready for many seasons of reliable flying. Pilots interested in a classic cross-country machine with vintage style should consider this 1969 Cessna […]

Aircraft maintenance is a touchy topic around the airport. There is no shortage of opinions on maintaining aircraft. Just ask them, and they will be eager to share.  Working on airplanes is like the Wild West sometimes. You have the good, the bad, and the ugly. Here are the top five attributes that should indicate […]

“You don’t want to go today. It’s really cruddy up there,” the just-landed Beech Bonanza pilot told another pilot at Western Carolina Regional Airport (KRHP) in Andrews, North Carolina, on the afternoon of October 3, 2021. His arrival wasn’t pretty. The Bonanza pilot didn’t follow the published traffic pattern, placing the aircraft close to rising […]

Today’s bargain provides Cessna 182 functionality and power at a Cessna 172 price.  Introduced in 1958 as a more powerful 172, the Skylark was originally equipped with a 180 hp geared version of Continental’s O-300. While owners generally enjoy the engine and report good reliability, it came with a relatively short overhaul interval/TBO of 1,200 […]

“What the —!”  the learner cried out as we rolled out from landing. Ahead of us some 1,000 feet down the runway there was a bald eagle standing on the centerline, scarfing down the carcass of what looked like a large white rabbit. We brought the aircraft to a stop as the bird stopped its […]