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As a major milestone along the march of aviation’s year, central Florida’s Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo  in Lakeland, Florida, gives cold-weary northerners a much-needed boost from the leftover winter.  It’s not that we can’t fly during the short, colder days. It’s just not worth the bother in the frozen states. Bundling up for the […]

Ray Andrews, my flight instructor, turned to me and asked, “So, you think you’re ready to solo in front of your friends?” After my half-hour flight lesson of three takeoffs and landings, with my childhood friends Larry Leonard and Michael Rafferty watching from alongside the grassy airstrip, I was surprised by his question. I had […]

ICON Aircraft announced the company was entering Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, “The Company further disclosed that it intends to pursue a sale of its business,” said the release. “We plan to continue to produce and sell aircraft and provide first-rate service, training, and support to our customers,” stated Jerry Meyer, CEO of ICON. After recent […]

Today’s bargain combines legendary Beechcraft quality and well-rounded strengths at a level of affordability that’s on par with the most basic 4-place Cessnas and Pipers. Originally launched in 1963, the Musketeer and more powerful Sundowner were produced for twenty years after over 4,300 were produced. Pilots interested in a unique taildragger with economical operating costs […]

Last March, a Beechcraft Bonanza A36TC was in cruise flight at 15,000 feet on the way to the annual aviation celebration known as Sun ’n Fun in Lakeland, Florida, when the pilot noticed the engine power had dropped and the airplane began to slow. A check of the manifold pressure confirmed the turbocharger was no […]

Today’s bargain buy is a unique one, offering the peace of mind of a newer airframe at a price that’s more commonly associated with 1950s and 1960s-era types. Built in 2011, this Cessna 162 Skycatcher is one of 275 examples built and has only 316 hours on the airframe, making it both modern and relatively […]

Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo—known as spring break for pilots—is just a few weeks away. This year, the annual event in Lakeland, Florida, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. If you plan on being part of the fun, there’s a lot to do and see April 9-14. Victory’s Arsenal Theatre It’s not Sun ’n Fun without […]

When we talk about flying solo, we’re usually speaking of doing so as the only occupant of an aircraft. And when we talk in a capitalized quote of “My First Solo,” we generally mean the first time we were ever aloft by ourselves. Whatever the occasion, being alone in the cockpit always gives us cause […]

The silence was deafening. On April 26, 2022, at approximately 11:12 a.m. ET, while in level VFR flight at 2,000 agl and cruising over the nondescript Ohio landscape, 2,000-hour-plus pilot Marc Epner experienced the unthinkable in his Cirrus SR22, N973SD—a total engine failure. Cue the sweaty palms. What makes this event unique is the fact […]

A World War II bomber copilot never made it home to his bride, but she kept his love letters for life.