Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 SOCATA Rallye 235 E.

The SOCATA line of piston GA aircraft tends to get lots of attention on airport ramps in the U.S. because the brand was not well known here from the 1970s to the 1990s when these models were new.

The company, now part of Daher-SOCATA, operated previously under other names including Aerospatiale and Morane-Saulnier. Occasionally you might still hear pilots referring to a Rallye as a “Morane.”

The main reason pilots love the Rallye is its combination of decent cruise performance with impressive short-field capability. Substantial flaps and leading slats that deploy automatically help the Rallye execute remarkably short takeoffs and landings while making it especially reluctant to stall. A rugged trailing-link landing gear design gives the Rallye the ability to operate from a range of unpaved strips, making it a capable backcountry.

Beyond their novelty and stylish design, the Rallye and other SOCATA piston models can be bargains in today’s market, largely because they are unfamiliar to many shoppers. A friend recently told me he was on the verge of buying a TB20 Trinidad, which is a higher-performance retractable relative of the Rallye. But another friend “talked him out of it.” This is common because pilots can be suspicious types when it comes to uncommon aircraft that appear to be “orphans.”

However, between SOCATA owners clubs and the Daher-SOCATA factory, the older SOCATA models continue to enjoy support. 

This 1977 Rallye 235 E has 1,776 hours on the airframe and 608 hours on its 235 hp Lycoming O-540-B4B5 engine. The panel is equipped with basic VFR instruments with no nav/comm radios or transponder installed.

Pilots looking for a versatile, economical and innovative four-seat aircraft with superb visibility and styling that stands out should consider this 1977 SOCATA Rallye 235 E, which is available for $79,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 1977 SOCATA Rallye 235 E Is a Short-Field Star and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1964 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

Piper’s PA-24-250 Comanche is a classic among high-performance four-seat retractables. Its sleek fuselage and beautifully tapered wing help the mid-20th Century design make a favorable impression in the air and on the ramp. However, with the last of the Comanches manufactured in 1972, before a flood destroyed the factory and tooling, these are antique airplanes that often have a lot of needs. That is why this aircraft, restored and updated inside and out, is particularly appealing.

This PA-24-250 has 6,248 hours on the airframe, 913 hours since new on its Lycoming O-540-A1DS engine and McCauley 3-blade propeller. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 2,900 pounds and its useful load totals 887 pounds. Fuel capacity is 90 gallons.

The panel features Garmin G500 avionics with synthetic vision, a GMA340 audio panel, GNS 530W GPS/Nav/Com, GDL 69A Sirius XM satellite receiver, GA-55 Sirius XM WX, GTX 330 transponder with active traffic alerts, AV-30C standby display and an S-TEC 30 autopilot and a JPI 9000 autopilot.

The aircraft underwent a refurbishment in 2010 including stripping and the replacement of many rivets. The engine was new when installed in 2014 with extensive detailing of the firewall and engine compartment. Inside, the cabin includes luxury features such as seatback video screens for the rear passengers, a new overhead panel with wood inlays, and a built-in supplemental oxygen system.

Pilots who like the Comanche’s solid performance and stylish design and wish for an example with as many updates as possible should consider this 1964 PA-24-250, which is available for $339,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 1964 Piper PA-24-250 Is a Meticulously Refurbished ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota.

After receiving their private certificates, many pilots continue to fly the same aircraft type in which they received instruction and took their check rides. This makes sense because the aircraft are familiar and comfortable for new pilots trying to hone their skills and build hours of experience.

Eventually, though, they start looking for more power and performance for carrying larger loads of people and hardware at higher cruising speeds.

The Piper PA-28 for sale here is an ideal example of such “step-up” aircraft. The Dakota looks a lot like the basic Cherokee training models but has a 540-cubic inch Lycoming engine developing 235 hp. The resulting boost in lifting power makes the Dakota an ideal family travel and utility aircraft for many pilots. Indeed, the Dakota’s main rival is Cessna’s 182 Skylane, also known for its all-around prowess. 

This 1986 PA-28-236 has 2,435 hours on the airframe, 882 hours on its Lycoming O-540-J3A5D engine, and 882 hours on its three-blade Hartzell propeller.

The panel features a Garmin GTN 650 touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm, GTX 345 transponder with ADS-B receiver, Garmin G5 electronic HSI, GMA 345 audio panel, Bendix-King KX 155 Nav/Comm, Bendix-King KAP 150 autopilot, Stormscope, AstroTech digital clock, JPI EDM830 engine monitor, and vertical card compass. Additional equipment includes factory air conditioning, a standby vacuum system, Aircraft Components Voice Alert Stall Warning, electric pitch trim, and four-place intercom.

Pilots looking for a familiar Piper PA-28 with more power than similar Cherokee models can generate should consider this Piper PA-28-236, which is available for $254,900 on AircraftForSale. 

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

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The post This 1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota Is a Supremely Practical ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.