STOL Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/tag/stol/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:44:54 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 U.S. Military Gets First Look at Ultra Short Aircraft https://www.flyingmag.com/modern/u-s-military-gets-first-look-at-ultra-short-aircraft/ Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:44:51 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=218234&preview=1 Manufacturer Electra performs demonstration flights for the military under a $85 million contract with the U.S. Air Force.

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The U.S. military this week got its first look at a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to take off and land in areas as small as a soccer field.

Ultra short aircraft manufacturer Electra on Monday announced that it completed successful demonstration flights of its EL-2 Goldfinch prototype at Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico (KNYG) and Felker Army Airfield (KFAF) at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (KLFI) in Virginia. U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel were present for the demonstrations, which were the first Electra has performed for the military, the firm told FLYING.

Electra’s nine-passenger design has garnered contracts from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, which view it as a potential game-changer for military resupply missions, tactical insertions, and medical evacuations. The firm is also backed by Lockheed Martin.

The demonstrations at Joint Base Langley-Eustis were conducted under a strategic funding increase (STRATFI) agreement with AFWERX, the Air Force’s innovation arm, worth up to $85 million. AFWERX offers a quid pro quo arrangement, providing electric aircraft manufacturers and other developers of novel aviation technology with a sandbox in which to mature their systems. In return, the military gets early access to non-commercially available designs.

“This aircraft’s efficient, quiet, and sustainable operations align with military objectives for contested and expeditionary logistics,” said Jacob Wilson, acting branch chief of AFWERX’s Agility Prime division dedicated to electric and autonomous models. “Its hybrid-electric propulsion system provides extended range and endurance, making it suitable for Agile Combat Employment missions in austere locations with compromised or nonexistent runways.”

The Goldfinch uses a unique blown-lift mechanism to amplify lift, allowing it to take off at what the company describes as neighborhood driving speeds. This reduces the vehicle’s runway requirement to just 150 feet, allowing it to operate from locations with a closed or damaged runway, including ships or barges.

Electra test pilot Cody Allee took the Goldfinch through a series of grass field takeoffs and landings, with no ground infrastructure required. The company describes the aircraft as a “mobile power generator” offering 600 kilowatts of continuous power, capable of reaching 1 megawatt in “short bursts.” According to the firm, its fuel consumption is one-third that of helicopters performing the same mission.

Allee flew 150-foot radius turns to showcase the aircraft’s maneuverability at low speed and altitude. The test pilot also helped demonstrate a mobile power generation display, using the aircraft’s power supply to fire up its own sound system and preflight presentation equipment.

“These flight demonstrations mark a significant milestone for Electra as we show the capabilities of the technology in the real-world,” said JP Stewart, vice president and general manager of Electra. “Our ultra short aircraft make it possible to operate from austere locations previously only reachable by helicopters, with 70 percent lower costs and very quiet operations.”

Electra in January said it surpassed 2,000 orders for its flagship design, with commercial customers including regional air carrier JSX, helicopter operator Bristow Group, and private charter marketplace JetSetGo. But as the company continues to refine its design, military customers will get their hands on it first.

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This 2002 Kitfox Series 5 Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-2002-kitfox-series-5-is-a-backcountry-ready-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:28:05 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=217255&preview=1 Designed for STOL performance, the experimental high-wing reaches remote destinations.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2002 Kitfox Series 5.

The Kitfox is nearly as much of a classic, fixture, or legend in the experimental category as the J-3 Cub is among traditional factory-built aircraft. And while not as old as the Cub, the Kitfox has been around for a long time.

Introduced in 1984 as a kit, the side-by-side two-seater has developed in several series and has sold in the thousands. This Series 5 model was larger than previous Kitfoxes, was meant to carry more weight, and give builders the option of installing engines designed for certified airplanes. The airplane for sale here has a 100 HP Rotax 912.

One reason the Kitfox has lasted so long on the fickle market is because of its impressive STOL performance and ability to climb and cruise quickly enough to be a practical traveler. Two people really can get around in this aircraft and, with takeoff and landing rolls of less than 300 feet, it can introduce pilots to exciting, out-of-the-way places.

For decades the Kitfox has been a standard for small amateur-built backcountry aircraft. It has certain features that set it apart, including full-span flaperons that enhance control response at low speeds. Large doors made of clear plastic, a generous windshield, and expansive skylight roof give pilots exceptional visibility in the air and a better view of reference points while operating on the ground.

This 2002 Kitfox has 1,782 hours on the airframe and 289 hours on its Rotax 912 engine and Whirlwind propeller. The engine is equipped with a power-boosting Zipper Big Bore kit. The aircraft also comes with 29-inch bush wheels, Acme shocks, and a new “dually” tailwheel.

Pilots looking for a light, powerful aircraft tailored for effective backcountry travel should consider this 2002 Kitfox Series 5, which is available for $98,900 on AircraftForSale.

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

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This 1977 SOCATA Rallye 235 E Is a Short-Field Star and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-1977-socata-rallye-235-e-is-a-short-field-star-and-an-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:49:09 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=214497&preview=1 Fans call this responsive European machine an ideal time builder.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

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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This 2006 Maule M-4-180V Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-2006-maule-m-4-180v-is-a-backcountry-ready-aircraft-for-sale-top-pick/ Fri, 09 Aug 2024 17:39:10 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=213247&preview=1 A modern homage to the company’s earlier designs, the newer M-4 is an economical ticket to adventure flying.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2006 Maule M-4-180V.

Maule Air, the Moultrie, Georgia-based purveyor of modern taildraggers, has been charting its own unique course for decades.

While its aircraft seem old-fashioned because of their rag-and-tube construction, they remain in production and are ideally suited to their customers’ needs, which include carrying loads into the backcountry and operating from short, rough fields. In light of the growing popularity of STOL and off-airport flying, Maule’s lineup feels completely up to date.

The aircraft for sale here offers an attractive combination of capability and economy. While relatively new by general aviation standards, this M-4 feels like a bargain compared with numerous older taildraggers that are popular among short-field enthusiasts. Even though Maules have been around since the 1940s, they are not necessarily well-known among everyday aircraft shoppers. They tend to attract pilots with a strong sense of adventure and tradition.  

This 2006 Maule M-4 has 925 hours on the airframe and on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360-C1F engine since new. Airframe upgrades include observation doors, vortex generators, Cleveland brakes, 8.50-by-6 tires, an Alaskan Bushwheel 3200 tailwheel, and floatplane reinforcement kit. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,300 pounds and a useful load of 882 pounds.

The panel features a Garmin 250XL GPS/Comm, Aera 660 portable GPS with panel mount that displays ADS-B with weather and traffic, PM1000 intercom, Narco AR850 altitude reporter, Garmin GTX 345 transponder, Electronics International SP-8-A engine analyzer, OAT gauge, and fuel totalizer.

Pilots searching for a traditional 1940s-style taildragger with numerous upgrades that make it better-suited to modern times should consider this 2006 Maule M-4-180V, which is available for $125,900 on AircraftForSale.

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

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Utah Bluff of Juniper and Sagebrush Turned Into Backcountry Destination https://www.flyingmag.com/utah-bluff-of-juniper-and-sagebrush-turned-into-backcountry-destination/ Mon, 05 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=212599&preview=1 The Mackie Ranch Airfield is an original Mormon homestead that dates back to the 1850s.

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Airport ownership means something different to everyone. For some, it’s a lifelong dream attained. For others, it’s a way to further integrate themselves into the aviation lifestyle and serve as a point of pride.

To Justin Mackie, owner of Mackie Ranch Airfield (UT91), airport ownership is a way of sharing his perspective of flying with other aviators and supporting aviation in Utah. 

Mackie is a private pilot who began flying at 15 but stopped shortly thereafter in favor of riding motorcycles. No matter how busy he was with that lifestyle, he always hoped to return to the skies. 

“I stopped flying when I was about 17 years old and left aviation for a different direction in life,” Mackie said. “I raced motorcycles and was in that business but always wanted to get back to flying—it just wasn’t in the cards time and money wise. In 2016 I picked it back up and really got into backcountry flying and the STOL stuff. I finished my ticket and started getting more into it.”

As many pilots do, especially those who enjoy flying off the beaten path, Mackie wondered where else he could plant the tires of his highly modified 182. He thought a seemingly unusable section on his 160-acre property would be the perfect place. 

An aerial view of Mackie Ranch Airfield’s groomed native dirt runway (2,450 feet long by 70 feet wide) and 3-acre parking apron. [Courtesy: Mackie Ranch Airfield] 

“This ranch has been in my family since 1966, and it’s an original Mormon homestead[from] back in the 1850s,” Mackie said. “I’ve owned it going on 15 years and live here in the summertime. We have [an] all-natural, grass-fed beef operation here, and there’s always been this part of the ranch that was just a waste of dirt, if you will. There was a spot that was just covered in sagebrush and juniper trees up on this bluff on the other side of the waterway. I always wondered what I would do with it, until I got back into aviation and bought an airplane.”

Building an airstrip of his own started to make more sense once Mackie began considering the effort it takes to get to the ranch from Henderson, Nevada, where he spends most of the year.

“I own a private equity firm, and it’s a three-hour drive to my ranch from my home in Vegas,” he said. “Once you own an airplane, you start thinking real quick, ‘Why am I driving?’ So, I started scheming about how this would all work once I got a plane—now I am on my fourth—and finished the airstrip in the spring of 2021.”

The more Mackie considered building an airstrip, the more he felt like the ranch was a perfect place for one. He did have some concerns, though. 

“There were some things to figure out, as far as our ranch is in a low point in the surrounding mountain range,” he said. “We are in a horseshoe-shaped section of land in a 3,500-acre private valley, where there’s only one road into this valley up a canyon from the nearest town, Enterprise, Utah. So, there is rising terrain all the way around us, and there are some drainage areas that I had to sort out where the runway is.

At an elevation of 5,642 feet msl, summer density altitudes climb to 7,000 to 8,000 feet. [Courtesy: Mackie Ranch Airfield] 

“I hired two local guys and we just went to it. It took us about four weeks to build the runway, which is 2,450 feet long by 70 feet wide with a groomed native dirt surface and a 3-acre parking apron. And so there is no manure, hoofprints, or cows on the runway when you want to use it, I fenced off the entire area.”

Mackie credits several organizations with assistance during the creation of the airstrip and throughout its operation the last several years. 

“I got together with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association real early on,” he said. “One of my concerns was having a piece of private land with an airstrip that’s open to the public and the liability that comes with that. Most states today have a recreational use statute on the books, that if I make this open to the public, it’s not invitation only, no one’s paying to use it, and a few other things, then I have no risk of liability if somebody hurts themselves here. 

“I really want to convey the message of how important it is for people to use their private land to give back to the general aviation community and utilize the resources of the RAF and their local backcountry flying groups… Because of the amount of resources and lobbyists that exist in those organizations, I am able to do what I’m able to do here because I make it available to the public. I want landowners, or people with private strips, to know that they don’t let people fly in right now because they are scared.” 

Other publicly accessible airstrips inspired how Mackie wanted his strip to look like. A few in Idaho, specifically, served as inspiration for his efforts. 

“My goal, starting early on in my flying, was being a student of backcountry flying, high-density altitude, and all of the things that go along with safely operating in the mountains as a bush pilot,” he said. “I started spending six weeks or so a summer up in the Frank Church[-River of No Return] Wilderness [Area] in Idaho. I came to realize pretty quick that there’s a lot of people that show up in the backcountry without the necessary equipment or skills.” 

In addition to the utility for his own use, Mackie hoped the airstrip would serve as a place where other pilots could dip their toes into backcountry flying.

“You could literally take a lawn chair to those [challenging backcountry strips], and it was like sitting at a boat ramp at the start of the summer, watching the train wreck all day long,” he said. “That became a big motivating factor for me and my airport. I decided it would be a place to go practice and refine my backcountry skills at an altitude that was meaningful but not a place that was scary, density altitude wise. There really wasn’t a lot of stuff in this area that anyone had built that was a great training grounds or a place that was made available to the public to hone their backcountry flying skills.” 

While Mackie Ranch Airfield is well suited for greenhorn pilots, there are, of course, operating challenges to be mindful of. 

Mackie Ranch Airfield is welcoming of pilots and has a campground. [Courtesy: Mackie Ranch Airfield] 

“A normal day here is 70 to 80 degrees, which equates to a density altitude of about 7,000 to 8,000 feet,” Mackie said. “Completely surrounding us, there’s this big valley with peaks that are 7,500 to 8,200 feet high. If you can’t outclimb the ridges to the northeast of us, from Runway 05, you have a half mile to get over a ridgeline that’s 150 feet higher than the departure.”

One of Mackie’s friends, who had ample experience flying in and out of the airstrip, experienced an incident last summer where they impacted the face of a nearby mountain (but fortunately walked away unharmed). 

“So, it’s a challenging airport,” he said. “But at the same time, I get a lot of messages from local guys that this is their first off-airport experience and have had no issues. If you’re smart about it, it’s fine. For people that disregard the wind too much or disregard the high-density altitude, it can get sketchy real quick.” 

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This 1942 Noorduyn Norseman Is an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick Tested in the Canadian Backcountry https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-1942-noorduyn-norseman-is-an-aircraftforsale-top-pick-tested-in-the-canadian-backcountry/ Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:21:54 +0000 /?p=210872 The Norseman’s large fuselage and lifting capability make it well-suited for big family vacations.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1942 Noorduyn Norseman UC-64A.

If you think the Noorduyn Norseman looks a lot like a de Havilland DCH-2 Beaver, you are not alone. The similarities make sense because the two aircraft were designed to handle the demands of air transport in the Canadian backcountry as well as military duty.

Each has a big Pratt & Whitney radial engine in front, supplying the excess of power needed to lift heavy loads from short, rough fields and deliver vital supplies across the sparsely populated stretches of territory that characterize northern Canada. The Norseman, though, made its first flight during the mid-1930s, about a dozen years before the Beaver’s arrival.

While the Norseman was fortified to perform in arctic regions, it would be a fun, effective way to travel today, especially for a large, outdoorsy family that might otherwise choose a recreational vehicle for vacation transport. Imagine the sensation this aircraft would cause parked on the ramp of Massachusetts’ Nantucket Memorial Airport (KACK) among the modern jets and turboprops.

This 1942 Noorduyn Norseman has 13,250 hours on the airframe and 625 hours on its Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN-1562 engine since overhaul. The panel features a Narco Comm-811 transceiver, King KT 76A transponder, Narco AR-850 encoder, NAT AA-80 intercom, and Garmin 296 GPS map.

Additional equipment includes Federal hydraulic metal skis, a throw-over yoke, Davtron digital outside temperature and leading edge landing lights, taxi lights, and strobes.

Pilots interested in antique aircraft that remain versatile, utilitarian, and practical by modern standards should take a look at this 1942 Noorduyn Norseman, which is available for $195,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

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Valdez Fly-In STOL Competition Celebrates 20th Anniversary https://www.flyingmag.com/valdez-fly-in-stol-competition-celebrates-20th-anniversary/ Fri, 17 May 2024 18:59:42 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=203083 Bush pilots navigate through deep, snow-covered canyons and low ceilings to arrive at Valdez-Pioneer Field (PAVD) for the launch of competition.

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The Valdez Fly-In marked its 20th anniversary in Alaska, the birthplace of short takeoff and landing (STOL) competitions in the U.S., on May 10-12, attracting pilots from across the nation, Canada, and even Poland. 

Despite challenging weather conditions, seasoned bush pilots navigated through deep, snow-covered canyons and low ceilings to arrive at Valdez-Pioneer Field (PAVD) for the launch of competition May 10. Many found their routes impassable, which limited the number of competitors. 

The Heavy Touring Class of competitors were led by two Helio Couriers that dominated the remaining fleet of Cessnas who were over 100 feet behind winner Lukas Stutzer. Caleb Lofstrom took second place, followed by Shawn Holly in his 1974 Cessna 180.

The Light Touring Class competition was won by Steve Spence in a fat-tired 1957 Cessna 172  with a combined takeoff and landing distance of 192 feet. Mark Hasner took second place in his Cessna 170B, and  Levi Althens was third in another 170B.

[Courtesy: Joe Prax]

In the Bush Class, Cache Carr went unchallenged in his 1977 Piper PA-18 Super Cub. He then joined the Experimental Bush Class, where he was able to showcase his skills.

That class was won by newcomer Lukasz Czepiela in the same Red Bull/Cubcrafters Carbon Cub UL that he landed on the iconic Burj Al Arab Hotel helipad in Dubai. It was also the same plane he flew to perform daily aerobatic airshows at Valdez. Lukasz was followed by second-place Carr and third-place Nathan Rehak in his 1922 CAW-12 Cub.

[Courtesy: Joe Prax]

The Light Sport Experimental Class is always a crowd favorite because records are often set. Unfortunately there was no wind during their taxi out. While staging, Dan Reynolds (shortest landing record holder at Valdez) experienced a brake pedal malfunction in his 1983 Chinook Valdez Special and had to withdraw, leaving Frank Knapp (combined takeoff and landing record holder at Valdez) unable to compete against his good friend and rival and capture the victory. Jon Kotwicki with FLY8MA.com took second in his Rans S-20.

Despite temperamental weather with rain and light snow flurries throughout the weekend, aviation and STOL enthusiasts were undeterred. The packed crowd was rewarded with impressive aerobatic performances by Scott Sexton of Barnstormer Aviation, Czepiela, and Reynolds. 

[Courtesy: Joe Prax]

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This 1955 Cessna 180 Is a Practical, Collectible ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/this-1955-cessna-180-is-a-practical-collectible-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Thu, 02 May 2024 13:41:08 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=201776 Decent cross-country speed and lots of flexible interior space make the 180 a perennial favorite for pilots seeking adventure.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1955 Cessna 180 Skywagon.

The Cessna 180’s conventional landing gear and squared-off “straight” vertical fin and rudder give it a distinctive vintage silhouette that many pilots find attractive. This appeal, coupled with the aircraft’s capabilities on short strips and  off-airport travel have helped to drive up prices for the muscular taildragger.

Shopping for early models from the 1950s can be an effective way to find more affordable examples that still look great. Because the 180 was a modern, efficient design when new, it remains practical for family transport and recreation.      

The 180 helped popularize STOL flying decades ago and inspired some of the best short-field performers now available. But while we often see images of 180s on skis, hauling big game out of hunting camps in Alaska, the aircraft’s lifting capability and cruising speed make it just as well-suited for your next cross-country family vacation.  

This 1955 Cessna 180 has 4,133 hours on the airframe, 10 hours on its 230 hp Continental O-470 engine, and 190 hours since overhaul on the McCauley two-blade seaplane propeller. The aircraft has a useful load of 776 pounds and carries 55 gallons of fuel.

The panel includes a custom audio panel, King KMD 150 color moving map GPS, Icom IC-A200 760 channel LCD digital om radio, King KX 175B analog nav/comm, Garmin GTX 335 transponder with ADS-B Out, remote ELT arming panel, Alcor analog EGT, digital tachometer, CHT gauge, carb temperature gauge, and 12-volt power outlet.

Additional equipment includes Alaskan Bushwheel six-bolt wheels and brakes, BAS inertia reel shoulder harnesses, BAS tailcone lift handles, door stewards, Rosen visors, Selkirk extended baggage compartment, Atlee Dodge folding rear seats, P-Ponk landing gear reinforcements, Brackett air filter, alternator conversion, and input for ground service power.

Pilots who are interested in a classic Cessna taildragger that combines the visual charm of an antique aircraft with the practicality of a powerful engine and spacious cabin should consider this1955 Cessna 180 Skywagon, which is available for $169,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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This 2019 Cessna T206H Is an Ultra-Utilitarian ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/this-2019-cessna-t206h-is-an-ultra-utilitarian-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:38:39 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=201630 Cessna’s 206 is renowned for combining high power with high lift for hauling big loads.

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Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2019 Cessna T206H.

When Cessna resumed production of certain single-engine piston aircraft during the 1990s, it was no surprise that the 206 was one of the models the company brought back.

While the Cessna 172 and 182 were clear choices for covering the market for trainers and basic personal aircraft, some customers would need more cabin space, power, and utility than those four-place models could provide. The 206 brought two additional seats, double doors on the right rear to ease cargo and passenger loading, more horsepower, and a high-lift wing for hauling heavy loads from short strips.

The aircraft for sale here retains the traits that have made 206s popular since their introduction in the 1960s. As a nearly new 2019 model, though, it adds an upgraded interior, modern integrated avionics, and the range of capabilities that come with advanced automation.

This 2019 Cessna T206H has 743 hours on the airframe and 636 hours since new on its Lycoming TIO-540 engine and heated McCauley propeller.

The aircraft’s panel features the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite with Garmin Flight Stream 510, GMA 1360 digital audio panel with marker beacon and intercom, GTX 345R transponder with ADS-B In and Out, dual GIA 64W GPS/Nav/Comms with glideslope, GDU 1054B PFD and MFD, GEA 71B engine/airframe computer, GSU 75 AHRS, GDC 74A air data computer, GI 275 electronic standby flight instrument, and GFC-700 autopilot.    

Pilots who are interested in a well-equipped, versatile aircraft with six seats and a generous useful load should consider this 2019 Cessna T206H, which is available for $889,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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Navy to Explore Use of eSTOL Aircraft, Issues Contract to Electra https://www.flyingmag.com/navy-to-explore-use-of-estol-aircraft-issues-contract-to-electra/ Thu, 25 Apr 2024 16:31:33 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=201375 The service is investigating the aircraft's potential utility in environments with operational challenges or minimal infrastructure.

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The U.S. Navy has issued a contract to Electra to investigate the use of its electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft for logistics in contested environments, the company announced.

According to Electra, the aircraft is able to operate with ground rolls of 150 feet, capable of carrying up to nine passengers or 2,500 pounds of cargo, and sports a range of 500 nm.

The company did not announce the contract amount that was awarded under the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) but said it is expected to continue through the end of the year.

“The contract allows Electra to partner with the U.S. Navy and its stakeholders to explore the use cases for Electra’s eSTOL technology, as well as potential aircraft configuration extensions, to enhance the efficiency of delivering military logistics services in environments with minimal infrastructure or other operational challenges,” Electra spokesperson Barbara Zadina told FLYING.

The contract announcement comes days after the company reported the U.S. Army had issued a $1.9 million contract to experiment with the hybrid-electric aircraft to perform powered wind tunnel testing.

“With our differentiated combination of hybrid-electric propulsion and a blown fixed wing, we can offer Pacific theater-relevant payloads and ranges, and the ability to operate from rough, soccer-field-sized spaces as well as many naval vessels and adjacent assets, all from day one,”  Ben Marchionna, Electra’s director of technology and innovation, said in a statement. 

In addition to logistic utility, the company said the eSTOL aircraft could also enable expeditionary power generation, mesh networking, and potentially serve as an essential node for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) employment.

“These are all game changers for force modernization initiatives within the Navy and Marine Corps,” Marchionna said.

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