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.

• FLYING Magazine: Building the Dream Beaver for Generations
• Plane & Pilot: Noorduyn Norseman (C.C.F.)
• AVweb: Summer’s Over; Go Home
• The Aviation Consumer: Off the Beaten Path: Vintage Aircraft
• The Aviation Consumer: Antiques and Classics: Owning and Operating

The post This 1942 Noorduyn Norseman Is an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick Tested in the Canadian Backcountry appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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.

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.

• READ MORE: Carbon Cub Pilot Takes STOL to the Extreme With Helipad Landing

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. 

The post Valdez Fly-In STOL Competition Celebrates 20th Anniversary appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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.

• FLYING Magazine: One Iconic Cessna 180 Has Quite a Story to Tell
• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Voyager Propeller Approved for Cessna 180s
• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Scimitar Prop Approved for Cessna 180 and 182
• Plane & Pilot: Cessna 180 Skywagon

The post This 1955 Cessna 180 Is a Practical, Collectible ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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.

• FLYING Magazine: We Fly: Cessna 206
• FLYING Magazine: Cessna 206 Stationair
• FLYING Magazine: FLYING’s Air Compare: Cessna 206 vs. Cessna 210
• Plane & Pilot: Textron Aviation Launches Cessna T206 Turbo Stationair HD
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna 206 Stationair

The post This 2019 Cessna T206H Is an Ultra-Utilitarian ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

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.

• READ MORE: Electra.aero Nabs $1.9M Army Contract for Electric Aircraft Testing

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. 

• READ MORE: Electra.aero Surpasses 2000 Orders for Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

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.

The post Navy to Explore Use of eSTOL Aircraft, Issues Contract to Electra appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2010 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

There is a reason the Aviat Husky reminds many people of a Piper PA-18 Super Cub. It is because the airplane’s designer, Frank Christensen, had the Cub in mind. He had tried to buy the Super Cub design from Piper with a plan to build an improved version. Piper declined the offer, however, leaving Christensen, who produced the Christen Eagle aerobatic biplane, to design his own STOL utility machine. He started with a list of improvements that, many pilots feel, make the Husky a more pleasant airplane to fly than the Super Cub.

Several versions of the Husky have rolled out of the factory since the first one flew in 1985. The 180 hp model for sale here hits a sweet spot for many pilots, combining strong short-field and load-carrying performance with decent cruising speed, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Wipline 2100 amphibian floats are included, as are standard wheels and oversize bush wheels and tires.  

This 2010 Husky has 1,129 hours on the airframe and 1,132 hours on the 180 hp Lycoming O-360-A1P engine and MT 3-blade propeller. The VFR panel includes a Garmin 696 GPS. The aircraft is equipped with vortex generators.

Pilots looking for a strong STOL performer with cruise speeds suitable for longer cross-country trips and the option for operating on water should consider this 2010 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky, which is available for $250,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Husky Experience Offers Backcountry Fun
• FLYING Magazine: Husky Gets Hartzell Trailblazer
• FLYING Magazine: Video: Reverse Taxi in a Husky
• Plane & Pilot: Aviat‘s Husky Adds New Tricks
• Plane & Pilot: Plane & Pilot Photo/Video of the Week: Autoland in a Husky?
• The Aviation Consumer: Aviat Husky
• AVweb: Buying Utility STOL: Ignore the Ad Hype

The post This 2010 Aviat A1-C-180 Husky Is a Short-Field Wiz and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2007 Diamond DA42.

Ever since its debut in the early 2000s, the Diamond DA42 light twin has attracted the interest of flight schools seeking economical multiengine trainers. They are also attractive to individual private pilots who wish to move up to the light twin category while keeping operating costs under control.

The aircraft’s diesel engines are a focal point, especially for operators who prefer jet fuel over avgas. The DA42, with its composite structure, advanced avionics, and other modern features, also offers pilots the added sense of security that comes with a relatively new airframe and low hours.

For private pilots who regularly use their aircraft for business or long-distance family travel, possibly over long stretches of water or mountainous terrain, having a second engine can be an added measure of security worth contemplating. The DA42’s relative fuel efficiency, forgiving handling characteristics and impressive all-around performance make it a strong candidate for anyone seeking a capable personal aircraft.        

This 2007 DA42 has 950 hours on the airframe and on both Continental CD135 engines and MT composite propellers since new.

The panel features the Garmin G1000-integrated glass cockpit with dual GDU 1040s with 10-inch screens for PFD and MFD, GEA 71 airframe/engine interface unit, dual GIA 63 Nav/Com/GPS radios, GMA 1347 digital audio system, GTX 345R transponder with ADS-B In and Out, GRS 77 AHRS, GMU 44 magnetometer, GDC 74 air data computer, WX500 StormScope, and Avidyne TAS 60X active traffic.

Additional equipment includes a TKS deicing system, oxygen system, long-range fuel tanks, lightning protection system, HID landing and taxi lights, and automatic three-point safety belts on all four seats.

Pilots looking for a modern, economical light twin for travel or training should consider this 2007 Diamond DA42, which is available for $495,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Diamond DA42 Twin Makes First SAF Flight
• FLYING Magazine: Lufthansa Commits to Eco-Friendly Training with Diamond DA42 Twins
• FLYING Magazine: Emirates Expands Training Fleet With Diamond DA42-VI
• Plane & Pilot: Plane & Pilot 2017 Buyer’s Guide: Piston Twins
• AVweb: FAA: Diamond DA42 Twin Star OK for Known Icing
• AVweb: Lyc-Powered DA42 Certified in Canada
• AVweb: Diamond Offers Continental Option for DA42

The post This 2007 Diamond DA42 Is Fuel Efficient ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1996 Maule MXT-7-180A.

Most of us have seen footage of Maule aircraft performing fantastic feats of short-field flying, often from surfaces that look more like small parking lots than runways. And let’s not forget the famous photo of a Maule taking off through the open door of a hangar.

Those airplanes were all taildraggers, and while the MXT-7’s nosewheel might surprise some traditionalists, the company has enjoyed success with the design since introducing it in 1991. The idea was to compete more effectively with mainstream four-seaters like the Cessna 172 by offering short-field fans the option of tricycle gear with more flexible load-carrying capabilities.

This 1996 Maule MXT-7-180A has 2,925 hours on the airframe, 804 hours on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine since overhaul, and 539 hours on its Sensenich propeller since overhaul.

The panel includes a Garmin 796 GPS and a PCAS portable traffic avoidance system. Additional equipment includes heavy-duty struts, observer windows and doors, Rosen visors, float kit installation prep, and Tanis engine heater.

Pilots looking for an economical STOL and backcountry aircraft with the flexibility of tricycle gear should consider this 1996 Maule MXT-7-180A, which is available for $139,900 on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Choose Your Mount—The Maules Do it All
• FLYING Magazine: Maule Air Expands Its M-9 Series, Introduces M-4
• Plane & Pilot: Maule MX-7-180: Barebones With Big Tires For Big Fun
• Plane & Pilot: 2018 Maule MXT-7-180
• Plane & Pilot: 2018 Maule M-7-235B
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Tailwheel Maules

The post This 1996 Maule MXT-7-180A Is a Backcountry ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1967 Cessna 150G.

There are a lot of Cessna 150s and 152s flying today. The sturdy two-seat trainers have been taking students through flight training and check rides for more than 60 years. In that time they have earned a reputation as reliable, economical, no-nonsense aircraft that are suited to several missions beyond training, such as traveling, commuting, and short-field operations.

The airplane for sale here is not your everyday 150, having been modified with a number of upgrades aimed at making it a better bush machine. Changes include taildragger landing gear, wing modifications, and a 150 hp engine like those found in the larger Cessna 172. The engine swap boosts its horsepower by 50 percent compared with a standard 150.

This 1967 150 has 2,066 hours on the airframe and 17 hours on its Lycoming 150 hp O-320-E2D engine. The panel features a Narco Mk-12 Nav/Com, Sport 200 two-place intercom, and Genave Beta 5000 transponder.

Additional equipment includes the Texas Taildragger STC, 150 hp STC, gross weight increase STC, STOL-Craft leading edge and wing tip kit, flap and aileron gap seals, and Patroller doors.     

Pilots looking for a compact STOL airplane, and especially those who like the Cessna 150 but wish it was a taildragger, should consider this modified 1967 model, which is available for $103,900 on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Is It Possible to Legally Fly a Cessna 150 as an LSA?
• FLYING Magazine: Teenager Takes Control of Cessna 150 After Pilot Passes Out
• FLYING Magazine: I Learned About Flying From That: 18,300 Feet in a Cessna 150
• Plane & Pilot: Incredible Plane: Cessna 150
• Plane & Pilot: Quiz Time: Cessna 150
• Plane & Pilot: Stranded Cessna 150 Tries to Take Off from a Sandbar and There’s No Possible Way He Makes It! Unless . . .
• The Aviation Consumer: Cessna 150/152

The post This 1967 Cessna 150 Is a Modified, Tail-Dragging ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Tecnam, the P2012 STOL is designed specifically to operate at airports and airstrips characterized by “extremely short runways with demanding operational constraints.”

The aircraft, while designed as STOL, still maintains “a 99 percent commonality of parts with the standard P2012 Traveller series aircraft” and still manages to fill the needs of a niche market that relies on a certain level of performance and flexibility, the company said.

About the Aircraft

The P2012 STOL is a twin-piston aircraft with a maximum gross weight of 8,113 pounds and  useful load of 2,831 pounds. It can be configured for up to nine passengers with amenities such as USB ports, individual air outlets, dedicated reading light, seat pockets, and cup and mobile phone holders.

The multimission capability of the aircraft allows it to go from a passenger carrier to air ambulance or cargo hauler within minutes.

• READ MORE: Tecnam P2012 STOL on Track for 2023 Certification

The cockpit features a G1000 NXi avionic system, GFC700 specifically tuned autopilot, and ADS-B In/Out. The flight deck features connectivity with Bluetooth, Flight Stream, Iridium along with weather radar, stormscope, inset map, and ForeFlight Synthetic Vision.

The aircraft also has a wider cabin than other STOL in its class, according to the Italian manufacturer.

Aircraft Performance

According to Tecnam, at the maximum takeoff weight of 8,113 pounds, the P2012 STOL can lift off in 1,033 feet, clearing a 50-foot obstacle in 1,394 feet. The landing distance over an obstacle is reported to be 1,181 feet.

With the production aircraft already in the final stage of the assembly line, the P2012 STOL is ready for the first deliveries to customers, the company said.

The aircraft is scheduled to be on display at Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida on April 9-14.

The post EASA Certifies Tecnam P2012 Traveller STOL Variant appeared first on FLYING Magazine.