Backcountry Archives - FLYING Magazine https://cms.flyingmag.com/tag/backcountry/ The world's most widely read aviation magazine Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:02:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 This 1947 Aeronca 7BCM Is an Easygoing Warbird and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-1947-aeronca-7bcm-is-an-easygoing-warbird-and-an-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:02:29 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=219217&preview=1 A traditional classic taildragger, this Aeronca is a piece of military history.

The post This 1947 Aeronca 7BCM Is an Easygoing Warbird and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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 1947 Aeronca 7BCM.

I have always preferred the Aeronca Champ over its more-famous rival, the Piper J-3 Cub, because as a solo pilot you sit in the front seat instead of the rear, and as a result can actually see where you are going.

This is particularly important on the ground, where taildraggers tend to be the most challenging. I can see over the Champ’s nicely tapered nose but no such luck with the Piper.

Of course, I would never wave off either of the classic machines, especially in their military liaison versions—like this Aeronca, also known as an L-16A—which have extended greenhouses intended for observers in the back seat. Nowadays those airy glass enclosures give passengers a near-panoramic view and make the vintage-aircraft experience far more palatable for first-timers.

Early taildraggers like this Aeronca are a joy to fly on short hops for breakfast, lunch, or fly-ins at local airports. Packing one up for an overnight trip is also a fun way to spend a weekend, whether you plan to camp under the stars or retire to a cozy bed-and-breakfast.

This Aeronca 7BCM has 5,894 hours on the airframe and 329 hours since overhaul on its Continental C85 engine.

While the Aeronca is a basic, fairly bare-bones aircraft, it does have certain features that enhance its effectiveness in the backcountry, including a 7-gallon fuel tank in its wing in addition to the 15-gallon main tank, a Brackett air filter, tinted visor, front and rear side windows that open,  quick-release door hinge, hand brake, no-bounce landing gear, Aero-Classic 850×6 main tires, new exhaust, and air vents.

The VFR panel includes a digital comm radio, turn coordinator, tachometer, airspeed indicator, altimeter, oil temperature and pressure gauges, fuel gauge, and compass—everything you need.

Pilots looking for a back-to-basics tailwheel airplane with vintage appeal and extra visibility that will impress passengers should consider this 1947 Aeronca 7BCM, which is available for $39,000 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.

The post This 1947 Aeronca 7BCM Is an Easygoing Warbird and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
This 2014 Aviat A-1C Husky Is a Rugged ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick that Cleans Up Well https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-2014-aviat-a-1c-husky-is-a-rugged-aircraftforsale-top-pick-that-cleans-up-well/ Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:18:40 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=218764&preview=1 Inspired by the Super Cub, the Husky offers certain modern advantages.

The post This 2014 Aviat A-1C Husky Is a Rugged ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick that Cleans Up Well appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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 2014 Aviat A-1C-180 Husky.

Over the years I occasionally have heard pilots call the Husky a “glorified Super Cub.” I think such skeptics fail to consider that the Husky was developed decades after Piper’s PA-18 and other classic taildraggers and has certain advantages that come with modern design and engineering.

The Husky emerged after its designer, Frank Christensen, tried to buy the rights to the Super Cub and other bushplane designs but was thwarted. Christensen, who previously had developed the Christen Eagle aerobatic biplane as a kit, eventually lost patience and decided to build his own plane that could excel in the bush while providing a bit more comfort for pilot and passenger, and functioning well in civilization.

By making the Husky more capable and easier to live with than many other taildraggers, Christensen scored a hit that remains popular decades later. The aforementioned glorification has held up well.   

This 2014 Husky has 830 hours on the airframe and on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360A1P engine, and 110 hours since new on its MT composite propeller. The aircraft is equipped with a PowerFlow tuned exhaust system, Gate 9 oil cooler airflow control, B&C oil filter, Challenger engine air filter, 70-amp alternator, lifting rings for float installation, and 26-inch Goodyear tundra tires.

The IFR panel includes a Garmin G3X Touch PFD and MFD, Garmin 750Xi GPS/nav/comm, GTR 20 comm, GTX 345R transponder, Garmin 35c audio panel with markers, intercom and Bluetooth, Garmin G5, GFC 500 autopilot, GI260 angle of attack instrument, USB power output, and engine monitor with fuel totalizer. The cockpit also features front and rear five-point seat belts.

This Husky has a basic empty weight of 1,356, carries 50 gallons of usable fuel, and has a useful load of 894 pounds. Maximum takeoff weight is 2,250 pounds.

Pilots who like the looks and value of an early straight-tail Bonanza but prefer to fly with modern instrumentation should consider this 1962 Beechcraft B33 Debonair, which is available for $139,000 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.

The post This 2014 Aviat A-1C Husky Is a Rugged ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick that Cleans Up Well appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
This 1979 Bellanca 8GCBC Is a Backcountry-Bred ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-1979-bellanca-8gcbc-is-a-backcountry-bred-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:44:11 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=218353&preview=1 Also known as the Scout, this classic taildragger has power to spare.

The post This 1979 Bellanca 8GCBC Is a Backcountry-Bred ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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 1979 Bellanca 8GCBC.

The Bellanca Citabria has been a popular taildragger ever since its introduction in the early 1960s. Descendants of the beloved Aeronca 7AC Champ, the Citabria and its derivatives come in an alphabet-soup of model designations, including 7ECA through 8KCAB.

Specifications differ significantly but all of these aircraft have the same basic appearance of a modernized, squared-off Champ.

Other pilots have told me that Citabrias, while fairly versatile, are not truly cut out for the rigors of bush flying—too delicate, they say. The aircraft for sale here was Bellanca’s answer to that assertion.

The 8GCBC, known as the Scout, was designed as a utility model, with extra power for hauling loads out of remote mountain strips and options for long-range fuel. It can be used for crop spraying, patrol duty, and other missions that we typically associate with larger, beefier aircraft. Unlike most of its relatives, the 8GCBC is not certified for aerobatic maneuvers.

For backcountry flying enthusiasts, though, this taildragger seems like it was built to order.

This 1979 Bellanca has 1,120 hours on the airframe and on its 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine since overhaul. The aircraft is equipped with 8.5-inch main wheels and a Scott tailwheel. The basic VRF panel includes Icom radio and Stratus ADS-B In and Out.

Pilots looking for a classic tailwheel aircraft capable of short-field operations and off-airport exploration should consider this 1979 Bellanca 8GCBC, which is available for $90,000 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.

The post This 1979 Bellanca 8GCBC Is a Backcountry-Bred ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
This 1955 Cessna 180 Is a Cross-Country, Backcountry ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft-for-sale-top-picks/this-1955-cessna-180-is-a-cross-country-backcountry-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:58:59 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=217877&preview=1 A vintage airframe with many updates, this Skywagon is ready for its next mission.

The post This 1955 Cessna 180 Is a Cross-Country, Backcountry ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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 is a true classic, having transformed the image of the high-wing taildragger and opened up new frontiers for adventurous pilots.

In the middle of the 20th century, most general aviation aircraft had tailwheels, flew slowly, carried two people and not much else, and were covered with fabric.

The all-metal Cessna 180 was sleek, sturdy, powerful, and could carry more people farther afield to remote hunting and fishing camps, or haul families to vacation destinations. The 180 changed aviation in some of the same ways that modern SUVs and crossovers changed family road trips 50 years later.

Today this 180 reflects the same form-follows-function elegance and flair for adventure that set the model apart when it arrived on the market.

This 1955 Cessna 180 has 5,950 hours on the airframe, 155 hours on its 230 hp Continental O-470 engine since overhaul, and 1,289 hours since overhaul on its McCauley two-blade propeller.

The aircraft is equipped with numerous upgrades that make it well suited for backcountry travel, including a Sportsman STOL kit, 24-gallon Flint tip tanks in addition to standard 60-gallon main fuel tanks, Cessna 185 gear legs and tailwheel stinger, P-Ponk landing gear strengthening kit, heavy-duty brakes, 850×6 main tires, XP Modifications 10-inch tailwheel, shoulder harnesses, BAS folding jumpseats, BAS tail cone lift handles, door stewards and abrasion boots on the horizontal stabilizer. Useful load is 973 pounds.

The panel includes a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, GNS 430W GPS/nav/comm, Garmin VOR/localizer/glide slope indicator, GTX 327 transponder, GDL 82 ADS-B, King KX 155 nav/comm, King KI 208 VOR/localizer indicator, Electronics International oil, vacuum, fuel flow and electrical instruments, 12-volt power outlet, and EDM 700 engine monitor

Pilots looking for an early 180 with updated equipment that is ready for traditional cross-country travel or more adventurous itineraries should consider this 1955 Cessna 180, which is available for $183,500 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.

The post This 1955 Cessna 180 Is a Cross-Country, Backcountry ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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.

The post This 2002 Kitfox Series 5 Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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.

The post This 2002 Kitfox Series 5 Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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.

The post This 2006 Maule M-4-180V Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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.

The post This 2006 Maule M-4-180V Is a Backcountry-Ready ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
New Organization Aims to Expand Backcountry Aviation Access https://www.flyingmag.com/new-organization-aims-to-expand-backcountry-aviation-access/ Thu, 18 Jul 2024 13:00:00 +0000 /?p=211591 The newly formed Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation was created to honor the founder of CubCrafters aircraft.

The post New Organization Aims to Expand Backcountry Aviation Access appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
For many pilots, Yakima, Washington-based aircraft company CubCrafters is synonymous with backcountry flying. 

The company was founded 1980 by the late Jim Richmond who, after noticing how the Piper Super Cub was used for backcountry operations while on a trip in Alaska, modified and refined the design for better safety and performance.

Richmond was an accomplished pilot and engineer, and was dedicated to making machines that enabled pilots to reach unimproved areas for recreation. He died in November 2021 at the age of 67.

A newly formed nonprofit organization aims to honor the legacy of the founder of CubCrafters aircraft by expanding access to backcountry flying.

Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation

“The new [Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation (JRBAF)] is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to expanding public backcountry aviation access as a legacy project in honor of Jim Richmond, the late founder of CubCrafters,” said Brad Damm, vice president of CubCrafters.

The new foundation is completely separate from CubCrafters, said Damm, who serves as its volunteer executive director.

According to Damm, the creation of the new charitable organization has been in the works for several years.

“We’ve organized a solid nonprofit corporate structure, established a great board of directors, and applied for and received tax-exempt status from the IRS,” he said.

The membership fee for the foundation is $100 a year, which, according to Damm, covers the federal tax on the grand prize aircraft in its annual fundraising raffle.

“So the winner doesn’t have to pay tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket just to accept the prize,” he said. “The grand prize aircraft itself is pretty special. It is a Carbon Cub S/N 001—an aircraft with a direct connection to Jim Richmond himself.” 

According to Damm, the foundation has been designed to complement the work that similar groups, such as the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF), Alaska Airmen, and Idaho Aviation Association do to support the backcountry pilot community.

“We are constantly blown away by the advocacy they accomplish, the volunteer hours they put in, and the overall scope of what those organizations do year in and year out,” he said. “[Our new foundation’s focus is on] expanding public aviation access to the backcountry by opening more high-quality destination locations for people to fly to, experience, and enjoy.”

Part of that is the foundation’s purchase of the historic 45 Ranch in Idaho and opening it to the public.

“The airstrip is on deeded land owned by the Jim Richmond Backcountry Aviation Foundation,” Damm said. “The new strip has always previously been closed to the public, but we’ve now changed that now and the public is welcome. Anyone is welcome to land and explore or enjoy the property. If you want to use the camp or rent one of the cabins, membership is required.”

Information about JRBAF membership may be found here.

The post New Organization Aims to Expand Backcountry Aviation Access appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
Perfect Spot: Building an Airstrip on Fremont Ridge https://www.flyingmag.com/perfect-spot-building-an-airstrip-on-fremont-ridge/ Mon, 13 May 2024 15:46:14 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=202713 A father-and-son team are pooling their love of flying into the development of a 2,300-foot facility on top of a mesa in southern Utah.

The post Perfect Spot: Building an Airstrip on Fremont Ridge appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
Carson Stilson’s career and life is centered around aviation. The founder of Wairworthy, an aviation-focused apparel company with over 600,000 followers across its social media channels, recently shared a special project with the world.

In October 2022, Stilson and his dad purchased 120 acres of land in southern Utah. From the outset, the intent was always to have a runway on the site.

“Location wise, we are about 10 minutes to the south of Beaver, Utah, up in the mountains [in the region of Fremont Indian State Park],” Stilson said. “We’ve named the land Fremont Ridge.”

The first priority for Stilson and his father—both pilots and joint owners of a Rans S-20 Raven—was establishing a place to land.

“This chunk of the property which we got had a flat, open area on top of this mesa,” Stilson said. “It was just big enough to be able to put a decent-sized runway, and it took about a month to clear all the sagebrush, cut out the runway, and put down [grass] seed. We started the process in late 2022, and the grass started sprouting up in the spring of 2023. The runway and base stuff have been ready to go for a little bit, but there’s still so much left to do.”

[Courtesy: Carson Stilson]

Stilson is hoping to put the grass strip on the map, both figuratively and literally. He said an upcoming priority is to get the runway noted on sectionals, in addition to finalizing plans to make the airport a bucket-list place for other pilots. 

“We put two small container cabins up there and plan to add more,” he said. “There are a lot of other amenities still on the way. We also plan to have a parking area, so people can park their plane once landing. Then we are going to be doing things like installing a pickleball court. The goal is to eventually…create a little pond and have some fishing up there,” and add a large grass field for soccer.

“Then we have 20 acres off the end of the runway that we may potentially turn into an airpark. People could either rent a cabin or just come park their plane and stay for a night. We would like to make it something special and a great pit stop for pilots who might be traveling through or looking to adventure in southern Utah.”

Stilson has slowly been letting the aviation community know about the airstrip. Even without amenities, the unique landing site has been eyed by a number of aviators as a place they want to visit. 

You may wonder: Can I fly into the airstrip? Once the airstrip is added to the sectional, Stilson plans to start allowing others to visit. 

According to Stilson, Utah’s laws make it an easier decision to open up the property for other pilots to enjoy.

“Utah has recreational laws that protect people who open their lands to people who want to recreate on them,” he said. “What I’ve been told is it’s almost smarter to rely on those laws than to try to create any sort of a liability waiver yourself, because these laws are already pretty bulletproof. The way to put it is, ‘land at your own discretion.’ If I put it on the pilot that they chose to land [here], then they take the liability.

[Courtesy: Carson Stilson]

“That doesn’t mean I’m not going to make it very clear what some of the risks that come along with landing at this strip. I think most backcountry pilots will have no issue at all,” he said. “The airstrip sits at roughly 7,000 feet, and it can get up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit up there. There’s a lot of risk with part of the runway that is essentially a no-go-around for most airplanes.”

Stilson has been intentional about making the roughly 2,300-foot airstrip as safe as he can. 

“If you don’t have climb performance, it’s going to be really hard,” he said. “I recommend people land the opposite way, which is also a little more challenging because it’s slightly downhill. But at least you have a go-around option. [When landing] you have to hug some mountains and your base-to-final [turn] can be a little interesting, since you have to clear a couple of trees. We are working on doing what we can to make it a little safer, just because it’s somewhat technical.”

The fact that the airstrip sits on a mesa presents another challenge.

“You get that aircraft carrier landing from the winds that can potentially drop you down very quickly if you’re not careful,” Stilson said. “There are definitely a few technicalities to consider. But I think they are not going to be a huge deal, especially because we installed a [SayWeather] system and a windsock. This was a no-brainer for me because I need pilots to be able to get the wind direction and speed, as well as the density altitude.” 

In an attempt to help keep backcountry aviation alive, Stilson said he created this runway to spark a sense of adventure.

“Southern Utah is perhaps one of the most magical places to explore as a backcountry pilot. I’m an avid member of the Utah Backcountry Pilots Association and strive to be a good steward of the beautiful state we live in,” he said. “I hope our small airstrip opens the door to pilots who want to experience the southwest in a unique way.”

The post Perfect Spot: Building an Airstrip on Fremont Ridge appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
This 2010 Aviat A1-C-180 Husky Is a Short-Field Wiz and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/this-2010-aviat-a1-c-180-husky-is-a-short-field-wiz-and-an-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Fri, 12 Apr 2024 16:36:04 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=200260 Off-the-shelf bush airplane offers pilots adventure with enough cruising speed for efficient travel.

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

]]>
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 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.

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

]]>
This 2004 Maule M-7-260C Is a Direct Route to Adventure and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick https://www.flyingmag.com/this-2004-maule-m-7-260c-is-a-direct-route-to-adventure-and-an-aircraftforsale-top-pick/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:45:41 +0000 https://www.flyingmag.com/?p=194589 The Maule brand has been synonymous with STOL for decades.

The post This 2004 Maule M-7-260C Is a Direct Route to Adventure and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>
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 2004 Maule M-7-260C.

Maules stand out on the ramp for a number of reasons. Even people accustomed to spotting taildraggers might not recognize these Georgia-built backcountry airplanes. They do not look like Piper Super Cubs, Cessna 180s, or any of the usual suspects at your favorite grass strip. But for bush-flying enthusiasts and pilots whose travels take them regularly to short fields, Maules are objects of desire.

The M-7-260C for sale here combines Maule’s reputation for lifting heavy loads from short runways with a roomy, versatile cabin and cruising speeds that make longer trips more attractive. This rugged aircraft is at home whether traveling to paved runways or challenging off-airport destinations.

This 2004 Maule M-7-260C has 1,058 hours since new on the airframe, its 260 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine and Hartzell Scimitar propeller. The aircraft is equipped with 29-inch Alaskan Bushwheels, a Tundra Tailwheel assembly, and vortex generators.

The panel includes a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, GNS 530W GPS/nav/com, SL40 nav/com, GTX 330 transponder, Electronics International CGR 30P engine monitor, dual Garmin G5s, GI-106 glide slope, S-TEC 30 autopilot with altitude hold, and dual USB ports.

Pilots looking for an over-the-counter bush airplane from a company that has specialized in backcountry flying for decades should consider this 2004 Maule M-7-260C, which is available for $320,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

The post This 2004 Maule M-7-260C Is a Direct Route to Adventure and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

]]>