Today’s Top Pick is a 2014 Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey LSX.

The Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey has been a popular kitbuilt and light sport amphibian aircraft since its introduction more than 30 years ago.

Known for its responsive and engaging flight characteristics, the SeaRey often attracts experienced pilots who appreciate its sprightly performance and the go-anywhere quality of an airplane that can land on water as well as runways.

This version of the long-running design, with a powerful turbocharged engine, offers pilots additional climb and cruise performance over standard models. Experienced SeaRey operators emphasize the need for specialized training in this aircraft and others with high thrust lines.

With its pusher engine mounted above the wing, the SeaRey tends to change pitch with variations in power setting. Pilots have to be smooth and deliberate when quickly increasing or decreasing power and ready to compensate immediately with pitch adjustments. The training is worthwhile, as many pilots say the SeaRey is pure fun to fly.

This 2014 SeaRey has 579 hours on the airframe and 578 hours on its Rotax 914 turbo engine. The VFR panel includes a Garmin GPS and Advanced Flight Systems 5500 touchscreen.

Pilots looking for a factory-built light sport aircraft with the versatility of an amphibian design and the added performance of a turbocharged engine should consider this 2014 Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey, which is available for $115,000 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: FAA Certifies SeaRey Production LSA
• FLYING Magazine: Seaplane Adventures for Pilots
• FLYING Magazine: What Is the Best Amphibious Aircraft?
• FLYING Magazine: Vickers Wave LSA Emerges
• Plane & Pilot: 2017 Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey
• The Aviation Consumer: LSA Float Rating: A Flight Review Excuse
• The Aviation Consumer: SeaRey Elite: Upscale Amphib LSA

The post This 2014 Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey Is a Fun-Filled ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 Cessna A185F Skywagon.

For many pilots the Cessna 185 is the ultimate all-around taildragger. When the airplane came to market in 1961, essentially as a heavy-duty version of the existing 180, it was an immediate hit, though interest grew significantly a few years later when Cessna upgraded its powerplant from a 260 hp Continental IO-470 to a 300 hp IO-520. The change contributed to the model’s legendary ability to operate off-airport and from short strips with heavy loads.

Even though 185 production ended in 1985, it often seems that the aircraft’s popularity never really faded and, indeed, continued to grow to the point where it appears to be more popular today than ever. The airplane for sale here offers the versatility of wheels, floats, or skis, and has modifications that make it especially well-suited for travel into remote areas. It is difficult to look at this Cessna 185 without imagining airborne adventures on the remote rivers and lakes of Alaska, Maine, or Minnesota.

This A185F has 6,800 hours on the airframe and 1,000 hours on its Continental IO-520D engine since a major overhaul. The engine’s six cylinders were replaced more recently and have accrued 300 hours. The engine is equipped with GAMI injectors and rests on a special Seaplanes West engine mount.

Additional upgrades include P.Ponk-reinforced landing gear (wheels are included), modifications for wheel skis, a BAS tail-pull handle, Aqua 3190 floats, and Aeropod tailcone access panels. The VFR panel includes an JPI EDM 830 engine monitor. 

Pilots looking for a powerful, utilitarian taildragger with generous and flexible load-carrying capacity should consider this 1977 Cessna A185F, which is available for $184,000 on AircraftForSale. 

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

• FLYING Magazine: Alaska Wild in a Cessna 185
• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Voyager Propeller Receives STC for Cessna 185 E/F
• FLYING Magazine: The Greatest Flying Season of All
• Plane & Pilot: Cessna 185 Skywagon
• Plane & Pilot: Cessna‘s Big 185
• Plane & Pilot: Flying With Floats
• AVweb: Used Aircraft Guide: Cessna 185 Skywagon

The post This 1977 Cessna A185F Skywagon Is a Turnkey Adventure Machine and an ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1991 Antonov An-2 Turbine Amphibian.

The Antonov An-2, a Russian design dating to 1947, has been a common sight in Soviet and former Soviet countries for decades. Pilots in the U.S. have been fascinated by these utility aircraft for their load-carrying and slow-flight capability, short-field performance, and versatility.

The aircraft for sale here is set up for adventure, like a recreational vehicle that happens to fly. The An-2 has a roomy cabin that historically has been used for hauling cargo but is easily adaptable for passengers. With the addition of amphibian floats, there are few places that this aircraft cannot access. The turbine conversion promises to boost the aircraft’s load capacity significantly and add a few knots of cruising speed as well. Just imagine the reaction when you taxi to the dock in this machine.

This 1991 Antonov AN-2 has 19,089 hours on the airframe and was converted from its original Shvetsov 9-cylinder radial engine to a Garrett/Honeywell TFE-331-12 turbine engine and a Hartzell five-blade propeller. Its panel includes a three-screen Garmin G3X Touch, L-3 Avionics Skywatch 497 active traffic, Electronics International FP5L fuel totalizer, and  remote camera system for confirmation of gear position. The aircraft is equipped with carbon fiber floats and comes with a Honda generator for remote power and charging.

Pilots who have always wanted an RV with wings for exploring far beyond the nearest runway should consider this 1991 Antonov AN-2 amphibian, which  is available for $1.8 million on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Cuban Pilot Flies Soviet An-2 Biplane to Florida
• FLYING Magazine: A Yak 18T’s Escape from Ukraine
• Plane & Pilot: The 2019 High Sierra Fly-In Explodes

The post This 1991 Antonov An-2 Is a Versatile Amphibian ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

ICON says the certification will allow it to enter new markets, launching a “new phase of growth” for the company. Among other advantages, the new approval gives ICON a much clearer certification path in countries that don’t recognize the U.S. light sport category or those where the company would otherwise be required to go through a waiver process similar to the one it completed with the FAA to receive a weight exemption for the heavier-than-standard A5.

• READ MORE: Icon A5 Light-Sport Aircraft Review

The primary category certification also clears the way for the company to “take advantage of reciprocal agreements between the FAA and aviation governing bodies outside of the U.S.” to certify the A5 in regions and countries such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.

“Receiving FAA type certification for the ICON A5 in the primary category is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire ICON team,” said company CEO Jerry Meyer. “It allows us to expand our market potential around the world, and it underscores the commitment of ICON Aircraft to innovation and excellence in design…We are grateful for the collaborative partnership with the FAA throughout this process, and we extend our sincere thanks for their commitment to safety and efficiency.”

About the A5

The two-seat ICON A5 Certified Edition offers a top speed of 95 knots, 427 nm range with a 45-minute reserve, and useful load of 430 pounds. The aircraft is powered by the fuel-injected Rotax 912iS engine and comes equipped with the Garmin aera 796. It also features a folding-wing design and whole-airframe parachute system.

ICON noted that the certified edition of the A5 has the same specifications and performance as the S-LSA version but will require a private pilot certificate and seaplane rating to operate in the U.S. The A5 S-LSA will continue to require a sport pilot certificate with a seaplane endorsement. Starting price for the certified version is $439,000 while the S-LSA model starts at $394,000.

According to the company, the primary difference between the two versions is that the “Type-certified A5 is produced under a production type certification under a higher level of scrutiny and documentation by the FAA.”

ICON began delivering the A5 to customers in 2017. The company reports that it has now shipped more than 210 A5s to clients across 13 countries. The model is manufactured at ICON’s facility in Tijuana, Mexico.

If you’re looking for an A5 of your own, consider entering The Ultimate FLYING Giveaway.

The post ICON A5 Receives FAA Primary Category Type Certification appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1945 Grumman American G-44 Widgeon

The Widgeon was part of a line of amphibious aircraft that Grumman built from the 1930s through the 1950s. It is the baby of the family, smaller than the Goose, Mallard and Albatross, and while it served as a military transport during World War II, the Widgeon was designed with civilian use in mind. As a result, it is easy for motivated pilots to look at one today and start dreaming about loading up the family and embarking on air- and waterborne adventures.

I will admit to falling in love with this aircraft at first sight. I immediately imagined using it to explore remote lakes and harbors in Maine. There is a lovely inlet near our favorite vacation spot on Deer Isle where I have long fantasized about landing a seaplane in the narrow corridor between the many moored sailboats. That would stir things up. More on the serious, practical side, this Widgeon is just the right size for family trips. I have been seeking justification for nabbing seaplane and multi-engine ratings anyway and this airplane makes a strong case. I did promise my wife I would finish instrument training first, though, so my island-hopping plans will have to wait.

This 1945 Grumman Widgeon has 5,192 hours on the airframe, 429 hours on each of its Lycoming GO-435-C2B engines, and 130 hours on the propellers. As with many Widgeons, the newer Lycoming engines replaced its original Ranger inline engines. Other engine upgrades included GO-480s or Continental IO-470s and IO-520s.

The panel has been updated with a Garmin 530W GPS, GMA 347 audio panel, Sandel SN3500, KX155 nav/com, Century III autopilot, GTX330 transponder, KR87 ADF, and WX500 Stormscope.

Pilots looking for a cool, uncommon vintage aircraft that offers access to  out-of-the-way ports and beaches in addition to runways should look into this 1945 Grumman American G-44 Widgeon, which is available for $325,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

• FLYING Magazine: Video: Fly Along with Grumman Widgeon
• FLYING Magazine: How Fly-Ins Sold Pilots on Brookeridge Airport
• Plane & Pilot: Grumman Goose/Widgeon
• Plane & Pilot: Splash In
• Plane & Pilot: Grumman Mallard G73
• The Aviation Consumer: Shopping For A Seaplane: Pick A Price Point

The post This 1945 Grumman American G-44A Widgeon Is a Versatile, Amphibious ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2006 Seawind 3000

The Seawind series of amphibian aircraft dates back to the late 1970s when aircraft designers, engineers, and experimenters were discovering the impressive properties of composite construction. Composites offered a range of options for kit makers and the homebuilt community. The materials were also well-suited for amphibian aircraft. The kit-built Seawind 3000 is powered by a 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine while the earlier 2000 model packed a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360. A number have been converted to turbine power. 

Engine placement can be a challenge with single-engine amphibians. A number of designs, from the Republic Seabee to the Lake Buccaneer, have mounted the engine and propeller in a pusher configuration, sitting atop the wing or on a pylon. The Seawind is a notable departure from tradition, with its engine and prop facing forward and blended into a large vertical fin. Proponents of this layout say it has advantages, including a reduction in cabin noise.   

This Seawind 3000 was built by Plane Makers, a company based in Sarasota, Florida, whose services include assisting aircraft builders with construction and repairs. It has 335 hours on the airframe, IO-540 engine, and composite propeller. The panel includes a G3X multifunction display, GNX 375 transponder, GPS, ADS-B, autopilot, and more.

Pilots looking for a unique seaplane with four seats and more speed than typical floatplanes should consider this 2006 Seawind 3000, which is available for $219,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

• Kitplanes: Super Seawind – Turbine Power!

The post This 2006 Seawind 3000 Is a Unique, Kit-Built ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

James William Buffett died on the evening of September 1, surrounded by “family, friends, music, and dogs,” according to a statement released on social media on Saturday. The cause of death, as reported by TMZ, was lymphoma, as the result of advanced skin cancer. He left behind his wife Jane, two daughters, and one son—and a comprehensive catalog of songs, books, and businesses that embody the “Margaritaville” lifestyle captured by his most famous record, of that title.

Buffett was born on Christmas Day, 1946, and after fits and starts that included an initial failure to break into Nashville’s music industry, he found his way to the Florida Keys and a lifestyle that would inspire his oeuvre. He was introduced to flying by a college friend—but with little extra cash to spend on lessons, he put flying on hold. Once he’d tasted success, he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot. He toured using his Dassault Falcon 50 and later Falcon 900 (he was typed in both), and he owned and flew a succession of airplanes and amphibs—no surprise—including a Grumman Albatross, the Hemisphere Dancer, that was a visitor to airshows such as Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo and EAA AirVenture. His other aircraft included a Boeing Stearman, Cessna Citation 500 series, Cessna Caravan, and his first airplane, a Lake Renegade named “Lady of the Waters.”

He had but one recorded accident (NTSB: BFO94LA151). On August 25, 1994, he was flying his Grumman G-44A Widgeon near Nantucket, Massachusetts. On the takeoff run, on the step, he reported a swell approaching and before he could reduce power, the seaplane veered to the right. The Widgeon hit the water and nosed over. Buffett fortunately received only minor injuries and was the only person aboard. At the time, he had nearly 1,500 hours total time, with 191 hours in the make and model.

The post Musician and Pilot Jimmy Buffett Flies West appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

The Yukon propeller was on display at the 2023 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo, gracing the nose of a Cessna Caravan at Wipaire’s display. 

The prototype of the propeller was introduced last summer at EAA AirVenture, prompting curiosity about the propeller’s performance.

“There is up to a 26 percent decrease in total take-off distance from land and up to a 31 percent decrease from water,” according to JJ Frigge, president of Hartzell Propeller. “This translates into safer take off and landings on smaller lakes and shorter runways.”

• READ MORE: Hartzell Voyager Propeller Approved for Cessna 180s

The propeller allows for an increase in cruise speed at lower power settings, Fridge said, adding,  “up to 2 knots faster, saving fuel while increasing speed. Another big improvement is in weight. Coming in at 137 pounds, it is up to 19 pounds lighter than other available props.”

The Yukon prop on display at the Sun ‘n Fun airshow was mounted on a Wipaire Caravan 208B with the Blackhawk -140 engine conversion. 

The company noted there is no change in stall speeds with the new propeller. The design is available with TKS, electric de-ice boots or without icing equipment, and optional pitch locks.

• READ MORE: Wipaire Delivers 150th Set of Wipline 13000 Floats to Trans Maldivian Airways

The Yukon is designed for use on Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A shp and PT6A-140 867 shp engines, and can be used on either the 208 and 208B either with floats or on wheels.

“We are ready to take deposits and, depending on the FAA, we expect to have our STC later this year,” says Chuck Wiplinger, president and CEO of Wipaire.

The post Hartzell, Wipaire Conclude Testing of Yukon Prop, Await STC appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

One advantage to flying an LSA is that they can be flown with a sport pilot certificate, with only a valid driver’s license needed as proof of medical competency. While flight training prices vary throughout the country, it is generally accepted that a sport pilot ticket can be earned for about half the cost of a private pilot certificate.

Let’s take a look at some of the LSAs that are available in the U.S. market today.

The Major Players

For efficient flying that comes with spectacular ramp appeal, Bristell’s Classic LSA is one of the best looking in this category. Owners can see great performance numbers and fuel mileage behind a variety of available Rotax engines, and with a heavy-duty wing spar suitable for flight training and comfortable seating for two, this model makes a great cross-country flyer. 

Tecnam’s Astore looks impressive on the ramp or in the air and is offered with an analog panel at the base price with optional avionics packages, including either a Dynon SV1000 or Garmin G3X panel. A Rotax 912 ULS engine allows the Astore to easily cruise at the 120 knots calibrated airspeed (kcas) LSA limit on about 4.5 gph fuel burn. 

Sling’s LSA is a proven design with numerous world circumnavigation flights completed by a range of pilots, and the model delivers “highly responsive” flight controls that “give it the distinct qualities of a fighter jet,” according to Sling. A range of 750 nm comes from the Rotax 912 ULS or 912 iS powerplant, and a refined interior and avionics from Garmin round out the Sling’s standard equipment list. 

Other best sellers are Flight Design’s F2 and CubCrafter’s Carbon Cub SS. A single 10-inch Dynon SkyView display anchors the glass panel of the F2 and “sport seats” assure a pleasant ride for short hops or long flights. An electric pitch trim system and a full array of Whelen LED exterior lighting has helped fill Flight Design’s order book. 

For serious backcountry fun, the Carbon Cub SS is hard to beat. With a takeoff distance of 60 feet in perfect conditions claimed by the factory and a leisurely 32-knot stall speed, this model will get its lucky owners into the smallest of off-airport strips when STOL performance is required. A Titan CC340 180 hp engine up front delivers where it counts.

Amphibian LSAs

Dominating the light sport amphibian market are two very popular models, the Icon A5 and SeaRey Elite SLSA. Both provide those seeking fun in the air and on the water with well-finished, capable airframes, and the latest in glass avionics. 

Icon’s A5 is perhaps the most dramatic design on the LSA market—with an interior that looks like it was lifted from an exotic automobile built by hand in an Italian hill town. The line between aircraft and automobile is blurred, and with folding wings making the A5 trailerable, this fun ride has become popular in recent years. 

While styled in a more traditional way, SeaRey’s Elite SLSA has been a consistent seller for years and offers lucky owners a well-built airframe and plenty of power to operate in high and hot environments. With a spirited 350-foot water takeoff run and 1,100 fpm rate of climb behind a turbocharged 115 hp Rotax 914 ULS engine, the Elite gets in and out of most any lake or waterway. 

A Few Global Surprises

One of the most important attributes of LSA manufacturers worldwide has always been their ability to innovate. And because this niche of aviation is extremely popular in the European Union where the types are flown as “ultralights,” there are dozens of makers producing beautiful LSAs that are made “across the pond” and imported into the U.S. market. 

Take the Viper SD4 from Czech-Republic maker Tomark Aero. From the slick lines of the all-metal airframe to a seriously well-developed interior, the SD4 could be the best-looking LSA you’ve probably never heard about until now. Another contender for that title is the JMB Aircraft VL3 series, currently certificated under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regs for ultralights. Certain versions can be operated in the U.S. under the S-LSA rules, or in the experimental/exhibition category. 

Another make/model that will make you say, “Why haven’t I ever heard of this airplane before?” is the Fusion 212 SLSA manufactured by Magnus Aircraft. This Hungarian-built SLSA is as good as it gets in LSA styling, but underneath that sleek skin, a big surprise is waiting. Due to a very strong airframe, the Fusion 212 became the first and only SLSA to be certified by the FAA for upset recovery training, intentional spins, and basic aerobatics (+6/-3 Gs). This adds a valuable layer of training functionality to this fuel-efficient SLSA, making the 212 attractive to flight schools.

Most Affordable LSAs

When the light sport category was created by the FAA in 2004, it was one of the most significant changes to regulations in the agency’s history. One aspect of the then-new “LSA” and “sport pilot” aircraft and pilot certification categories was that there would be a vast number of very affordable new airplanes coming into the marketplace. In reality, most LSAs today are loaded with glass panels and features buyers desire, which has driven base prices up. There are, however, a few models that still carry a base price under $90,000, so let’s take a look at two of them. 

One of the most attractive buys for a new SLSA is the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, a well-equipped machine with a base price of $88,443. The Alpha Trainer is a great buy at that price, owing to its long list of standard features that include a Rotax 912 UL2 80 hp, four-stroke carbureted engine, Garmin GTR 200 radio with built-in intercom, Garmin GTX 335 transponder with ADS-B out, a Garmin Aera 660 GPS, and a standard ballistic parachute rescue system. 

Because the Alpha Trainer is meant to handle the daily abuse of hard landings thrown at it by new student pilots, the airframe is tough and durable. With its 13.2-gallon fuel tank, owners will see around 380 miles of range (with reserves) at normal cruise speeds of just under 110 knots. 

Also in the sub-$90,000 price range is the BushCat from SkyReach. The BushCat was designed to handle the rugged African bush country with a design made for easy assembly and repair in remote areas. For a very attractive $87,500 base price, the ready-to-fly BushCat SLSA offers a lot of features you might not expect in this price range, including full flight controls, a strong aluminum tubular frame, a 24-gallon “crack safe” fuel tank, and height-adjustable seats. Power for the BushCat comes from either the Rotax 912 UL 80 hp or Rotax 912 ULS 100 hp engine, and with its strong “bush country” pedigree, dropping in next to a pristine stream in Idaho or Montana to catch your dinner suits the BushCat well. 

Build It Yourself

For those pilots who are skilled in engineering—or at least eager to learn—and know their way around a shop full of tools, building an experimental/amateur-built (E/AB) kit airplane that can be flown with a sport pilot certificate might be the best way to reduce base price while receiving maximum performance. 

Kitfox Aircraft makes several versions of kits for sport pilots such as their Super Sport, Speedster, and STOL STi, which delivers a remarkable 175-foot landing roll. All three can be built for an average build time of about 1,000 hours, according to the factory. Zenith Aircraft also makes some well-proven kits that can be flown by sport pilots, including the CH650, CH701 STOL, and CH750 Cruzer. With a 100-foot takeoff and 125-foot landing, Zenith’s CH750 STOL is popular among builders with eyes on the backcountry. 

The RV-12iS E/AB kit from Van’s Aircraft delivers the builder/owner with a solid performer that is also produced from the factory as a fully built SLSA. Like the entire RV line from Vans, it is not uncommon to see an RV-12iS pilot sporting that famous “RV grin” because of the model’s nimble handling.

MOSAIC: A Question Mark

The FAA is now working on its Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) regulations rewrite, and while details remain to be fully spelled out, it is believed that the final rule will open up what makes/models of airplanes could be flown with a sport pilot certificate. If the current weight and speed limits are expanded, it could mean that larger, faster, and more capable four-seat airplanes—like a Cessna 152 or 172, or a Piper Cherokee—could be flown with a sport pilot certificate. The FAA is working towards a December 2023 deadline on MOSAIC, after which the impact to the LSA market will be seen.

The post Light Sport Makes the Mission Fun appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

With a fleet totaling 165 in the field—and on the water and in the air—ICON reports that the A5 has notched more than 30,000 hours. Part 23 type certification lies just over the horizon, by its estimates, and that date looks to be hitting around the end of Q1 2023. With the TC in hand, the company can expand its international footprint, and it’s in the hunt for sales partners to make that happen.

• READ MORE: ICON A5 Among Aircraft To Appear at Detroit Auto Show

Deliveries Almost There

ICON shares the trials felt around the industry as far as meeting its delivery expectations—but it is happy to say that even in spite of supply chain woes and increased components costs, it is tracking to send 35 aircraft out the door in 2022—a little short of its target. The company looks ahead to a better 2023, with a backlog that will take it through June, and 80 percent of those orders for the higher-end Garmin G3X-equipped A5. It hopes to build and send off between 55 and 60 amphibs next year, all told.

“We had initially targeted more than the 35 A5s that will be sold in 2022,” said ICON CEO Jerry Meyer. “Like others in our industry and beyond, we faced supply chain challenges that caused us to lower our production goal. The good news is we pushed though and we’re in a better position because of it. We still are experiencing isolated shortages and longer lead times, but things are trending in a positive direction.”

In order to make that higher rate, ICON has been at work on optimization. According to an additional statement shared with FLYING, it’s “a big focus in 2022—we worked tirelessly as a company to control costs, optimize our production process, and put the company on a path to success. We made significant progress thanks to our incredible team.” Workforce has reportedly not been an issue for the company’s production footprint in Tijuana, Mexico, and completion and delivery center in Vacaville, California.

ICON concluded: “Our investors are committed, and we are evaluating a global capital raise to help accelerate product development projects that will enhance marketability.”

The post ICON Wraps 2022 with Milestones, Year-End Deliveries appeared first on FLYING Magazine.