Cessna 150s and 152s run the gamut between $25,000 basketcases in need of paint and engine overhauls on up to better-than-new, museum-quality examples with six-figure prices. While trending toward the upper end of the price range, this 152 has a lot going for it. Not only have many parts been upgraded—it’s been meticulously maintained and flown an average of 200 hours per year for the last five years.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1951 Mooney M-18 Mite

Among the various modifications, one of the most notable is the complete removal of the vacuum system. In its place are two AV30s, a Garmin Aera 660 GPS, and a Garmin GTX345 transponder with ADS-B in and out. A new nav/com and dual USB ports complete the refreshed panel, and a Tanis preheat system ensure cold weather doesn’t bring your flying to a halt.

A total of 1,134 hours since major overhaul on the Lycoming O-235 means the engine is approximately halfway to TBO. This equates to many years of flying for most owners. Additionally, the last five annual inspections have been performed by Poplar Grove Airmotive, one of the most renowned maintenance facilities in the Midwest. 

For a simple, proven airplane that has been extremely well sorted, thoroughly updated, and flown regularly, this 152 is tough to beat.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance and quickly calculate your monthly payment using the airplane finance calculator. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com. 

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1979 Cessna 152 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

First flown in 1991, the Model 4 improved on the preceding three Kitfoxes by utilizing a laminar-flow airfoil and improved flaperons. The Model 4-1200 was the final version of the Model 4 and added a strengthened airframe that increased the gross weight significantly to 1,200 pounds. The -1200 also incorporated a larger rudder and vertical stabilizer for improved control authority.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1965 Cessna 150E

With 7,363 hours on the airframe, this particular Kitfox has seen significant use, but it appears to have been very well cared for. With no reported damage history and an airframe and fabric rated at 8/10, it appears to be a well-sorted and well cared for example with plenty of life left. 

Kitfoxes are available with a variety of engines, and this example sports a four-cylinder Jabiru. One Kitfox owner with the same setup reports a 95 mph cruise speed while burning only 3 gallons per hour. The same owner reports seeing healthy climb rates of 1,200 feet per minute. 

Unlike many aircraft types, the Kitfox has foldable wings. This enables the airplane to be tucked into a small corner of a standard aircraft hangar, presenting the option of subletting a section of another renter’s hangar for relatively little rent. Alternatively, the excellent short-field performance opens up the possibility of landing in a large backyard and using a standard car garage as a hangar.

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1997 Kitfox IV-1200 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

First flown in 1946, some 3,700 Super Cruisers were manufactured between 1946 and 1948. It resembles a slightly larger Piper Cub, with a fabric-covered steel tube fuselage and tandem seating. Unlike Cubs, however, the Super Cruiser may be flown solo from the front seat, where the pilot can enjoy substantially greater outward visibility. In back, the wide seat was designed to accommodate two passengers side-by-side.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1964 Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser

This Super Cruiser comes equipped with a 115-horsepower Lycoming O-235. With a 2,500-hour recommended time between overhaul (TBO), this engine–flown only four hours since the recent major overhaul–will likely provide its new owner with decades of reliable service.

Similarly, the airframe is said to have been given a museum-quality restoration by a professional restorer. This effectively results in an airplane that’s as good as, or perhaps even better than new, for far less than any factory-new aircraft available on the market today.

Inside, the restorer kept the panel true to its vintage design, utilizing ivory-colored gauges and grouping a modern radio and transponder in a small central stack.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1969 Cessna 172K Skyhawk

This Super Cruiser’s asking price is little more than the cost of the airframe restoration and engine overhaul. But it’s available now for $89,000 on AircraftForSale, without having to wait a year or more for such services to be rendered.

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1947 Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Built between 1958 and 1962, some 2,100 examples of the Skylark were produced. This relatively high number, combined with a great deal of commonality with the popular 172, makes sourcing parts and qualified service straightforward. Additionally, a number of modifications, such as STOL kits and even tailwheel conversions, are compatible with the type.

• READ MORE: Cessna 175 Skylark

The Continental GO-300 engine produces 180 horsepower, and while it does have a slightly lower time before overhaul (TBO) than comparable engines at 1,200 hours, multiple options exist for engine upgrades. Many owners, faced with the prospect of a $35,000+ engine overhaul, opt to source a used, midtime Lycoming O-360 or Continental IO-360 as an alternative. Such a modification would make this aircraft a budget 182 in many ways.

Inside, the panel is exceptionally clean and well laid out. The vacuum system and instruments have been removed and two Garmin G5s have been installed in their place, increasing reliability and reducing weight and complexity. Unlike many aircraft of the era, the radio stack is positioned up high in the pilot’s field of view. A modern transponder with ADS-B out ensures class B and C airspace remains within reach.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1969 Cessna 172K Skyhawk

As it stands, this Skylark is a lot of airplane for the money. With an engine upgrade, a tailwheel conversion, and tundra tires, the value could easily increase to well over $100,000, making it an attractive canvas for future modifications.

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1958 Cessna 175 Skylark appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Essentially a larger version of the Piper Vagabond, the Clipper is a small fabric-covered taildragger that was originally equipped with the 115-horsepower Lycoming O-235. This example has been upgraded to a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320. Although the Clipper’s lack of flaps might be somewhat limiting on extremely short strips, the additional power combined with a low empty weight of just over 1000 pounds ensures little runway will be required for takeoff. Cushy, oversized 8.50 tires are an ideal choice for rougher surfaces.

• READ MORE: PIPER PA-15/PA-17 “VAGABOND”/PA-16 “CLIPPER”

Inside, the Clipper differs from most other aircraft. One of the few types that combines control sticks with side-by-side seating, it provides classic stick-and-rudder flying without subjecting your companion to a view of your back. It does, however, also provide a back seat for an additional passenger or a pile of gear. The clean, uncluttered panel sports a smart assortment of upgrades, such as a digital com radio, an intercom, digital engine instruments, and a panel-mounted Garmin GPS. An integrated iPad mount ensures you won’t have to fumble with suction cups or less-reliable tablet holders.

This Clipper also provides peace of mind, with a low 2,200-hour airframe time and only 400 hours on the engine since the last major overhaul in the 1990s. The seller reports perfect compression and has all logs available upon request. Additionally, a set of sealed wing struts has eliminated the requirement to perform ongoing, repetitive airworthiness directive inspections. Finally, the seller is including a set of vortex generators to make the already responsive controls even more crisp. 

Pilots interested in a unique vintage aircraft with economical operating costs should consider this 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper, which is available for $55,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

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