Pilots interested in a classic cross-country machine with vintage style should consider this 1969 Cessna 172K Skyhawk, which is available for $72,900 on AircraftForSale.

The ubiquitous 172 offers a number of ownership advantages. Parts are among the most readily available of any aircraft type, and qualified maintenance technicians intimately familiar with the type are easily located. These factors, combined with a relatively low 3,957 airframe hours and only 157 hours on the engine since major overhaul, position the new owner for many years of trouble-free flying.

As a 1969 K-model 172, this particular aircraft is equipped with a four-cylinder Lycoming O-320 as opposed to the six-cylinder Continental O-300 of previous Skyhawks. A Power Flow exhaust increases horsepower a bit over the standard 150, adding some pep. The propeller was overhauled at the time of the engine overhaul and likewise has only been flown for 157 hours since. 

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy modifications on this Skyhawk is the Horton STOL kit. Incorporating an extension of the leading edge and stall fences on top of the wing, this kit provides a reduced stall speed and better low-speed handling than an unmodified 172. Owners report improved short-field performance – not just during landing but also during takeoff.

Inside, much of the panel is original but is arranged in a logical manner. The radios are neatly stacked in the center of the panel, which should make future upgrades relatively simple and straightforward without the need to cut a new panel and change the layout. A uAvionix tailBeacon provides ADS-B out duties, and the interior is described as in good condition overall.  

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

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CEO Patrick Horgan expresses confidence in the innovation, stating, “This is the most robust landing gear configuration ever put on a Cub type aircraft.” He highlights its strength and braking power, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize safety in backcountry aviation.

• READ MORE: CubCrafters Takes Center Stage as Title Sponsor for Valdez STOL Celebration

The company plans to merge certified nosewheel and tailwheel landing gear into one configuration, anticipating swift FAA approval under a performance-based safety continuum doctrine.

Retrofitting options for existing X and NX Cubs are available, with anticipated reductions in insurance premiums.

Brad Damm, vice president, notes the advantages of the new quincycle landing gear, emphasizing its versatility for both off-airport and pavement landings. Despite challenges in ground taxiing, the company remains optimistic, citing the overall benefits.

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The company is reaffirming its commitment to backcountry aviation enthusiasts by extending a $1,000 discount on new Hartzell backcountry aircraft propellers to RAF supporters throughout 2024. This marks the fourth consecutive year of this exclusive offer, showcasing the company’s dedication to fostering adventure in flight and preservation of our precious wilderness airstrips.

• READ MORE: Hartzell Engine Tech Acquires Kelly Aero in Ignition Systems Deal

President JJ Frigge said in a release, “We are pleased to be able, once again, to extend this special offer to RAF supporters. In addition to providing these $1,000 discounts on backcountry props, we will contribute $250 directly to the RAF for each propeller sold as a result of this special offer. This is an example of our continuing support for the adventure of flight, and the RAF’s mission to preserve aviation access to the backcountry.”

RAF chairman John McKenna emphasized the significance of this ongoing partnership, saying, “Once again, we are very appreciative of Hartzell’s continued support of the RAF. This relationship is special, and it is a genuine benefit to RAF supporters and a real incentive to becoming a new RAF supporter.”

According to the release, the Hartzell backcountry propellers eligible for the discount include:

• The Voyager—A three-blade aluminum scimitar optimized for the Cessna 180, 182, 185, and 206 models powered by certain Continental 470 engines, and Continental 520 and 550 engines under a recent STC.
• The Pathfinder—A three-blade “Raptor” carbon fiber composite available for the Cubcrafters XCub and Carbon Cub FX, as well as the Glasair Sportsman, American Legend, and several other experimental aircraft.
• The Trailblazer—A two-blade or three-blade carbon fiber composite prop available for various aircraft from American Champion, American Legend, Aviat, Avipro, Cubcrafters, Glasair, Maule, and several other experimental aircraft.

These propellers are designed to maximize performance for backcountry operations, including shorter takeoff rolls and better climb rates.

Founded by a group of pilots 20 years ago, the RAF is dedicated to preserving and improving existing airstrips and creating new public-use recreational airstrips throughout the United States. The nonprofit addresses the national concern about recreational airstrip closure and unifies pilots in protecting public aviation access to areas with recreational opportunities. For each of the sales falling under this deal, Hartzell will donate $250 to the RAF.

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Flying over terrain without the safety net of civilization—and the airfields that go with it—can be unnerving in the best of times. When things get just a little murky, the risk can increase exponentially. But backcountry flying just got a safety boost, thanks to CubCrafters.

The innovative light aircraft manufacturer, which specializes in FAA- and ASTM-certified as well as experimental category planes for remote backcountry operations, has announced its latest breakthrough—a state-of-the-art, thermal-infrared imaging system. Developed in collaboration with Hood Tech Aero, the cutting-edge system improves situational awareness in low-visibility conditions.

The integrated infrared camera system is designed specifically for backcountry pilots using Garmin G3X avionics. It features the smallest pixel pitch long wave infrared (LWIR) sensor available and complements Garmin’s synthetic vision display, providing pilots with enhanced infrared imagery on the G3X screen. The system shares the same scale, field of view, and horizon as Garmin’s built-in synthetic vision.

With the turn of a knob, pilots can switch between the synthetic and enhanced vision systems. The camera also promises the ability to pierce through smoke, haze, shadows, and even complete darkness, revealing essential details of terrain, such as roads, buildings, and more.

The lightweight, automated camera is wing-mounted and designed to be almost maintenance-free. It adds only a few ounces to the plane’s overall weight and consumes minimal power, ensuring it’s readily available whenever the pilot needs it. 

While initially developed for Department of Agriculture predator control aircraft under a government contract, the camera is now extending to a broader consumer base. CubCrafters notes that it’s a great solution for late afternoon flights with the sun low on the horizon, hazy conditions, and remote mountain airstrips that may be nearly invisible in valleys and shadows. 

The system is available immediately for new experimental category CubCrafters planes. The company said it also expects to complete retrofit kits and secure certified aircraft approvals by the end of the year, making the technology accessible to a wider range of aviators.

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