An icon of general aviation, the legendary Beechcraft Bonanza was introduced in 1947 – the very same year this particular example was manufactured. Sporting a gleaming polished aluminum and bright red exterior that will turn heads everywhere it goes and the early Bonanza’s trademark V-tail, the classic aesthetics are unmistakable and legendary.

• READ MORE: Garmin Introduces Budget-Conscious Nav/Com Radios for Light Planes

While priced toward the upper end of the expected price range for early Bonanzas, this one justifies the premium with a long list of upgrades, inspections, overhauls, and STCs that demonstrate the current owner’s meticulous attention to detail regarding maintenance and care. From a new exhaust system to an overhauled landing gear motor and gearbox to a fully disassembled and inspected engine, virtually every component of this Bonanza has been gone through and refreshed, setting the new owner up for years of worry-free flying.

Inside, the new owner is welcomed by classic, art-deco style in the form of polished aluminum “piano key” switches and a throwover yoke that creates ample space for the front passenger. The current owner wisely modernized the panel with round gauges and instruments that maintain the original aesthetic. The GPS, radios, and transponder are positioned up high on the panel, making them easy to read and reach.

Photos reveal an engine compartment clean and sorted enough to win awards at virtually any airshow or fly-in, with the seller accurately describing it as “Oshkosh ready.” For any buyer interested in avoiding the restoration and sorting process entirely and skipping right to the part where they enjoy a museum-quality machine, this Bonanza provides a one-way ticket to vintage fun.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 2000 Micco SP-20

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: 1947 Beechcraft 35 Bonanza appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

A direct evolution of the 1940s-era Meyers 145, the Micco is a modernized version that entered production in the early 2000s. It incorporated a far more powerful engine than the original Meyers – the 200-horsepower Lycoming IO-360 – which returns a cruise speed of around 140 knots. In addition, the IO-360 has a TBO of 2,000 hours, beating many comparable engines by hundreds of hours.

• READ MORE: This Incredible Plane: Meyers/Aero Commander 200

Standing tall on the ramp, the Micco’s canopy slides backward to allow easy entry. The airframe is a tubular steel frame wrapped in aluminum skin, a design that provides some additional peace of mind when it comes to crashworthiness. Inside, a clean and orderly panel and King radio stack are a far cry from many of the typical aircraft offerings at this price, and the combination of control sticks and the tailwheel configuration create a far more interesting and fun flying experience. 

With only 15 examples on the FAA registry, the SP-20 is sure to attract attention on any ramp. Fortunately, while production ended years ago, the Meyers Aircraft Owners Association provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise that carries over to the Micco, making ownership just a bit easier.

For a thoroughly modernized version of a rare classic with great looks and remarkably low hours on both the airframe and engine, this unique find might be just the ticket.

Learn more about the Micco SP-20 here.

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: 2000 Micco SP-20 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

The Dart was unique from the beginning. Designed in the 1930s with the help of Al Mooney, it sported several different engine options, mostly 90-horsepower radials and the slightly more powerful Continental O-200 of Cessna 150 fame. With a fabric-covered wooden airframe, nicely rounded tips on the wing and horizontal stabilizer, and a jaunty stance on its tailwheel gear, it looks as though it’s enthusiastically anticipating the next opportunity to fly.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1948 Cessna 120

This particular Dart is especially unique. Rather than leaving the pilot with only around 100 horsepower and precious little excess thrust to clear departure-end obstacles, it has a one-time STC for a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320. This notable increase in power is sure to deliver bigger climb rates and bigger smiles alike, particularly as it’s fully stressed for aerobatic flight.

The Dart’s new owner will likely go many years without significant scheduled maintenance concerns. With only 1,000 hours on the airframe, 466 on the engine since major overhaul, and entirely new Polyfiber fabric installed in 2004, the most significant items have been addressed.

Although fewer than 100 Darts were produced, some 20 remain on the FAA registry today. So, while the type is indeed rare, a small community of owners exists that might be leveraged for ownership support. It’s not every day a unique and nearly pristine golden-age classic becomes available, and it’s especially rare that one comes up for a price on par with a new pickup truck.

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: 1946 Culver Dart GC appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

First flown in 1961, the French SOCATA Rallye family has since been marketed under a number of different companies and names. From Morane-Saulnier to PZL to Waco, the same basic aircraft has had a bit of an identity crisis over the decades, but the general formula has remained the same – an all metal, tricycle-gear, 2-4 seat low wing airplane with nearly unrestricted visibility and fantastic slow flight and short field capability.

While early versions had only two seats with lower-powered engines of 100-150 horsepower, this particular Rallye is equipped with a 220-horsepower Franklin six-cylinder engine that has only 36 hours since major overhaul. Provided the Franklin is maintained only by experienced mechanics familiar with the type’s unique intricacies, it provides ample, smooth power and excellent climb performance.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1965 American Champion Citabria

Various Rallyes are equipped with control yokes and others with sticks. This example has the latter, which opens up valuable real estate on the panel. It features basic analog flight instruments with an updated Garmin GPS and transponder. 

Like all Rallyes, this one is also equipped with aerodynamically actuated slats that enable stable, predictable handling at low speeds and enable comfortable operation from short strips. Trailing-link main gear provides a plush ride over rough strips, and a 60-gallon fuel capacity provides range as well as the option to tanker fuel into remote areas with few refueling options.

For a unique yet proven airplane that provides open-cockpit levels of visibility and unlocks access to short, remote strips, this Rallye checks quite a few boxes on the “nice to have” list.

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: 1972 SOCATA MS.894A Rallye appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Ownership doesn’t come much easier than in the form of a proven Cessna 172. With so many examples manufactured over the years, both parts and qualified service are easily sourced. Additionally, the flying qualities are fantastic, whether training, pleasure flying, cross-countries, or a combination of it all is the task at hand.

Built in 1965, this F-model sports the earliest engine fitted to the 172, the Continental O-300. With six cylinders and 145 horsepower, this engine has two more cylinders and fifteen fewer horsepower than later 172s. In exchange for the lower power rating, the six-cylinder is well-respected among owners for its surprisingly smooth operation and robust durability. It’s also known for powering the airplane that to this day holds the endurance record, staying aloft for a staggering 64 days.

While staying aloft for months at a time and refueling in flight from automobiles below might not be in your plans, enjoying safety and reliability between burger stops might. An assortment of intelligent modifications helps to achieve this. The vacuum system has been removed entirely, for example. In its place are two AV-30 flight instruments. 

The brakes, tires, magnetos, battery, and starter have also been replaced. Landing and taxi lights have been upgraded to LEDs. Best of all, the airframe has only 2,500 hours since new, making it markedly fresher than the vast majority of legacy 172s available on the market today.

If you’re looking for an airplane that’s unlikely to require major maintenance anytime soon, this pairing of a low-time airframe and freshly overhauled engine and propeller provides a compelling option that will likely provide decades of flying fun.

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: 1965 Cessna 172 Skyhawk appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

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.

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.

• READ MORE: American Champion Citabria, Super Decathlon, Scout

With docile ground handling, the Citabria is often used as a tailwheel trainer and is a fantastic way to get into tailwheel flying. In the air, the fun doesn’t stop, as the 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320 sports an inverted oil system that enables extended aerobatic flight. 

This particular Citabria has undergone extensive renovations, including new engine components, rebuilt landing gear and brakes, and an entirely refreshed interior with new carpet, upholstery, and headliner. Perhaps most significantly, all fabric was replaced in 2001 with Polyfiber—a job worth tens of thousands of dollars that will likely last for many decades.

With 1,115 hours on the airframe and engine since major overhaul, the airframe time is relatively low, and the engine is halfway to its 2,000-hour TBO, which should also provide many years of trouble-free ownership. With no damage history and complete logbooks, this Citabria looks to be an exceptionally clean and well-sorted entry into fun aerobatic and tailwheel ownership.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 2004 Maule MXT-7-180A

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1973 Bellanca 7KCAB Citabria appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Today’s bargain provides nearly unbeatable STOL and off-airport capability for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than comparable airplanes and $20,000 less than the Aircraft for Sale PlanePrice Estimate. Dating back to the mid-1980s, Maule’s M-7 series has proven itself as an aircraft with outstanding performance and load-carrying capability. Perhaps best of all, factory support is readily available when the time comes to source parts or qualified, skilled maintenance.

Built in 2004, this relatively new Maule lacks the concerns associated with older aging types, such as aging fabric and deteriorating wiring, and is likely to provide decades of trouble-free ownership. Always hangared with complete logs and zero damage history, it would be difficult to find an off-airport machine as well cared for as this example. 

• READ MORE: Maules Are All That

With 3,315 total hours on the airframe, 1,395 hours on the 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 since major overhaul, and a fresh annual inspection, this Maule is said to fly well and need nothing. 72-gallon long-range fuel tanks enable long forays into the backcountry with fewer concerns about sourcing fuel, and ADS-B in and out ensures populated areas and busy airspace remain within reach, as well.

Inside, an expansive interior and ample cargo space welcome both people and cargo, while a panel chock full of new Garmin avionics creates a pleasant and capable workspace for the pilot. The overall condition reflects the fact that the airplane has had only three owners since new, yet it has been flown 75 hours in the past six months, ensuring no issues are lurking from sitting unused for extended periods.

Tailwheel Maules have a reputation of being challenging to handle in crosswinds, and their high insurance rates often reflect this. Fortunately, this Maule’s tricycle landing gear minimizes both concerns.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 2003 Zenith CH 2000 Alarus

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 2004 Maule MXT-7-180A appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.