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. 

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First flown in 1944, the Aeronca Champion—commonly called the “Champ”—was designed to compete with the Piper J3 Cub. Like the Cub, the Champ utilizes a fabric-covered, tubular metal fuselage and a small four-cylinder Continental engine. This particular example has a 75-horsepower Continental A75 with only 281 hours since major overhaul.

• READ MORE: Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1997 Kitfox IV-1200

The 3,382-hour airframe has been similarly freshened up, with new covering installed in 2010. Given the longevity of modern fabric systems, this is likely to last for decades before requiring replacement. Such improvements should be taken into account when shopping around, as a complete recovering will cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Inside, things are simple. A basic VFR panel greets the pilot, who, unlike the Piper Cub, may sit in the front seat when flying solo. This provides far greater outward visibility and feels considerably less claustrophobic than the Cub.

Perhaps best of all, enough Champs were manufactured over the years that parts are readily available. Additionally, owner groups provide a fantastic community and friendly support as they welcome newcomers into the fold.

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

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Often overlooked among the nearly identical Bonanza line from which it is derived, some 1,300 examples of the Beechcraft Debonair were built from 1959 to 1967 as a more affordable alternative. Despite being presented as the budget alternative, however, it offered similar capabilities and shared many of the same parts. Today, many have been further modified with niceties that close the gap even further.

• READ MORE: BEECHCRAFT MODEL 33 “BONANZA”/ “DEBONAIR”

Based in the southwestern U.S. for the past 35 years, this particular Debonair has 5,340 hours on the airframe and only 280 hours since major overhaul on the upgraded Continental IO-470K. Other notable upgrades include an alternator STC, more easily serviceable Cleveland brakes, and a dual yoke that enables you to share flying duties with a companion.

A unique and attractive paint scheme is nicely accented by a refreshed interior that was reupholstered with new fabric in 2005. The panel is nicely organized and easily upgradable, with a neat radio stack and intelligently arranged flight instruments. A uAvionix Skybeacon satisfies ADS-B out requirements, opening up airspace options for your cross-country flying. 

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

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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.

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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• READ MORE: Cessna 162 Skycatcher: It‘s Here!

Pilots interested in a unique opportunity to own a modern, low-time aircraft for a price on par with older, higher-time types should consider this 2011 Cessna 162 Skycatcher, which is available for $65,500 on AircraftForSale.

Compared to a more common 150 or 152, the Skycatcher provides a roomier cabin, larger windows, easier cabin access, and unique, panel-mounted control sticks. A clean panel layout and modern Garmin avionics further elevate the feel beyond that of similarly-priced 1960s-era 150s. ADS-B compliance boosts safety while unlocking airspace that would be off-limits without it.

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

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