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.

• 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.

The post Bargain Buy on AircraftForSale: 2011 Cessna 162 Skycatcher appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.

Pilots interested in a unique taildragger with economical operating costs should consider this 1965 Cessna 150E, which is available for $49,400 on AircraftForSale.

Those who own and fly them report that the unswept vertical stabilizer offers better directional control than the later swept-tail 150s. Additionally, the gross weight of the D and E is 100 pounds higher than earlier, pre-1964 150s. This particular example boasts a useful load of 528 pounds. Reliable manual flaps add to the list of desirable features.

Equipped with the standard 100-horsepower Continental O-200, this 150 offers more in the way of operating economics with modest fuel burn than raw power. Nevertheless, a 337 for larger 6 x 8.50 tires enables the new owner to easily add some off-airport capability. Hooker shoulder harnesses are a smart addition.

Inside, a Garmin COM radio and panel-mounted GPS comprise the basic avionic package, while a wingtip-mounted uAvionix skyBeacon ensures you’re free of ADS-B airspace restrictions. A lack of carpet in the cabin adds to the utilitarian look and feel, but for those who prefer a more finished look, new carpet is relatively inexpensive at around $500.

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1965 Cessna 150E appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.