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.

Stinsons have the reputation of being well-mannered taildraggers. Compared to the relatively short-coupled Piper Pacers, for example, they are easy to manage during takeoff and landing. Crosswind handling is helped by the smaller vertical stabilizer of the -2 version, which is less prone to weathervaning. The main landing gear features actual shock absorbers with damping to prevent a springboard effect during firm touchdowns. 

With a 165-horsepower Franklin six-cylinder engine up front, this Stinson has more power than most comparable Cessna 170s or Piper Pacers, with a throaty growl to boot. While less common than Continentals or Lycomings, a number of companies provide replacement parts. Franklin owners have overwhelmingly positive feedback about their engines, cautioning only that maintenance should be reserved for mechanics with an intimate knowledge of the type.

• READ MORE: Stinson 108

This Stinson and its engine are both relatively low-time, with 2,400 hours on the airframe and only 595 hours since major overhaul (SMOH) on the engine. The striking paint is reportedly in good condition, and the airplane includes a matching set of wheel pants. The interior upholstery and carpet look to be in correspondingly good condition, ready to make a great first impression on any passengers.

This Stinson 108 is priced at nearly half the going rate for comparable Cessna 170s and is available for $45,000 on AircraftForSale.

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

The post Bargain Buys on AircraftForSale: 1947 Stinson 108-2 appeared first on Plane & Pilot Magazine.