I'm considering buying a plane, and have decided to go with a twin. I understand that there will be more maintenance costs over a single, but I like the safety margin of the second engine. I also like the idea of pressurization, because we have some high mountains out here on the west coast. It...

I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of these aircraft. They have aproximately the same performance with a significant difference in the fuel consumption. What about maintenance cost? Please post your comments.

Can an 0-300 last a long time? I just bought into a C-172 with an O-300, approx 700 SMOH. It is down for an annual and we have discovered #2 and #4 cylinders have sticky valves. One of the valves will need to be replaced. Surely there is a time-tested set of techniques somewhere on how...

What is the cost of a Rolls Royce Allison 250 turbine engine, purchased new, and are they generally available used? If yes, what is a typical price discount? Are there lower cost equivalents with smilar reliability either already released or soon to be available? -- Will

Hello, I need to update the Garmin 430 datacard. Can i do this with my PC? And what hardware do I need to do this? Thanks -dr

Any DA40 owners here ? Assume one flies 100-150 hours/year, how much is the annual cost associated with owning a new DA40 ? What about a 5-6 years 2nd hand one ? I don't own business and have no way of writting off any of the costs.

We're nearing time to overhaul the Lycoming O-320H2AD (6210 hours since new) in our C172N. This will be its 3rd major overhaul and we're interested in learning about the experiences of those who upgraded to the O-360. Specifically, the changes you found in performance, impacts on range, or...

Can anyone tell me why I keep seeing these planes selling for what seems like a great price? Every once in a while someone advertises this brand and model, but different planes for the same price as most Cessna 150's. Why? What is the problem with these planes? Lou

I have a recently purchased (eBay) Aircraft Radio Corporation audio control panel with R-402 Marker Beacon Receiver. I don't have the wiring diagrams or operations manuals for either unit. I've looked on the Aeroelectric site and the usual search places with no luck turning up the data I...

Heh, on the way back from the avionics shop to get the IFR cert done and a new VOR head installed, the LEDs went out on our #1 comm (KX-155). The first 2 digits ( 121.9, the 12 is gone). Just went out in flight. What is involved in replacing the LEDs? Is it the whole cover? We have to take the...

I am looking to purchase a pressurized twin that my ins co will let me fly and am very interested in a Duke. They look to be fast and fits my needs of cabin class (vs Baron type), potty for kids' emergencies and payload to haul family of 4 over the Sierra/Rockies for up to 1000nm. I've looked at...

TTE: 2135 SMOH: 1316 STOH: 16 I realize this is an OLD engine model that will probably have to be switched to an IO-470 or IO-520, but given these numbers and if it has had no really long periods of idle time, would you be worried beyond reasonable doubt about getting another 300 to...

Back when I was working for the airlines, we used a burn salve called KIP (Kip Inc, North Hollywood CA) in both the airborne medicine chest and the hangar toolboxes. It was distributed by an outfit called Swift Laboratories (also in NH CA). It is the greatest thing since sliced bread and bottled...

I need to acquire a dolly capable of recovering a typical general aviation aircraft with a flat tire. I would like something that I can just place the flat tire wheel assembly onto without removing wheel pants or brakes. It also needs to be capable of being towed up to a mile using only one...

I am looking for an a/c, my first, to complete my training and to use for recreational flying. I am looking at 172s and a book I recently acquired (The Cessna 172 by Bill Clarke) suggests that this engine is to be avoided. I saw an ad in Trade-A-Plane by Factory Engines and the prices for factory...

I'm the "plane lt." for a skyhawk, based in northern NJ (KCDW), that's getting ready for its engine overhaul. What should we do with it? I'm curious what others have done, and how its worked for them. I've been doing some of reading of articles, but it's raised more questions than answers. ...

I have an odd ball digital replacement 170B that is no longer servicable. Since I already have the 155 and and moving map GPS, I need a basic, inexpensive, nav/com hole filller for it as #3 radio. I really like having it there. What type of used equipment is out there that is a slide-in 170B...

Hi, Dreaming about owning a acft. Looking at 70s something Warrior II with 3 to 4 others. I've had a quick look on the web, but couldn't find anything that suits. Does anyone have a comprehensive spreadsheet for calculating ownership costs, you know where you put in fuel, hangarage, engine...

Our 140 is coming up on 1600 hrs TBO. We really hate what a dog it is and would like more power. Planning ahead, we've thought of a few options: 1 - 160 hp conversion (this is almost the minimum we'd do) 2 - Powerflow exhaust (article in Plane and Pilot claims 20% power improvement - can it be...

I have a PA28-180 with a fixed 60inch pitch prop. I have always wondered how much faster it would be if it had a constant speed prop. I'm hoping someone with a PA28-235 (which has a constant speed prop) could look up their speed for a reduced power setting, for example 57% which would correspond...