The last airshow of 2021 is over. The Christmas holidays are beginning to dominate everyone’s calendar. Yet recreational pilots — being enthusiastic aviators — are thinking about flying in 2022. The Covid pandemic of 2020/2021 appears not to have slowed enjoyment of flying for fun… for most of us anyway. I sincerely regret anyone who suffered during this period but sport aviation has held up surprisingly well. In this article, I will tackle a couple reader questions, the sort I hear all the time. To answer several people with one response, I asked reader John Joyce if I could use his question and name. He consented, so here we go… Buyers Without Remorse John started, “Skyleader 600 looks like a great aircraft. I had actually just noticed this model a couple days ago because there is a used one listed for sale on the Web. As a potential first time buyer, I would be interested to have you address the question of service for these smaller manufacturers.
Ready to Buy in 2022? What About Factory Support …or Mechanics?
Buyers Without Remorse
John started, "Skyleader 600 looks like a great aircraft. I had actually just noticed this model a couple days ago because there is a used one listed for sale on the Web. As a potential first time buyer, I would be interested to have you address the question of service for these smaller manufacturers.A line of SportCruisers, sold today by Cruiser Aircraft. The model was briefly known as PiperSport.
Light-Sport Aircraft are not simply a U.S. phenomenon. This view shows the interiors of a line of CTLS aircraft built by AeroJones serving the Asia-Pacific market.
What IS Affordable?
Another reader, Dan E., made other comments I frequently hear. He wrote, "The definition of what people consider 'affordable' varies widely." Not only does it vary by every individual; it can change depending on many other circumstances.A vintage Cessna 150 in flight. Thousands are available at modest prices. They could qualify to be flown using a Sport Pilot certificate in 2024.
Lots of Piper Cherokee models are also available. Get a qualified mechanic to look one over carefully before buying; some have "colorful" histories.
Can Anyone Help?
The good news? — After 17 years of Light-Sport Aircraft, a nationwide — even a worldwide — network of aircraft sellers, maintenance centers, flight schools, and builder-assist centers are available. You can can look throughout this website by using our Advanced Search to find them. Keep in mind you may need to travel to find the right airplane or the right mechanic.This is U.S. Sport Planes based in Denton, Texas (DTO). Aviation. Curiously, that's a Kappa KP5 in the front left, the predecessor to the Skyleader that started this article. They are prepping it for a new customer, perhaps you?