Q3 2018 Piper M-Class Positions Available, But Limited…

Are you considering an upgrade into a new Piper M-Class M350, M500 or M600 in 2018? Summer is just upon us, but the time to act is now for a delivery before end of this year. Especially for those wishing to claim the entire year for bonus depreciation…the aircraft will need to be purchased and put into service prior to the end of Q3. Columbia Aircraft Sales has aircraft available in this time frame for every performance need and budget.

TLDR: Call me now if you are considering a purchase of M350, M500, or M600. 2018 availability is being taken up fast. Details below.

2018 M350 S/N 736 Delivers Late October

ONLY pressurized piston available in new production marketplace.

Click Here: Piper M350 Online Specs & Info

Why wear a bulky mask or uncomfortable nose cannula? Ride instead in pressurized, cabin class luxury. Go the distance with a 1300nm range… more with optional extended range fuel upgrade. Unparalleled comfort in a piston! Forward leaning innovation in the form of G1000NXi, ESP Enablement, Flight Stream 510 Connext with your personal iDevices, and automated pressurization.

$1,178,610 Base Price

For a limited time YOU pick the options, paint & N-Number!

2018 M500 S/N 645 Delivers Mid-September

Piper’s original single engine turbine. Proven capability in an economical package.

Click Here: Piper M500 Online Specs & Info

Compare entry price and operating cost to anything else in its class. You save, the numbers don’t lie! The M500 is less expensive to purchase and operate than it’s counterparts. Modern updates like Hartzell five-blade propeller, G1000NXi with ESP, Flightstream 510, and automated pressurization make upgrading from your current aircraft worthwhile. Transitioning up out of your piston into the turbine world has never been easier or more safe. The M500 is the perfect gateway and a logical transition!

$2,189,469 Well Equipped

Paint and N-Number due early August!

Select additional options available if desired.

2018 M600 S/N 084 Delivers Late August

A natural evolution of the Malibu and Meridian, Piper’s flagship M600 combines greater performance, better load, and longer legs to provide you with a distinct improvement over the M350 and M500.

Click Here: Piper M600 Online Specs & Info

It’s top of the line with 274kt Max Cruise, 1650nm Max Range, 2400lb Useful Load, 250kt Vmo, and yet still simple to operate and easy to fly…all while maintaining the low operating cost that Piper’s gateway turbines have always been known for. The M600 is a proven game changer for Piper and checks off all the boxes in terms of upgrades and improvements. Its G3000 avionics suite is industry leading and makes for an integrated flight deck that blows the doors off of prior offerings. M600 buyers are loving their airplanes and happy to talk about it. Let me know if you wish to hear owner testimony to help with your decision!

$3,082,119 Well Equipped

Paint and N-Number due date is imminent. Call now to make your own choices!

Select additional options can be accommodated.

I love being in the left seat of these Piper’s! They are fun to fly, perform great, and give me an awesome feeling when I am streaking through the sky. Piper has always been committed to making safe aircraft that are easy to operate, giving great opportunity to pilot’s of any experience level! No matter what you may be coming out of, I am confident and guarantee we can find a good fit for you in an M-class aircraft. If you are currently flying a legacy Malibu, Mirage or Meridian…discover what an upgrade could do for you in terms of improved avionics and comfort, not to mention the possibility of better performance and capability if you choose to Step-Up.

Need help with insurance or financing? Call me…I am here to help and happy to provide contacts in the industry who I know will work with you to find the best deal possible. Trade-ins are ALWAYS welcome. I will work hard to find a win-win solution for both of us. I want to sell airplanes because it is what I love doing. Let me sell you your next one. My cell phone is 860-449-4070.

Welcome to Oshkosh 2018!

Welcome to Oshkosh 2018! Hard to believe that its Oshkosh time already. The year is flying by (pun intended) with Oshkosh marking the mid point in the airshow season. Over the years I’ve learned that the first few days of an event that runs for more than three days finds the organizers looking for performers. The management knows that the big names are the draw for airshow junkies (like us, right?) and wants to save them for later in the week. Now I mean no disrespect to any performer. As I’ve commented in previous years, this “ain’t an easy way to make a living.” With that being said the early days are a great source for new and different aircraft and performers. My first two stories fall into the new/different category.

What is one a pilot’s worst nightmares? I’m sure if you said an engine out you’d be in the majority opinion. Next question (this isn’t a test really), why do single engine pilots learn to fly a multi engine aircraft? For that answer, please refer back to the answer of the original question. Or, in simple pilot speak, the second engine provides redundancy.

Now for the trick question (hmmm, maybe this is a test). If an engine out is a bad thing solved, in theory, by having two engines, why would you deliberately shut both of those perfectly good engines down? I guess the answer to that is to show that aircraft don’t fall out of the sky without a power source. And, as Bob Hoover proved, it also gets the crowds attention. Today, David Martin took a stock Beechcraft Baron and did just that. Look closely and you can see that neither prop is spinning.

Speaking of twins, can you name the smallest twin-engine manned aircraft in the world without using Google or Siri? (I promise, no more questions). If you said the Cri-Cri you win (and I’m also reasonably sure you cheated). To add some interest (and possibly airspeed) the performance today started with the Cri-Cri being launched from the top of a Ford SUV. This home built Cri-Cri proves that size really doesn’t matter (at least in the world of aerodynamics)!

Mixed in were performances from Rob Holland in the MX2, Kyle Franklin in a Kitfox S7 and the Aeroshell team. I’m sure we’ll see more of them during the week as they are all airshow regulars.

The weather was variable today with lows clouds alternating with blue skies. Not a perfect day for an airshow. The forecast for the week shows temps on the warm side but there is no rain predicted.

As always, thanks for reading. Looking forward to a great week.

Fly Safe

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure

http://www.columbiaaironline.com/

Oshkosh 2018 – If One is Good…

Oshkosh 2018

If one is good, two must be better…

As was discussed yesterday, having redundancy is a good thing, right? We agreed that having two engines provides a margin of safety over one. We equip our cockpits with a second radio and second sources for attitude, airspeed and altitude. But, is there such a thing as too much redundancy? One pilot, Jeff Boerboon, has decided to push the boundaries to find out. After months of design and engineering he has created the ultimate in aircraft redundancy. By combining the airframes, gear, wings, engines and more from two YAK-55s he came up with, you guessed it, the YAK – 110. To make it an even a more exciting show plane he added a jet engine giving the plane and incredible performance envelope. So, I wonder what’s next? Rumor here at Oshkosh is that Southwest Airlines, always looking to pack more passengers into smaller spaces to increase revenue, has embarked on a project to combine two of their Boeing 737 aircraft to create the Boeing 1474. What do you think?

And if two is better is three more betterer?

It looks to me like these pilots wanted to make absolutely sure that there was no chance they would ever not have an operating engine…

Of course there are pilots who redefine and challenge the boundaries of all of the laws of aerodynamics. Sean D. Tucker, an airshow super-performer, always seems to be pushing the envelope just a bit wider with each new performance. Kids, don’t try this at home with your C172!

And no Oshkosh would be complete without the Flea Market. Where else could you find that left handed, double threaded, .05mm thingamajig for your 1943 homebuilt? I’m sure the establishment below is a hot spot for someone. What is that old adage? One man’s junk is another’s treasure?

There are two anniversaries being celebrated at this years event. The 100th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force as well as the 80th Anniversary of the T-6, SNJ and Harvard. I’ll be sharing photos from them later in the week.

Until next time, fly safe.

Ken

https://www.eaa.org/en/airventure

Oshkosh 2018 – Serendipity

ser-en-dip-i-ty (noun) : the occurrence and development of events by chance or in a happy way

Several of us were awaiting the start of the airshow and the topic of our conversation was the lack of any real jet performances up to this point at Oshkosh. Today’s show started, as it does each day, with a performance of the national anthem. However, I noted that there was something missing. The anthem is usually performed during the parachuting of the flag from a jump plane. Today, no jumper and no flag. But as the last notes of the anthem were being sung from behind airshow center (where no one was looking) came the sound we had moments before been missing. To the astonishment and delight of the crowds the US Navy Blue Angels passed low, fast and directly overhead. Even the airshow announcer was not in on the surprise. After two passes they departed with their signature burst maneuver.

Later in the show as an Air Force KC-10 Tanker made several passes it was announced that the tanker had been positioned to refuel the team as it made its way to its next event. According to their schedule the Blue Angels are to perform at the Fargo Airshow in Fargo, ND next Sunday, July 28th. Serendipitous for the crowds at Oshkosh that their flight path allowed for the diversion.

The Running of the Bulls

I’ve been attending airshows for some time. I know that Red Bull Air Races are to aviation what the World Series is to baseball. But I never knew there was a Red Bull Air Force, that is, until today. Consisting of an Edge 540, an MBB 105 Helicopter and wing suit jumpers they put on quite a show. Here are a few photos from their performance today.

Myth Busted

There is a myth that pilots think themselves as being named to a higher calling than the rest of humanity (I know, that was bad. But cut me some slack, its late at night). I’m here to tell you that today that myth was busted. Just look at the friendly waves and happy postures of these two performers. The pilot was so eager to show this that he is standing up and leaning into the back seat of the biplane!!

The afternoon airshow ended with the first of what will be several Heritage Flights. The Heritage Flight was established by the Air Force to honor the men and women who have served and are serving in the US Air Force. Heritage Flights feature aircraft from several eras and are impressive to watch.

Wednesday at Oshkosh is the night airshow and fireworks. Unfortunately, as it did last year, the weather did not cooperate. Mother Nature put on her own show with thunder, lightning, heavy rain with gusty winds. I’m sure that there are many campers who are not happy tonight.

Fly safe.

Ken

http://www.columbiaairservices.com

Oshkosh 2018 – The Classics

After a few Oshkosh’s its not uncommon to see the same aircraft in the spotlight from one year to the next. This happens for two reasons. First, the number of these aircraft is very small. Second, these are aircraft that have won recognition for the restoration and upkeep efforts of their owners. In an era of ADS-B, satphones and flying the magenta GPS course it is easy to lose sight of the path that got us here. This is why a visit to the classics area of Oshkosh is so important. The owners of these aircraft wear many hats. Balancing their real world career (which allows them to pursue their passion) they must also be flexible enough to deal with the unique challenges that restoring an aircraft that could be 80+ years old brings. While fully conversant in 21st Century aviation they speak the “ancient” language of aviation gone by. A conversation with even one of these classic masters is well worth a trip to Oshkosh.

In no particular order of preference here are a few of my favorites. The Fairchild 71 and its panel (above); TravelAir; Cessna C170; Beech Staggerwing; Aeronca; Howard; Spartan; Piper Vagabond and the Fairchild 24.

Choosing what to include is ofter harder than taking the photos. There were many other aircraft that well deserve to be seen. However, let that be my challenge to you. If I can whet your appetite enough to make the journey you will not regret it.

Fly safe.

Ken

http://www.columbiaairservices.com

TBMOPA 2019 Safety Seminar in KGON

(Groton, CT – September 27, 2019) Good day from Groton, Connecticut.

This is just a reminder that the next TBMOPA Safety Seminar will take place at Columbia Aircraft Sales in Groton, CT (KGON) on Friday, October 12^th, 2019. The lineup of seminar speakers is both entertaining and educational.

We are pleased to announce that Jerry Chipman has accepted our invitation to attend. As you know, Jerry was an active TBM instructor for many years until his retirement in 2016. Columbia is honored to have him as our guest and Jerry is looking forward to seeing his many friends again. We hope that you can join us in welcoming him to Groton.

In addition to the Friday seminar, there are optional training events on Thursday, October 11^th and Saturday, October 13^th. Simcom will be available for in aircraft training on both days. Tom Goonan will be the Simcom instructor. Tom brings many years of experience as a pilot and instructor to the cockpit.

Survival Systems USA is offering their internationally recognized training program on Thursday, October 11^th. The TBM offers its owners the ability to travel great distances. Many times, these trips take us over bodies of water. Survival Systems provides specific training that helps educate a pilot in coping with an encounter with water, no matter how large or small. A quote from their website sums it up best:

“Survival Systems USA courses cover everything from preparing for an aircraft accident or boating emergency, to underwater escape with and without an emergency breathing device, to open water survival…. This training is effective for swimmers & non-swimmers alike.”

TBM owners are a special group. Their desire to build a strong community to share knowledge and experiences is second to none in the aviation world. Regional gatherings such as the Groton event offer owners the chance to meet in a format that is more condensed then the national convention. These events are for many, easier to schedule into their busy calendars. We hope that you have the opportunity to attend and to share your experiences with the group.

For more information and to register please visit the events section of the TBMOPA website.

http://www.columbiaairservices.com

http://www.tbmgroton.com

2019 Daher TBM 910 Elite Edition – New Features Highlighted!

Recently arrived from France this 2019 TBM 910 has only ferry time since new. The TBM provides the performance of a light jet with the flexibility and economy of a turbo prop. Cruise at 330ktas for 1000nm at FL310 in the worlds fastest single engine certified aircraft. The 2019 model year includes several new features to enhance comfort and safety.

Auto-Ice Protection System

New for 2019 is the Automatic In-flight Ice Protection System. A tail mounted sensor detects ice and provides automatic deployment of the aircraft ice protection systems. This acts as a backup in the event that the pilot fails to identify and take action in icing conditions.

Digital Heading Sensor

With the addition of a remote magnetometer the MidContinent MD302 now provides digital magnetic heading data. This independently battery powered instrument now becomes a full ADAHRS back up system.

Surface Watch

SurfaceWatch is a runway monitoring technology that provides indications and alerts designed to help prevent pilots from taking off or landing on the wrong runway, a runway that is too short, or a taxiway.

Visual Approach

With visual approach guidance, pilots can manage the descent to landing in visual flight conditions. Vertical guidance is provided based on a published glide path angle or a three-degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway.

New Interior

Newly designed seats, headrests and armrests provide additional comfort and styling. All seats are heated with individual overhead LED reading lights and air vents. The table stowage cover now provides storage for mobile phones and smaller tablets. Two high power USB charging ports are located just aft of the table.

115V Power

Located in the rear right seat panel storage area the new 115V power plug is accessible to the passengers. It can be used for charging laptops and other small electronic devices.

Fly with Peace of Mind

Fly with the confidence of knowing that your aircraft is covered by the best programs in the industry. Every new TBM delivers with extended manufacturer’s warranties covering major components for up to 5 years or 1000 flight hours. In addition, TBM Care provides coverage for scheduled maintenance events up to the 5th annual or 1000 hours.

N910ER is the latest addition to the long heritage of high performance turbo prop aircraft from Daher. Please contact me today to for more information and to arrange a showing at a time and location convenient to you.

Fly Safe,

Columbia Aircraft Sales
(860) 715-8806
[email protected]

http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com

Welcome to Sun n’ Fun 2019

Welcome to Sun n’ Fun 2019!

You know that winter is finally on its way out with the start of airshow season. And what could be better after cold, snow and rain then to visit Lakeland, Florida for the annual Sun n’ Fun 2019 International Fly-In & Expo?

Featured performers at will include the Navy Blue Angels Demonstration Team, the AeroShell Team and the Saturday morning balloon launch just to name a few.

This year will feature two night shows including fireworks and a drone light show! From seasoned pro to young enthusiast, there is something for everyone at Sun ‘n Fun. I hope that you can join me in Lakeland. The show is Tuesday April 2 thru Sunday April 7. As always, I’ll have daily updates with photos and commentary.
Look forward to seeing you there.

Ken Dono
Sales Manager

http://www.columbiaaironline.com/

https://www.flysnf.org/

Sun n’ Fun 2019 – It’s Show Time!

Sun n’ Fun 2019 – It’s Showtime!

After a morning of clouds and rain it looked like the first day of the Sun ‘n Fun 2019 Expo would be a wash out. But soon after midday the clouds began to break up and by late in the day the sun was in control.

Possibly the most exciting and certainly the loudest performance of any airshow is a military aircraft at low altitude. The US Air Force Viper Team did its best to make sure that the crowds were not disappointed. Seen here afterburner engaged this F16 sliced through the air with a sound that could only be described as deafening. I wonder how many “G’s” he was pulling?

Kevin Coleman, one of the youngest performers on the Air Show Circuit joined the Red Bull Air Race Circuit in 2016 in the Challenger Class. His flying career began at the age of 10 with both flying and aerobatic lessons. If this afternoon’s performance is any indication his name will become well known on the airshow circuit.

The Class of ’45 featured an F4U Corsair and the P51 Mustang. Each of these aircraft represented the pinnacle of aviation design and performance for its class. Though each served proudly in different branches of the military today they joined forces to put on one great performance. With the fast and precision maneuverability of today’s military aircraft it is always fascinating to watch how the pilot’s of earlier aircraft used their unique performance characteristics to perform their intended missions.

Not every performance need be so loud and fast that your ears ring and your neck hurts from swiveling so quickly to watch. Few better demonstrate this than veteran airshow performer Greg Koontz. In his Super D he proves that the laws of aerodynamics apply to all aircraft regardless of power. Want to combine a vacation with flying? Greg runs a “Bed and Breakfast” where you’ll get the best of both country hospitality and aerobatic training.

Have a conversation with any aviation buff about the P51 Mustang and its a sure thing that the names Crazy Horse and Lee Lauderback will come up. Lee and Crazy Horse have thrilled crowds on the show circuits around the country and his flight school, Stallion 51, is training the next generation of Mustang pilots. By the way, I’m convinced that the Tower Controllers have the best seats in the house for viewing the airshow.

There were several other performers in todays weather shortened program. I’ll be sure to highlight them over the upcoming days as time and space permit. Thanks for taking the time to enjoy this years opening day at Sun ‘n Fun with me. Until tomorrow…

http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com

https://www.flysnf.org/

Sun n’ Fun 2019 – Perfect Weather

Cool temperatures and a cloudless sky at Sun n’ Fun 2019 today. What could be better than that for a perfect airshow day? Not much I think. Today was a day for precision aerobatics sprinkled with a mix of vintage warbirds.

Kyle Franklin is shown here in his Demon-1 biplane, also known as Dracula. Combine the 500 horsepower Pratt R-985 engine with a Waco airframe that has been modified to achieve roll rates of over 300 degrees per second and you have an aircraft capable of a performance that keeps your head moving non-stop. And that is just what this veteran airshow favorite did.

Sun n' Fun 2019

Originally delivered in 1945 Panchito is a meticulously restored B-25J. With over 9,800 originally built the B-25 was the largest production of twin engine combat aircraft built during WW II. While Panchito never saw action in the war it served equally important missions as a trainer for navigators, bombardiers and airborne radar testing. When not touring it can be seen at the Delaware Aviation Museum.

Sun n' Fun 2019

Matt Chapman brings a long history of thrilling airshow audiences. Flying aerobatics since 1984 he has won numerous awards. Next time you fly a commercial airliner pay attention to the names of the crew. When not flying airshows he is a captain for a major airline.

Sun n' Fun 2019

The Douglas C-47 is an aircraft that has played many roles in its history. Developed from a passenger aircraft, the DC 3, this aircraft saw action in several campaigns in both Pacific and European campaigns of WW II and also in Vietnam. After the war it continued to prove its value with many being converted back to civilian service. The aircraft was in regular service until as recently as 2012. This aircraft is owned and maintained by the Confederate Air Force.

Sun n' Fun 2019

The Lockheed T-33 was developed after WW II to train the next generation of combat pilots for the coming of the jet age. Designed by Kelly Johnson (of Skunk Works fame) specifically as a trainer it was used by the armed forces of many nations until as recently as 2017. The T-33 “Lightning” in today’s show was flown by Greg Colyer of Ace Maker Airshows. He followed the F-16 Viper performance and the contrast between the two aircraft was like an angry pit bull to a sleek grey hound (my comparisons so no hate mail please!).

Sun n' Fun 2019

In further support of my position yesterday that the Tower Controllers have the best seat in the house I present “Dracula.” Seen here on one of several passes from today’s performance I’m sure that the controllers could read his fuel gauge…

The weather tomorrow is forecast to be a mirror image of today. Should be another great airshow day. Until tomorrow…

http://www.columbiaaircraftsales.com

https://www.flysnf.org/