piper Archives - Columbia Aircraft Sales & Service

A New Logo and New Look Ahead

(GROTON, CT – Sept. 11, 2017) There’s a story behind our new logo that we started rolling out this week. Along with the why and the what behind our new logo there’s a story about the value of experience in aviation that all pilots will understand.

The Why & The What

Like everyone else in general aviation we’re looking ahead to 2020. It’s a milestone year for the general aviation industry and for us marking the official launch of the NextGen airspace system and Columbia’s 40^th anniversary. Our company has evolved along with the industry and we wanted to reflect that in our new look.

Our name and original logo recognized our passion for aviation while honoring the seafaring heritage of our home in Groton/New London. The Cheyenne 400 aircraft and the trans-Atlantic packet ship “Columbia” each epitomized safe and speedy travel in their times. We feel that the swept wing, empennage and winglets pictured in our new logo represent both the evolution of GA and our company over the 40 years we’ve been in business.

Some trivia about our original logo: The “dot” or “hole” on the sail in was the logo of the “Black Ball Line” with the ball painted on its forward sail. In 1837 “Columbia” won $10,000 in the first recorded contest to cross the Atlantic in the shortest time. It made the voyage in 16 days beating the “Sheriden” by two days. The Cheyenne was the fastest production turboprop in the world in its day and a favorite aircraft of ours.

Because Experience Matters

As every pilot knows, no matter how you change your aircraft, your avionics or your ratings the thing that makes all the difference is experience. It’s not just the number of hours in your logbook, it’s the know-how and the ability to pass along that knowledge and sense of good judgment.

To us that means a deep, company-wide commitment to the quality of customer service. That begins with aircraft sales where our specialists make the entire selection and purchase process informative, exciting and stress-free. That customer-centric focus continues through our meticulous maintenance and avionics service.

Staff training and retention is one of the highest priorities within our company. By 2020, at least six Columbia^® Air Services, Inc. employees will have at least 30 or more years of experience with the company. We leverage that formidable knowledge base through our mentoring program to systematically pass along our culture of service, precision and safety to new employees. The company has also launched student recruitment and scholarship programs.

Commitment and Experience, that’s what our updated look means to us. We hope it signals the same to you so let us know what you think. We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You,

Art Maurice & Harry Holt

Visit our new website! http://www.columbiaairservices.com

Happy New Year – Time for a Piper!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from our Piper team here at Columbia Aircraft Sales! I hope that everyone is getting some flying time in despite the holidays and winter weather. That being said, spring will be right around the corner! Are you considering a Piper purchase in 2018?

New M600 Demonstrator

Our next Piper M600 demonstrator will be delivered in mid February. It will come fully optioned to show ALL of the awesome capabilities of the new Piper flagship, as well as having the new Expressions “EXP” package showing the latest in interior and exterior schemes and design. Please contact me if you would like to get on the schedule for a demo flight.

New website at Columbia

Have you been to the homepage lately? Its new, improved, and forward leaning…from one of the oldest and most experienced Piper dealers out there. Click through and check it out: http://www.columbiaairservices.com

New Tax Plan

The new tax plan recently passed will affect many and their potential options for an aircraft purchase, both new AND pre-owned. Feel free to reach out if you have additional questions or would like to move forward with a purchase in 2018. Here are the high points:

1. 100% Bonus Depreciation applicable to new and used aircraft

2. Section 179 Expensing
a. Maximum expensing increased to $1 Million
b. Phase-out threshold for deduction increased to $2.5 Million
c. Effective date is January 1, 2018, applicable to new or used aircraft

3. 1031 Exchange has been eliminated for aircraft effective January 1, 2018

Thank you for your continued interest!

2018 is shaping up to be a great year. In addition to the upcoming M600 deliveries, we will also have new M500 and M350’s delivering from Vero Beach throughout the year. For pre-owned interests please check out our webpage, we have regularly rotating inventory as trade-ins come and go. Send me a signal if you are considering!

All the best,

Clay

New Year New Piper — Clay Hammond
Piper Specialist
Columbia Aircraft Sales

Sun n’ Fun 2018 – Sun, Blue Skies & Airplanes!

That is what it’s supposed to be, yes? After the total wash out of yesterday’s event everyone was eager to make up for lost time. And, what better way to do that than with an F16 “screaming” across the show line to open today’s airshow. No one could possibly have had the mid afternoon sleepies after the first pass.

The F16 above was from the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team. They are one of several performers being sent by the US Air Force to fill the spots left open after the Air Force cancelled the performances by the USAF Thunderbirds. More photos later in the week…

Not long after the F16 landed the crowds were treated to a very different experience, that of silence. Luca Bertossio, winner of many of international glider competitions, demonstrated that an aircraft doesn’t need thousands of pounds of thrust or near supersonic speeds to execute precision aerobatic maneuvers.

Embry Riddle is to aviation as Harvard or Yale are to the Ivy Leagues. Without taking anything away from any of their many graduates (did you know that there are over 20,000 ER graduates currently flying for the airlines?) Mat Chapman is perhaps the most visible representative of that institutions outstanding alumni. His performance never fails to make one ask, how does he do that?

If the thought of pulling G’s in an Extra 300 isn’t for you, then how about a bit more “civilized” aerobatic ride? Gene Koontz makes it look easy as he takes his Super Decathlon through a series of low altitude low g maneuvers. It may look easy, but don’t try this at home…

Quick, name the aircraft that was originally made of wood, was the first jet to cross the Atlantic, the first to be powered by a single jet engine, remained in front line service into the early 1950’s and remained in active service until 1966 after which over 3300 were produced? If you guessed the de Havilland Vampire you are correct. It was an integral part of the Royal Air Force’s move to replace many of the WWII piston powered aircraft and played an active role as an interceptor until 1953. It’s twin booms and fuselage shape give it a very distinctive profile both on the ground and in the air.

As I mentioned in yesterdays blog, choosing which photos to use can be daunting. Today was one of those days where I filled an entire 128GB memory card and started a second! If you think making a selection from a restaurant menu is challenging you should try sorting through a few hundred digital images. Hope you enjoyed my choices… https://www.flysnf.org/

Fly safe.

Sun n’ Fun – Military Showcase

Sun n’ Fun – Military Showcase

Let’s face it, we’re all airplane junkies. We say we love going to airshows to see the latest in aviation gadgets and to be among others who feel the same. After all who doesn’t like a wrist GPS that not only tells you where you are but where you got lost and how to navigate to the next Starbucks using Victor Airways. Or perhaps it’s the new noise reduction headset so quiet you can hear the neurons in your brain fire in excitement as you put it on. And for sure we go to airshows for the culinary experience found only at such events (this is a topic unto itself and deserves a blog of its own).

But the reality is we go to airshows to look at, be close to and surround ourselves with airplanes. I’ll for sure get myself in trouble for this but I’ll go out on a limb and say that the majority of us go to airshows to see military aircraft. There is something special about these aircraft touch us on many levels. They are nostalgic yet futuristic. We are in awe of their technological innovations yet we understand where they came from. They appeal to our national pride and satisfy our hidden dream of being Tom Cruise in Top Gun buzzing the tower.

For the airplane junkie in us all, find below a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy.

Despite the afternoon clouds it was a great day for an airshow. The weather for Sunday looks marginal at best. Even in its abbreviated format I don’t think there will be much flying. Tomorrow will be the better day. Until Then, Fly Safe!

https://www.flysnf.org/

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

Piper Availability -For Immediate and Unrestricted Sale!

(Groton, CT – February 27, 2020) These two Pipers below, an M500 and M350, are both holdovers from our 2019 selling season. Demo flights and ferry only. Both under 45 hours total time. As yet unsold since factory new, carrying factory warranty and complimentary initial pilot training in addition to their standard equipment and options.

These are spectacular aircraft with awesome capabilities due to their proven airframe and engine, coupled with superior Garmin NXi avionics and Electronic Stability Protection safety enhancements. Well suited to both long trips or short hops.

We are eager to sell these units and happy to negotiate as needed. All reasonable offers will be given serious consideration. Contact me today to discuss either aircraft if you are interested.

Thank You!
Clay Hammond
860-449-4070
[email protected]

Specs in Brief:

Trim and Registration are ALL vinyl over a BASE WHITE. Custom wrap vinyl or paint in your desired colors quick and fast!
FIKI, Radar, NXi w/ ESP,
Hypoxia Recognition,
Bluetooth, Flightstream 510

Specs in Brief:

Matterhorn White over Red with Toreador Red and Tibetan Pearl trim.

5-Blade Hartzell, NXi w/ ESP, Bluetooth, Flightstream 510

This M500 will do 80% of your missions!