by Dan Johnson | Jan 31, 2024 | Blue Collar Aviation, Fixed Wing Aircraft, Flylight Airsports, Glider or Motorglider, Part 103, SkyRanger U.S., Splog
Tabor Coates calls his business Blue Collar Aviation. Honestly, as someone who scours the globe for affordable aircraft, any business with this name was certain to grab my attention. This isn’t simply adroit marketing. Tabor’s Maynard, Massachusetts operation is deep...
by Dan Johnson | Jan 26, 2024 | Aeromarine-LSA, Aviad, Part 103, Splog, Zigolo Mg21
You may have experienced this but I just got sticker shock. A young pilot told me he is facing a $1,000 fee for his Private Pilot check ride. What?! I got my license so long ago I forgot how much I paid but, obviously… “A dollar doesn’t buy what it used to!” A few...
by Dan Johnson | Jan 12, 2024 | Back Yard Flyer, Part 103, Splog, Top-50 Videos, Valley Engineering LLC
Over many years, one of the most consistently requested aircraft is Back Yard Flyer. Even the name sounds affordable, doesn’t it? While you can’t get this one any longer, about 20 are flying and some pop up on aviation sale listings. In its day — before Valley...
by Dan Johnson | Oct 29, 2023 | FUN (Fly Ultralight Nano), gyroplane, Part 103, Splog
“When I roll up to the terminal on any airport, it never ceases to amaze me how a small crowd will gather around the aircraft. Happens almost every time,” said Jeffrey Boyd, importer of the JK-2 Nano single-seat gyroplane. “They just think it looks cute and different....
by Dan Johnson | Oct 26, 2023 | Aeromarine-LSA, Glider or Motorglider, Merlin Lite, Merlin PSA, Part 103, Splog, Top-50 LSA
This Merlin has nothing to do with kids in colorful costumes seeking sweets from their neighbors. It does have to do with pilots liking interesting airplanes that they can fly over their neighbors… especially when they can afford the airplane. In the last couple...
by Dan Johnson | Oct 4, 2023 | Dingo, Future Vehicles s.r.o., Glider or Motorglider, Part 103, Song UL, Splog, Top-50 Videos
You know this airplane and you know this company, although a refresher might be in order. You can be excused if this one slips your mind. The airplane caught on-approach to landing was from years ago. Americans first saw it with an electric motor developed by Randall...
