Taylorcraft N21235
The Taylorcraft is a true classic aircraft from the golden days of Aviation. Produced in both the pre-war period and the post-war industrial boom, along with so many other light aircraft, it is an iconic symbol of simpler times. Our Taylorcraft N21235 (affectionately know as “Old Blue” by her friends) is a pre-war model, originally a BF-50 with a Franklin engine. In 1974 it was converted to a BC-65 with a more reliable Continental A65 engine. This Taylorcraft is an honest and simple aircraft to fly with no bad habits. Cruising at about 80 mph on 4 gallons per hour, it is also a very economical aircraft to fly. With a semi-symmetrical airfoil with a large span and no flaps, it likes to fly! Even with the little 65 hp continental, it will take off in a few hundred feet and climb nicely even when heavy, and it will float a long way down the runway if you come in too fast.
Many people today seem to be afraid of tailwheel airplanes, but there is nothing to worry about. They are superior to tricycle gear airplanes in many ways and are simply an additional skill to be mastered which adds to the fun. And like they say, you just can’t swagger away from a tricycle gear airplane! One thing you will soon discover when climbing into the Taylorcraft N21235 is that people were apparently smaller in 1946. It is not as roomy as some of the modern LSA aircraft, but it will accommodate people up to approx. 220 lbs. or a little over, and up to 6’0 or so in height. Once inside, it’s comfortable but cozy. This aircraft is not equipped with an electrical system which means it must be started by hand propping. We will train you to do that if you are going to solo in this aircraft or would otherwise like to learn. It is a simple procedure that seems to frighten people, but is safe and routine if done properly.
We do fly the Taylorcraft N21235 year round as it does have cabin heat, but it’s not particularly warm on a cold day, so dress warm if you are flying in cold weather. This Taylorcraft is an amazingly fun airplane to fly, and if you are looking for an inexpensive, two-seat Sport Pilot airplane, this model can commonly be found in nice condition for under $25,000.
Taylorcraft N43539
Our Taylorcraft N43539 is a post-war model produced in 1946. It was meticulously restored in 2018 and covered in Stewart Systems. Like our N21235, it is powered by a Continental 65 horsepower engine. There are a few subtle differences between the pre-war and post-war models. Most noticeably is the enclosed cowling of the post-war model. When flying it, you may notice a little more yaw stability and a slightly higher cruise speed, but otherwise they handle nearly the same. The N43539 has cruise prop so you may notice a little less climb performance to achieve the improved cruise speed.
Aeroprakt-22LS
The Aeroprakt A22LS is a modern, light sport aircraft made in Ukraine. The A22 was designed in the mid 1990’s as a kit aircraft. As the Light Sport rule became effective in 2004, the A22 was approved as an SLSA. The A22L was an improved version of the original A22. The A22LS is the latest version and has been in production since 2016. Our Aeroprakt N631HB is a 2023 A22LS and is powered by the modern, electronic, fuel-injected Rotax 912 iS, 100 horsepower engine. It is equipped with the Dynon HDX Skyview glass panel avionics system, including autopilot.
Aeroprakt N631HB qualifies as a TAA (Technically Advanced Aircraft), which allows time in it to count toward the complex time required for a commercial rating. With modern avionics and lights, we can do the night training, instrument training, controlled airspace training, and electronic navigation training that is required for the Private Pilot rating. For Sport Pilots, we can do controlled airspace endorsements as well.
The Aeroprakt also has the advantage of a much higher useful load and larger cockpit than the Taylorcrafts. This allows us to train taller and heavier students that could not fit in the Taylorcrafts. It is an option to complete the Sport or Private rating entirely in the A22LS, or a combination of the A22LS and Taylorcraft. The A22LS is VFR only and cannot be used for instrument training beyond basic attitude flying.
Aeroprakt-32LS
The Aeroprakt A32 is based on the A22LS with the same wing design; however, it has a clean sheet of paper design on the fuselage and tail group. The improved aerodynamics on the A32 allow a cruise speed of 115 kts (130 mph) on the same power that the A22LS cruises at 90 kts (100 mph). Our Aeroprakt A32 N652HB is a 2026 model powered by the same 100 horsepower Rotax 912 iS with electronic fuel injection. The A32 has a larger instrument panel than the A22LS, allowing for more avionics options. N652HB is equipped with a full Garmin glass IFR avionics package, making it an excellent aircraft for instrument training. This includes the G3X main panel, G5 secondary EFIS, GFC 507 autopilot, GMA 245 audio panel (dual com), GTX 45R transponder with ADSB in/out, GTN 650Xi IFR navigator, GDL52 XM weather receiver, and GHA 15 radar altimeter. (N652HB is also a TAA aircraft.)
The A32 has a similar performance envelope as legacy trainers such as the Cessna 172 or the Piper PA28 line, but it is far more efficient and economical. It is also a nearly new aircraft with a modern panel architecture that is seamlessly integrated, setting it apart from the old, retrofitted, legacy aircraft that many flight schools use. Transitioning from the Dynon A22LS to the Garmin A32 is an easy transition. The cabin on the A32 seals up nicely, and the cabin heat is greatly improved over the A22LS for comfortable flying year-round. The Aeroprakt A32 really is the top of the line! N652HB is used primarily for instrument training or transition training for new Aeroprakt owners. It will only be available on Flight Circle to students approved for it.