Agricultural Aircraft for sale
Agricultural aircraft (‘ag planes’) are used for the aerial delivery of agents beneficial to primary industries. The sale of agricultural aircraft is tied closely to the cycle of primary industries, especially crop production, and is cyclical in nature. Buyers of agplanes are typically purchasing USA made aircraft, chiefly Air Tractor and Ayres / Thrush Aircraft, but an increasing number of agricultural aircraft for sale are coming from Brazil (Embraer), New Zealand (Pacific Aerospace) and Poland (PZL Mielec). Helicopters are also used as agricultural aircraft, and are ideally suited to small area work and where accuracy is crucial. Agricultural aircraft are often purchased for use in firefighting and are well suited to water and retardant dropping, and are even modified to operate on amphibious floats. A large number of Agricultural aircraft for sale were originally manufactured with piston engines and have been modified to fit turbine engines.
Piston Engine Ag Planes
The earliest agricultural aircraft were all piston powered, as turbine engines were still yet to be developed. Small in-line and opposed engines were first adopted for ag planes, but their limitation in terms of power was quickly reached in mainstream applications. The more powerful radial engines soon became popular with buyers post World War Two and remained so until recently. Piston engines are still in use for small ag planes, as their cheaper cost is well suited to the needs of those looking to purchase entry level aircraft.
Ag Plane Turbine Engine
As the demands of agricultural flying increased, and it became commercially vital to increase both the amount of chemical carried and the time spent on the job, piston engines became increasingly unsuited for the task. The only obvious alternative was the use of a turbine engines that had significantly more power than a piston and a much better power to weight ratio. Originally popular piston aircraft – like the Grumman Ag Cat and the PZL Dromader – were modified by owners by having the original piston engine removed and an aftermarket turbine engine installed. Eventually the manufacturers responded and began producing turbine versions of their aircraft to satisfy the demand from buyers for aircraft with more horsepower. An early example of a factory built turbine aircraft was the Air Tractor AT-302, first delivered in 1977.
Fire Fighting Aircraft
As the dropping of chemical and water are very similar, an agricultural aircraft can be easily modified for firefighting applications in less than a day. Some agricultural aircraft manufacturers are now selling dedicated firefighting versions of their aircraft as the demand for this type of flying grows. Firefighting authorities will sign up operators during the summer months to be on stand-by in the event of a fire and once needed, the aircraft are filled up with water and often a foam or retardant additive is included to enhance the effectiveness of the water. A recent innovation in this area is the Fire Boss aircraft, developed from a joint venture between Air Tractor and Wipaire. The Fire Boss is a AT-802 Air Tractor married up to a set of special Wipaire Wipline 10000 floats, turning the aircraft into an amphibious floatplane with the capability to not only land on water, but to its also able to scoop up and then drop it onto a fire. This capability allows the aircraft to stay out on a fire without needing to return each time to an airport to refill the water tank and has been purchased by several government authorities.
Agricultural Helicopters
Helicopters are a very useful platform for agricultural work, as their maneuverability means they are often purchased to undertake application work that requires highly detailed and accurate flying. Spot spraying for weeds over large areas of land is often done this way, and this involves the pilot flying along and identifying a problem area, hovering over it while the chemical is sprayed, and then moving on to locate the next area. This type of spraying is simply not possible with a fixed wing aircraft. Another unique application for helicopters in agriculture is frost prevention, and this is where small piston helicopters are hovered over fruit crops on nights where damaging frost is likely, and in doing so air is kept moving preventing the frost from occurring.
Agricultural Aircraft for sale for spraying and spreading
The two main tasks for ag planes is the spraying of chemicals and the spreading of fertilizers. As insects and weeds reduce crop outputs significantly, Agricultural Aircraft for sale are purchased to spray specialized chemicals designed to kill or inhibit the growth of pests. Spray booms are fitted that span nearly with full width of the ag plane’s wings and these are used to disperse the chemical that is carried in the aircraft. Spreading or ‘topdressing’ as it is sometimes referred to, is the process of distributing fertilizers by air in order to encourage the growth of crops or pastures. Often using the compound ‘super phosphate’ these ag planes are highly effective in areas where conventional vehicles aren’t able to access, such as hilly or mountainous terrain.
History of Ag Planes
The first documented use of aircraft in agricultural operations is in the 1920s, where insecticides were spread using the Curtis Jenny, the de Havilland Tiger Moth and the Boeing Stearman. These fabric aircraft often had issues where the chemicals damaged the fabric fuselage covering towards the rear of the aircraft, so often the fabric was removed completely and these distinctive aircraft flew with the rear fuselage structure exposed.
Major manufacturers of Agricultural Aircraft
Air Tractor
The US firm Air Tractor has been producing ag planes since 1978 and features a wide product range for buyers. As the aircraft increase in size, the hopper and load carrying capacity is increased, as does the size of the engine. Several models are available with two seats for either training purposes or the carriage of ground crew. The unusual AT802 Fireboss is an amphibious version of the AT802F firefighting aircraft and has bought by fire agencies all over the world.
Thrush
The factory producing the S-2 aircraft was originally established by Rockwell, then taken over by Ayers, and now its produced by the Thrush company. Versions of this aircraft have been in production since 1965 and more than 2000 have been delivered to buyers. The current S-2R uses both Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines as well as the new General Electric H80, and previous models have used the Garrett TPE-331 engine as well.
Airbus aircraft for sale
Airbus was created in 1967 and has been delivering commercial airliners since 1974 with the A300 as their first design. Airbus was initially set up as a joint venture between interests from West Germany, France and the UK, with a Spanish manufacturer buying in a few years later. After the A300 was launched, Airbus commenced selling the A310 in 1978 and shortly afterwards the A320 was announced in 1984, and it remains by far the best selling model produced by Airbus. Current aircraft being sold by Airbus include the A330, A340 and A350.
Airbus has been at forefront of aircraft technology and was the first to introduce into commercial aviation fly-by-wire flight controls, side stick controllers and protected envelope automation. The adoption of these types of new technologies has been seen as a major point of difference between Airbus and its main rival Boeing, with the latter choosing mechanical flight control linkages, conventional controls and a flight envelope that can be manually overridden. More recently Boeing has seen the merits of fly-by-wire technology and it was adopted into the deign of the Boeing 777 and since then the 787. The largest aircraft that is for sale in the airliner market is the Airbus A380, a four engine double deck aircraft capable of seating more than 800 passengers. Unfortunately for Airbus sales of the A380 have slowed down, as point to point services by airlines have become more popular than the traditional hub and spoke model that the A380 was designed for.
Airbus has VIP versions for most of their current designs, with the A320 VIP aircraft known as the Airbus Corporate Jet or ACJ. It is understood that recently Airbus came very close to a sale of a VIP version of the A380, but that sale in the end didn’t not go through.
Airships and Balloon for sale
Airships and balloons are two types of ‘lighter than air’ aircraft (technically described as ‘aerostats’) that use the buoyancy of gas to provide lift. Airships for sale usually have an aerodynamic shape and have a form of propulsion, which allows for the pilot to steer the aircraft and control the direction of flight. When purchasing an airship, buyers have three choices to choose from in terms of airship type: non-rigid, semi-rigid and rigid, with the differences in type relating to how much structure is in the airship’s construction (from none to a complete airframe). Balloon for sale normally have a passenger basket attached to a circular sectioned envelope and are only able to control whether the balloon for sale climbs or descends by the use of a burner located between the basket and the envelope, with the direction of flight controlled by the wind. The main countries selling new airships and balloons are the USA (Aerostar, Goodyear, American Airship), the UK (Cameron), Australia (Kavanagh) and Germany (Schroeder), the latter the home of the Zeppelin company, which has famously been building airships since early last century.
- Non rigid airship for sale
Non rigid airships contain no structure in the airship itself, with the attached cabin the only structure present. They are the cheapest airship design available, but also the lowest performing design, with limits in payload, speed and low limiting wind conditions. The Goodyear Blimp, until the recent adoption of a design by Zeppelin Airships, for many years were non rigid airship designs and popular due to their low cost and ease of transport once deflated. The only major downside to the non rigid design is the limited size that is possible, as the larger non rigid designs are prone to collapsing and kinking in high winds or when maneuvered aggressively. Unmanned versions of non rigid airships are often used as tethered platforms for sensors and cameras, and the US military has successfully used them in conflict zones to observe enemy activity in built up areas.
- Semi rigid airship for sale
A semi rigid airship has some structure in the airship envelope itself, chiefly around the bottom or the ‘keel’ area, and the cabin is attached to this keel. The semi rigid design offers buyers the best balance of capital cost and payload capability. They are more robust in high winds than a non rigid design and the semi rigid airframe allows the fitment and use of the rear vectoring propulsion units, as used by the current Zeppelin designs.
- Rigid Airship for sale
The rigid airship is a type of airship that uses a complete frame to support the airship envelope and the strength of this design allows rigid airships to reach massive sizes. The most famous examples of the rigid airship were the Hindenburg and Graf Zeppelin airships of the inter war years, and these were some of the biggest flying machines ever made, reaching 245 meters / 802 feet. A rigid design has not been popular for many years and only one rigid design has been built since 1937 – the WAC Dragon Dream – and its future is presently uncertain.
- hot air balloon for sale
The numbers of balloons for sale have remained relatively unchanged for many years and are a popular with tourists in many parts of the world. A commercial balloon can carry up to 25 people and with sufficient fuel for the burners they can stay aloft for many hours, making it a sound purchase by tourism operators.
- tourism
Tourism has been a very popular driver of lighter than air flying, chiefly with hot air balloons. The quiet and smooth ride, along with the unprecedented views, makes this very popular with tourists wishing to see areas of natural beauty from the air.
- advertising
Airships have a long history with aerial advertising, with the most famous of these the Goodyear blimps. Goodyear purchased their first airship in 1925 and since then the company has continuously used these airships as a static billboard, an electronic LED billboard and a camera platform for sports coverage.
- market trends
The most interesting recent innovation in the lighter than air segment has been the modernised airships produced by the Zeppelin Airship company of Germany, a firm first established over 100 years ago by Count Ferdinand Von Zeppelin. These modern airships are a semi rigid design and are notable for the swivelling engines that are fitted that are used to enhance low speed manoeuvring, something that airships are traditionally very poor at. These new Zeppelin airships have been sold to Goodyear for their famous fleet of ‘Goodyear Blimps’, even though technically these aircraft are no longer blimps by design.
- future trends
The era of very large airships is set to return, with several manufacturers examining the usefulness of airships for sale used for heavy cargo hauling, especially into remote areas. The British designed HAV Airlander is currently being test flown and has a capacity of moving 10 tonnes of cargo
Gyrocopter for sale
Often confused for small helicopters, autogyros are rotary wing aircraft powered by a horizontal propeller, instead of power being delivered to the main rotor itself. Lift is produced by the autorotating rotor system that is free to spin, and the direction of flight is controlled by the tilt of the rotor system, the rudder and the throttle. Some types of autogyros are capable of almost vertical take-offs, through the use of a pre-rotator system that spins the rotor before take-off roll, with minimal forward movement needed before becoming airborne. At light weights and with modest winds being present, autogyros are capable of near vertical landings to a stationary touch down. Normally open to the elements with one or two seats, some larger models are fully enclosed and can carry four people. Popular autogyro manufacturers include Aerotrek, Airgyro, ArrowCopter and Sport Copter and autogyro sales have been building over recent years.
- history
Autogyros were one of the earliest aircraft to take flight, with the first example flying in 1923. Early designs, many by Juan de la Cierva, had a tractor configuration with the propeller mounted on the front. More recently designers have been selling the more simple pusher configuration, which also reduces the overall length and weight of the autogyro. Today there are many gyrocopter for sale to suit those looking for inexpensive flying.
Aviat aircraft for sale
Aviat Aircraft traces its history back to when Curtis Pitts started producing certified Pitts Special aircraft from a factory in Afton, Wyoming. Pitts sold the factory to Frank Christensen, and then it was sold to Malcolm White and the name Aviat aircraft was first used. In 1996 Stu Horn bought Aviat and since then the company has focussed on the the aerobatic Pitts Special aircraft, the Christen Eagle II (a kit aircraft very similar to the Pitts Special) and the Husky, a high performance bush aircraft.
The Pitts Special is the most widely recognised aerobatic aircraft in the world, and most aerobatic pilots will fly the compact biplane at some stage during their career. It comes in one and two seats models (the S-1 and S-2 respectively) and various engine and propeller combinations have been fitted over the years. The current top of the range model is the S-2C and it is fitted with a 260 hp Lycoming AEIO-540 engine and a three blade Hartzell composite propeller. The Christen Eagle is a kit aircraft that closely resembles the Pitts, but is distinct in a number of ways.
Aviat also sells the Husky, a two place ‘bush’ aircraft that is optimised for short take off and landing (STOL) and when fitted with oversized tires, it is able to land on unprepared ground away from airports. The Husky has been produced in 4 versions, A-1, A-1A, A-1B and A-1C, with each newer version introducing refinements and updates to avionics. The current A-1C has either a 180 hp or 200 hp Lycoming engines, with the latter engine fitted with fuel injection. A recent option for the Husky when fitted with floats is a reversible MT composite propeller, which comes in handy for docking and confined area manoeuvring.
Beechcraft aircraft for sale
Walter Beech set up Beechcraft with his wife in 1932 in Wichita, Kansas and the first aircraft to be produced was the iconic Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwing. Since then Beechcraft airplanes have been in almost continuous production, with both civilian and military buyers, with over 30,000 aircraft sold by the factory to date. Beechcraft has gone through a few changes of name and ownership over the years, with the company originally known as Beech Aircraft, then renamed Beechcraft after the war and it was purchased in 1980 by Raytheon who sold it to Goldman Sachs as Hawker Beechcraft. In 2013 Textron purchased Hawker Beechcraft and continues just as Beechcraft today, with the ending of production of the Hawker business jet line.
The most well known aircraft that Beechcraft sells is the Beech Bonanza, and this has been in production since 1947. The current G36 version is a 6 seat, 175 knot single engine aircraft fitted with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, and it retails for for around $850,000 USD. Since the first flight of the Bonanza, Beechcraft has sold 18,000 Bonanzas, firmly establishing the type as a mainstay of the world’s general aviation fleet. The twin engine version of the Bonanza is the Baron, and the current version is the G58, powered by 2 Continental IO-550 engines rated at 300 horsepower each, allowing the Baron to cruise at up to 190 knots. New Barons are selling for over $1.3 million USD, which is a hefty price for a piston engine aircraft.
The other famous aircraft that Beechcraft sells is the King Air, a twin turbo prop aircraft that was first delivered in 1964, and since then more than 3,100 have been sold to customers all over the world. The present model range for the King Air has the C90, B250 and B350 aircraft that are used for a wide range of tasks.
Boeing aircraft for sale
Boeing was established in 1917 and it is well known for selling commercial jet aircraft that are used all over the world. Starting with the 707, Boeing has sold jet airliners ranging in size from the 737 right up to the 747. More recently Boeing launched the 787 Dreamliner, an innovative aircraft due to its composite construction, very long range and highly efficient engines and sales of the Dreamliner have been strong. Jet aircraft types that are no longer in production include the 717, 727, 757 and 767 with many of these aircraft still popular in the second hand aircraft market. Presently Boeing is manufacturing the 737, 747, 777 and 787.
A strong rivalry exists between Boeing and its European counterpart Airbus, with the two companies responsible for most of the world’s airliner sales. Since 2010 very little difference has existed between orders and deliveries between the two companies, with Airbus recently taking more orders than Boeing, but Boeing making more deliveries of late. Boeing has traditionally dominated Airbus in terms of sales to very important market in North America, however Airbus are able to offer favourable leasing and tax benefits as a consequence of the government ownership of the Airbus Group.
Boeing also sell aircraft to the VIP and corporate aviation market, with modified versions of commercial airliners available with luxurious interiors and reduced underfloor luggage space exchanged for range extending fuel tanks. The most well known of these VIP aircraft is the Boeing Business Jet or BBJ, which is based on several variants of the 737 airliner. VIP versions of Boeing aircraft go right up to the 747 in size, with many of these specialty 747 aircraft sold to Middle Eastern customers.
Bombardier aircraft for sale
The Canadian based aerospace company Bombardier grew from the acquisition of several different manufacturers during the 1980s and early 1990s, which included Canadair, Short Brothers, Learjet and de Havilland Canada. Presently selling aircraft across several different markets, Bombardier manufactures turboprops, jet airliners and business jets.
The turboprop Dash 8 Q400 is a twin engine regional aircraft that is powered by 2 Pratt and Whitney PW150 engines and can seat up to 90 passengers. Cruising at up to 340 knots, the Dash 8 Q400 is able to compete against jets on shorter sectors and can match a 737 or A320 for flight time on sectors under 300 nm.
Bombardier produces 2 different jet airliners, the established CRJ series aircraft, based on the CL-600 business jet, and the new C Series, which resembles the Embraer E Jet against which to closely competes. Bombardier has sold nearly 2,000 CRJ aircraft and it has been highly popular with airlines in North America. The C Series has had a difficult start to its commercial life, with slow sales and issues with tariffs and taxes being applied when it was purchased by American operators.
Bombardier has three major offerings in the business jet market, Learjets, Challengers and the Global Express. Learjets are the modern versions of the sleek high performance business jets made famous by Bill Lear, and the Jearjet 70 and Learjet 75 is presently offered for sale. The Challenger comes in 2 models, the Challenger 350 and the larger Challenger 650 and these two aircraft compete in the midsize business jet market. The very large (for a business jet) Global Express aircraft has 2 current models, the Global 5000 and Global 6000, one presently undergoing certification (Global 7000) and one under development (Global 8000). The number after each Global Express model refers to the approximate range of the aircraft.
Business jets for sale
Business jets (also known as private jets or corporate jets) are jet aircraft used to directly support business activity by transporting people and cargo from point to point more quickly than commercial passenger aircraft. Purpose built business jets range in size from less than 3 tonnes to over 48 tonnes, but larger aircraft are produced that are based on existing commercial airliners in sizes right up to the Airbus A380. Often associated with the transport of wealthy owners, business jets perform a range of other functions and are often sold to support air ambulance, freight and government work. The major manufacturers of business jets are Bombardier, Cessna, Gulfstream, Embraer and Dassault, with new deliveries in 2016 numbering 661 aircraft, and a total worldwide fleet of over 22,000. Recently the sales of new business jets has been slowing down, however many buyers have been active in the second hand market, where sales are at an all time high with many used jets for sale.
- VLJ
Very Light Jets are the entry level business jet class and are typically under 10,000 lbs / 4,500 kgs maximum take-off weight, cruise below 400 knots and have ranges around 1,000 nm. The two most popular jet aircraft for sale in this category are the Cessna Citation Mustang and the Embraer Phenom 100. Other recent types launched in the VLJ category are the Cessna Citation M2, The Honda Jet and the Cirrus SF50. A key attraction of a VLJ is that they are able to cruise higher and faster than the top tier turboprops and with a significantly cheaper direct operating cost. A very recent entrant to the VLJ market is the Cirrus SF50 and unlike all other VLJ types, it is powered by a single Williams turbofan engine. The potential risk of a single engine is mitigated in the SF50 by the aircraft being equipped with a parachute system that is capable of letting the aircraft safely descend to the ground, and this appeals to those looking to buy private jet on a budget.
- light jet
Light business jets for sale are typically have ranges not exceeding 2,000 nm, do not have a stand up cabin and many are certified for single pilot operations. The two most popular aircraft sold in this light jet group are the Cessna Citations and the Bombardier Learjets. Embraer first flew the Phenom 100 and 300 in 2007 and 2008 respectively, and these Brazilian aircraft have been highly successful at attracting buyers and they compete closely against the Cessna Citation range.
- midsize
Midsize jets have ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 nm and feature a stand up cabin with galley and toilet facilities. Popular aircraft for sale in this category are the largest members of the Bombardier Learjet family, the Dassault Falcon 20, Beechcraft Hawker 800, 850 and 900 and the Cessna Citation Excel / XLS.
- super midsize
Super midsize jets are often have the same fuselage cross section of long range jets, but aren’t capable of long endurance flights and therefore cost considerably less to buy than a long range jet. Range is between 3,000 nm and 4,000 nm and the aircraft feature a full stand up cabin. Aircraft in this category include the Dassault 50 and 2000, the Challenger 300 and 350, the Cessna Citation X and the larger Embraer Legacy models.
- Large / long range
Large business jets are the largest purpose built corporate jets available and can travel in excess of 4,000 nm. Only three manufacturers offer aircraft in this class – Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream – and starting prices for buyers are around $40 million USD. The longest range aircraft in this category is the Gulfstream G650ER and it is capable of covering 7,500 nm non stop. Bombardier has plans to launch the Global 8000 in 2018 and this aircraft will be capable of flights of around 7,900 nm. Aircraft in this category include the Falcon 900, 7X and 8X, the Global Express family and the Gulfstream 450, 500, 550, 600 and 650.
- VIP airliner
For a small number of high net worth individuals and Heads of State, the conventional business jets for sale do not have the capacity required for their needs. These buyers therefore purchase modified airliners that have most of the underfloor cargo space (which is no longer needed) adapted for fuel storage and allows these aircraft to achieve the same long range as large business jets. Boeing and Airbus have been offering VIP versions of most of their airliner fleet for many years, starting with the Boeing BBJ (based on the 737) and the Airbus ACJ (based on the A320 family) and going up to the 747 and A380 aircraft.
- market trends
When looking for used luxury private jets, there are three main trends are currently evident in business jet market sales. Firstly, improvements in efficiency are routinely being achieved by the manufacturers (chiefly by reducing fuel burn) and this in turn drives down the costs of ownership. Secondly, cockpit technology is improving in capability at a rapid pace, with many aircraft now available with innovations such as touch screen technology, synthetic / enhanced vision and satellite data and voice communications. The last trend in business aviation is the improvements in aircraft range that is constantly being achieved, especially in the large aircraft segment. For comparison, in 1995 the longest range jet was the 5,500 nm range Gulfstream V, whereas today the Gulfstream 650ER can travel over 7,500 nm.
- history
The Lockheed Jetstar and North American Sabreliner were the first two business jets to enter service in the late 1950s, and a few of these aircraft are still in service with owners today. In the early 1960s several more types came onto the market, including the Dassault Falcon 20, British Aerospace 125, the Lear 23, the Gulfstream 2 and the Cessna Citation 1.
- future trends
Supersonic aircraft are the next likely innovation in business jets, with all other developments likely to be only incremental changes to existing technologies. Aerion Corporation plan to launch the AE2 in 2018, and this aircraft is capable of travelling 4,750 nm at Mach 1.4, saving 3 hours flight time when compared to subsonic business jets, and they have orders from a large number of buyers already confirmed.
- major manufacturers
Gulfstream
Starting with the Gulfstream I turboprop that was first delivered in 1959, Gulfstream has made aircraft almost exclusively for the business jet buyer. Gulfstream now focusses mainly on the super midsize and large business jet market, with the smaller aircraft appearing in the lineup when Galaxy Aerospace was bought by Gulfstream in 2001. The flagship aircraft today is the G650ER and it sells for over $70 million USD.
Dassault
This French brand is well known for their three engine aircraft, a unique configuration amongst business jets, and it has been making these types of aircraft since 1963. The three engine configuration has been popular with buyers due to the benefits it brings to short field operations as well as the added safety factor when operating over water. Currently the model range goes from the two engine 2000 and finishes with the three engine 8X.
Cessna
Cessna’s traditional interest has been in the light and midsize business jet markets, and they are by far the most successful light jet manufacturer for sales to date with their Citation aircraft, many of which are suitable for single pilot operations. Recently Cessna has been expanding their offering and for the first time a super midsize aircraft is available in the form of the Citation Longitude and in 2019 the first flight is expected of their large business jet, Citation Hemisphere.
Bombardier
Bombardier started in business jets with the Challenger aircraft that was launched in the late 1970s, then the Learjet line was purchased by them in 1990 and finally the Global Express was launched in 1996. Bombardier have the largest range of aircraft on offer in the business jet buyer, starting with the light Learjet 70 and ending up at the large Global 7000.
Embraer
Relatively late to the business jet scene, Embraer announced their first aircraft in this market in 2000 when they launched the Legacy 600, a VIP version of a commercial aircraft. Since then Embraer has created a number of purpose built business aircraft, including the Phenom 100 and 300 as well as the Legacy 450 and 500. In 2016 delivered its 1,000th business aircraft, a remarkable achievement for this late entrant.
Cessna aircraft for sale
Cessna Aircraft was established by Clyde Cessna in 1927 and after financial difficulty during the depression, Cessna has gone on to firmly establish itself as the biggest general aviation manufacturer in the world. Models range from the 2 seat Cessna 152, right up to the 12 passenger Citation Longitude corporate jet, with many varied aircraft types sold in between. The company has sold more than 220,000 aircraft since 1927 and three aircraft – the C172, C152 and C182 – are in the top 10 list of most produced aircraft of all time, with a combined total of more than 98,000 examples sold of these three types. Cessna currently has 14 models for sale in the new aircraft line up, with three designs under currently development.
The Cessna line up has featured most kinds of aircraft, with design features such as tailwheel undercarriage, floatplanes, ski planes and pusher engines featured in Cessna models. There are 5 basic groupings to the Cessna model range – single pistons, twin pistons, single turbines, twin turbines and jets, with the twin piston and twin turbine aircraft no longer in production. The smallest aircraft presently available for sale new is the Cessna C172, a four seat single piston aircraft that is very popular for pilot training. The largest aircraft for sale is the brand new Citation Longitude that entered service in 2017 and is worth $24 million USD.
The Cessna C208 Caravan has been a very popular aircraft with buyers since its introduction in 1984, as it can perform a wide range of roles, including remote area cargo and passenger work, float plane, ski plane, sky diving aircraft and more recently surveillance platform. The Cessna Caravan comes in two fuselage sizes and with two engine choices. Another strong aircraft seller for Cessna has be the Citation line of corporate jets, the the current available aircraft for sale including the Citation M2 and the extremely fast Citation X. More than 7,000 Cessna Citations have been delivered since the first one flew in 1969 and they continue to be in high demand by buyers due to their low operating cost and single pilot capability.
Cirrus aircraft for sale
Cirrus Aircraft began when founders Dale and Alan Klapmeier developed a pusher engine aircraft in the mid 1980s, but it wasn’t until 2000 that the first conventional SR20 was produced, followed shortly after by the SR22. These all composite, four place fixed gear aircraft took on traditional general aviation aircraft by having a modern sleek look and an interior that resembled a contemporary luxury car, as well as the revolutionary inclusion of an aircraft parachute system that was capable of lowering the whole aircraft to the ground in the event of an engine failure. This parachute system allowed for the first time a single engine aircraft to compete directly with a twin engine one, as traditionally singles were seen as much riskier, especially when flown at night or in cloud.
Cirrus aircraft are fitted with modern avionics, originally an Avidyne system, but later on the Garmin G1000 EFIS was fitted, often with storm scopes, TAS / TCAS and synthetic vision optioned in. Another innovation from Cirrus was the fitting of liquid based anti ice / deice equipment (as opposed to traditional methods) that allowed for flight into known icing (FIKI) certification. Presently there are two major piston engine variants, the SR20 with the Continental IO-360 (and more recently the Lycoming IO-390), and the SR22 with either the Continental IO-550 or turbocharged TSIO-550.
After many years of development, Cirrus delivered their first single engine SF50 Vision Jet in 2017. Much like their innovative piston engined aircraft, the Cirrus Vision Jet is unlike any other aircraft in the market, as it features only one engine, an aircraft parachute and a V tail. The aircraft is fitted with the touch screen Garmin 3000 system, and its cockpit design and flight performance is such that a pilot transitioning out of a piston single would find the aircraft not too challenging or unfamiliar. The Cirrus SF50 Vision sells for just over $2 million USD.
Commercial aircraft for sale
Generally referring to aircraft used to transport people and cargo on a fixed schedule, commercial planes range in size from the de Havilland / Viking Twin Otter with 19 seats, right up to the Airbus A380, which Emirates has examples configured for 615 passengers. Commercial aircraft make up the biggest segment of worldwide aviation, both in terms of revenue and aircraft movements, with 35.8 million flight recording transporting 3.8 billion people. The segment is dominated by sales for the two big manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, with Embraer, Bombardier and ATR also selling smaller commercial aircraft. Commercial aircraft also include dedicated cargo aircraft (54.3 billion tonnes flown in 2016) that are fitted with special provisions such as oversized doors and folding fuselages that facilitate the rapid loading and unloading of cargo. Additionally, many former transport aircraft for sale have been converted into cargo airplanes for dedicated freight work. Commercial aircraft sales have traditionally seen average aircraft size increasing over the last 60 years, but now airlines are purchasing aircraft that are much smaller on average, as the focus shifts to narrow body aircraft that are more efficient and operating on a much more diverse route structure.
- market trends
The two major constraints on airlines today is the price of fuel and the limited capacity at airports, and these constraints affect sales behavior. Airbus decided that the way forward was by carrying more passengers per aircraft and hence the A380 was announced in 2000 and first delivered in 2008. The A380 carries around 500 passengers but has had mixed sales success, mostly due to the fact that the ‘hub and spoke’ model for airlines has now moved to a ‘point to point’ model, and capacity is not the limitation it once was. Boeing’s latest release, the 787, address the fuel price issue and the new airline ‘point to point’ model by flying less people directly to their destination and doing so more efficiently. 787 sales have been strong and indicate that Boeing has got this prediction right. Airbus has recently introduced the all new A350 as a response to the Boeing 787, and first flights commenced in 2015.
- history
The carriage of commercial passengers first commenced in the inter war period, with one of the earliest successful examples Lufthansa’s operation of the Junkers F.13 with 110 examples sold to the airline over a ten year period. This period also saw the first deliveries of key designs from the United States such as the Ford Trimotor, the Boeing 247 and the Douglas DC-2 and DC-3. After the war, the availability of the jet engine spurred on a new type of aircraft and in 1952 the de Havilland Comet entered service. Tragically the little known issue of metal fatigue destroyed three Comet aircraft, which was caused when uncontained cracks radiated out from the corners of the square windows. The Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 both benefited greatly from the lessons learned from the Comet and this gave a significant sales advantage to those aircraft that de Havilland could never get back. The most iconic of all airliners, the Boeing 747, first entered service in 1970 with Pan Am and over 1,500 of these aircraft have been sold to airlines and military customers. Many 747s have been retired from passenger work and have been converted into cargo planes, with most via modifications done at the Boeing factory.
- future trends
Supersonic commercial aircraft are being proposed for the future and a number of credible concepts have been proposed for buyers, but funding has still not been realized. A large obstacle to overcome is the restriction in many countries that prevents supersonic flight over land, thus limiting a supersonic aircraft to over water flights only. A possible workaround for this restriction that is under development is a ‘quiet boom’ aircraft that breaks the sound barrier but does not produce the conventional loud sonic boom. Hypersonic aircraft – capable of cruise at Mach 5 or above – have also been studied and these aircraft would actually leave the atmosphere and briefly enter space on the way to the destination, but these concepts are still some time off from test flights and being offered for sale.
- short haul
Short haul aircraft, also called feeder liner or regional aircraft, have traditionally been propeller aircraft with less than 100 seats that bring passengers into major hubs to connect with larger jet aircraft. Popular aircraft for sale that are used for short haul include the SAAB 340, the Bombardier Dash 8 and the ATR 43 & 72. Jet aircraft have been increasingly purchased for these operations, especially in the United States, and aircraft bought include the Bombardier CRJ and the Embraer ERJ and these highly efficient jet aircraft have been able to compete with propeller aircraft on a cost basis. Many short haul commercial aircraft have been converted into small cargo aircraft, such as the Fairchild Swearingen Metro. These small cargo planes frequently fly overnight moving mail and other freight between cities and towns.
- narrow body
Narrow body airliners are those with only a single row between the seats, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Often referred to as single aisle aircraft, these airliners tend to be medium haul aircraft and often sold to low cost carriers in Europe and North America.
- wide body
A wide body or twin aisle commercial airplane is normally used for long haul flights in a three class configuration. Examples include the Boeing 747 and 767 and the Airbus A340 and A380.
- super long range
As the airline ‘hub and spoke’ model has decreased in popularity, the ‘point to point’ model has needed aircraft capable of extremely long ranges, often in excess of 8,000 nm. Both Airbus and Boeing have aircraft for sale to fit this need, and these aircraft incorporate state of the art construction and engines produce cheaper operating costs than aircraft of a similar size. Manufacturers have combined this efficiency with large fuel tanks and this gives the aircraft the ability to stay in the air for more than 16 hours to fulfil the ‘point to point’ requirement.
- major manufacturers
Boeing
Originally established in Seattle in 1917 and began by producing flying boats. The first all metal airliner built by Boeing was the Model 247 which commenced operations in 1933. The company sold huge number of aircraft during World War 2, notably the B-17 and B-29 and this mass production experience helped the company produce high quality aircraft cheaply after the war. Boeing has produced many different types of airliners, some like the 737 have been in constant production for 50 years. Today Boeing is having success with the 787 Dreamliner and the 737 Max and sales are strong for both aircraft.
Airbus
Formed through a government joint venture in 1970 by the UK, West German and French governments, Airbus delivered its first commercial airplane the A300 in 1974. Since then it has been famous for the state of the art designs it has sold and was an innovator in ‘fly by wire’ and sidestick flight controls long before it was adopted by other manufacturers. The other high profile product produced by Airbus has been the A380, and it is the largest passenger aircraft ever produced, both in terms of passengers and maximum take-off weight.
Embraer
Specializing in the short haul market, Brazilian manufacturer Embraer has sold the ERJ and the E-Jet aircraft for several years. Seating between 37 and 122 passengers, these aircraft have been popular with buyers and the new E-Jet E2 range is due to enter service in 2018.
McDonnell Douglas
Particularly well known for the successful DC-9, MD-80 and MD-90 aircraft, McDonnell Douglas was formed from a merger in 1967 and produced aircraft right up until 2001. The last four years of aircraft production was after a merger with Boeing and at the time the MD-11 was in the last years of its production run. The last McDonnell Douglas aircraft designed was the MD-95 and this was rebranded the Boeing 717, many of which are still in service today.
Experimental aircraft for sale / Kit aircraft for sale / Homebuilt aircraft for sale / Amateur
The aircraft in this category have usually been assembled from kits and built by individuals, as opposed to being purchased complete from a manufacturer. This provides many people both an affordable means for purchasing an aircraft and the enjoyment of being involved in the construction process of an aircraft kit. Additionally, there is scope within this category to safely modify the design to incorporate different engines and design features, in a way that is not possible with conventionally built aircraft. With the largest choice of aircraft type and design in any market segment, airplane kits have strong sales all over the world with manufacturers also found all over the world. If you are looking to purchase a kit aircraft, the main manufacturers include Vans, Kitfox, Jabiru, Rans, Lancair, Challenger, Pitts and Avid. Experimental airplanes are excellent for private buyers, but cannot be used for commercial work.
- Market trends
Currently there is interest in two distinct types of project airplanes for sale – highly efficient two seaters based around the Rotax 912 engine and the fitting of big displacement piston and turbine engines to existing homebuilt aircraft. As fuel prices have increased, more sport / recreational type aircraft are being built that suit local flying and aerobatics. These aircraft are also quick to build and have low completion costs for buyers. At the other end of the market are the high speed composite aircraft, many with retractable gear and some even with pressurization, that are being fitted with engines like the twin turbo Continental TSIO-550 or the Walter M601 turboprop.
- history
The first airplane kits for sale appeared between the wars and were built from plans and required the components to be manufactured by the builder, chiefly wood and fabric. In the 1950s, manufacturers started to sell the components and partly completed kits so that builders required less construction to complete the aircraft. Presently most countries require the buyer to complete at least 51% of the required construction in order that the aircraft remains very distinct from a factory built machine.
- future trends
Electric engines are being offered as power plants for homebuilt aircraft for sale, but the uptake is slow as battery power densities need to improve before practical electric kit aircraft sales are more widespread. Several jet aircraft designs have been produced, such as the Bede BD-5, the Viper Jet and the Sonex Jet, but these have not had much sales success.
Float plane for sale / Amphibious / Flying Boat / Seaplane
Aircraft capable of taking off and landing from the water are either designed with this need in mind, or are modified from conventional land aircraft by having float gear attached. Amphibious aircraft not only can land on water, but possess a means of extending wheeled undercarriage to allow for landing and take-off from regular runways. Seaplanes are a perfect means for buyers to access remote and undeveloped parts of the world, and many are sold to the tourism industry as a means for transporting people and as a sightseeing platform. An important distinction is that float planes are land plane designs adapted by the fitting of floats, and flying boats are aircraft designed from the beginning for water operations using a float hull. Popular seaplanes that are frequently found advertised for sale include de Havilland, Cessna, Lake, Grumman, Maule and Piper. If you are looking for fun flying then you need to find an amphibious airplane for sale.
- Market trends
Presently there are only a small number of flying boat manufacturers with amphibious aircraft for sale and they build aircraft that are either very large military aircraft or very small LSAs. The last general aviation flying boat manufacturer was Lake Aircraft, and they ceased selling aircraft in 2008. Dornier are planning the introduction of the twin turboprop Seastar aircraft around 2020, and are presently finalizing the production details and a number of buyers have expressed interest. There are also several popular LSA designs, including the Searey, Seamax, Super Petrel and Icon A-5.
The float plane market (by comparison to the flying boat market), is much more active and current production aircraft are available for sale from Cessna, Aviat, Viking (de Havilland) and Quest as well as a number of LSA manufacturers. Wipaire has been the main supplier of the Wipline floats to the float plane market, but recently Aerocet have been selling composite floats for several different aircraft and are their designs are of interest to those wanting to avoid the corrosion issues of aluminum floats.
- history
The first seaplane was the French ‘Hydravion’ which flew in 1910 and proved the concept of a seaplane was viable, even though it had only 50 hp. In the inter war years the famous Supermarine floatplanes flew, designed specifically to compete in the Schneider Trophy air race. The fastest of these was the S.6B which reached a speed of 350 knots / 650 km/h. AS airports have increased in number, the demand for flying boats and floatplanes has decreased, but buyers are starting to reappear for these specialized aircraft.
- future trends
Corrosion is an issue for any aircraft operating off the water, and especially marine salt water. Composite aircraft and floats are ideally suited to this type of flying and these types of non traditional materials are gaining popularity. The return of larger passenger carrying flying boats may be on the cards, with tourism and remote area operations needing larger and longer ranged aircraft. This need is well illustrated by the announcement of an Australian business Amphibian Aerospace who has plans to put the Grumman Albatross back in production and sell this aircraft for a number of different applications.
- major manufacturers
Cessna
Cessna have factory float planes for sale that are versions of the 206 and Caravan, and aftermarket options are available for many of the existing high wing piston models as well. The top of the line Grand Caravan EX on 8750 Wipline floats has seating for 13 in air-conditioned comfort and can cruise at 165 knots, and it has been selling well of late.
de Havilland
The most iconic of all seaplanes is the de Havilland Beaver, and it can be found operating all over the world. Larger aircraft by de Havilland are also popular float planes, such as the Otter and the Twin Otter, but it is the Beaver that found the most widespread used most often for sale. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine, many Beaver owners have opted to have either a PT6 or Garrett 331 turbine engine fitted in order to boost performance.
Icon
The Icon A5 is a two place amphibious ultralight aircraft that first flew in 2008 and was first delivered in 2017. The all composite design is modern and closely resembles a luxury car, and the aerodynamics are forgiving and make the aircraft easy to fly. Much like the Cirrus, the A5 appeals to non-pilots who would like a safe and uncomplicated way to get in to the air and sales have been strong for this flying boat for sale for around $350,000 USD.
Viking Air
Viking Air originally were a maintenance and overhaul business, but in 2006 they purchased the type certificates for most of the existing de Havilland line. In 2010 Viking Air delivered the first new built Twin Otter 400 and since then 125 have been delivered to 29 different countries. Viking Air has plans to begin production of other de Havilland models and has also purchased the type certificates for Bombardier’s fire fighting CL-215 and CL-415 range with a view to selling these aircraft as well.
Flying Boat for sale / Float plane / Amphibious / Seaplane
Aircraft capable of taking off and landing from the water are either designed with this need in mind, or are modified from conventional land aircraft by having float gear attached. Amphibious aircraft not only can land on water, but possess a means of extending wheeled undercarriage to allow for landing and take-off from regular runways. Seaplanes are a perfect means for buyers to access remote and undeveloped parts of the world, and many are sold to the tourism industry as a means for transporting people and as a sightseeing platform. An important distinction is that float planes are land plane designs adapted by the fitting of floats, and flying boats are aircraft designed from the beginning for water operations using a float hull. Popular seaplanes that are frequently found advertised for sale include de Havilland, Cessna, Lake, Grumman, Maule and Piper. If you are looking for fun flying then you need to find an amphibious airplane for sale.
- Market trends
Presently there are only a small number of flying boat manufacturers with amphibious aircraft for sale and they build aircraft that are either very large military aircraft or very small LSAs. The last general aviation flying boat for sale manufacturer was Lake Aircraft, and they ceased selling aircraft in 2008. Dornier are planning the introduction of the twin turboprop Seastar aircraft around 2020, and are presently finalizing the production details and a number of buyers have expressed interest. There are also several popular LSA designs, including the Searey, Seamax, Super Petrel and Icon A-5.
The float plane market (by comparison to the flying boat market), is much more active and current production aircraft are available for sale from Cessna, Aviat, Viking (de Havilland) and Quest as well as a number of LSA manufacturers. Wipaire has been the main supplier of the Wipline floats to the float plane market, but recently Aerocet have been selling composite floats for several different aircraft and are their designs are of interest to those wanting to avoid the corrosion issues of aluminum floats.
- history
The first seaplane was the French ‘Hydravion’ which flew in 1910 and proved the concept of a seaplane was viable, even though it had only 50 hp. In the inter war years the famous Supermarine floatplanes flew, designed specifically to compete in the Schneider Trophy air race. The fastest of these was the S.6B which reached a speed of 350 knots / 650 km/h. AS airports have increased in number, the demand for flying boats and floatplanes has decreased, but buyers are starting to reappear for these specialized aircraft.
- future trends
Corrosion is an issue for any aircraft operating off the water, and especially marine salt water. Composite aircraft and floats are ideally suited to this type of flying and these types of non traditional materials are gaining popularity. The return of larger passenger carrying flying boats may be on the cards, with tourism and remote area operations needing larger and longer ranged aircraft. This need is well illustrated by the announcement of an Australian business Amphibian Aerospace who has plans to put the Grumman Albatross back in production and sell this aircraft for a number of different applications.
- major manufacturers
Cessna
Cessna have factory for flying boat for sale that are versions of the 206 and Caravan, and aftermarket options are available for many of the existing high wing piston models as well. The top of the line Grand Caravan EX on 8750 Wipline floats has seating for 13 in air-conditioned comfort and can cruise at 165 knots, and it has been selling well of late.
de Havilland
The most iconic of all seaplanes is the de Havilland Beaver, and it can be found operating all over the world. Larger aircraft by de Havilland are also popular float planes, such as the Otter and the Twin Otter, but it is the Beaver that found the most widespread used most often for sale. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engine, many Beaver owners have opted to have either a PT6 or Garrett 331 turbine engine fitted in order to boost performance.
Icon
The Icon A5 is a two place amphibious ultralight aircraft that first flew in 2008 and was first delivered in 2017. The all composite design is modern and closely resembles a luxury car, and the aerodynamics are forgiving and make the aircraft easy to fly. Much like the Cirrus, the A5 appeals to non-pilots who would like a safe and uncomplicated way to get in to the air and sales have been strong for this flying boat for sale for around $350,000 USD.
Viking Air
Viking Air originally were a maintenance and overhaul business, but in 2006 they purchased the type certificates for most of the existing de Havilland line. In 2010 Viking Air delivered the first new built Twin Otter 400 and since then 125 have been delivered to 29 different countries. Viking Air has plans to begin production of other de Havilland models and has also purchased the type certificates for Bombardier’s fire fighting CL-215 and CL-415 range with a view to selling these aircraft as well.
Glider aircraft for sale / Sailplane
These aircraft use rising air that has been lifted by heat or terrain to fly without the need of any form of propulsion. Most gliders and sailplanes that are purchased require a tow aircraft or a ground based winch to allow them to become airborne and fly into the rising air. A newer type of aircraft is able to self launch and are fitted with an engine that is used for take-off, and once the engine is no longer required it either retracts out of sight or has a propeller that feathers to minimize drag. The added benefit of self launching aircraft for buyers is that the engine can be kept running allowing flights to be made in the same fashion as a conventional aircraft or in the event gliding conditions deteriorate the aircraft can operate the engine to ensure an off airport landing is avoided. Dominated by European manufacturers, the glider market has many examples for sale from DG, Schleicher, Schempp-Hirth, SZD, Stemme and Pipistrelle.
- Market trends
There are an increasing number of self launching sailplanes for sale, as the decreasing cost and increasing power of these compact engines makes them more sought after by buyers who are seeking a broader range of gliding experiences. Improvements in composite wing design and construction has resulted in large gains in lift / drag (LD) ratios for all standards of glider, making high performance soaring available even to novice sailplane owners.
- history
The earliest successful glider designer and pilot was German Otto Lilienthal who commenced flying his own designs of hillsides in 1891. After World War One, Germany continued to lead the world in gliding due to the restrictions placed upon the country that limited powered flight. Early gliders were constructed of wood and fabric, but by the 1960s fiberglass designs gained in sales and started the era of the modern sailplane. Most gliders today are built from high strength composite materials allowing lift / drag ratios in excess of 60:1 and soaring flights covering 1,000 km are easily achievable in these types of sailplanes.
- future trends
In the quest to achieve higher lift / drag ratios, designers are producing glider aircraft for sale with ever larger wingspans. The German Eta sailplane achieved an LD ratio of 70:1, however the design had limitations that prevented it entering commercial production. Future sailplane models for sale are expected to practically achieve LD ratios in excess of 70:1 that are commercially viable and suitable for competitive racing.
- racing
Sailplane racing, especially when multiple aircraft of the same design are racing together, is highly dependent on efficient and error free flying from the pilot. Advanced instrumentation in modern gliders provides the pilot with aircraft specific performance data, helping the pilot get the maximum from their aircraft, so that the pilot can focus on race tactics and the soaring environment. Water ballast is often carried in racing gliders in order to increase the wing loading and therefore allow the aircraft to fly faster when compared to lighter gliders. This water ballast is then jettisoned just before landing so as to reduce stresses on the airframe.
- touring motor gliders
Many sailplane manufacturers today produce hybrid sailplanes for buyers that are part glider, part powered aeroplane. These aircraft are capable not only of self launching, but can sustain powered flight, have the ability to taxi around airports without assistance and often have baggage compartments. The result is an aircraft capable of cross country flight much like a regular aircraft and then when soaring conditions are present, the pilot can switch off the engine and commence gliding in the same fashion as a conventional sailplane.
- major manufacturers of Glider Aircraft for sale
Stemme
German manufacturer Stemme AG has a unique motor glider aircraft for sale, fitted with an innovative engine transmission and folding propeller system. In aircraft mode the Stemme S12 can cruise at 130 knots, cover over 900 nm and then in gliding mode achieve an impressive 53:1 LD ratio. The S10 is a similar aircraft but with a slightly smaller wingspan and slightly reduced LD ratio.
DG Flugzeugbau
Another German firm selling high performance sailplanes is DG, with their production line up currently featuring the DG-808 and DG-1001. After 2003 DG took over the Rolladen-Schneider designs and now produce the LS8 glider at the DG factory.
Schleicher GmbH
Founded in 1927 by Alexander Schleicher, these sailplanes for sale are hugely popular and cover the entire spectrum from robust fiberglass training aircraft to full composite open class racing gliders. Schleicher has used several different designers over the years and the style variation across the range is evident, and this has been a key part of the company’s success with buyers.
Gulfstream aircraft for sale
Gulfstream grew from a Grumman program to produce a corporate aircraft, and the Grumman Gulfstream I first flew in 1958. In 1966 Grumman moved production to Savannah, Georgia where the Gulfstream aircraft are still manufactured today. In 1977 the aircraft line was sold by Grumman and renamed Gulfstream in 1978. Today Gulfstream is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics. Previous models not in production include the G-III, G-IV, G-IVSP, G-V and G-VSP. More recently Gulfstream changed the naming convention of its models and also offered the G350 and G450 until recently.
Presently Gulfstream sell 6 business jet models, the G280, G500, G550, G600, G650 and G650ER. The G280 is a modern variant of the Israeli Aircraft Industries Galaxy aircraft, which is now branded a Gulfstream, as Gulfstream bought the IAI corporate jet designs in 2001. The only legacy Gulfstream design is the G550, which is based on the Gulfstream G-V SP. All of the other present aircraft line up are clean sheet designs that are new since at least 2009.
The Gulfstream corporate jet attracts buyers looking for long range, state of the art aircraft that have an unmatched ramp presence. The design is famous for the long swept wings capped with winglets, large over passenger windows and high speed cruising. All of the recent designs since 2009 are fly-by-wire aircraft and feature many composite elements in the construction. The top of the range G650ER sells for $72 million USD, can travel 7,500 nm, has a maximum speed of mach 0.925 and carry up to 19 passengers.
Light Sport Aircraft for sale
Light Sport Aircraft (‘LSAs’) represent a rapidly growing sales segment of the aircraft market due to their affordability and simple flying characteristics. These aircraft are typically factory built, have a maximum weight of less than 680 kgs / 1,500 lbs and only two seats. As a consequence of their simple design, the regulations addressing design, licensing and maintenance are generally more relaxed than for conventional aircraft, significantly reducing the cost of sport aircraft ownership. LSAs frequently incorporate modern design and materials making them highly efficient, allowing the aircraft to have such low weights. Aircraft from Flight Design, Cub Crafters, American Legend, Czech Sport, Evektor and Aerotrek are popular with buyers and sales of these types are continuing to increase.
- Market trends
The LSA market quite literally rides on the back of the 100 hp Rotax 912 engine. Originally launched with only 80 hp, the 912 has been developed over the years to incorporate higher power, lighter weight, fuel injection and longer periods between overhaul. As the 912 engine improved, so did innovations in composite construction, allowing LSAs to have higher payloads, more range and increased speed. Current aircraft such as the Blackshape Prime are capable of carrying two people at 150 knots for over three hours, something impossible for buyers of these aircraft 10 years ago.
- history
The sport planes category was created in the mid 2000s when aviation regulators created more flexible rules governing lightweight aircraft of this size, setting them apart from larger more traditional general aviation aircraft. Recently the medical standard for LSA pilots has also been relaxed (compared to regular general aviation) and this has kept many pilots in the air who ordinarily would have been forced to retire from flying.
- future trends
Several interesting trends are developing in the light aircraft market. Firstly electric propulsion, either hybrid or stand alone, is being implemented and several designs will be available for sale in 2018. These current designs are modified sailplanes or LSAs, but several manufacturers are looking to have purpose built light planes for sale powered by electricity in the next few years. Aircraft designs that allow for landing on water as well as land are becoming popular, and Icon and Akoya have current amphibious ultralight aircraft for sale that meet this requirement.
- major manufacturers
Cessna
The Cessna 162 Skycatcher was a short lived LSA that was produced from 2009 to 2013 that struggled to obtain sales due to long delivery times, poor useful load and high price. This is Cessna’s only LSA project to date.
Piper / CSA
Much like Cessna’s LSA, the PiperSport was a short lived version of the CSA SportCruiser which failed to sell strongly for Piper. Originally produced by CZAW before Piper became involved, the aircraft now is produced by the same company, however they are now trading as CSA.
Flight Design
Flight Design is a German LSA manufacturer with several popular designs in the recreational aircraft category, with most based on the ‘CT’ model first launched in 1997. Most Flight Design aircraft are powered by the Rotax 912 engine and it is a strong seller.
Tecnam
Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam has a number of LSA offerings, with a mix of high and low wing designs suitable for conventional, tailwheel and float undercarriage configurations. Buyers of Tecnam aircraft are often attracted by the modern design, good build quality and low operating cost.
Mooney aircraft for sale
Albert Mooney made his first aircraft in 1929 and the first production aircraft made by Mooney was the M-18 Mite, first flown in 1947. The first four seat Mooney M20 aircraft flew in 1953, and this began the model range that Mooney is best known for today. Mooney aircraft has had mixed fortunes over the years, with several periods of bankruptcy and halts to aircraft production, and in 2013 the company was bought by Taiwanese interests and production was recommenced. Mooney aircraft are unique in design, as they feature a forward swept rudder, short compact undercarriage and small streamlined fuselage. Today 2 Mooney models are sold, the Mooney M20U Ovation Ultra and the M20V Acclaim Ultra, with the Acclaim Ultra selling for around $750,000 USD.
The two newest Mooney designs feature a few new elements not seen before, with a pilot side door added as well as major composite elements included into the fuselage construction. The current aircraft feature either the Continental IO-550 or the TSIO-550, both producing 280 hp as well as Garmin G1000 EFIS. The top speed of the Acclaim Ultra is 242 knots, faster than the Cessna TTx (235 knots) and the Cirrus SR22T (213 knots), making it the fastest piston engined aircraft currently available for sale. The present Mooney factory is located in Kerrville, Texas.
Pilatus aircraft for sales
Pilatus Aircraft is located in Stans, Switzerland and is most famous for its single engine turboprop aircraft. The company recently commenced deliveries of the PC24 business jet, and this aircraft performs much like a Cessna Citation CJ4, except that it is also capable of landing on dirt and other unimproved surfaced runways. Pilatus has also sold over the years single piston engined aircraft as well as gliders.
The PC-6 Porter is a niche STOL aircraft that is often found operating from one way strips in remote areas or dropping parachutists. Powered by many different engines, the aircraft excels in carrying large loads and can become airborne in less than 200 m from a level runway.
The PC-7, PC-9 and PC-21 are a series of two place tandem military turboprop trainers that have been successful sellers for Pilatus. The aircraft are often fitted with heads up displays, external stores and ejection seats and are used as initial trainers and to prepare military pilots for fast jet aircraft.
The PC-12 has been in huge demand from buyers since it first flew in 1991. This turboprop aircraft was specifically designed to take on the Beechcraft King Air aircraft but with an important difference – the PC-12 aircraft is fitted with only one engine. Most widely used as an aeromedical aircraft, the Royal Flying Doctors of Australia operates 32 of these aircraft, frequently landing them on dirt runways and public roads when necessary.
Piper aircraft for sale
Piper Aircraft was founded in 1927, but only named after its chief founder William Piper in 1937. In that time Piper has sold over 144,000 aircraft and continues to sell new aircraft to this day. Most Piper aircraft have been single engine pistons, with a number of popular twin piston models and a few late model turboprop aircraft. Today Piper sell two turboprop models (M500 and M600), two piston twins (PA-44 Seminole and PA-34 Seneca) and four piston singles (PA-28 Archer, PA-28 Archer DX, PA-28R Arrow and M350 Mirage).
Two of Piper’s most iconic aircraft are the J-3 and the PA-18 Super Cub. These aircraft are two place tandem seat aircraft (tandem indicating passengers sit one in front of the other) are still hugely sought after by buyers in the second hand aircraft market. These aircraft are popular ‘bush’ machines that are used for ‘off road’ landings on unimproved surfaces.
The Piper PA-28 in all its variants can be found at almost every general aviation airport in the world and most pilots can claim time spent flying one of these aircraft. There are several different engines available in for the PA-28, some are retractable and some are fitted with constant speed propellers. These aircraft are very sought after as training aircraft and are popular as inexpensive private aircraft.
The Piper PA-31 Navajo and Chieftain light twins have been the backbone of general aviation charter flying for many years, and these aircraft still command a high price in the second hand aircraft sales market. These aircraft can carry between 8 to 10 people and baggage 1000 nm at 165 knots. They are robust and relatively cheap to run and are in use all over the world.
Piston helicopter for sale
The availability of affordable piston engine helicopters for sale has transformed the helicopter industry and made rotorcraft ownership possible for a large group of private pilots and entry level businesses, in a way that turbine helicopters could never do. New helicopter sales are dominated by the Robinson Helicopter Company, which has delivered over 12,000 helicopters since 1979, but French manufacturer Guimbal entered the market in 2008 with its Cabri two place helicopter that has been gaining popularity with buyers, particularly in the training market. Piston helicopters are the principal platform for helicopter flying training, where almost all new pilots fly either the Robinson R22, Schweizer S300, Bell 47 and Guimbal Cabri. Entry level tourism flying is almost exclusively done in the Robinson R44, a highly versatile and cost effective helicopter that is easy to fly and a good performer, and it has taken significant market share away from the entry level turbine fleet since its introduction in 1993. If you are looking to buy a helicopter, the piston market is a perfect starting point.
- Market trends
The number of small helicopters for sale in this piston helicopter market has recently been growing. The all new Cabri from Guimbal, as well as the Robinson R44 Cadet and Enstrom TH180 have recently become popular due to their low running costs. Legacy designs such as the Bell 47 and the Schweizer S300 will become more expensive to support in the years ahead, and it is expected the newer designs will replace these older helicopters in market sales. Helicopter avionics has historically been very low tech, but now offerings from Bendix King and Garmin are providing cost effective glass cockpits (replacing conventional gauges) for piston engine helicopters and even autopilots are able to be optioned in new factory built helicopters.
- history
Sikorsky produced the first functional piston helicopter – the VS-300 – and it first flew in 1940. As helicopters grew in size, so did their need for power, and increasingly larger piston engines were required. Eventually radial engines from fixed wing aircraft were used as helicopter power plants, but these engines became very prone to over heating in extended hovering, plus they were very heavy consumers of engine oil. The largest piston helicopter ever made was the Sikorsky CH37 Mojave, it used two Pratt and Whitney R2800 engines and had a take-off weight in excess of 14 tonnes. In modern times Lycoming engines are the most common engine for light piston helicopters, chiefly the O-320, O-360 and O-520 engines (and their fuel injected derivatives).
- future trends
As battery energy densities increase, the practical implementation of electric power plants in light helicopters becomes closer to reality. In 2010 Sikorsky modified a S300 – ‘the Firefly’ – that ran for short periods on battery power alone. More recently the multirotor Volocopter took flight for the first time and this helicopter resembles a large UAV / drone.
- major manufacturers
Robinson
The giant of piston helicopter sales is the Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) based in Torrance California. RHC currently sell three helicopters – the R22, R44 and R66 – and are delivering approximately 300 machines per year. The helicopter industry relies heavily on RHC machines, with the R22 is the world’s most popular training helicopter and the R44 the world’s most popular tourism helicopter. Robinson helicopters need an expensive overhaul very 12 years, so buying a used helicopter for sale needs to be done with caution.
Guimbal
Former Eurocopter / Airbus Helicopter engineer Bruno Guimbal commenced plans to sell the Cabri helicopter in the 1980s and it first entered service in 2008. Featuring a number of innovations for a light two seat helicopter, such a fenestron tail rotor, digital engine gauges and composite construction, the Cabri is positioned to attract buyers away from both the R22 and R44.
Schweizer
After going through several different owners including Sikorsky and Hughes, the S300 ceased production in 2012, so only used helicopters are for sale. The three seat helicopter was primarily used as a training platform with later versions fitted with a fuel injected engine. The Guimbal Cabri is likely to have sealed the fate of the S300, as production ceased 4 years after its introduction in 2008.
Single engine plane for sale
Almost all general aviation piston aircraft for sale are to be found within this category, chiefly in the form of the Cessna 172 and Piper PA-28, with almost every pilot worldwide having spent time flying either of these two aircraft. Quality piston singles can be purchased ranging from the 1940s era de Havilland Tiger Moth through to brand new Cirrus and Diamond composite touring aircraft, giving the purchaser a considerable amount of choice when deciding upon what to buy. Some types have been for sale for over 60 years, such as the Beechcraft Bonanza and Cessna 182, a remarkable achievement in any industry. Recent innovations in composite construction have greatly increased payload and cruise speed of single piston aircraft, while simultaneously reducing purchase price and fuel burn, and inside the aircraft advanced ‘EFIS’ instrumentation and parachute recovery systems have improved significantly the safety levels of these aircraft for buyers.
- market trends
The three most significant trends of late in piston singles has been the rise of the parachute equipped Cirrus aircraft, the affordability modern glass cockpits and the increasing adoption of composite construction.
For many years some buyers were kept away from single piston aircraft, as there was a perceived risk for pilots flying in bad weather or at night not having any safe options in the event of an engine failure. Cirrus launched their SR20 and SR22 aircraft in 1999 and 2001 respectively with all aircraft equipped with a ballistic parachute system that is capable of lowering the aircraft to the ground in the event of an engine failure. This innovation has taken buyers away from piston twin aircraft like the Beechcraft Baron and Cessna 310, as well as from single engine rivals such as Mooney and Cessna, and made Cirrus the biggest selling single engine aircraft manufacturer in the world.
Glass cockpits – those with instrumentation built into screens rather than gauges – have become widespread in the single engine aircraft market, with even entry level aircraft equipped with highly featured systems. Lead by Garmin and their revolutionary G1000 system, this technology has reduced rapidly in price while increasing significantly in capability. The G1000 system is now for sale as an aftermarket refit for many aircraft types, with versions optimized for helicopters and turbine aircraft.
Composite construction has been able to increase improve significantly upon traditional aluminum construction and has allowed aircraft to be faster (from less drag) and to carry more (from lighter construction). Buyers are also more attracted to the modern, sleek designs that composite construction offers as well as the ease of maintenance that comes from avoiding metallic materials.
- history
Light piston aircraft were the first type of aircraft to take flight, and the industrial manufacturing of aircraft was underway before World War One. Cessna and Beechcraft commenced producing enclosed single engine aircraft in 1927 and 1932 respectively and both companies are still in business today.
- future trends
Many piston plane aircraft designers have followed the lead set by Cirrus and are incorporating parachutes into their designs, or at least enabling owners to retrofit them. Avgas, the major fuel source for piston aircraft, is set to become unavailable by 2023 and therefore alternate fuels are being developed to replace it. Diesel engines running on turbine fuel are already available for some Diamond and Cessna models and more widespread adoption is going to accelerate over the next few years, as avgas becomes more expensive and scarce.
- major manufacturers
Cessna
The giant of the light aircraft world, Cessna have sold more types of light aircraft than any other manufacturer. Based in Wichita, Kansas and producing around 250 piston aircraft each year, their domination came to an end however in 2013 when Cirrus eclipsed them for piston aircraft deliveries.
Cirrus
Cirrus commenced deliveries of their SR20 in 1999 and have grown from strength to strength with their unique high speed parachute equipped aircraft. Cirrus sits neatly between the piston single and piston twin market, offering buyers from both segments a competitive product. These modern aircraft are composite construction and have interiors designed to resemble modern luxury cars, appealing to buyers in a way existing legacy designs cannot. The parachute system has been a great safety feature and to date more than 50 parachute deployments have saved more than 100 people.
Beechcraft
Beechcraft during the 1960s and 1970s produced a wide range of piston models, but today only two are still in production – the Bonanza and the Baron. Both aircraft are well known for their high quality finishes and luxury touches, and have been the most expensive aircraft in their respective segments for many years. Today both models are under pressure from both faster and cheaper composite pistons as well as high performance turbines, and recent sales reflect this.
Diamond
Aircraft manufacturer Diamond came into existence in 1998 and since that time has been producing modern composite single and twin engine piston aircraft from their factory in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Their designs are have a very obvious glider heritage, with long thin wings and narrow tapered fuselages. The smallest aircraft Diamond produces is the two seat DA20, and the largest is the DA62 seven seat twin.
Twin engine aircraft for sale
Much like the piston helicopter, twin piston aircraft represent the backbone of the commercial general aviation fleet sales with most entry level companies operating at least one piston twin. Almost all the larger piston twins in commercial use today are made by Beechcraft, Cessna or Piper and these types will continue to be a fixture in the industry for some time to come, as few newer types can be purchased to replace them. Presently there are five manufacturers selling new twin engine aircraft – Beechcraft, Diamond, Piper, Tecnam and Vulcanair – however these smaller types are now under pressure from high performance single engine aircraft.
- Market trends
The twin aircraft market has for many years relied on older aircraft holding up this segment of the industry, with limited new aircraft options to purchase and very high prices keeping new aircraft sales down. Mainstays of the used twin engine market – the Piper Navajo and the Cessna 400 series – have no new alternatives available, and smaller new build machines like the Baron are three times the cost of existing aircraft and carry much less. Where possible buyers have moved on to the Cessna Caravan, abut only where favorable regulations have permitted single engine operations in lieu of the older twins.
- history
The earliest twin engine planes were manufactured by Beechcraft (Beech 18), de Havilland (Dove) and Lockheed (Electra) and served in a variety of roles for military and civilian operators. These aircraft used large and thirsty radial and inline engines, which limited their ability to keep pace with more modern aircraft that appeared in the 1950s and 1960s that used flat piston engines. Large radial engine tail wheel aircraft also required much more skill from the pilot than the smaller tricycle aircraft that they were competing against, further limiting their appeal for buyers. Examples of these smaller competitor aircraft that appeared for sale in the 1950s include the Piper Apache, Cessna 310 and Beechcraft Travel Air, and manufacturing of the Beechcraft Baron – a descendant of the Travel Air – continues to this day.
- future trends
Development in this field has been slow, with declining sales evident for many years. Recently new aircraft have appeared that are taking advantage of composite construction and modernized power plants, with all new designs appearing from Tecnam and Diamond. The Tecnam uses the lightweight but powerful Rotax 912 engine for their P2006 and Diamond have used the Austro diesel engine in the DA 42 and DA 62 composite aircraft. Tecnam and Vulcanair have prototypes flying for larger 10-12 seat aircraft based on their existing designs, with these aircraft powered by piston and turbine engines respectively.
- major manufacturers
Beechcraft
Beechcraft has been producing the Baron since 1961 in many different versions. The current version is the G58, which has Continental IO-550 engines and the Garmin G1000 flight deck. Very popular for many years, the Baron’s sales have been impacted recently by modern high performance single composite aircraft that can match the speed of the Baron at a vastly reduced cost per hour. A sought after type in the used twin engine aircraft market is the Be76 Duchess, as it is one of the best twin engine trainers ever made.
Diamond
Austrian manufacturer Diamond launched the DA42 in 2004, a twin engine diesel powered development of the DA40 single. The four seat aircraft has a sleek modern composite construction, giving it both high speed and low fuel consumption. A larger version of the DA42, the DA62 appeared in 2015 and has larger engines and the capability to seat seven.
Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft has two aircraft for sale in this segment – the Seminole and the Seneca. The four seat Seminole is optimized for the multi engine training market and the six seat Seneca is used for training, charter and as a private aircraft.
Tecnam
Traditionally a manufacturer of light single engine aircraft, Tecnam from Italy produce a small twin called the P2006T, which seats four and is powered by Rotax 912 engines. This is the lightest modern twin available for sale and has seen success as a multi engine trainer.
Vulcanair
Vulcanair, a company that acquired the assets of the bankrupt Partenavia, currently manufacture the P68 twin in Naples Italy. First flown in 1970, P68 has been a popular light twin for training and remote charter operations due to its robust fixed gear and low operating costs.
Robinson aircraft for sale
Based in Torrance, California, the Robinson Helicopter Company sells light helicopters and has been in delivering helicopters since 1979. The model range features the two place R22, the four place R44 and the five place R66. Founded by Frank Robinson and presently headed up by his son Kurt, the company had sold more than 12,000 helicopters and is the largest light helicopter manufacturer in the world.
The Robinson R22 has been produced in three main versions, the Beta, Beta II and Mariner (fitted with floats). The R22 is powered by either the Lycoming O-320 or O-360 piston engine and is hugely popular for flight training, with most general aviation pilots today having flown the R22 during the course of their training. The R22 is also used extensively as a mustering machine and is used for quickly moving cattle across large properties.
The Robinson R44 has four major variants, the Astro, Raven, Raven II and Mariner. The Astro was the initial model that was without hydraulics, and since then all other R44 models are fitted with hydraulically assisted flight controls. The R44 comes with either the Lycoming O-540 or IO-540 and the Mariner can be fitted with either fixed or pop out floats.
The turbine powered Robinson R66 first flew in 2007 and it is a direct competitor to the Bell B206 Jetranger. The Rolls Royce RR300 engine fitted was specially developed for the R66 and produces 270 hp. The helicopter itself is based on the R44 but features many new design elements, such as a cargo bay and a 5th seat.
Tiltrotor aircraft for sale
The tiltrotor is truly a revolutionary aircraft type that incorporates many of the advantages of both aircraft and helicopters. Able to cruise at high altitude and speed, and yet take-off and land vertically, tiltrotor aircraft will transform many segments of the aviation industry as a consequence of the enhanced utility these aircraft provide. The first tiltrotor aircraft – the Leonardo AW609 – already has significant interest from buyers such as medical rescue operators, offshore oil and gas companies as well as high end corporate operators, and first deliveries are expected in 2018. The Bell Boeing Osprey was the first tiltrotor type to enter into service with several military operators, and currently there are over 260 delivered.
- History
An aircraft that is capable of both vertical landing and sustained high speed flight has been under development since before World War 2. Early designs and concepts were in existence in the 1930s, but no actual aircraft were built and successfully flown until the early 1950s when Bell flew their XV-3. Designers then experimented with establishing the most effective way to produce and then vary the direction of thrust, with propellers, rotors, ducted fans and jet engines tested at various stages. In terms of control, designs for aircraft appeared that moved the entire wing and engine, just the engine as well as aircraft that had only the rotors or propellers move. In the early 1980s Bell and Boeing commenced a joint venture project that resulted in the world’s first operational tiltrotor, the V-22 Osprey.
- Future trends
Plans are well underway for the V-22 Osprey replacement, and presently the Bell / Lockheed Martin have developed the V-280 Valor, and it is soon to commence test flying. Learning from the operational issues with the V-22, the Valor tilts only the rotors, with the engine remaining in a horizontal position, a design better suited to withstanding foreign object damage commonly received while hovering. The Valor’s wing is larger and the disk loading has been reduced compared to the Osprey, as higher levels of efficiency were sought by the military customers.
Turbine helicopter for sale
The majority of the world’s helicopters that are sold are turbine powered, as this engine provides the very high power to weight ratio that is crucial for the weight sensitive needs of the helicopter. This helicopter segment is lead by the Bell Jet Ranger and the Airbus Helicopters Squirrel, two highly versatile types that are reliable and easy to operate. High numbers of ex-military machines are also now widely purchased for civil flying, especially the Bell UH-1 / B205 ‘Huey’ which is popular with buyers needing a robust utility machine. Recently Robinson Helicopters introduced the strong selling R66 helicopter which is derived from the popular R44, and it is fitted with the Rolls Royce RR300 engine.
- Market trends
The entry level personal helicopter market is evolving of late, with Robinson’s R66 arriving 2011 and taking over the gap created when the Bell B206B Jetranger ceased production in 2010. In 2017 Bell announced the 505 to replace the Jetranger, and it is still too early to tell how successful this new design will be. The medium market has been busy, with many traditional aeromedical types, such as the Bell 412 and Sikorsky S76 being replaced by heavy helicopters, chiefly by the Leonardo AW139. Sales in the heavy end of the market has stalled, due to the slow demand from offshore oil and gas companies due to the low resources prices.
- light helicopters
Typically classed as weighing less than 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs), light helicopters cover most of the private helicopter, training and tourism markets, due to their low capital cost and low operating cost. Robinson helicopters for sale in the market obviously include the R66, as it is their new offering for turbine buyers.
- medium helicopters
Helicopters weighing between 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) and 5,700 kg (12,500 lbs) are defined as medium helicopters and these machines cover a very broad range of applications representing the main body of the world’s commercial helicopter fleet.
- heavy helicopters
Heavy helicopters are those weighing in excess of 5,700 kg and these machines are mostly used as passenger transports for crews working on the offshore oil and gas rigs. As the size of aeromedical helicopters has increased recently, due to higher equipment levels and increased performance requirements, many new aeromedical helicopters purchased are now in the heavy category.
- segments
There are several main segments in the turbine helicopter market, these being aeromedical, utility, passenger and private. Aeromedical helicopters are used to transport primary responders to accident victims out in the field and take these patients to hospital. Utility helicopters are chiefly bought for lifting tasks and fire control flying. Passenger helicopters carry passengers, from small scale tourism work to heavy helicopters transporting 20 people at a time to offshore oil and gas rigs. Private helicopters are those machines used to transport an owner and guests as needed for executive helicopter flying.
- history
The first turbine helicopter was a modified Bell 47 which flew in 1954 and it used a licensed built Turbomeca engine. Since then the turbine engine has been the engine of choice for most helicopters operating today, due to their high power to weight ratio, and this will remain so for some time to come. Due to the ease of damaging a turbine engine through mishandling, engine manufacturers in the 1990s began incorporating FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) systems into production engines, allowing much more reliable operation in the field.
- future trends
Sikorsky has recently commenced flight testing of the S-97 Raider, a compound helicopter that has pusher propellers mounted on the rear of the aircraft which serve to unload the main rotor disk at high speed, allowing for more power to be directed into producing forward thrust. The loaded cruise speed of the Raider is projected to be 220 knots, and a maximum planned speed of 240 knots is also expected. Bell’s 525 Relentless will be the first ‘fly by wire’ helicopter, using electronic signals to manipulate the flight controls instead of conventional mechanical devices. The 525 Relentless helicopter is due for first delivery in 2019 and it has secured a number of key sales.
- major manufacturers
Bell
Famous for the iconic B206B Jetranger and B204 / B205 Huey helicopters, Bell does not have the market share of the other major manufacturers. The present range runs from the 505 light single, only recently entering service, right up to another all new type the 525 Relentless, yet to commence service and unique for its ‘fly by wire’ flight controls. Bell helicopters for sale make up a large part of the used helicopter market.
Airbus
Airbus is a European multinational that produces a wide range of helicopters covering almost every market segment. The smallest helicopter for sale from Airbus Helicopters is the EC120 light single and the largest is the H225 Super Puma heavy twin. The H125 / AS350 / Ecureuil / Squirrel / A Star is a light helicopter sold by Airbus Helicopters and is one of the most popular helicopters ever produced. It has been in production since 1978 and since then more than 3,600 have been sold.
Leonardo
Having changed names several times in recent years, from Agusta Westland to Finmeccanica to now Leonardo, this very large Italian manufacturer has offerings from the light single (AW119 Koala) through to the world’s only civil three engine heavy helicopter (AW101 Merlin).
Sikorsky
Sikorsky specializes in larger helicopters, especially for the military, and their two main civil products are the S76 and S92. These multi engine helicopters are popular for VIP and aeromedical (S76) and offshore oil and gas transport (S92).
Single turboprop planes for sale / Turbine single engine aircraft
A relatively small market until recently, this segment is growing rapidly with many new types coming to market in the last ten years. The most recent innovation has been the high speed pressurized turbine single, with examples for sale including the Pilatus PC-12, the Socata TBM aircraft and the Piper Meridian, with these single prop planes are often able to exceed 300 knots in the cruise. The Cessna Caravan established the usefulness of the single turbine shortly after it was introduced in 1984, and versions of this aircraft are purchased as floatplanes, cargo aircraft, utility transports, skydiving planes and ski planes.
- Market trends
With the success of the Pilatus PC12 and the inroads that aircraft has made into the turboprop aircraft market, several other manufacturers have followed suit and are selling aircraft that appeal directly to buyers who would normally purchase multi engine aircraft. The entry level Piper Meridian and the higher spec TBM 930 are targeted at the owners of aircraft like the Beechcraft Baron who would normally upgrade into a second hand King Air, and instead are able to purchase an aircraft of similar performance for the same price and with a much lower cost of ownership.
- future trends
As the reliability of single engine turbine aircraft is more widely acknowledged, more manufacturers will release designs for this market. Cessna have recently announced the ‘Denali’ which is aimed directly at the PC12 and interestingly will be powered by the all new General Electric GE93 engine. Other companies are also offering turbine refits to existing piston engine aircraft as a cost effective means of gaining entry into this market. Texas turbines specialize in utility aircraft upgrades – mostly de Havilland Otters and Beavers – and Rocket Engineering specialize in refitting Beechcraft Barons and Bonanzas for owners.
- segments
The single turboprop airplane market is in two main parts – utility aircraft and high performance pressurized aircraft. The Cessna Caravan and the turbine versions of the de Havilland Beaver and Otter make up the bulk of the utility market and are always in high demand from buyers and command high prices. These aircraft are used in remote areas and as floatplanes for tourism and remote charter operations. The high performance pressurized aircraft are chiefly private aircraft and often flown by owner pilots for recreational and leisure flying.
- major manufacturers
Pilatus
The giant in the single turbine market is the Pilatus PC12. Developed specifically to target the buyers of the Beechcraft King Air, the PC12 features a slightly larger cabin and door, better short field performance and a lower cost of ownership when compared to the King Air. The PC12 has evolved over time to feature increases to the take-off weight, a more powerful engine and a more modern cockpit. The current model of the PC12 is the PC12/47E otherwise known as PC12 ‘NG’.
Socata
The TBM aircraft originally were developed through a joint venture between the French Socata company and the US firm Mooney, however the type now is exclusively sold by Socata. Over the years the TBM has featured improvements in take-off weight, engine power and avionics specification, with the latest variant being the TBM 930.
Piper
Piper have a small share of the single turbine market in the form of the Piper Meridian, a development of the piston engine Malibu. Powered by the Pratt & Whitney PT6-42A, the Meridian doesn’t have the payload or speed of the TBM, but it does have a much lower price point for buyers which addresses the often criticized high price of the TBM.
Twin Turboprop plane for sale / Turbine twin engine aircraft
The twin engine turboprop aircraft segment is typified by the hugely successful Beech King Air, a type that has been in production since 1964 with over 3,100 aircraft sold. The King Air and the comparable Cessna Conquest represent aircraft that a relatively fast, comfortable and yet able to operate from poor quality runways without difficulty. Larger examples of twin turbines are bought for the regional / commuter airline category as their per seat cost on short sectors is far lower than jet aircraft. Recently the Very Light Jet segment has started to compete with these types, as the purchase price of aircraft like the Cessna Citation Mustang and Cirrus SF50 are competitive with larger King Airs but the VLJs are much faster and fly higher.
- Market trends
The most significant recent market trend in twin turboprop planes has been the success of single engine turboprops taking sales away from the traditional multi engine machines. The most prominent aircraft in this regard is the single engine Pilatus PC12 which sells competitively against the Beechcraft King Air. The PC12 offers buyers better short field performance than the King Air, a larger cabin, better payload and a reduced cost of operation, chiefly at the expense of cruise speed. At the same time the PC12 was launched, the regulations were opened up that governed single engine operations at night and in bad weather and many buyers flocked to purchase the strong performing single.
- history
The first multi engine turbine aircraft was the Vickers Viscount, which flew in 1948 and used the Rolls Royce Dart engine. Since that time twin turbo props have expanded significantly and now dominate the entry level segment of the airline commuter market. The smaller corporate / charter turbine aircraft first appeared in the early 1960s when Beechcraft launched the upgraded Queen Air and rebranded it as the King Air, and buyers for this aircraft remain loyal to this day.
- future trends
Innovation in this field has been incremental of late, with advancements chiefly in avionics and the incorporation of composite components into existing designs – the recent ‘GT’ King Air aircraft being a good example of this and sales have been strong. The most advanced Twin Turboprop plane for sale on the market today is the Piaggio Avanti, which features a totally unique pusher engine configuration and canard wings. It is able to cruise at up to 400 knots at 30,000 feet – a remarkable achievement that offers buyers jet performance on a turboprop budget.
- segments
The Twin Turboprop plane for sale market can be divided up into the small corporate / charter size (under 8,000 kg) and the larger commuter airliner size (up to 30,000 kg). The small turboprops are purchased for short haul and unpaved runway operations and carry typically 4 to 8 passengers and require just one pilot. The larger aircraft require two crew, are often sold to airlines and can carry up to 90 passengers.
- major manufacturers
Beechcraft
The major player in the Twin Turboprop plane for sale market is Beechcraft and their King Air line. First launched in 1963, the King Air has set the standard for sales in this market and continues to be a strong seller with three models currently on offer – the C90, B250 and B350. These machines offer purchasers high speed, well equipped cockpits and low cost of ownership, as well as the very extensive parent company Textron’s support network. The King Airs are very popular with special mission and aeromedical operators, due to their soft field capabilities and easily adaptable airframes.
Piaggio Aero
The Piaggio Avanti is highly unique pusher turbine prop airplane that performs much like a light jet. The aircraft can cruise at 400 knots at 30,000 feet and burns much less fuel than an equivalent sized jet aircraft. The Avanti has had three versions developed over the years, the Avanti I, Avanti II and Avanti EVO, with incremental improvements available between models.
Ultralight aircraft for sale / Microlight
Ultralight aircraft are typically very small powered aircraft that are open to the elements (no enclosed seating), often only have one seat and may use either conventional 3-axis controls (aileron, elevator & rudder) or weight shift (much like a hang glider). When weight shift controls are fitted the term ‘microlight’ is often used to describe these aircraft and they resemble a powered hang glider. Ultralight airplanes for sale are extremely affordable to purchase, easy to maintain and simple to fly, with a much more simplified rule set used to regulate their operation. These aircraft are often limited to owners who wish to fly in day time and good weather, but still are useful for cross country flying.
- history
Some very small powered aircraft have existed since the inter war period, but widespread ultralight popularity only commenced in the 1970s when modified hang gliders were fitted with recently developed light weight engines. These aircraft were controlled by ‘weight shift’ in the same manner as the hang glider, but soon after sales of conventional ‘3 axis’ ultralights followed. Today new ultralight aircraft for sale are typified by weight shift trikes – large powered hang gliders capable of carrying two people – manufactured by Airborne and Air Creation, and more conventional open cockpit 3 axis aircraft like the Lockwood Drifter. Many fully enclosed ultralights are often found for sale, and these designs rely heavily on modern composite construction and lightweight engines.
- future trends
Electric power has begun to be available for ultralight aircraft, either in stand alone all electric aircraft or hybrid power plants using a combination of piston engine and electric motor. Solar panels too are being fitted, initially to drive avionics, but eventually photo cell efficiency will allow the supply of power to the main engine.
Vintage Aircraft| Warbird for sale
Purchasing a former military aircraft is a sought after way to own a desirable classic airplane as well as a means to high performance aircraft flying. Entry level military aircraft such as Harvards, Tiger Moths and Yaks are easy to find for sale, enjoyable to fly and have a great following amongst the owner’s community. Higher up the scale, airshow quality fighter jets such as Mustangs and Migs can be purchased and have an airport presence that cannot be matched by any other aircraft. For a more modern military aircraft, the Aero L39 is a high performance jet capable of speeds in excess of 400 knots and is often used for commercial rides and even air races.
- Aircraft types
Used military aircraft and warbird for sale come in many different types, reflecting the many different military applications for aircraft. Most high profile are the single engine fighter aircraft, typified by the North American P-51 Mustang. These valuable vintage planes command a very high sale price, as they combine high historical significance with tremendous performance and significant ramp appeal. For the less budget conscious, jets are starting to appear on the second hand market in larger numbers, with many supersonic military jets for sale such as Mig 21, Northrop F5 and McDonnell Douglas F4. These aircraft are for specially trained pilots only, can only be flown at speed in certain areas and are easily capable of burring over $5,000 in fuel per hour. Other military aircraft for sale that are often seen include Grumman Albatross flying boats, Mitchell B25 bombers and North American Harvards. A recent development in this segment has been the appearance of ex military helicopters for sale, such as the Bell Cobra and Huey, as collectors look to purchase aircraft besides the traditional fixed wing warbirds.
- Market Trends
The number of Warbird for sale has seen a steady increase in sales recently, with the stocks of available aircraft growing from the decommissioning of large fleets of military aircraft that are then released for sale. Supporting this growth has been a growing network of specialist restorers and maintainers who are able to provide the niche skills required to bring these aircraft back to flying condition and then keep them airworthy for buyers. The regulatory restrictions have also been easing, particularly in regards to where these old fighter planes can fly and how commercial operations are to be managed, further boosting the sales of these aircraft.