Recent content by Michael Castle

Many years ago, in a state far away, this was on my Camaro.

We have a ‘69 Cherokee 140 and have very happy with it, having owned it for 11 years. The previous post by Seblp is spot on, everything is exactly what I would say. However, 4 people, bags and fuel will be a tall order for any PA-28 unless it’s an hour or less of flight time. Our plane is nice...

I flew all three of PA-31 series years ago and my experience was that they were capable machines in ice. This was in northern New England/eastern Canada where cold weather was common. As for 135 planes needing 1:1 maintenance, ask them what the high touch items were. Possibly the passenger...

Wear the jacket and don’t be the least bit embarrassed. It’s a cool jacket, it brings out the conversation in people and promotes aviation. My hat is off to you, and if I ever see you in it- I will say hello.

1973 SMOH, this engine only owes you 28 hours, assuming 2000 TBO. I agree, you didnt sent a cylinder through the cowl, it sounds like money saved. It hurts financially but if you get an OH’d engine, you will have hours of peace of mind and after it’s break in-should have years of a reliable...

I currently own a Cherokee 140 with the 150 HP engine. It’s biggest drawback is it’s lack of excess power as others have noted. We are in the east, so it’s not as limiting. The 180 version is definitely better but they are also in demand and the prices are higher. If you decide to get the...

FFA is definitely a cool place to fly to, the view of the ocean is priceless. The ramp has about 10 parking spots that could fit the standard sized Piper/Cessna singles that are correctly parked. There is also a very nice pilot facility about 20 feet away from the ramp with clean restrooms and...

It sounds like a real adventure. I say do it. However, these things are also a consideration: - once you find your target aircraft, you should go out there and fly it, pre buy, verify its as advertise. Hotels, airfare, car rentals, pre buy inspection costs can add up. -insurance will have to...

Thanks for your replies, I’m only looking for recommendations for a mechanic.

The pre buy is on a plane two states away from us, it seems excessive to fly it all the way here and back there.

Hello all, does anyone have a recommendation for an Atlanta, GA. area pre-buy inspection? If they are a Cessna 172 specialis, that’s even better. Many thanks!

Our ‘69 PA-28-140 always has been nose heavy. We have the identical issue with two people and a CG at the forward limit. I have actually had bags of cat litter (keeps the hangar floor clean) in the baggage area to keep the CG in limits. It looks like Piper designed the plane at an era where...

Hello All, Would anyone have an idea of a good 141 flight school near Minneapolis? My situation is - current PPL ASEL, and looking to add an Instrument Rating. I already called one place but they’ve ghosted me after our initial call. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks for that- they have a nice fleet! Of interest, I saw they also rent Cirrus aircraft. At 540$/hour dry. Wow, I have not been up to speed on rental prices!

Good morning all, does anyone know of any Piper Arrow rentals around the RDU area? I got my commercial/HP/Complex in this type and would like to get back into one. It looks like there are plenty of DA-40/42’s but I have never flown one and I am a “classic low tech” kind of a pilot! Many thanks!