Best Lookin'

[poadeleted21]

what's the best looking single engine piston plane in your opinion?

I've always had a soft spot for the comanche painted like this one

 

[SCCutler]

Bart, you know I love the Bonanzas; but I absolutely agree that the Comanche has some of the best lines of the "modern" aircraft; I love the 400s (look very butch), and the C-models.

But how can you possibly top the Beech 17 ("Staggerwing"), or the Spartan Executive?

 

[cessna182b]

Bart, you know I love the Bonanzas; but I absolutely agree that the Comanche has some of the best lines of the "modern" aircraft; I love the 400s (look very butch), and the C-models.

But how can you possibly top the Beech 17 ("Staggerwing"), or the Spartan Executive?

I've always been partial to the Stinson Reliant.

Dave

 

[Mafoo]

 

[Mafoo]

Big fan of this one as well:

 

[jpower]

I like the Nemesis NXT...

 

[iflyforfun]

But how can you possibly top the Beech 17 ("Staggerwing"), or the Spartan Executive?

+2 - both stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful planes

 

[MachFly]

If the only requirement is piston and single engine then the Spitfire.

If were talking GA then MXS-R (in Breitling colors)

 

[iflyblog.com]

In the homebuilt category, this one is art.

Cory Bird's Symmetry:

 

[PBristolJr]

 

[Threefingeredjack]

If I had the option to post pictures available (Albums and Pictures has disappeared from my CP) You would see a Beech 17 in this space.

 

[Matthew]

This WACO lives at my airport:

 

[Anthony]

GA aircraft or Warbird or all of the above?

 

[Sac Arrow]

I must be the oddball, I find the lines of the Comanche reminiscent of a 50's model station wagon. It's said to be aerodynamically superior to an Arrow but it doesn't LOOK so.

 

[Anthony]

I must be the oddball, I find the lines of the Comanche reminiscent of a 50's model station wagon. It's said to be aerodynamically superior to an Arrow but it doesn't LOOK so.

The Comanche is an Arrow with the training wheels removed.

 

[Threefingeredjack]

I must be the oddball, I find the lines of the Comanche reminiscent of a 50's model station wagon. It's said to be aerodynamically superior to an Arrow but it doesn't LOOK so.

Look at the wings. There's the difference.

 

[Sac Arrow]

Look at the wings. There's the difference.

Yes, I get it. It's just that the front cowling and windsheld resemble a Mack truck.

 

[Threefingeredjack]

Yes, I get it. It's just that the front cowling and windsheld resemble a Mack truck.

If you're flying an Arrow you'll never see the front end of a Comanche.

 

[Anthony]

If you're flying an Arrow you'll never see the front end of a Comanche.

To be fair, most Comanches have 250, or 260 HP. I don't see too many 180 HP Comanches around, although they are out there. The Arrow has 180 or 200 HP. The Arrow is a bit easier to maintain also. Its a good, honest airplane, and I have a decent amount of time in a 76 Arrow II, so I do know the plane.

 

[Ted]

GA aircraft or Warbird or all of the above?

We know your answer is going to be the Tiger regardless.

 

[Anthony]

We know your answer is going to be the Tiger regardless.

Jeez. You guys know me too well.

 

[denverpilot]

The best looking airplane is the one in your hangar.

 

[Anthony]

I've always been partial to the SF-260.

 

[Sac Arrow]

If you're flying an Arrow you'll never see the front end of a Comanche.

Of course not. SOMETHING has to push that beast!

 

[gprellwitz]

Spike already mentioned my choice, the Beech Staggerwing. But we all know that he has great taste!

 

[PilotAlan]

I think the Cessna 195 is the prettiest bird around.

That said, the restoration on Doolittle's Shell Stinson shown above is the single prettiest bird I have ever seen. Everything on that bird is just right (colors, paint design lines, quality, all perfect).

 

[Challenged]

The Columbia/Cessna 400 series has always had great ramp appeal to me:

If I get to sub-categorize into retracts, the Panthera is very sleek:

 

[Ted]

Jeez. You guys know me too well.

That's why we're your friends!

SX-300 is a great one for me. So is Lancair IV-P (with winglets). Alternately, P-51.

 

[Pilawt]

Civilian:

Military:

... What a coincidence!

 

[HighFlyingA380]

I think the Cessna 195 is the prettiest bird around.

Absolutely agree. Love the 195.

Also can't resist a Beaver, especially on floats.

 

[Anthony]

Civilian:

Wow! That's really cool. What is it?

Hint: Not a Tiger!






Love the pilot wearing a suit and helmet!

 

[Pilawt]

Wow! That's really cool. What is it?

Hint: Not a Tiger!






Love the pilot wearing a suit and helmet!

Yeah, they painted a Cheetah to stand in for a Tiger in the '77 ads, but nobody's supposed to notice. :wink2:

But those are not Cheetahs in the lower (military) photo.

 

[jrollf]

Beech Stagger Wing, followed closely by a C195.

 

[kmead]

There's no contest, 1 turbine engine that rarely fails.

 

[iflyforfun]

I've always been partial to the SF-260.

I know many people who love the SF-260, but it has never quite worked for me. Reminds me of a beautiful model with bug eyes.

 

[poadeleted21]

There's no contest, 1 turbine engine that rarely fails.

Be sure to add prist.

 

[Anthony]

I know many people who love the SF-260, but it has never quite worked for me. Reminds me of a beautiful model with bug eyes.

Is there one aspect that reminds you of "bug eyes" or just the design in general.

For straight GA, I've always though the Mooney M20 series was a great looking and performing plane.

 

[Anthony]

But those are not Cheetahs in the lower (military) photo.

Yes, those are the other Grumman Tigers, F-11's.

 

[Threefingeredjack]

Civilian:

Military:

... What a coincidence!

I'm thinking I see a trend....not an Ironworks fan by any chance are you????

 

[Papa Foxtrot]

I've always been partial to the Globe Swift - especially with a modern cowling and sliding canopy...