our planes
Citabria Adventure
N115BY is a 2004 American Champion Aircraft (ACA) model 7GCAA “Citabria Adventure.”
A classic tube and fabric aircraft still in production today using modern methods and materials. 5BY Features all the latest improvements to the Citabria line including a full aluminum wing spar and the new design, lightweight aluminum landing gear. One of the lightest models produced, combined with a 160 Horsepower Lycoming, gives outstanding takeoff and climb performance. Although you will see all the typical tailwheel takeoff characteristics, they won’t be for long! Because of the light build, we have over 550lbs of useful load. We can handle up to a 250lb student. Legally! The high thrust to weight ratio reinforces attitude and airspeed control on final. And if not, it performs an excellent forward slip.
The Adventure is as simple as you can make an airplane. Fixed pitch prop, carburetor and no wing flaps means you can concentrate on stick and rudder, eyes outside, old school flying. A few modern touches of comfort including front and rear heat, 5 point harnesses and standard toe wheel brakes make life easy. It’s equipped with Garmin’s latest ADS-B In/Out Transponder and a Garmin Aera 660 GPS Navigator. The 660 also displays ADS-B traffic and weather data.
A low time, 2004 model means we see few squawks and little down time, along with excellent factory support.
This keeps us reliably in the air training.
Piper PA32-300
N130BW is a renovated, refurbished and modernized 1970 Piper PA32-300 Cherokee Six.
Known as the minivan of the sky, quite literally if it fits, it ships! With 6 seats installed, it will lift 916lbs WITH FULL FUEL! In cargo configuration during relief work, it is capable of lifting over 950lbs of cargo, plus pilot and 3 hours of fuel. With easy loading and a forgiving CG, the possibilities are endless.
Upfront there is a factory remanufactured Lycoming IO-540, full 300 horse engine, fuel injected for smooth running and precise leaning. A Harztell 3 Bladed Prop gives excellent short/soft field performance. Round it out with SureFly Electronic ignition for reliability and efficiency and a standby alternator for IFR redundancy.
Speaking of IFR, the venerable Garmin 430W leads you through LPV approaches with ease. A Garmin ADS-B In/Out transponder bluetooths Traffic and Weather to your device. Dual Garmin G5 flight displays (No Vacuum Instruments) and Electronics International digital engine instrumentation round out the capability. All laid out cleanly on a custom cut metal panel with full back up instruments, new style yokes and electric trim. Not to mention the leather interior with cockpit and passenger device charging makes your experience comfortable.
A full Knots2U gap seal kit gives excellent handling, especially during approach and landing. Additional Knots2U fairings squeeze out every knot possible. All exterior lighting are bright and reliable LEDs.
A cargo configuration with the middle and rear seats replaced with a ratcheting cargo net is available, fully STC’d and legal in all respects.
piper PA28-181
We have acquired a new to us airplane, N38356.
N38356 is a 1977 PA28-181, Piper Archer II. This is the perfect example of a Jack-of-all-Trades, 4 place aircraft.
It fits perfectly between the lower performance, basic trainers and more expensive, high performance personal aircraft. With 1077 pounds of useful load, 288 pounds of useable fuel and 200 pounds rear baggage; this is a fill the seats, take your stuff and go places airplane!
125 knots at 75% power, 10gph from the Lycoming O360 is typical. IFR equipped, capable and legal with the Garmin 430W leading the way.
NAV, Terrain/Obstacle and Comm databases are kept fully IFR current.
The Garmin GTX 345 Bluetooths ADS-B data to your device.
Nice touches all around with an overhauled overhead vent system, passenger music, Rosen sun visors, 4 place intercom and leather pilot seats keep things comfortable.
But we are not done yet! Spring 2027 will see Dual Garmin G5 displays, New 406MHz ELT, Dual USB-C charger, bolted MyGoFlight device mount and complete Whelen LED Exterior Lighting. Keep posted for improvements as they are made!
Archer N38356 is being managed and scheduled with ACES Flight School, https://www.acesflightschool.com/ at the Rock Hill Airport for $194/hour wet. It is available for traditional rental and flight instruction through ACES. Please contact ACES directly through their website, email at info@acesflightschool.com or call 803-327-ACES to schedule your checkout in this outstanding aircraft.