The Airpark of Your Dreams

Good morning! I recently read a quote by Confucius: “A man without a mustache is a man without a soul.” So I tweaked it a little and created my very own (and first ever) quote: “A pilot without a mustache is an aviator without a soul.”

Let me know what you think — but first, here’s a funny clip surrounding the pilot + mustache phenomenon.

-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• The Airpark You Didn’t Know You Needed (just broke ground)

• Why Bother With Retractable Landing Gear?

• Upcoming Airshows

• Around the Skies: 101-year-old WWII Veteran Gets Flying Birthday Wish, Five Attributes of a Top-Notch Maintenance Provider, Amex Credit Card Made From 747 Metal, eVTOL Startup Reaches a Major Milestone

• PilotTube: This is just bananasssssssss

• Aircraft For Sale: New to market

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Patey Aviation Park Breaks Ground

Last week, aviation YouTuber and STOL Drag World Champion blessed us with a video on the recent groundbreaking of his $100 million airpark, loving dubbed “the friendliest airport in the country.”

The Patey Aviation Business Park, set to unfold at the Spanish Fork Airport, just broke ground on it’s initial phase, priced at a modest $60 million. Though it’s not cheap, it promises to transform airports and airparks forever, making it a beacon for private pilots while simultaneously serving as a communal space for all to enjoy.

At the heart of the Patey Aviation Business Park are 66 meticulously designed hangars, ranging from $350,000 to $3.5 million, catering to the diverse needs of private pilots. These hangars, spanning from 2,200 to 21,000 square feet, offer not only ample space for various aircraft types, but also foster connections among hangar owners through shared common suites. The park will also feature a public restaurant, adding to its allure as a community hub. Mike Patey envisions not just a haven for aviation enthusiasts, but a vibrant space where families gather, children play and the marvel of flight captivates all who visit.

Is Retractable Gear Worth It?

The debate over retractable landing gear in aircraft has been ongoing for decades, with pilots weighing the benefits of increased speed against the added weight, complexity and risk of gear-up landings. Traditionally, retractable gear was associated with faster, more powerful planes, symbolizing a pilot's ascent through the ranks of aviation. However, with advancements in aircraft design and technology, the necessity for retractable gear has been called into question.

The introduction of planes like the Cirrus SR22 challenged the status quo by delivering impressive speeds without the need for retractable gear. These aircraft utilized innovations such as constant-speed propellers and sleek fiberglass construction to achieve efficient performance. As a result, the allure of retractable gear diminished as pilots pursued speed and functionality through other means, such as advanced avionics and composite materials.

Despite the drawbacks of retractable gear, some pilots still find its appeal irresistible (myself included). The act of retracting the gear, feeling the surge of acceleration, evokes a sense of authenticity akin to military and commercial aircraft. Additionally, retractable gear models often offer superior cruise performance, trading increased efficiency for the complexities and costs associated with their maintenance and operation. Ultimately, the choice between fixed and retractable gear comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the pilot, with efficiency and performance remaining paramount considerations in aircraft selection.

UPCOMING AIRSHOWS

May
May 3-5: Vero Beach Air Show - Vero Beach, FL
May 3-5: Red, White and Blue Air Show - Monroe, LA
May 4-5: Gulf Coast Salute - Panama City Beach, FL
May 4-5: Big Country AirFest - Abilene, TX
May 10-12: Heritage Field Fly-In - Limerick, PA
May 11: Good Neighbor Day Airshow - DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, Atlanta, GA
May 11-12: Fort Lauderdale Air Show - Fort Lauderdale, FL
May 11-12: MCAS Cherry Point Airshow - Havelock, NC
May 17-18: TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans - Peru, IL
May 18-19: Central Texas AirFest - Temple, TX
May 18-19: Duluth Air & Aviation Expo - Duluth, MN
May 18-19: Oregon International Air Show - Hillsboro, OR
May 18-19: First State Airshow - Dover AFB, DE
May 22-24: US Naval Academy Graduation - Annapolis, MD
May 24-25: Arklahoma STOL - Patriot Airpark, Pocola, OK
May 25-26: Bethpage Air Show - Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY
May 25-26: Hyundai Air & Sea Show - Miami Beach, FL
May 25-26: Breckenridge Air Show - Breckenridge, TX
May 25-26: Let Freedom Fly International Air Show - Pierre, SD
May 25-26: Augusta Air Show - Augusta, GA
May 25-26: South Texas Airshow - Edinburg, TX
May 26: Indianapolis 500 Flyover - Motor Speedway, Indianapolis, IN
May 30: US Air Force Academy Graduation - Colorado Springs, CO

June
June 1: Wings & Wheels Airshow - Chickasha, OK
June 1-2: Terre Haute Air Show - Terre Haute, IN
June 2: Legacy of Liberty Airshow - Holloman AFB, Alamogordo, NM
June 7-9: WWII Weekend - Reading, PA
June 8: Rockin' on the Runway - Sunset, LA
June 8-9: Spirit of St. Louis Air Show & STEM Expo - Chesterfield, MO
June 8-9: Selfridge Air National Guard Base Air Show - Harrison Township, MI
June 12-18: Maryland Fleet Week & Fly Over - Baltimore, MD
June 14-16: Greenwood Lake Air Show - West Milford, NJ
June 15: The Flying Proms Symphonic Airshow - Military Air Museum, Virginia Beach, VA
June 15-16: Moses Lake Airshow - Moses Lake, WA
June 15-16: Deke Slayton Airfest - La Crosse, WI
June 15-16: Columbus Airshow - Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, OH
June 15-16: Olympic Air Show - Olympia, WA
June 21-22: Wings Over Wausau - Wausau, WI
June 22: Trukee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival - Truckee, CA
June 22-23: Centerpoint Energy Dayton Air Show - Dayton, OH
June 22-23: Quad City Airshow - Davenport, IA
June 22-23: Fairchild Skyfest - Fairchild AFB, Spokane, WA
June 25: Evening of Aviation Air Show - Toughkenamon, PA
June 29-30: National Cherry Festival Air Show - Traverse City, MI
June 29-30: Warriors Over the Wasatch Air & Space Show - Hill AFB, Ogden, UT

SNIPPETS

101-year-old WWII veteran, Donald Stern, fulfilled his birthday wish by flying once again in a small plane, this time over the Statue of Liberty. Stern, who flew 32 combat missions during the war, was all smiles during the 40 minute flight and thoroughly enjoyed his birthday cake among family and friends upon landing. I just love me a feel-good story, especially involving veterans and aviation…

Consider the following attributes when identifying a top-notch maintenance provider:

• Certifications: Do they hold their A&P license or Part 145 certifications.

• Tools and Equipment: Look for well-maintained and calibrated tools and equipment, essential for precision work in aircraft maintenance.

• Technical Publications: Verify that the facility has access to up-to-date technical publications relevant to your aircraft's make and model.

• Safety: Investigate the shop’s safety record and whether they have been cited for any FAA violations.

• Culture: Visiting the shop multiple times can provide valuable insights into the overall culture and professionalism of the operation.

The latest business card from American Express is a limited edition that’s been crafted with metal from a Delta Boeing 747. If you prefer AMEX, flying Delta and miss the good ol’ days flying in the “Queen of the Skies,” then this card really is for you.

BETA Technologies reached a historic milestone last week with the flight of their eVTOL platform ALIA, successfully flying the aircraft through the “transition” phase of flight — AKA the point at which it goes from flying like a helicopter to flying like an airplane (and back again).

PilotTube

I’m not sure what’s more perfect — the cinematography, the audio track or the beautiful yellow Cub that’s the star of this reel. Fortunately for us, Joe Costanza, aka bananasssssssss on Instagram (yes, that’s 9 s’s), has a YouTube channel where he showcases the best of his flying adventures.

bananasssssssss

View more on Instagram

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE - NEW TO MARKET

This professionally built VANS RV-10 for sale claims to be the lowest-time RV-10 in the country. This aircraft is truly one of a kind; it’s in mint condition and ready to take you and the family anywhere you need to go!

• Asking Price: $360,000

• Location: Augusta, GA

This beautiful 2003 Cessna 182T is looking for a new home. 1495 hours TT since new, Garmin GTN-750XI GPS/ NAV/COM, GTX-345 Transponder ADS-B IN/OUT. Great condition with factory leather, complete logbooks and no known damage history. Annual completed in April 2024.

• Asking Price: $325,000

• Location: Scottsdale, AZ

This 1980 Cessna 421C has air conditioning, VGs, Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI), a fire detection & extinguishing system, large cabin with massive baggage storage in the nose and it’s fast! If you’re looking for a well-maintained twin engine that checks all the boxes, this could be the one.

• Asking Price: $525,000

• Location: Corvallis, OR

Few words are needed to describe this fully-loaded 2022 Cirrus SR22T G6 GTS, which includes Global Connect & Cirrus IQ. This orange beauty is also covered by factory warranty through September 2027.

• Asking Price: $1,059,900

• Location: Belmar, NJ

This 1983 Beechcraft King Air B200 is new to market and ready to go! Upgrades include AviaDesign hydraulic landing gear, several Raisbeck modifications, Raisbeck/Hartzell 5-Blade Props (low time) and a recent Garmin glass panel upgrade from Texas Gyro. No damage history with complete logbooks.

• Asking Price: $1,925,000

• Location: Atlanta, GA

Price reduced on this stunning custom-built Home + Hangar, situated directly adjacent to the runway. Close to Austin, TX, this Lake Travis property has the shortest taxi to the field. 88R offers a 4185' asphalt 17/35 runway in excellent condition with grass on one side often used as an unofficial landing strip. Self-serve 100LL is available to all, while Jet A is available with a monthly membership.

• Asking Price: 2,285,000

• Location: Spicewood, TX

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Need to Sell Your Plane?
I’m the founder of Royal Aviation Group, a veteran-owned aircraft brokerage that specializes in video content to get airplanes sold. Send me an email at [email protected] if you’d like to chat.

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