Sounds like a lot of folks will be coming in to Asheville this weekend to check out the latest and greatest in personal aircraft. The Parade of Pistons event is a regional expo that will feature single- and twin-engine airplanes, and will allow buyers to shop and even try them out.
So forget about that pesky fuel problem with your car and go to the air. (Wait, this does raise a question – are people who own their own airplanes having any trouble getting gas?)
There’s more information here. Your buyer’s guide here. And there’s more at ParadeofPistons.com.
Here’s the press release:
September 4, 2008 (Duluth, MN) – Today AMPT Associates, Inc. released a preliminary
list of exhibitors for Flying Magazine’s Parade of Pistons powered by AMPT at Asheville
Regional Airport. The Asheville, North Carolina event is the last of four regional expos in 2008
designed to make it easy for regional aircraft consumers to visit a single location to compare,
demo and ultimately make a purchase decision for a new aircraft while there is still time to take
advantage of tax benefits that expire in December 2008.
Previous events held in Los Angeles, Dallas and Denver proved to be equally fruitful for
aircraft consumers and retailers alike. Major aircraft manufacturers and select dealers will be
representing products that include Light Sport Aircraft, piston singles and twins and turbine-
powered business aircraft. A professional team of Buyer’s Resources will be present to assist
consumers with aviation tax questions, creative finance options and insurance considerations.
Additionally one of the nation’s top aircraft brokers will be on-site to help current owners
determine a fair market value for aircraft they wish to sell before purchasing something new.
Aircraft brands scheduled to be represented at Flying’s Parade of Pistons include:
DISPLAY AIRCRAFT (actual models to be determined by each exhibitor):
Cessna (represented by Air Care Aviation, Air Orlando, Eagle Aviation, Horizon Aviation &
Lanier Flight Center) – As the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer, Cessna offers a diverse line
of piston aircraft including the new 162, the venerable 172, 182, 206, and the all-composite 350
and 400.
Cirrus – Renowned manufacturer of a full line of parachute equipped aircraft that range from
light sport to light jet including the SR22, is the world’s best-selling piston aircraft model.
CubCrafters – Manufacturer of the LSA category Sport Cub S2 and the standard category Top
Cub, CubCrafters also specializes in complete refurbishments of the PA18 Super Cub.
Diamond (represented by Premier) – Manufacturer of the broadest product line of all-composite
single and twin-engine aircraft including the 2-place DA20, 4-place DA40, twin-engine DA42
and the much-anticipated all new 5-place DA50 and D-Jet.
Extra (represented by Southeast Aero) – As the world’s premier aerobatic aircraft, the Extra 300
is the only unlimited category certified aerobatic aircraft approved for 10 positive and 10
negative G’s.
Expedition – With a 912 pound full fuel payload, seating for five adults or 98.5 cubic feet of
cargo space, the four door E350 is arguably the most versatile piston aircraft in its class.
Flight Design (represented by Flight Design USA) – The all-carbon fiber, parachute-equipped,
dual screen glass cockpit make the CTLS the world’s best-selling Light Sport Aircraft.
Gobosh – The all-metal 700S and all-composite 800XP are tastefully-appointed with premium
amenities that make them Luxury Sport AircraftTM for discerning Sport Pilots.
Husky (represented by Freedom Husky Southeast) – Capable of being equipped with optional
tundra tires, floats, or skis, a Husky aircraft offers utility that few other aircraft can match.
Hawker Beechcraft – Manufacturer of the broadest line of executive piston and turbine aircraft
that includes, piston single and twin, cabin-class twin engine turboprops and business jets.
Liberty (represented by Liberty Southeast) – Designed to meet the most demanding
specifications of any certified 2-place aircraft, the XL-2 boasts operating costs 40% lower than
anything in its class.
Mooney – Manufacturing high-performance aircraft for over 60 years, the turbo-charged
Acclaim Type S holds the undisputed title of world’s fastest certified piston aircraft at 242 knots.
X-Air – Made of aluminum tube and fabric, the LS holds the distinction of being able to take-off
and land in less than the length of a football field – and it’s available at under $50,000.