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The four-day 2,400-nautical-mile journey provided opportunities to thoroughly test the capabilities of this beautiful airplane in a myriad of flying conditions—VFR/IFR, mountain/high elevation, warm/cold weather—and we were blown away by its performance.
From mid-afternoon flights over the Mojave Desert and riding mountains waves beyond the Sandia Mountains to negotiating snow and epic crosswinds in West Virginia, the Skylane lived up to its reputation as the Swiss Army knife of general aviation aircraft. Sturdy, responsive, and forgiving of intermittent lapses in graceful technique, its charm lies in its well-roundedness and ability to handle most anything you can throw at it. With a usable fuel capacity of 55 gallons and favorable tailwinds hurrying us along at an average 145-knot ground speed for most of the trip, we easily covered 400 nautical miles per leg with plenty of fuel to spare. The only thing we couldn’t test was the aircraft’s service ceiling, as we didn’t have supplemental oxygen onboard.
The slick, minimalist all-Garmin panel, installed by Flite Instruments and Avionics in Mesa, Arizona, packs all the features afforded by modern avionics into a classic-looking, visually appealing layout that remains true to the aircraft’s mid-century aesthetic. The Garmin GI 275 EIS was particularly notable. I couldn’t believe how so much information could be displayed in such a small package yet remain so easy to interpret. The EIS integrates engine, fuel, and electrical data in one instrument and fits in the same hole used for a standard round analog tachometer, freeing up some impressive real estate on the panel. The ability to visually monitor carburetor temperature is a nice touch as well.
The airplane is easy on the eyes, too. The newly restored interior with fresh carpet and tan leather seats is stunning and made me feel as though I’d stepped into a time machine and emerged at an Everly Brothers concert. The classy retro paint scheme—lifted straight from the cover of the first issue of The AOPA Pilot published in 1958—turned heads at every stop for fuel along our route, inspiring pilots, mechanics, and aviation enthusiasts from across the country to ask for photos and query us on how they could win the Skylane. More than once was I asked, “Is AOPA really going to give this away?” And the answer is: You bet. Moreover, we might just give it to you.
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Sweeps Ferry Flight
Claim your chance to win this airplane today
No purchase or contribution necessary to enter or win. A purchase or contribution will not improve your chances of winning. Open to 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada (excluding Quebec), Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, age 18 years or older (or at least the age of majority as legally mandated by the entrant’s jurisdiction of residence if greater than 18) at date of entry. Ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 30, 2025. To enter and view complete official rules, including entry limits and alternate methods of entry, visit aopa.org/membership/sweeps. Sponsor: AOPA
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