Founded in 2009, Solairus boasts 75-plus base locations, 330-plus private aircraft, and about 2,00 flight crew and support personnel. The company is headquartered in Petaluma, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Solairus Aviation Mission Statement

“We never settle for even very high levels of customer satisfaction and we’re always looking for better ways to do our business.” —Greg Petersen, chief operating officer

Solarius Aviation in the News

Solairus Aviation Announces Updates to Executive Leadership Team
Company appoints Brent Monroe as chief growth officer and promotes Bob Marinace to chief experience officer.

Solairus Aviation Announces Chad Davidson Business Aviation Leadership Scholarship Fund
The fund honors late aviator and Solairus team member Chad Davidson in support of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students.

Solairus Aviation Openings on FindaPilot.com

• Hawker 900XP Captain in Rockland, ME
• Gulfstream G650 Captain in Teterboro, NJ
• Gulfstream G550 Captain in Teterboro, NJ
• Challenger 650 Captain in Bedford, MA
• Gulfstream G500 Captain in Oxford, CT
• Gulfstream G650 Captain in Camarillo, CA

More Solairus Aviation Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• X (Twitter) 
• Instagram 
• YouTube

The post Employer Profile: Solairus Aviation appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1984 SOCATA TB-30 Epsilon.

Many pilots dream about flying the hottest fighters from World War II, such as North American P-51 Mustangs and Vought F4U Corsairs.

But those increasingly rare aircraft are extremely complex and expensive to maintain—and not all that easy to fly. Those are among the factors that have made military trainers so popular.

Aircraft such as the Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, North American AT-6 Texan, Boeing Stearman PT-17, and Epsilon for sale here allow pilots an opportunity to fly vintage military iron without breaking their budgets. Flying aircraft in this category is within the capabilities of many private pilots, though still demanding enough to be exciting.

They generally offer more impressive performance than standard aircraft and are strengthened to handle aerobatic flight and combat-style maneuvers. Among the military trainers available, the Epsilon is closer than most to familiar GA designs, making it more approachable while still somewhat exotic.   

This 1984 TB-30 Epsilon has 4,755 hours on the airframe, 1,203 hours since overhaul on its engine, and 737 hours on the propeller. The panel features a Garmin G5 EFIS with backup battery, Garmin GNX 375 GPS, GA 35 WAAS antenna, GAD 29 interface unit, and Garmin 660 in the rear cockpit. 

Pilots seeking a taste of military flight training in an airplane that is fit for long-distance travel should consider this 1984 SOCATA TB-30 Epsilon, which is available for $356,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use its airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Tunisian Air Force Takes Delivery of T-6C Texan II Integrated Trainers
• FLYING Magazine: Genesys Aerosystems Pursues STC for Military Trainers
• FLYING Magazine: U.K. Military Expands Fleet With Beechcraft and Embraer Aircraft
• Plane & Pilot: TB-30 Epsilon Flight Keeps Pilot Hooked on Flying
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Pillán: A Saratoga With ‘Top Gun’ Dreams
• Plane & Pilot: Flying in the Alps

The post This 1984 SOCATA TB-30 Epsilon Is a Military-Spec ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1977 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon.

The basic American Champion Citabria excels at making introductions. Whether pilots are seeking tailwheel endorsements, practicing short-field technique, or learning about backcountry flying, Citabrias have always been a good place to start in part because of their wide range of equipment and performance.

Pilots who want to get serious about aerobatics are likely to gravitate toward the Super Decathlon, which serves as a versatile stepping stone between basic flight training and the possible acquisition of a dedicated aerobatic aircraft such as an Extra or a Pitts.

A Super Decathlon can be a good mount for any pilot who wants a more traditional, tactile flying experience. Without the digital instrumentation, navigation and automation that are increasingly common in today’s GA aircraft, this Decathlon demands constant engagement. You will spend most of your time aloft looking outside, scanning your surroundings instead of monitoring screens. 

If you have been flying for a long time, an airplane like this can take you back to your earliest days of hand-flying.

This Super Decathlon has 2,258 hours on the airframe and 345 hours on its 180 hp engine. The aircraft is certified in the standard and aerobatic categories and is equipped with inverted fuel and oil systems. During 2015 the wing spare was inspected and revarished, and the wing was repainted. The fuselage was repainted in 2023, and the interior was refurbished in 2022. The panel is equipped with basic flight and engine instruments.

Pilots interested in pursuing aerobatics or just looking for a traditional taildragger with performance well above average should consider this 1977 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon, which is available for $117,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: American Champion Unveils Xtreme Decathlon
•  FLYING Magazine: The Family That Flies Together
• FLYING Magazine: Over, Under, Sideways, Down: The Art and Science of Aerobatic Flight
• Plane & Pilot: Bellanca 8KCAB Decathlon
• Plane & Pilot: American Champion Super Decathlon: Flight With Greg Koontz
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Decathlon and Citabria

The post This 1977 American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon Is an Entry-Level Aerobatic ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2020 Cirrus SR22T G6.

The Cirrus SR22’s arrival on the market more than 20 years ago marked a new direction and a new standard for general aviation aircraft.

Certified piston airplanes capable of transporting a family of four no longer had to be composed of aluminum panels held together with hundreds of rivets. For the first time in decades, small personal aircraft design seemed to be advancing.

The new airplane’s sleek, smooth, and aerodynamic composite airframe and powerful engine combined to provide impressive, reliable performance beyond what earlier models offered. Potential customers as well as rivals in the industry were surprised that the Cirrus models could fly so fast without retracting their landing gear.

The standard-equipment Cirrus airframe parachute placed the SR22 and SR20 even further ahead of competitors. The novel safety device gives pilots more options in emergency situations. In recent years similar parachute systems have become available as modifications for earlier makes and models, confirming the market for airframe parachutes stretches beyond the Cirrus lineup.

This 2020 Cirrus has 700 hours on the airframe, its Continental engine, and Hartzell three-blade scimitar propeller. The aircraft comes with a warranty until April 2025.

The panel features the Cirrus Perspective Plus avionic suite, which includes dual WAAS GPS receivers, dual AHARS, dual air data computers, dual Garmin 12-inch displays, Garmin GMA-350c audio panel, GTX 345R transponder with ADS-B In and Out, GFC 700 autopilot with yaw damper and electronic stability, synthetic vision, QWERTY keyboard controller, Garmin Active Traffic, SiriusXM weather and radio, Garmin Flight Stream, engine monitor, and enhanced ground proximity warning system.

Additional features and equipment include air conditioning, TKS anti-ice system, five-place oxygen system, and Tanis engine preheater.

Pilots interested in a modern, high-performance piston single with composite construction and a long list of features to satisfy pilots and passengers should consider this 2020 Cirrus SR22T-G6, which is available for $829,900 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use its airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: We Fly: Cirrus SR22T 8000
• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Composite Prop Comes to Cirrus SR22
• FLYING Magazine: We Fly: Cirrus SR22 G6
• Plane & Pilot: Latest Cirrus SR22 Is Faster? How Much Faster?
• Plane & Pilot: Redbird Has Cirrus SR22 Controls for Home Flight Simulators
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Cirrus SR22

The post This 2020 Cirrus SR22T Is a Standard-Setting ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2020 ICON A5.

Like a lot of light sport aircraft (LSA), the ICON A5 was designed for sport flying—the pursuit of good times aloft rather than the efficient transit between points.

The sleek machine thoroughly fulfills its primary mission, excelling at low altitude reconnaissance of lakes, rivers, and coves that easily serve as landing spots. 

The A5’s compact airframe and maneuverability make it ideal for short recreational flights. Still, the notion that LSAs do not adapt well to travel over longer distances is not accurate.

Traveling to out-of-the-way places with a lot of water landing opportunities could be the ideal setting for the A5. For flying into the backcountry, this aircraft is an alternative to high-wing taildraggers with oversize tires.

Exploring waterways, beaches, and sandbars is a great way to embrace the great outdoors. Traveling longer straight-line distances, especially along rivers and coastlines, is also within the ICON’s capability. Imagine seaplane base-hopping from North Carolina’s Outer Banks to the Florida Keys.

This ICON A5 has 220 hours on the airframe and its Rotax 912 engine.  

Pilots looking for an aircraft that is well-suited to pure sport flying, with a focus on the joy of being airborne, should consider this 2020 ICON A5, which is available for $269,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: ICON A5 Receives FAA Primary Category Type Certification
• FLYING Magazine: ICON A5 Among Aircraft to Appear at Detroit Auto Show
• FLYING Magazine: ICON A5 Light-Sport Aircraft Review
• FLYING Magazine: ICON A5s Will Soon Include Garmin’s G3X
• Plane & Pilot: The ICON A5: An LSA Amphib That Handles Like a Dream
• Plane & Pilot: ICON Bumps Useful Load of A5 LSA Seaplane
• The Aviation Consumer: ICON A5: A Sophisticated and Fun Aircraft

The post This 2020 ICON A5 Is a Fun, Versatile ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1983 Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga.

A friend and former Piper Saratoga owner used to say it’s the best airplane for family trips. What he meant, I believe, is that it reminded him most of a large, comfortable car or SUV. “Turn on the autopilot, put your feet up and forget it,” he said.

Of course, he was exaggerating, and you would never take such a casual approach to flying. At the same time, most of us know what he is talking about. The Saratoga is a big, stable and user-friendly aircraft that loves to take the straight-and-level route to your favorite destinations.

The Saratoga evolved from the fixed-gear Cherokee Six and retractable Lance, both of which are versions of the PA-32 airframe. Several key features came together in the later Saratoga, including club seating for rear passengers, a 300 hp engine, and a partially tapered wing that performed better than the constant-chord “Hershey Bar” wing on the Lance and Six.

The aircraft for sale here adds the benefits of turbocharging, which allows the airplane to fly at higher altitudes while losing less power than a naturally aspirated engine. On long trips, the extra speed and favorable wind conditions available up high can cut travel time significantly.  

This 1983 Turbo Saratoga has 5,610 hours on the airframe and 910 hours on its 300 hp Lycoming TIO-540-SiAD engine since overhaul. Its Hartzell three-blade propeller has also logged 910 hours since overhaul.

The panel includes a Garmin GNS 430 WAAS, Garmin G5 HSI, Garmin GDL 88 ADS-B receiver, GTX 330ES transponder, PS Engineering 1000 II intercom, King KMA 24 audio panel, KNS 80 RNAV/DME, KY 197 Comm, King FCS function board, KFC 200 autopilot, 3M WX-10A Stormscope, JPI EDM-700 engine monitor, digital tachometer, and Aerospace Logic fuel gauges.

Additional equipment includes LoPresti gear door speed mod, Knots 2 U gap seals, LED landing light, Reiff engine preheater, factory air conditioning, built-in oxygen system, and Rosen visors.

Pilots seeking a piston single with six seats as they cross-shop Beechcraft Bonanzas and Cessna 210s should make a point of checking out this 1983 Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga, which is available for $249,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Air Compare: Piper Lance vs. Saratoga
• FLYING Magazine: Piper Saratoga Avionics Install: Part 1
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Saratoga II TC: It’s All About Comfort
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Pillán: A Saratoga With Top Gun Dreams
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Saratoga/Lance
• The Aviation Consumer: Six-Place Shootout
• AVweb: Intercoolers: Turbo Enhancement

The post This 1983 Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga Is a Long-Haul ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Kalitta’s call sign—”Connie”— is a nod to its founder, Conrad “Connie” Kalitta, who began the business as a car-part-carrying airline in 1967. The airline changed its name to American International Airways in 1984, when it began offering air freight, air ambulance, and charter operations.

In 1990, AIA flew hundreds of cargo missions for U.S. military operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf.

The company evolved and transformed into Kalitta Air in 2000. Today its fleet has more than 25 planes, consisting of Boeing 777 and B747-400 freighters.

Kalitta Air Mission Statement

According to its website: “Traveling the globe and delivering a quality product on time, anytime, anywhere.”

Kalitta Air in the News

Kalitta Charters II Says Goodbye to the Boeing 727
Michigan-based cargo operator Kalitta Charters II bid farewell to its final Boeing 727 freighter on April 5. The over-40-year-old aircraft, N729CK, completed a short flight from Willow Run Airport (KIPT) to Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (KOSC) in Michigan, marking the end of an era for the company.

Which U.S. Airlines Are Hiring Pilots?
Despite recent headlines, there are several career opportunities for aspiring aviators.

The Last 747, Queen of the Skies
The last 747 has rolled off Boeing’s production line, but the iconic jumbo jet still has plenty of history to make.

More Kalitta Resources:

• Career site 
• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• X (Twitter) 
• Instagram 
• YouTube

The post Employer Profile: Kalitta Air appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1946 ERCO 415-C Ercoupe.

Fred Weick, an airmail pilot, aircraft designer, and engineer who also helped advance early airmail operations, left his fingerprints on a number of famously safe and reliable airplanes, including the Piper PA-28. Before that, though, he designed the Ercoupe, which used simplified controls and limited control-surface movement to help keep pilots from losing control of their aircraft.

The Ercoupe reflects many lessons learned from an experimental Weick design called the W-1. The W-1 and W-1A tested several safety features, ranging from reduced pitch control to tricycle landing gear. The Ercoupe followed and was marketed as a “safety airplane” with extremely forgiving flight characteristics.

The aircraft’s reluctance to depart controlled flight made it popular among flight students and casual aviators looking for a safe, easy-to-fly airplane. The endearing Ercoupe has a devoted following among owners who continue to fly and maintain them. Owning an aircraft like this opens a door into an interesting chapter of aviation history.  

This 1946 Ercoupe has 2,264 hours on the airframe and 785 hours on its Continental C-75 engine. The VFR panel includes the most basic instruments, such as a compass, altimeter, airspeed and engine rpm and oil pressure and temperature gauges. The aircraft also carries a trig comm radio and a non-ADS-B transponder. 

Pilots with solid pilotage navigation skills, or tablets in their laps, who seek a traditional 1940s-style general aviation experience should consider this 1946 ERCO 415-C Ercoupe, which is available for $28,750 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Approachable Aircraft: Ercoupe
• FLYING Magazine: Hawaii Lessons in an Ercoupe
• FLYING Magazine: The Process of Obtaining a Medical Certificate
• Plane & Pilot: Ercoupe, Aircoupe
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Ercoupe and Cadet
• The Aviation Consumer: Legacy LSAs: Champ Is a Top Value

The post This 1946 ERCO 415-C Ercoupe Is an Easy-to-Fly ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Listen to FlightPath on your favorite podcast player:

• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts 

If you like the show, subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen to podcasts. This helps us get the word out about business aviation and the leaders who have built successful companies in the industry.

Cordier’s Background in Aviation

Cordier began his aviation career in the Air Force, graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1994.

Over 10 years, he flew aircraft such as the C-21 (Lear 35) and the KC-135 (Boeing 707). His military background provided a solid foundation in aviation, but unlike many of his peers who transitioned to commercial airlines, Cordier sought a unique path that leveraged his aviation expertise differently.

Return to Aviation and Entry into Business Aviation

Cordier reentered the aviation industry after a short stint in banking with FlightSafety International. In this role, he managed Bombardier products and enhanced his understanding of aviation training and sales.

His career continued to progress as he moved to Cessna, where he sold aircraft such as the Mustang and CJ series, navigated the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis, and honed his prospecting skills.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Aviation Market

Cordier’s experience during the financial crisis highlighted the resilience required in the aviation industry. He said his ability to identify new opportunities during economic downturns allowed him to succeed when others struggled.

The cyclical nature of the aviation market demands adaptability and a keen understanding of market dynamics, which are lessons Cordier said he now applies in his role as a consultant.

Founding StepZero Consulting

Cordier’s extensive experience led him to establish StepZero Coaching, a comprehensive consulting platform for business aviation companies. StepZero helps businesses achieve their goals more efficiently, emphasizing strategy, execution, and sales. 

Cordier said his approach, which integrates his background in the military, banking, and aviation, offers a unique perspective that benefits his clients.

Key Insights and Topics Covered

• Military-to-business transition: Cordier’s journey from the Air Force to managing a bank and his eventual return to aviation.
• Sales and relationship building: The importance of trust and relationships in sales, a lesson learned from his banking experience.
• Navigating economic downturns: Strategies for identifying opportunities during financial crises.
• Business aviation market dynamics: Insights into the cyclical nature of the aviation market and adapting to changing conditions.
• Founding StepZero Coaching: The motivation and vision behind StepZero, focusing on strategy, execution, and sales for business aviation companies.
• Role of coaching and mentorship: The impact of mentors and coaches on Corider’s career and his desire to give back to the industry through coaching.
• Industry trends and future projections: Current trends in business aviation, including inventory challenges and economic factors influencing the market.

The post FlightPath Podcast: Dustin Cordier of StepZero Coaching appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

If you plan to go to AirVenture this year, you can find our “Oshkosh LIVE” Redbird Studio on-site at Redbird Exhibit space 301, adjacent to Hangar A and facing Knapp Street. If you have never been to AirVenture, we hope tuning in to our daily coverage will inspire you to make the trip to Oshkosh one day.

If you’re simply unable to join this year, our goal is to ensure you don’t miss out on all of the excitement by bringing the experience to you live across several of our websites and social media channels. 

• READ MORE: 7 Things to Know Before You Go to AirVenture

What to Expect

Daily live segments hosted by editors from  FLYING, KITPLANES, Plane & Pilot, AVweb, The Aviation Consumer, and AirlineGeeks will host daily live segments featuring interviews with the world’s top airshow performers, a look at some of the most rare aircraft in the world, tips for how to build your own aircraft or pursue a career in aviation, and features on the rich history that has shaped AirVenture.

When and Where to Watch

Our live broadcast will run daily, Monday through Thursday, July 22-July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT). 

• READ MORE: Airplane Types Unlock AirVenture Locations for Parking, Camping

On Friday, July 26, we will livestream additional original content from the week throughout the day. You will find us broadcasting and streaming live across all of our brand websites—on the FLYING and AVweb YouTube Channels, as well as FLYING and Plane & Pilot Facebook pages. 

Follow us on Facebook or click subscribe to one of our YouTube channels and you’ll receive alerts that we are live!

We hope to see you in Oshkosh or that you’ll tune in to see all the exciting news and activity from this year’s EAA AirVenture.

The post FLYING Unveils ‘Oshkosh Live’ Video Programming Lineup appeared first on FLYING Magazine.