Sporty’s is now offering its 172LITE trainer to flight schools and flying clubs nationwide as an affordable trainer.
“After December’s announcement of the 172LITE, my inbox and voicemail were flooded with inquiries from flight schools and flying clubs throughout the country,” Sporty’s Charlie Masters stated. “There is industry-wide demand for a basic, affordable airplane for the training and rental market for which the 172LITE hits the spot.”
The 172LITE begins life as a preowned Cessna 172. The airframe is inspected by Sporty’s mechanics and a refurbishment plan is developed including:
- Engine overhaul by Signature Engines;
- Windows inspected and replaced as needed;
- New upholstery for seats and sidewalls;
- Plastic trim and headliner repaired or replaced;
- New vinyl floor covering;
- New metal instrument panel custom fit to the airframe;
- New electrical switches and circuit breakers;
- Wiring inspected and replaced as required;
- Each aircraft is outfitted with an intercom, basic communications radio and Mode C transponder;
- Instruments are tested and replaced as needed;
- Landing, Taxi and Position Lights replaced with modern LEDs;
- Controls and cables inspected and replaced as needed; and
- Lastly, the aircraft is painted and undergoes another thorough inspection.
The result is an aircraft with a new appearance, with all the instruments needed for initial training, for about one-third the price of a new Skyhawk, Sporty’s officials note.
Although the goal of the 172LITE project is to produce a simple airplane that does not confuse the new student or renter with complicated menu-driven interfaces, the basic panel can be customized to accommodate any optional avionics, Sporty’s officials noted. This work is performed by Cincinnati Avionics, Sporty’s avionics shop.
The order book is now open to purchase 172LITEs, For more information contact Charlie at [email protected] or call 800-908-4359.
I can promise you all that getting insurance on these aircraft will be a breeze. The insurance industry loves these aircraft, for obvious reasons and whatever reasonable value is placed on these aircraft will be acceptable to the underwriters. Again, the insurance part of the equation in refurbing these ships is not an issue.
This aircraft as well as the Red Hawk and AOPA’s C-150/152 project are great ideas for the reasons stated. The AOPA has started to address the biggest problem with all three, in my opinion. That problem is financing and insurance. The aircraft may well be the functional equivalent of “new” but, they are “used” aircraft to these companies. While it may be true that they cost “about one-third the price of a new Skyhawk”, it is also true that they cost about three times,(or more), the price of the average used Skayhwk, ( or 150/152). Getting them financed and insured at these values will be as big a problem as market acceptance ,likely more so. The Skyhawk does have the advantage of still being available factory new so direct comparison can be made, not so with the C-150/152 or any other out of production aircraft.
Greg; Both financing and insurance are all about RISK – “plane and simple”!
If one can (investment) wise reduce both cost; hence lower value at risk to both the lender and the insurer, wouldn’t you agree?
And on the C-150/152 – although great birds in their day – not LSA qualified – perhaps you may read my original comment again – makes cent$?
“Great concept and idea”! If a 1975-78 M/N model C-172 can be refurbished for $100-125K (VFR) and an IFR option in the $150K range – two REAL winners!
IDEAL (flight school) fleet mix: (start-up operation)
NOTE Staggered purchases suggested
1. Two (2)LSA – high wing ideally – “Get your pilots license HERE in 30 days or less”!
2. Two (2) C-172 LITE “Upgrade to a private license in less than 30 days – take your family/friends up”!
Recommended: Purchase one (1) LSA* and one C-172 LITE to start – As “demand” warrants – say after 60-90 days, ADD a second LSA – this will be needed as most LSA students will be ready for solo time
during the 30-90 day period. ONLY add a second C-172 LITE as more LSA pilots move up to the “private pilot” certification/ranks and to fill demand by “already” licensed (rental?) pilots.
* Pre-owned (used) for under $100k capital (investment) cost
Rod,
Fantastic idea. However, under your proposed plan, the 172LITE cannot be used to get a Private Pilot certificate as it has no electronic navigation system on board (required to use an aircraft for the checkride). The flight school would have to shell out some additional $ to install at least 1 VOR receiver or a GPS in the 172.
Eric, guess I missed that – then WHAT is the “LITE” (market) niche filling?
SOLUTION: OK, ALL training UP to “X” hours performed in the LITE- transition to VOR/GPS equipped with VOR/GPS model – additional 4-5 hours – then Private check-ride – COST EFFECTIVE possibly?
So if I’m greeting this – the “LITE” is a LOW cost alternative to: A. A more expensive IFR Skyhawk or HP, etc 2. LSA -NOT really, as it is more costly than and NOT LSA (1,320lb or less) qualified. Then WHO is the student/renter customer?