| | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 2,396 Likes: 60 Member/1500+posts | | Member/1500+posts Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 2,396 Likes: 60 | Well, finally, the Aero Commander Darter taking up hangar space at Columbus, NE (KOLU) is on the market. Word on Darters: "172 for the price of a 150." http://www.trade-a-plane.com/detail/1395150.htmlOur member Dennis Geivett grew up with one. He told me once it has an abrupt stall, otherwise, cheap, fast, simple airplane. And yes, it IS ugly.
"The most beautiful thing on earth is the sky above it." -- Joanna Fink
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,362 Member/1500+posts | | Member/1500+posts Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,362 | Well, finally, the Aero Commander Darter taking up hangar space at Columbus, NE (KOLU) is on the market. Word on Darters: "172 for the price of a 150."
without the burden of aerodynamics or pride of workmanship  John | | | | | Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 11,449 Likes: 951 Member/10,000+ posts! | | Member/10,000+ posts! Joined: Oct 2006 Posts: 11,449 Likes: 951 | Uncle John,
That has to be one of the best, most succinct descriptions of that airplane I've ever heard.
Warmest regards,
Rick | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 Member/5000+posts! | | Member/5000+posts! Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 | "Wentworth Aircraft Salvage, How may I help you?"
Hello, yes, I have an Aero Commander Darter, and I need...."
"Click".... (dial tone...) | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,969 Member/10,000+ posts! | | Member/10,000+ posts! Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,969 | | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,691 Member/1500+posts | | Member/1500+posts Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 1,691 | Red and white paint scheme with no rust? | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 Member/5000+posts! | | Member/5000+posts! Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 | For what it is worth.......... What it's worth? Whatever they want to charge you. If you need it, where else are you going to go? Production 6 Volaire 1035, 335 Model 100s/Darter Commanders and 213 Lark Commanders built. That is a total of 554 ever built of all models. How many still exist? How many still registered, or are flyable in that group? Everyone compares this to a Cessna 172, and the production of those surpassed 34,000...the plane is still in production and parts are everywhere, and Cessna will still make them as well. The Darter/Lark's are an interesting (failed) footnote in history, and are relegated to orphan status and I guess cult following for those that still own and fly and even like them. I just think for $20K or so you can get a nice older 172 which is a much better plane. The Darter/Larks remind me of the camel being a horse designed by comittee..... It is still ugly. But...at least there is a place keeping them alive for those who have them. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,969 Member/10,000+ posts! | | Member/10,000+ posts! Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 13,969 | First, I offer my apology for what I was thinking of doing, Brian. I went into Barnstormers to search for 172's for $20,000 or less. Fully expecting to come up with zilch.
Low and behold.............
There are more then I expected. And some could definitely be classified as "nice."
Has our airplane values really deteriorated that much?
Sorry Brian for doubting you!
Bill
Grants Pass, Oregon | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,968 Member/2500+posts | | Member/2500+posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,968 | Yes Bill....172's in the $20K range and sadly for me (thinking about selling) my Cherokee 180 even after a $10K avionics upgrade is probably only worth low to mid $30K range.
Great buyers market, sucks for anyone wanting to sell. But, I have to think of all those great years of flying!!!! | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 Member/5000+posts! | | Member/5000+posts! Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 5,975 | First, I offer my apology for what I was thinking of doing, Brian. Huh? I didn't think I needed one.....????  | | |
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