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When it comes to making a “Top 10” list, some people are bound to have different opinions on the matter. While this list remains subjective and informed, it is by no means official. For example, this list does not contain the most popular aircraft, as their popularity has inevitably raised their price, putting them beyond the reach of bargain shoppers. The values listed with these aircraft come from the Aircraft Bluebook Price Digest and Vref Aircraft Value Reference and are guided by nationwide sales data. Piper Twin Comanche. The PA-30 and PA-39 are the best combination of performance, economy, redundancy and efficiency in the industry. The Twin Comanche combines a pair of 160 hp engines and only 3,600 pounds of weight to offer great climb and an easy cruise speed of 165 knots. All four seats are usually accessible, and a good example of the PA-30 can generally be found for under $95,000. Piper Cherokee 140. With the littlest Cherokee you get almost nonexistent stall characteristics, four seats, and generally the most favorable handling of any single on the market. Don’t plan for stellar climb at gross, and figure on cruise at 110 knots max. Expect to operate the airplane for the lowest hourly cost of virtually any other four-seater, and pay a minimum of $25,000. Luscombe 8F. This agile two-seater is said to be the most aerobatic aircraft in the sky. While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s still one eager-handling airplane. It’s no big surprise that the later 8F with the McCauley metal prop is the best buy today. Expect a modest 80 knots cruise on about 4.5 gph in exchange for $24,000. Cessna 140. The Cessna 140 is among the most durable of small singles today. Change the batteries, tires, engines and props regularly, and a well-treated C-140 could live forever. The C-140As fly with 90 hp, cruise at 90 knots and will carry two souls in snug comfort for two and a half hours, plus reverse. Plan to spend about $16,500 or less. Cessna 170. Flies like a C-140, only so much better. As with the C-140, the later B models are the best buys, all metal and fitted with slotted flaps. Plan on 100 knots of cruise and as little as 900 pounds of weight. These can be found for about $33,000. Cessna 195. This C-195 offers a classic, 300 hp, nine-cylinder, Jacobs redial, along with the novelty for general-aviation, crosswind gear. You can taxi in a crosswind with the nose canted 15 degrees to the left or right of center. At 3,350 pounds, the C-195 is no lightweight, but all that rotating power drove it along at 140-145 knots. The type typically demands $70,000 for a cherry example, and it’s worth it. Ercoupe 415. This twin-boom Ercoupe was designed as close to an automobile as possible, stall-proof, spin-proof and without the encumbrance of rudder pedals. A steering wheel directs the airplane both in the air and on the ground. Ercoupe product spanned some 30 years to the final version, but a typical early Ercoupe offered 90 knots of cruise for only about $13,000. Mooney M20C. If you’re a lone short stack without any passengers, then a 1965-69 vintage Mooney Ranger may be the ideal airplane for you. With a modest 145 knots on a minimal 9.5 gph, it can carry two-plus-two in a pinch. Features include retractable landing gear and sell for under $70,000. Bellana Decathlon. For those with a desire for vertical and inverted fun, the Bellanca Decathlon offers plenty of control in three dimensions. The basic Decathlon offered 150 hp and a semi-symmetrical wing for better inverted handling characteristics. Decathlons from the mid-1970s sell for under $40,000. BeechCraft Sierra. The Sierra was one of the slowest of the 200 hp retracts, but it was also one of the few with four-plus-two seating and an aft boarding door. Produced for a dozen years starting in 1970, the airplane was the step-up airplane for the BeechCraft Aero Clubs and still earns high marks for a comfy cabin, simple systems and typical BeechCraft quality. The 1977 C24R has a representative price of $58,000.
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