New In The BAS Disassembly Hangar July 22, 2025

Cessna 162 Skycatcher

The Cessna 162 Skycatcher was a light-sport aircraft (LSA) developed by Cessna between 2009 and 2013. Designed as a modern, cost-effective trainer and personal aircraft, it was a high-wing, two-seat, tricycle gear monoplane featuring a mostly aluminum structure and a 100-horsepower Continental O-200D engine. It had a top speed of 118 knots and a maximum range of 470 nautical miles. One of its more modern features was the use of the Garmin G300 avionics suite, which included optional dual-display capabilities. The Skycatcher was also notable for incorporating upward-swinging doors and a single-handed control yoke design, which departed from Cessna’s traditional two-handed setup.

Despite early enthusiasm and over 1,000 initial orders, the Skycatcher struggled due to delays, design limitations, and escalating prices. Several prototype crashes during spin testing necessitated major design changes, including a redesigned vertical stabilizer and additional safety enhancements. Additionally, moving production to China caused backlash, and a steep price increase to $149,000—higher than competing LSAs—led to mass cancellations. By the time production ended in 2013, only 192 units had been delivered. The remaining unsold aircraft were scrapped by 2016, with the program widely regarded as a commercial failure despite its technological ambition.

We will recover some great inventory from this aircraft, such as...

• Good cabin doors
• Continental O-200-D -Non-prop-struck, 1985 SMOH
• McCauley 1L100LSA/6754 fixed-pitched propeller - 20 hours SMOH in Jan 2025
• Garmin SL40 Comm Radio
• Garmin G300 MFD/PFD (x2)
• Garmin GTX-327 Transponder

Piper PA-46-301P Malibu

The Piper PA-46, now marketed under the “M-Class” moniker, is a line of American light aircraft produced by Piper Aircraft. Introduced in 1979 with its first flight, the PA-46 series has undergone continuous evolution for over four decades. These aircraft are pressurized, single-engine, six-seat planes designed primarily for business and private aviation. The series began with piston-powered models, such as the Malibu and Malibu Mirage, and has since expanded to include turboprop versions, including the M500, M600, and M700 Fury. Notably, the M350 is currently the only pressurized piston-engine aircraft in production in its class, offering enhanced range and comfort compared to most competitors.

The PA-46 series is notable for its emphasis on performance and safety. Many of the newer variants feature advanced Garmin flight systems, such as the G1000 NXi, as well as advanced features like Electronic Stability Protection (ESP) and emergency autoland systems (HALO). The line spans a wide performance range, with cruising speeds from 213 knots in the M350 to over 300 knots in the M700. Cabin space remains consistent across variants, with all models seating six passengers and offering a cabin volume of 201 cubic feet. Over time, improvements have included redesigned wings, upgraded engines, and state-of-the-art avionics, ensuring that the PA-46 remains competitive in modern aviation markets.

The PA-46-310P Malibu was the original production model and marked a significant milestone in general aviation, as it was the third-ever pressurized single-engine piston aircraft. It was powered by a 310-horsepower Continental TSIO-520BE engine and offered lean-of-peak cruise capability, an extended range (up to 1,550 nautical miles with reserves), and lower fuel consumption compared to later versions. The 310P also made headlines for setting several world speed records in the late 1980s, including Seattle to New York and Chicago to Toronto routes, all piloted by Steve Stout in a 1986 Malibu.

However, despite its performance credentials, the 310P model experienced notable engine-related issues. Several accidents and incidents were attributed to engine failures, ultimately leading to the model's discontinuation in 1988. Production of this variant ended as Piper transitioned to the PA-46-350P Malibu Mirage, which featured a more powerful and reliable Lycoming engine.

This aircraft lost power and was forced to land in a grassy field after experiencing a loss of engine power, which was later attributed to poor maintenance work during its annual inspection.

• Continental TSIO-550-C - Prop struck, 1,275 hours since reman
• MT-Propeller MTV-14-D Hub - struck
• Garmin GTN-650 GPS/Nav/Comm P/N 011-02256-00
• Garmin GNS-430W GPS/Nav/Comm P/N 011-01060-40 (14/28v)
• Garmin GTX-330ES ADS-B out transponder P/N 011-00455-60
• Garmin GMA-340 Audio Panel P/N 011-00401-10
• Garmin GTX-327 Transponder P/N 011-00490-00
• Aspen EFD-1000 MAX P/N 910-00001-021
• And much more!

Piper Aerostar PA-60-602P
with Machen Superstar 700 Conversion

The Piper Aerostar is a high-performance, twin-engine light aircraft originally designed by Ted R. Smith, whose vision and engineering shaped its sleek design and impressive speed. Initially produced by the Ted Smith Aircraft Company, the aircraft first flew in 1967 and was subsequently manufactured under several corporate umbrellas before being acquired by Piper Aircraft Corporation in 1978, who renamed it the PA-60. The Aerostar stands out due to its clean aerodynamics, high wing loading, and mid-wing configuration—traits that allowed it to hold the speed record for piston twin aircraft during its production years. Notably, its engines progressed from naturally aspirated IO-540s to turbocharged variants, which enabled cruising speeds exceeding 250 mph. High-altitude performance was further enhanced by pressurization in later models.

Despite its speed and engineering elegance, the Aerostar came with a set of trade-offs. The aircraft’s single-entry clamshell door, located near the left propeller, raised safety concerns if not secured correctly. Fuel system complexity also contributed to a history of accidents related to mismanagement and unbalanced feed from its multiple tanks. Maintenance demands were another drawback, driven by the tight packaging of components, sensitive turbocharging systems, and a cooling system that demanded exact upkeep. Yet, the Aerostar's design ingenuity—such as its electro-hydraulic nosewheel steering and push-pull flight control rods—set it apart from competitors like the Beechcraft Baron and the Cessna 310.

The Piper 602P Sequoya, designated PA-60-602P, was Piper’s refined evolution of the pressurized 601P model. Introduced after Piper acquired the Aerostar line, the 602P featured 290 hp Lycoming TIO-540-AA1A5 turbocharged engines, which were both built and certified by Lycoming. This made it the first Aerostar variant to utilize a turbo system from the engine manufacturer, rather than an in-house or third-party installation. This provided improved reliability and performance consistency over earlier turbocharged models. Approximately 124 units of the 602P were built, making it one of the more widely adopted variants in the later production years.

The 602P retained the spacious cabin and high-performance profile of its predecessors but benefited from incremental design upgrades, including aerodynamic tweaks and enhancements to its pressurization and fuel systems. It also contributed to the platform’s legacy by serving as the basis for the more powerful 700P, which introduced counter-rotating engines and further aerodynamic refinements. The 602P was briefly marketed under the name “Sequoya” and was prominently displayed at events such as the 1981 Paris Air Show.

This aircraft is equipped with a Machen Superstar 700 Conversion!

The Machen Superstar 700 conversion transforms the Piper Aerostar—typically a 601P or 602P—into a high-performance powerhouse by replacing its standard 290 hp Lycoming engines with 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540-U2A engines, often sourced from the Navajo Chieftain. These engines are often configured in a counter-rotating layout, which enhances stability and performance. The upgrade also integrates twin turbochargers and intercoolers, ensuring the aircraft maintains optimal engine output at higher altitudes. Paired with low-noise, square-tipped propellers, this setup not only boosts speed and climb rates but also reduces overall cabin noise. With an increased gross weight capacity up to 6,315 lbs, the Superstar 700 offers enhanced payload flexibility and impressive high-altitude cruise performance. While the conversion significantly elevates the aircraft’s performance envelope—making it faster, quicker to climb, and more capable in thin air—it also introduces higher fuel consumption. It demands more specialized maintenance, making it a trade-off between raw capability and operating costs.

This Aerostar was damaged when it was shipped internationally, and the tie-down straps were cranked too tightly. It caused structural damage and twisted the carry-through spar. The damage was too expensive to repair, but she will make a great parts donor. We expect to recover a long list of Aerostar parts that will not sit on the shelf long, such as...

• Superstar 700 conversion
• Lycoming TIO-540-U2A (x2)
• Windshield Hot Plate P/N NP-136711
• Garmin GNS-530W GPS/Nav/Comm P/N 011-01064-40
• King KMD-540 MFD P/N 066-04035-0301
• Garmin GTX-330 Transponder P/N 011-00455-00
• Sandel SN3500
• BFGoodrich SkyWatch WX-1000 Stormscope
• Garmin GMA-340 Audio Panel P/N 011-00401-10
• King KR-87 ADF Receiver P/N 066-1072-14
• JPI EDM-500
• And so much more

Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

The Piper PA-24 Comanche is a distinguished American single-engine aircraft designed by Piper Aircraft and introduced in 1958. Built with a low-wing, all-metal monoplane design and retractable tricycle landing gear, the PA-24 was available in configurations for either four or six seats. It was notable for its semimonocoque construction, offering both structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency. The Comanche became a cornerstone of Piper's aircraft lineup from its first flight on May 24, 1956, until production ceased in 1972 due to catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Agnes. This flood destroyed tooling and airframes at Piper's Lock Haven plant, prompting the company to focus instead on newer aircraft lines, such as the PA-28R Arrow and PA-34 Seneca.

Throughout its production run, several variants of the PA-24 were introduced to enhance performance and expand the aircraft’s capabilities. The initial production model was the PA-24-180, powered by a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine. Over time, Piper introduced more powerful models, including the 250 hp PA-24-250 and the 260 hp PA-24-260, the latter even spawning a turbocharged version known as the 260TC. A high-performance variant, the PA-24-400, featuring a 400-hp engine, was also developed. The aircraft gained popularity not only for its sleek design and performance but also for its long-range capabilities, as evidenced by several record-setting flights across oceans and continents.

Introduced in 1958, the PA-24-250 was a more powerful evolution of the original Comanche 180. It featured a 250 hp Lycoming O-540 engine, with most examples using the carbureted O-540-A1A5 variant. This power upgrade enabled the 250 to achieve a top cruise speed of approximately 160 knots (180 mph). Early 250 models retained manually operated flaps and carried 60 US gallons of fuel, but enhancements followed soon after. By 1961, auxiliary fuel tanks were available to increase total capacity to 90 gallons, and in 1962, Piper began equipping the aircraft with electrically actuated flaps as standard equipment.

The PA-24-250 became the most numerous of all single-engine Comanche models, with a total of 2,537 built. Its reliability and performance also made it a favorite among long-distance aviators. Notably, it played a starring role in several aviation milestones—Max Conrad used a PA-24-250 to fly from Casablanca to Los Angeles in 1959, and it was the aircraft of choice for Kenneth Walker’s historic solo flight across the Pacific to Australia in 1962. These achievements cemented the PA-24-250’s legacy as not only a capable utility aircraft but also one with transoceanic endurance.

• Lycoming O-540-A1D5 (Prop Struck)
• Garmin GTN-750 GPS Nav/Comm
• X2 Garmin G5’s (SOLD)
• And much, much more

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