New In The BAS Disassembly Hangar October 29th, 2025

The Robinson R44 might be compact, but don’t let its size fool you - this four-seat light helicopter has some serious aviation history behind it. First taking flight in 1990, the R44 was designed by Frank Robinson and his team to bridge the gap between affordability and performance. With hydraulically assisted flight controls, a fuel-injected Lycoming engine, and a cabin built for both comfort and visibility, the R44 became a hit with private pilots, flight schools, and even news stations. Since earning its FAA certification in 1992, the R44 has gone on to dominate the skies as the world’s best-selling general aviation helicopter - and it’s still going strong.

Born from the design of the smaller two-seat R22, the R44 stepped things up across the board. The semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor and reversed tail rotor give it smooth, responsive handling, while the skid landing gear keeps it simple and reliable. Over the years, Robinson has rolled out several variants - from the original Astro to the Raven I and II - each with upgrades like hydraulically assisted controls, more powerful engines, and better altitude performance. It’s a helicopter that’s evolved alongside its pilots, maintaining its reputation for being as practical as it is iconic.

The R44 that’s in our hangar has seen its share of action - but its final landing came with a hard lesson. This aircraft met mountainous terrain after a loss of rotor RPM during landing, a reminder of how precise helicopter aerodynamics can be. Even so, we see past the damage to the engineering brilliance beneath. As our team begins disassembly, we’ll be preserving the legacy of this trusted workhorse - one bolt, blade, and gearbox at a time.

Here's some of what this bird has to offer:

• Lycoming O-540-F1B5
  • 1083.2 hours since factory reman in 2018.
• Garmin GTX-335 ADS-B Out Transponder P/N 011-03300-40
• Garmin GTR-225 Comm Radio P/N 011-02718-00
• King KY-197 Comm Transceiver
• Northern Airborne AA12-004 audio panel
• Davtron M800 Chronometer
• And much more...

Life-limited parts were swapped 2/2022 and have 232 hours on them

Few aircraft balance power, performance, and polish like the Piper Cheyenne PA-31T. Born as a twin-engine turboprop evolution of the Pressurized Navajo, the Cheyenne brought jet-like capabilities to piston-aircraft pilots. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-28 engines, this machine combined efficiency with serious speed - all while offering the comfort of a pressurized cabin. First developed in the 1970s, the Cheyenne quickly became a favorite among corporate flyers, air taxi services, and government agencies alike, proving that Piper could build an aircraft as rugged as it was refined.

The PA-31T series evolved over time, with aerodynamic refinements, fuselage extensions, and improved variants like the Cheyenne II and stretched IIXL. Each iteration brought smoother handling, better performance at altitude, and that unmistakable twin-turboprop hum that aviation enthusiasts recognize instantly. The Cheyenne earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse - the kind of aircraft you could trust to carry executives, medical teams, or military personnel across long distances with ease and confidence.

The Cheyenne in our hangar hasn’t met a tragic end - it’s simply reached the end of a long, proud flying career. After years of dependable service, it’s time for this aircraft to rest while our team gives its parts new purpose. From its PT6 engines to its beautifully engineered control surfaces, every component tells the story of Piper’s craftsmanship and innovation. As we begin disassembly, we’re not just parting out a plane - we’re honoring a legacy that’s helped keep countless missions in motion around the world.

Here's what we expect to recover from this aircraft...

There’s no aircraft more synonymous with general aviation than the Cessna 172. Since its first flight in 1955, the Skyhawk has earned its place in history as the world’s most-produced airplane - a trusted companion for students, instructors, and weekend flyers everywhere. The 172B, a 1961 model, marked one of the first major refinements in the Skyhawk family, introducing shorter landing gear, a reshaped cowling, and that signature pointed spinner. It was the kind of aircraft that didn’t just take people flying - it helped make pilots.

Built with Cessna’s hallmark high-wing design, fixed tricycle gear, and a smooth, forgiving flight profile, the 172B embodied everything that made the Skyhawk legendary. Powered by a reliable Continental O-300 engine, it delivered steady performance and easy handling, making it a favorite in flight schools and private hangars alike. The “Land-O-Matic” gear system, as Cessna called it, made takeoffs and landings a breeze - a big reason this model became the training aircraft of choice for decades.

The 172B in our hangar didn’t go down in flames - it went down in wind. After years of loyal service, this Skyhawk met its fate in a storm that proved just a bit too strong, blowing it over and bringing its flying days to an end. Still, this aircraft’s story doesn’t stop there. As our team begins the careful disassembly process, its parts will find new life helping other aircraft take to the skies once more. It’s a fitting end for one of aviation’s true icons - a workhorse that taught the world to fly.

Here's the short list of the (many) components we'll recover...

If there were ever a homebuilt aircraft that dared to play in the big leagues, it’s the Lancair IV. With its low-slung composite design, retractable gear, and twin-turbocharged Continental TSIO-550 engine pumping out 350 horsepower, this four-seat rocket redefined what a piston airplane could do. Capable of cruising above 25,000 feet and outrunning just about anything in its class, the Lancair IV was built for pilots who wanted to go fast - really fast.

Designed in the 1990s as a kit plane for serious builders, the Lancair IV became a legend for its performance and sleek looks. The IV-P variant even added pressurization for high-altitude comfort, proving that this wasn’t just a weekend toy - it was a cross-country bullet. Over the years, the aircraft has shattered records, including globe-spanning endurance and speed flights that pushed the limits of piston-powered aviation. Each one was a custom labor of love, and every completed Lancair carried the personality of its builder right into the sky.

The Lancair IV in our hangar met an unusual fate - it undershot the runway and found itself in a reservoir instead of on the tarmac. Despite the soggy ending, the aircraft’s engineering and performance DNA remain impressive. As our team begins disassembly, we’re peeling back layers of advanced composite craftsmanship that made the Lancair a standout in experimental aviation. It’s a reminder that even the fastest, most capable machines have their off days - but they still tell incredible stories once they find their way to our floor.

If you need parts and components, this bird has a lot to offer. Such as...

If aviation had a “grand touring” badge, the Comanche would wear it proudly. Piper’s all-metal, low-wing PA-24 debuted in the late ‘50s with sleek laminar-flow wings, retractable tricycle gear, and a cabin built for real cross-country comfort. The 250-hp Lycoming O-540 gave this variant the perfect blend of speed and stamina, turning long legs into quick hops and making it a favorite of owner-pilots who wanted style without sacrificing utility.

The PA-24-250 refined the Comanche recipe with higher cruise, generous fuel options, and that signature stabilator feel that makes it rock-steady in the pattern and silky in cruise. It’s the kind of airplane that shrugs off headwinds, eats up miles, and arrives looking sharp on any ramp. From record runs to everyday missions, the Comanche earned its reputation as Piper’s confident, road-trip-ready single.

The Comanche in our hangar wrapped up its flying days with a forced landing in a field short of the runway after an engine power loss - a tough break that ended in solid airmanship. Now it’s our turn. As we begin disassembly, we’ll carefully catalog everything from the O-540 accessories to the gear and control surfaces so these parts can keep other Comanches - and their pilots - moving. A classic like this never really retires; it just helps the next one keep the legend going.

If you need parts and components, this bird has a lot to offer. Such as...