Top 10 Most Popular General Aviation Aircraft
Posted by BAS | Aircraft Salvage Experts on Feb 1st 2023
Flying has revolutionized the transportation industry worldwide. Aviation is currently categorized as the fastest means of transport for jetliners covering thousands of miles in just a few hours. When the term ‘aviation’ or ‘flying’ pops up in a conversation, many people think about the giant metallic birds serving commercial passengers worldwide. Others think of military and civilian airshows consisting of loud, fast, and roaring aircraft displayed on television every once in a while.
However, everyone seems not to think about the little birds, the airplanes currently used for general aviation and pilot training. These airplanes are responsible for the success of commercial aviation today. The little birds roam the skies every day with a massive contribution to the entire industry. General aviation airplanes are the most produced aircraft in the world.
This article highlights the most used general aviation aircraft in production numbers.
1. Cessna 172 Skyhawk
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is, by far, the most produced aircraft type in aviation history. The American-manufactured aircraft was first flown in 1955 before receiving its type certificate later in the same year. The aircraft type quickly rose to success in 1956, with the manufacturer developing more than 40,000 units. The C172 Skyhawk comprises a contemporary tricycle landing gear, high-fixed wings, and a single engine to propel its motion through the air.
Although the aircraft type appears to have old roots, Cesna is still developing it with constant modifications and cutting-edge technology. For instance, the introduction of the G1000 display system has enhanced the accuracy of aircraft display systems, including those in the C172. In addition, several variants have been produced over the years, including the Cessna T-41 Mescalero used in military operations and the Turbo Skyhawk JT-A used for long-range general aviation flights.
2. Piper PA-28 Cherokee
Piper PA-28 is a series of aircraft variants built by Piper Aircraft. The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is the most popular among the series variants. The aircraft consists of two or four seats, a tricycle landing gear, and a single door. To enter the plane travelers enter the aircraft by stepping on the wing. Like the Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee has one engine. The FAA certified the first series of the Piper PA-28 in 1960. The aircraft is still in production and is in great competition with the Cessna 172.
Due to the evolving technology, several variants of the Cherokee have stormed the market, each more improved than its predecessor. These variants include the Cherokee 180, which has an enhanced Lycoming engine to support the additional weight. Like most general aviation aircraft, the Piper PA-28 Cherokee is unpressurized with a control yoke and has proved to be a reliable plane with standard requirements for family and training flights.
3. Cessna 150/152
Among the most preferred general aviation aircraft are the renowned Cessna 150 and Cessna 152. The two types are commonly used in flight training activities due to their two-seat characteristics. The C150 and C152 are generally smaller compared to the C172. The C152 is an improved version of the C150 and was introduced to the aviation market in 1977. The C152 differs from the C150 in terms of the period between engine overhaul (TBO), flap position range, and additional gross weight. The C150 first took to the skies in 1950 and is still in operation. In conjunction, the two types have seen more than 30,000 manufactured units.
4. Cessna 182 Skylane
The Cessna 182 Skylane is a larger version of the C172 with a slightly more powerful engine. Unlike the C172, the Cessna 182 Skylane can accommodate two child seats in the baggage section aft of the cabin. The type was introduced to the aviation market in 1957. Since then, Cessna has designed and developed more C182 variants with a wider cabin, omnivision window panels, higher gross weight, and retractable landing gear found in Skylane RG. Since its inception in aviation, C182 has witnessed more than 20,000 units manufactured.
5. Piper J-3 Cub
Piper Aircraft, an American aircraft manufacturer, is also behind the development and design of the Piper J-3 Cub, a high fixed-wing, single-engine, tailwheel aircraft generally used for general activities on rough terrain. The main landing gear is located just below the cockpit and has oversized tires to act as shock absorbers, especially during landing. In addition, the aircraft is lightweight, significantly improving its performance as required when operating in short-field aerodromes. In this regard, the Piper J-3 Cub requires a shorter Take Off Run (TOR) and a shorter Accelerate-Stop Distance (ASD).
The aircraft is also suitably adapted and designed for military activities such as pilot training and resource supply in remote military bases. The cub was first manufactured in 1930 by Taylor Aircraft in Bradford. Unfortunately, the manufacturing company went under receivership in 1930, liquidating its assets and the entire company to Piper Aircraft.
6. Beechcraft Bonanza
The Beechcraft Bonanza emerged after the end of World War II. The aircraft rose to fame with new technology involving retractable hydraulic-driven landing gear, roll-down windows, and a six-cylinder radial engine. Like the Piper PA-28 Cherokee, the type is a low-wing aircraft. The aircraft first traveled through the skies in 1945 and received its fit to fly certification in 1947.
The Beechcraft Bonanza is famous for its V-shaped tail, a unique daily design distinguishing it from vertically stabilized competitors. After its launch, the aircraft quickly rose to fame among wealthy amateur pilots.
7. Mooney M20
The Mooney M20 is a piston-engine aircraft with four seats and a modest baggage compartment. The plane's low-wing orientation resembles the Beechcraft Bonanza and Piper PA-28 Cherokee. The tiny bird’s airframe is all metal with Aluminum surfaces. The aircraft’s tail is well designed with a vertical leading edge that pivots at the aft of the fuselage, providing a pitch trim momentum.
8. Piper Pacer
Piper pacer is an American-manufactured airplane designed immediately after the second world war. The Piper pacer is a relatively small, high-wing aircraft equipped with a tricycle landing gear configuration. The aircraft is certified to fly under Instrument and Visual flight rules when it meets the particular standards laid out by aviation regulators. Piper Pacer is powered by a Lycoming 0-290-D2 engine producing 135 horsepower with its four-piston cylinders. Like most general aviation aircraft, fuel tanks on the Piper Pacer are located on the wings. Each fuel tank carries an average of 18 gallons.
9. Cirrus SR22
The Cirrus SR22 is one of the most common single-engine piston aircraft. The aircraft has a monoplane cantilever wing orientation similar to that observed on major jetliners in production today. The plane is an upgrade of the Cirrus SR20 with a more powerful engine and better performance characteristics. After passing initial aircraft tests, the SR22 was authorized for public use in 2000. Its production began the following year.
10. Diamond DA40 NG
The Diamond DA40 NG is an Austrian aircraft with a single-piston engine and four seats. The majority of the aircraft’s skin is made of composite materials. The aircraft first reached the skies in 1997. It has a monoplane cantilever wing design and a tricycle landing gear configuration. Diamond DA40 NG is well known for its unique design that entails a streamlined fuselage narrowing towards the aft of the aircraft’s tail.
Over time, the aircraft model has improved significantly, primarily due to technological advancements. For instance, the more current Diamond DA40 NGs flying today are equipped with G1000 displays. The aircraft remains widely popular and has an excellent track record. It is mainly used for family travels and flight school training.
In Conclusion
General aviation aircraft have formed the basics of what aviation is today. These aircraft are reliable training grounds for the most successful pilots in the entire industry. Families and individuals also use them to travel from one airport to another for leisure. The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most produced general aviation aircraft, with more than 44,000 units since its certification.
Would you want to own a general aviation aircraft? If so, here is a breakdown of the cost of owning a small plane.