Rick Durden

Senior Editor and Attorney at Aviation Consumer

Author: The Thinking Pilot's Flight Manual (Vol. 1-3). Aviation attorney, editor, volunteer + CFI.

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aviationconsumer.com

Articles

CubCrafters’ NXCub: Backcountry Access

1 week ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

That’s the CubCrafters’ NXCub flying high and fast because it has the the lowest weight to horsepower ratio—10.7 pounds to 1—of any production two-place STOL backcountry airplane. Moreover, check out the tricycle landing gear. In a world where insurance companies are walking away from too many pilots who want to fly taildraggers in the backcountry, we think the NXCub solves the dilemma with ease.
Unleaded Avgas: Still More Confusion

1 week ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

EAGLE’S most recent public information letter discusses the FAA Fleet Authorization process. However, what it doesn’t say is concerning. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe to Aviation Consumer Start a subscription to Aviation Consumer for just $74 and access all of our online content - over 2,000 articles - free of charge. Subscribe today and save 19%. It's like getting 3 months FREE!Already Subscribed?
Standby Alternators: Limited Selection

3 weeks ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

If your alternator gives out, having a backup reduces the stress level. However, right now they’re only available for retrofit on big-bore singles. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe to Aviation Consumer Start a subscription to Aviation Consumer for just $74 and access all of our online content - over 2,000 articles - free of charge. Subscribe today and save 19%. It's like getting 3 months FREE!Already Subscribed?
Aircraft Liens: Protecting Yourself

1 month ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

A lien on an airplane means a third party has an ownership interest in it. Never buy an airplane without proof there are no outstanding liens. To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in Subscribe to Aviation Consumer Start a subscription to Aviation Consumer for just $74 and access all of our online content - over 2,000 articles - free of charge. Subscribe today and save 19%. It's like getting 3 months FREE!Already Subscribed?
Aircraft Liens: Protecting Yourself

1 month ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

Senior Editor Rick Durden has written for Aviation Consumer since 1994 and specializes in aviation law. Rick is an active CFII and holds an ATP with type ratings in the Douglas DC-3 and Cessna Citation. He is the author of The Thinking Pilot’s Flight Manual or, How to Survive Flying Little Airplanes and Have a Ball Doing It, Vols. 1 & 2.
STOL Kits: Bang for the Buck

2 months ago | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

There’s a good chance that there is some sort of STOL kit for your airplane. It will reduce stall and approach speeds, but is it worth the money? To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign inSubscribe to Aviation ConsumerStart a subscription to Aviation Consumer for just $74 and access all of our online content - over 2,000 articles - free of charge. Subscribe today and save 19%. It's like getting 3 months FREE!Already Subscribed?
G100UL in Service: Users, Issues, Insurance

Feb 13, 2025 | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

Screenshot of Beech Bonanza skin panel soak test in G100UL fuel, left; 100LL fuel, center; and 100LL fuel with 14 percent extra aromatic tolulene added for a total of 25 percent tolulene, right. Time lapse photography at top. At the time we prepared this article, the panels had been soaking some two weeks with no paint degradation. The test is expected to go on at least another week. Information about the test is on the GAMI website.
Upgrading Yourself: Make a Training Plan

Feb 1, 2025 | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

Stepping up to high-performance, complex pressurized singles and twins means learning and mastering new and often complicated systems, including dealing with system failures. Here instructor Nicole Blackmore (right) goes over the nosegear strut and retraction system of a Cessna 340 with CFI student Cali Iacolucci. Going for another rating or an endorsement or buying a plane and need a checkout? Do some homework first and save money and time during training.
G100UL on the Market: What Can You Expect?

Jan 11, 2025 | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

Graphic depiction of wear metals in the AOPA-sponsored Baron running 100LL in one engine and GAMI’s G100UL in the other after approximately 180 hours in service. As of this writing, G100UL high-octane unleaded avgas is on sale at two airports in California with more expected. What does the future hold for users? To continue reading this article or issue you must be a paid subscriber. Sign in
CFI Recertification: AOPA’s EFIRC

Dec 25, 2024 | aviationconsumer.com | Rick Durden

In one of the best videos in the AOPA EFIRC Loss of Control module, aerobatic instructor Catherine Cavagnaro enters a spin to the left following a simulated failed go-around in an aerobatic Bonanza. Yarn tufts on the wings show airflow as the wing stalls and the airplane enters a spin. CFIs have several options when it comes time to recertify, with electronic flight instructor refresher courses being the most popular. We review AOPA’s.