Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 1979 Beechcraft 77 Skipper.
By the 1970s, when Beechcraft began developing its new trainer, a generation of pilots had trained for their private certificates in Cessna 150s. While the diminutive, utilitarian Cessna has become a classic, those who flew it are well aware of its shortcomings, such as its cramped cabin and poor outward visibility at certain angles. Beechcraft took advantage of that pool of knowledge by surveying pilots who flew 150s and asking them what they would change to make the aircraft better.
The Skipper reflects the results of Beechcraft’s market research. Its low wing eliminates the overhead blind spots that many pilots complained about with the 150, and its bubble-shaped cockpit with large windows aided overall visibility. Beechcraft also made an effort to give the airplane a solid, high-quality feel with chunky control yokes and other features that eliminate the sense of flimsiness common in some other trainers.
Unfortunately, the Skipper arrived on the market only a couple of years before the long general aviation downturn began. Beechcraft turned out just over 300 Skippers before halting production in 1981, making this a rare but appealing bird.
This Beechcraft Skipper has 2,370 hours on the airframe and 250 hours on the engine. The basic panel includes a skyBeacon ADS-B.
Pilots interested in an economical two-seat aircraft with a roomy cabin for training, commuting, traveling, or building time should consider this 1979 Beechcraft 77 Skipper, which is available for $69,500 on AircraftForSale.
Use our Aircraft Finance Calculator to determine what your monthly payment would be on this beautiful aircraft. Or, call and speak to one of our aviation finance specialists to find out your rate today!
You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email [email protected].
- FLYING Magazine: The Increasingly Rare Pleasure of the Beechcraft Skipper
- FLYING Magazine: Aftermarket Stars Part 2: Great Used Planes for Less
- Plane & Pilot: Piper Tomahawk
