Aviation Consumer - March 2003

March 2003

Liberty XL-2
This composite design is angling for what the company hopes is a two-place touring market. But we’re not sure if that exists.

Which Spark Plug?
Fine wires cost three times more than massives. But they’re more efficient and appear to last longer.

SMA’s Diesel
Our tour of the factory in France suggests these guys are serious. The key to success may be marketing “power by the hour.”

Buy a Navcomm?
We’re kidding, right? Not at all. In some airplanes, a new conventional navcomm may be a better choice than a color GPS.

Mooney Missile
Stuffing 300 HP into the J-model Mooney definitely makes it go. You’ll need bigger fuel tanks to feed it, however.

Cessna 210 Centurion
It’ll haul heroic payloads at respectable cruise speeds. But don’t scrimp on preventive maintenance.