Sporty’s Adds “New” Airplane to Training Fleet
Sporty’s Adds “New” Airplane to Training Fleet
N121UC’s updated panel
Everything old is new again
A remanufactured 1998 Cessna 172R was just added to the Sporty’s Academy training fleet after receiving a thorough makeover. N121UC received a complete propeller-to-tail refurbishment with the goal of inspecting, replacing or repairing each component of the airplane.
No item was deemed too insignificant. Along with a new propeller and engine, the control cables, bushings, pulleys, guides, hinges, wing bolts and wheels were all scrutinized and replaced. The aircraft received a new interior including overhauling the seat structures. All the old paint was stripped; aircraft skins were repaired as required and the airplane was painted in University of Cincinnati colors. The exterior and interior lights were replaced with modern LEDs.
The panel received special attention. Cessna NavComs and GPS, once state-of-the-art avionics, were removed along with the vacuum-driven attitude indicator and direction indicator. Cincinnati Avionics installed new electrically driven (with battery backup) Garmin G5 Attitude Indicator and Horizontal Situation Indicator eliminating the need for the dual vacuum pump system originally on the aircraft. For communication and navigation, a Garmin GTN 650 and Garmin 255 along with the ADS-B out compliant Garmin GTX 335 were added to the panel. A Stratus Power with dual 2.4 amp USB outlets was added for portable electronics.
“The end result is an affordable training aircraft,” says Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke “Everything the customer sees or feels is new. By replacing the old carpet and upholstered sidewalls with new, lighter-weight materials and removing the vacuum system, the aircraft’s empty weight was reduced by 78 pounds, increasing the efficiency of the airframe.”
For more information please visit SportysAcademy.com.
Medium resolution pictures for online:
High resolution pictures for print:
Download hi-res EPS of N121UC’s updated panel
