Normal cruise power is 22 inches of manifold pressure and 2300RPM, or about 65% maximum rated power. We burn about 10 gallons of 100 octane aviation gasoline per hour and cruise at about 130MPH at this setting.
What a small world. Just after parking in Ocean City, NJ, I noticed the cream-colored Cessna 150 I flew for 500 hours or so back in the early 90's. Ah, memories.
Enroute to Penn Yann airport in northern New York state, we pass by what is known as the finger-lakes region.
Airplane engines have two redundant ignition systems and two spark plugs per cylinder so if one fails, the other takes over seemlessly. We use "massive electrode" plugs like these, good for about 300-400 hours of operation. They cost about $25 each.
We routinely pass Pocono raceway when flying up to Wilkes-Barre, PA. If you look closely, you can see the infield track which is made available to the public for high performance driving events.
All aircraft require an annual inspection, but in addition to that we voluntarily conduct smaller inspections at 25 and 50 hour intervals for added safety.
This is a VHF Omnidirectional Range or VOR, a ground-based navigation system invented in the 50's. These are still in widespread use throughout the US and the world, but GPS is quickly overtaking them in terms of utility.
The Grand Strand airport in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a preferred fuel stop on trips up and down the coast. Taken after departure climbing up to 7000 feet southbound enroute to Hilton Head Island.
The Piper Seminole is powered by two 180HP piston engines similar to the one that powers the Skyhawk. The Seminole is the industry's most popular multi-engine trainer, but it makes a fine personal aircraft as well.