Aviamilano F.8L Falco D-EKEZ

A design by Italian Stelio Frati, this aircraft resembles the Siai Marchetti SF.260 which was also drawn by the same man. It is smaller and lower powered, but it still compares to an aerial Ferrari !

Aviamilano F.8L Falco OO-MEN

Watch the fine styling of this machine, with its fuselage flowing smoothly over into the tail section. Every curve has its meaning. Pure poetry !

Aviamilano F.14 Nibbio HB-EVZ

Recognize the lines ? Indeed, this is basically a four-seat version of the Falco. There may be some resemblences with, say, the Piper Comanche, but the Nibbio's lines are more refined.

Beechcraft Musketeer Sport G-AWJK

A trainer in the same class as the Piper Cherokee and the Cessna 150/152, it was not so popular as its 2 counterparts due to higher pricing levels.

Beechcraft K.35 Bonanza D-EIWF

One of the first postwar touring aircraft, the Bonanza earned a bad reputation early in its carreer due to structural weaknesses. Once remedied, it proved to be one of the most reliable high performance single engined aircraft, being in widespread use today.

Beechcraft F.33C Bonanza PH-BNE

Not everyone liked the awkward V-tail of the model 35, and Beech devised the normal tail model 33 as a companion to the older model. The example shown here was in use at the Dutch Rijksluchtvaartschool training future airline pilots.

Beechcraft A.36 Bonanza OO-AYZ

This six-seater evolved from the shorter model 33. It is a highly comfortable long-distance traveller.

Beechcraft A.36 Bonanza

Beechcraft B.24R-200 Sierra D-EIPB

As an evolution of the Musketeer series, the model 24 became the touring version of the smaller trainer. The 200 hp retractable gear Sierra is the top of the line.

Bellanca 8GCBC Scout OO-VVX

As a modernised version of the Aeronca Champion, the Bellanca Citabria and Decathlon became capable aerobatic aircraft. The workhorse version, mainly used as a glider tug, became the Scout.

Fuji FA.200-160 G-BCFF

Less known than other contemporary designs, this aircraft is both a comfortable touring machine, efficient trainer and aerobatic aircraft.

Grumman GA-5B Tiger OO-GAZ

As a development of the 2-seat American Aircraft AA-1, the 4-seat AA-5 is a much appreciated touring aircraft. Building costs have plagued its builders ever since the inception of the project, which changed hands several times. The aircraft illustrated was built by Grumman American, one of the intermediate companies in the history of this fine aircraft.

Gyroflug SC-01 Speed Canard OO-LOQ

Why do all aircraft look the same ? Because the engine and propellor is up front, followed by the wings and the tail. The German Gyroflug company reversed most of these components in this canard shaped futuristic looking aircraft. It still is a show stopper wherever it appears.

Omnipol L-40 Meta-Sokol D-ECPY

This aircraft is very recognizable indeed : a large vertical tail, long wings usually fitted with small tip tanks... and a very special undercarriage. The tailwheel is almost a nosewheel mounted 2m too far aft... This feature was thought to offer the advantages of a normal tailwheel with the added benefits of a nosewheel arrangement. In reality, the only benefit is the puzzled looks of people who do not know the aircraft !

Rhein-Westflug Fischer RW3-P75 Multoplan

Looks like a jet, right ? Well, it is not. The propellor has been integrated in the vertical tail surfaces, giving an extremely clean glider-like fuselage. With longer-span wings, the Multoplan was indeed intended to be a powered glider, but most of the surviving aircraft are of the short-wing sports trainer version.

Ryan Navion D-EING

On take-off, with the nosewheel already cycled up, this odd view gives an otherwise fine impression of the flowing curves of this oldtimer.

Saab S.91A Safir OO-MUG

This aircraft is pictured under what surely must rank as the smallest ever aircraft hangar. Well, stop laughing. It was a most convenient way to park the aircraft outside although the roof was not watertight ! Luckily, the aircraf has been restored to better condition since this photograph was taken.

Saab S.91 Safir PH-RLA

Still sporting its old 'Rijksluchtvaartschool' (the Dutch national flying school) colors, this Safir is now in private hands.

Scintex ML.250 Rubis F-BJME

This sleek aircraft is a rather rare French product. Its high performance is partly due to its retractable gear.

Socata (Morane-Saulnier) MS.880B Rallye Club OO-WOU

One of the true French classics, the Rallye family consists of basic training variants as well as high powered four-seat tourers. Thanks to its high-lift wing devices it has short take off and landing characteristics. For pilot training, it is notable for its good yet firm handling characteristics.

Varga Kachina 2150A OO-RTN

The Varga Kachina was basically a fifties design revived in the seventies. Its tandem seating was intended to make it into a good training aircraft, but the idea did not catch on. Some aircraft were used for banner or glider towing though, and the aircraft proved its capabilities in these roles.