The club's Gulfstream American Cougar (GA-7), also commonly known as "the Grumman", appeared to depart rather suddenly last week.  Due to lack of member utilization, the airplane was sold...  however, the sale fell through and the airplane remains on the flight line, at least for now.

Members, this is a great trainer at a great price and it needs to be flown or it will depart the club!  The current hourly tach (not Hobbs) rate is $115/hr. dry.  UPDATE: according to Lenny there will be special short-term pricing ($90/hr.) and even better rates for 10+ hour blocks ($85/hr.)  for Considering the Cougar burns 20GPH or so in training, this works out to an unbeatable hourly rate.  Call around to any Central Florida flight school or rental operation and you will find that most twins range from $230 up to $350 per hour...  on the Hobbs!

The Cougar is the best kept secret on the field -- maybe in all of Central Florida.  It's a great, economical trainer which is fun to fly and perfect for cross-country flights.

If you're considering a multi-engine rating, there's no better time than now.  We have the instructors to train you, a quality aircraft to learn in, and a deal you just can't beat.  The signficance of billing tach time on a twin can't be overstated...  while you're holding short waiting for clearance to takeoff at our busy Executive airport, you're paying about 1/10 per minute what the **lta ***nection Seminole is costing its poor left seat occupant.

Even if you are multi-rated, perhaps it's time to brush-up those skills.  Need a BFR?  We can do that in the Cougar, too.  When's the last time you flew a single-engine ILS, or feathered the prop and shut down an engine out in the practice area?  Does the memory seem a bit hazy?  Knock the rust off and fly with confidence!

Remember folks, this plane needs to fly or it is gone for good.  If you believe the twin is worth keeping in the fleet, vote with your wallet!  Let's show Lenny and Jim that the Cougar needs to stay on our ramp!  Call one of our club instructors (http://capflying.com/cfi.aspx) and schedule your flight today.

Ryan Ferguson is a CFI/I and MEI for the CAP Flying Club.  He can be reached via email at ryan@hawkerpro.com or (407) 920-7660.