[mike-the-bike]

Like a lot of people out here, I'm interested in learning to fly and I see possible advantages in purchasing before my training. I'm eventually looking to do a 300 mile (round trip) commute 2 or 3 times a month.

I really like the Beech Skipper for its cost, fuel consumption & looks. Too bad it's so slow. The high-wing planes (Cessna 152) just look too agricultural to me...

1) Is anyone out here familiar with any mods to improve the cruising speed of the Skipper? The Beech owners group site may mention them, but I'd rather not pay $50 to find out it doesn't.

2) Can anyone tell me about specific drawbacks of owning/flying a Skipper? The previous Tomahawk thread was very informative on long term issues with that plane.

3) Are there any comparable low-wing airplanes besides the Tomahawk? Not too old or expensive, but a little faster?


Thanks!
Michael