A Six For '06!

We'd like to be optimists about this, but let's face it: odds are, you're not going to win the stunning 2005 AOPA Commander 112A the organization is set to give away later this year. (We ARE keeping fingers crossed, however... if only because we want to see if the real thing can duplicate the FS2004 version's impressively un-Commander-like takeoff capabilities.)

You can, however, set your sights (and dreams) on the organization's latest sweepstakes plane: appropriately enough, throughout 2006 AOPA will be restoring a 1967 Piper Cherokee Six 260, to give to one of its members early in 2007.

"The year-long restoration of each sweepstakes aircraft is an important resource for aircraft owners," said AOPA President Phil Boyer. "They get ideas for improving their own aircraft and learn along with us as each project progresses."

The former N187KJ (below) was recently purchased from an owner in McKinney, TX, and over the next twelve months will be transformed into the better-than-new N164U. (Get it?)

"One of the reasons we chose the Cherokee Six is because of its excellent utility," said AOPA Editor-at-Large Tom Horne. "And, being a fixed-gear aircraft, pilots of all experience levels can enjoy it."

The six-seat Cherokee Six has 260 horsepower, a carbureted engine, and a two-blade propeller.

After AOPA purchased the aircraft, Horne flew the plane to Mena, Ark., home of Ultimate Engines, where it is undergoing an engine overhaul that includes a set of cylinders donated by ECI of San Antonio, Texas.

Later in the year, the aircraft will receive a new paint scheme, designed by Scheme Designers and applied by Dial Eastern States Aircraft Painting, Inc., have speed modifications installed at LoPresti Speed Merchants, and then get an interior makeover and the latest in avionics.

"It's exciting to be able to modernize an old classic," said Horne. "This Cherokee Six will have a Sandel electronic horizontal situation indicator, a Garmin GNS 530 GPS, and an Avidyne EX500 multifunction display with satellite weather and traffic systems displayed on it, among many other panel upgrades."

The first public appearance of the Cherokee Six -- with fresh paint -- will be at the AOPA tent at Sun 'n Fun, April 4-10, in Lakeland, FL. As it flies around the country for restoration throughout the year, the Cherokee will also be on display at other aviation events, including AOPA's Fly-In and Open House in Frederick, MD, EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, WI, and AOPA Expo in Palm Springs, CA.

And hey... if you renew your AOPA membership in 2006, you have a 1 in more than 407,000 chance to win the plane. That's better than a lottery ticket...

FMI: www.aopa.org/sweeps/