Piper Aircraft

The loyalty of Piper pilots, owners and enthusiasts is legendary. The planes in this company's lines have not only inspired dreams; they have also allowed them to become reality. With Piper fan clubs, forums and other outlets readily available for fans to share their passion, there is no denying there is something about a Piper that makes many people a little nostalgic and giddy. The Piper Sonoma run of 2007 is one such example of this company's deep and lasting impact on aviation.

The Piper Sonoma run is an undertaking of a group of several loyal Piper fans. A pilot by the name of Paul Whitaker has endeavored to fly a classic plane across the country. The Piper Sonoma adventure involves a 2,200-mle flight in a plane with top speeds of only 75 miles an hour. With only a 150-mile range per flight and grounding during poor weather, the trip has become quite the buzz of the aviation world.

Whitaker's Piper Sonoma run involves the used of one of the Piper Aircraft Company's most legendary early fliers. He is using a fully restored, vintage World War II J-3 Cub model to make the trek to Sonoma County. Decked out in bright yellow, the Adventure Cub was construction in 1946. As of late July 2007, the Piper Sonoma run was uncompleted, but well underway. This particular undertaking, however, is not the only testament to Piper's impact on personal avionics.

Fans of Piper model aircraft will find there are a variety of outlets to share their passion. Flying a classic plane long distances does not have to be part of the equation. A number of Piper clubs have sprung up all over the country, offering enthusiasts a chance to share their love for these lightweight, affordable crafts.

In addition to the clubs, Piper lovers also speak regularly in online forums. They use these sites to share information about different models, issues that may arise with them and even to talk about upcoming events involving vintage and modern-day Pipers.

Although the days of the J-3 Cub have long since passed, the Piper company has been reinvented and is still making an impact on the aircraft scene. From its most basic training model, the Warrior III, to its latest endeavor into jet technology, the Piper legend continues today.

While the Piper Sonoma run is paying homage to days gone by, fans of the Piper company continue to find cutting-edge, yet affordable options in the Piper line. From the 1930s forward, Piper has been a leader in America's race into the air.

Piper Aircraft |