CPA Certified to Pilot New Cessna

Fayetteville CPA John Ervin is one of a handful of Arkansas pilots certified to fly the new all-digital 2004 Cessna 182 Skylane, which just got clearance to fly from the FAA this summer.

The super technologically tricked-out plane (worth about $300,000 retail) has a Garmin G1000 integrated avionics system complete with two 10-inch displays that take the place of traditional dials and whirligigs found in most single-engine props.

Ervin, who has been flying solo for about four years, took a two-day course to learn the ins and outs of the winged wonder. The displays make it an “incredibly safe airplane to fly,” Ervin said. It helps with “situational awareness” such as knowing how close the plane is to a mountain or radio tower, which before now has mostly been pilot judgment.

Ervin buys time on the only Cessna 182 in the area, which is parked at the airport in Springdale and is owned and operated by Drake Aviation.