July 24, 2006 Columbia Still Fastest?

Email this article |Print this article

By Russ Niles, Newswriter, Editor

Columbia Aircraft says its 400 model remains "the undisputed speed champion" (Mooney might disagree) and a big reason for that is the Continental twin turbo TSIO 550C that pulls the composite airplane along at about 235 knots (true). To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Teledyne Continental Motors, Columbia has created the Columbia 400LCE (Limited Commemorative Edition). As you might expect, the aircraft is a fully decked out 400 with every bell and whistle offered by Columbia. It also has a platinum paint job. Only 10 will be made and joining that exclusive club has a price. The 400LCE will cost $676,700 and a non-refundable deposit of $35,000 is required to make you one of the 10.