This 1979 Bellanca 17-30A Viking Is a Harmoniously Handling ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1979 Bellanca 17-30A Viking [Courtesy: Bill Rice]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1979 Bellanca 17-30A Viking.

About a decade ago I was on a cross-country flight, seemingly with no traffic around, when a friend scooted past in his Bellanca Viking. He was not too close, but close enough that I could see the bracing struts on the airplane’s tail.

How could an airplane with such a draggy, old-fashioned feature be so fast? Turns out those struts are among the Viking’s many points of interest and mystery.

Like many high-performance four-seaters that first appeared during the 1960s, the Viking has a big, powerful engine and lots of loyal, loving owners who will tell you why it is the best airplane you can own. Unlike the others, it has a wooden wing and steel-tube fuselage with fabric covering.

There are numerous other traits that set the Viking apart, but the one owners talk about most is its smooth, harmonious handling. While other pilots describe the “heavy” control forces of their big piston singles, Viking drivers use words such as “light” and “responsive.”

This 1979 Viking has 3,295 hours on the airframe, 1,481 hours on its 300 hp Continental IO-520-K engine, and 246 hours since overhaul on its McCauley three-blade prop.

The aircraft’s IFR panel includes a Collins AMR 350 audio panel with markers, Garmin 430 GPS/nav/comm (non-WAAS), Century NSD 360 HSI, King KRA 10 radar altimeter, Century III autopilot, Century I backup autopilot, Appareo ESG transponder with ADS-B Out, Stratus ADS-B In, Insight 602 engine monitor, Shadin Miniflo digital fuel flow indicator and totalizer, Collins VHF transceiver, Collins VOR/LOC receiver and VOR/LOC/GS indicator and Stormscope, and PS Engineering PM 1000 four-place intercom.

Pilots looking for a high-performance four-place retractable aircraft with unique features, a notable family tree, and looks that will help you make friends on the ramp should consider this 1979 Bellanca Viking, which is available for $97,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you're interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.