FEATURES 101 64 71 82 89 93 97 101 Dream Big: 10 Under $20K Is it possible to find an airplane for less than $20,000? By Alton K. Marsh Tougher Than a Tornado Sweepstakes: Happy Traveler A pair of Huskys and a bumpy ride to Sun ’n Fun. By Dave Hirschman 50 Avionics: News from Sun ’n Fun Bendix/King, Avidyne, and more release new stuff. By Thomas B. Haines and Ian J. Twombly Epic Flight: Magic in the Air Cover story Flying among New Zealand’s Southern Alps. By Dave Hirschman Wx Watch: Advance Warnings Convective outlooks give you a heads-up on severe weather. By Thomas A. Horne 55 57 Flyinn New Zealand An authentic place to stay. Both Familiar and Exotic The regs look similar but the terrain sure doesn’t. Products: Do You FlyQ? AOPA launches a new iPhone app. By Ian J. Twombly 58 60 Epic Flight: Canyon-Wall Challenge A wall of rock and then a plunge into Middle-earth. By Dave Hirschman Epic Flight: Over Omarama A paradise for flying gliders. By Dave Hirschman 64 71 76 Postcards: Aviation’s Northwest Fest The Boeing tour gives a whole new definition to “big.” By Thomas B. Haines 68 Boeing Learns from GA Composite Success A better ride through technology. State of the Association: Come Fly With Us AOPA sets the stage and leads the effort to ensure aviation’s future. By Julie Summers Walker The New Rainmaker Converted DC–10s prove their worth as firefighting aircraft. By Mike Collins AOPA PILOT • 3 • JUNE 2012 AOPA PILOT • 3 • MAY 2009