Rare opportunity to acquire a really good Robin DR400 Regent taking advantage of a temporary dip in Robin prices!

Robin prices have been adversely affected recently by alleged financial problems at the factory and a scare about wing spars with an AD issued affecting several (mainly very recent) Robins.

The reality is that spare parts have remained readily available and the AD rescinded. Nevertheless, negative rumours, however inaccurate they may be, take longer to dissipate than positive ones, leaving prices depressed - particularly here in the UK (they have bounced back more quickly in Europe).

Yes, there are several DR400s for sale in Europe but very few first-rate examples come up for sale in the UK, where indifferent maintenance and poor understanding of the breed are embarrassingly common! Meanwhile the build quality and superior finish of DR400s can make even an indifferent one look presentable not obviously that different from the really good one.

The DR400/180 Regent is a truly brilliant all-rounder. At one end of the spectrum, it boasts excellent short field performance and rugged undercarriage ideal for farm strips. At the other it makes a brilliant fast, practical, comfortable, fuss-free long-legged tourer, taking hot and/or high operations in its stride.

A major watershed for the DR400 was 1988. Toe brakes were introduced, together with a much-improved instrument panel, inertia-reel shoulder harnesses plus three rows of windows for all models except the two-seater Cadet. Understandably, these models have proved far more attractive and desirable than their predecessors - so command significantly higher prices.

The Robin Flying Group is one of this country s most experienced Robin operators flying far and wide in a number of DR400s based at Exeter Airport. Early last year we predicted a temporary need for an additional Regent to cope with some demanding expeditions, particularly one to Africa this Spring. After a long and frustrating international search we selected G-FTIL as a good sound basis to bring up to our exacting standards.

She has lived up to our expectations perfectly, performing impeccably and delighting all who have flown in her. As originally planned, she is now for sale since we have insufficient long-term demand for an extra Regent.

We are disappointed by the current state of the market, but that offers a great opportunity to a buyer!

FTIL spec includes: Tinted windows, full panel, ILS/VOR/DME/ADF/8.33/Mode S/ADSB out/Flightmeter/USB/intercom.

ARC & Annual due April 2025, hours at last Annual: Airframe 5045 since new, Engine 1037 SMOH (2011), Prop 937 since new. Excellent condition inside and out.

Significant recent maintenance and future-proofing includes:
Full flight control re-rig, new aileron gap seals, new type carbon fibre spinner and backplate, new type stainless air intake box, new tyres, brake pads, wheel bearings, main undercarriage oleo legs, all undercarriage seals and bushes, vacuum pump, mixture cable, battery, wing tank fuel senders, fuel hoses, fuel pump switch, flap lever, canopy slides, alternator belt!

78000