Our Fleet

The Vashon Ranger R7

Every lesson at Aether Airworks happens in the Ranger R7 — a modern, American-built trainer with a full glass cockpit, honest handling, and a cabin wider than most four-seat airplanes.

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Purpose-Built Trainer

Modern where it matters

The Ranger R7 is built by Vashon Aircraft in Woodinville, Washington — an all-metal airframe of corrosion-resistant 6061-T6 aluminum, powered by the 100-horsepower Continental O-200-D swinging a two-blade Catto propeller. No fabric, no fragile composites, no forty-year-old panel.

It’s certified as a special light-sport aircraft (S-LSA), cruises at up to 117 knots, lifts off in about 300 feet, and forgives the way a good trainer should. It’s the airplane we’d want to learn in — so it’s the one we teach in.

Vashon Ranger R7 parked on grass with a mountain backdrop

Technology

A glass cockpit from day one

Students learn on the Dynon SkyView HDX — the same class of integrated glass avionics they’ll fly behind for the rest of their training.

Dual Dynon SkyView HDX touchscreen displays in the Vashon Ranger R7 panel

Dynon SkyView HDX touchscreens

Primary flight display with synthetic vision, moving map, and full engine monitoring with lean assist.

Two-axis autopilot

Approach-capable, with flight director and altitude pre-select — students learn real automation management early.

ADS-B In & Out

2020-compliant ADS-B Out with a Mode S transponder, plus ADS-B In traffic and weather right on the display.

Angle-of-attack indication

AOA with progressive audio alerts builds real stall awareness on every approach.

Controls where they belong

Electric flaps and trim ride on the control stick, plus a COM radio with dual stereo intercom.

Dynon autopilot and radio controls in the Vashon Ranger R7

Control stick with electric trim controls in the Vashon Ranger R7

Avionics, autopilot and master switches in the Vashon Ranger R7

Cabin & Comfort

Roomier than it has any right to be

At 46.7 inches across, the Ranger’s cabin is wider than most four-seat certified airplanes — with the visibility and comfort that make long training days easy.

Side-by-side seating

Instructor and student sit together with room to spare — no shoulder-to-shoulder squeeze, no shouting over the engine.

Five-point harnesses

Dual five-point restraints are standard equipment at both seats.

Adjustable rudder pedals

The pedals adjust to fit the pilot, so every student flies from a proper seating position.

Fold-flat seats and cargo deck

The seats fold forward 90 degrees, opening a flat cargo area behind the cockpit.

LED lighting throughout

LED position and landing lights come standard, with simple cabin heat and fresh-air ventilation.