CONTENTS AOPA PILOT April 2018 | Volume 61 | Number 4 | www.aopa.org/pilot ON THIS PAGE: A Vashon Aircraft Ranger covered in a Northwest-themed vinyl wrap maneuvers over the San Juan Islands off the Washington coast. Photography by Lyle Jansma. FEATURES 50 Formula 24 An exceptional airplane plus beautiful weather add up to a great day of flying. By Ian J. Twombly 58 Stars Fell on Alabama Drones illuminate the sky for local law enforcement. By Julie Summers Walker 72 Forty at a Time For one pilot, trading up to a bigger, faster airplane means one thing: carry more puppies, farther. By Jill W. Tallman 64 Ready Ranger The Vashon Ranger is roomy, rugged, and ready. By Dave Hirschman www.aopa.org/pilot AOPA PILOT | 1http://www.aopa.org/pilot http://www.aopa.org/pilot