BeechTalk - BT - Extra EA-400?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Nov 2020, 09:49

I recently purchased EA 400 SN 5. Having built several RV-10's and RV-8's as well as a Giles 202, I am not afraid of the low production numbers and possible maintenance challenges. There is an active group of European and US owners. The plane performs very similar to the Malibu, with modest speed advantages. The cabin is much bigger, and cockpit access is significantly better.

The engine issues with the liquid cooled Continental seem to have been worked out, with ECI coated cylinders performing much better than the stock versions. MT has STC'd newer prop blades for the 4 blade unit (same a s Malibu), which has demonstrated a significant impact to take off and climb.

There is a PT6 turbo prop conversion being done on one of the US birds in Deland FL. I am following this development, as I would like to follow this path.

There is a good deal of information in the thread below, originated by the most active of the EA 400 owner/pilots.

https://www.euroga.org/forums/aircraft/ ... 400?page=1

Best,
Frank

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Nov 2020, 11:24

Username Protected wrote:

I recently purchased EA 400 SN 5. Having built several RV-10's and RV-8's as well as a Giles 202, I am not afraid of the low production numbers and possible maintenance challenges. There is an active group of European and US owners. The plane performs very similar to the Malibu, with modest speed advantages. The cabin is much bigger, and cockpit access is significantly better.

The engine issues with the liquid cooled Continental seem to have been worked out, with ECI coated cylinders performing much better than the stock versions. MT has STC'd newer prop blades for the 4 blade unit (same a s Malibu), which has demonstrated a significant impact to take off and climb.

There is a PT6 turbo prop conversion being done on one of the US birds in Deland FL. I am following this development, as I would like to follow this path.

There is a good deal of information in the thread below, originated by the most active of the EA 400 owner/pilots.

https://www.euroga.org/forums/aircraft/ ... 400?page=1

Best,
Frank

Very cool FD. I applaud your drive on this.

Good news is you can probably treat it like an Experimental for the most part since MFGR parts are likely not in great supply just make your own.

Tj

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Nov 2020, 11:43

Username Protected wrote:

I always loved the turbine version.

I think you and I discussed this in another thread, but same here.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/j5ONxdVcaUI[/youtube]

I've always thought it looked like a really robust airframe.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Nov 2020, 11:57

Username Protected wrote:

I recently purchased EA 400 SN 5. Having built several RV-10's and RV-8's as well as a Giles 202, I am not afraid of the low production numbers and possible maintenance challenges. There is an active group of European and US owners. The plane performs very similar to the Malibu, with modest speed advantages. The cabin is much bigger, and cockpit access is significantly better.

The engine issues with the liquid cooled Continental seem to have been worked out, with ECI coated cylinders performing much better than the stock versions. MT has STC'd newer prop blades for the 4 blade unit (same a s Malibu), which has demonstrated a significant impact to take off and climb.

There is a PT6 turbo prop conversion being done on one of the US birds in Deland FL. I am following this development, as I would like to follow this path.

There is a good deal of information in the thread below, originated by the most active of the EA 400 owner/pilots.

https://www.euroga.org/forums/aircraft/ ... 400?page=1

Best,
Frank

Looking forward to seeing it! When do you bring it home? Do you still have your RV-10?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Nov 2020, 14:43

Hi Terry,

I sold the RV-10, and subsequently my Columbia. I finished a new RV-8 earlier this year, which I still have at KSMQ.

My Extra is undergoing a thorough refurbishment in NC at present. The interior is completely stripped out, and all hardware is being replaced, along with a new interior. The plane is going through an extensive annual, with a focus on bringing all systems to like new condition and functionality. I am incorporating several upgrades from the Euroga group.

Avionics upgrades are interesting, as most of the newest EFIS solutions do not include the EA 400 on the AML. The Garmin G500 may be the most advanced option I have. I believe I will bring the plane back to NJ for avionics and panel upgrade, hopefully in about a month.

Once everything is back together and flight tested, it will be time for new paint.

Best,
Frank

Username Protected · **Posted:** 16 Dec 2020, 07:43

This is why I started the thread. She’s now officially for sale. As a double orphan it’s a lot to bite off. Is it possible to make it an experimental? For the right pilot/mechanic it could be a heck of an airplane.

https://aircraft.wingsofhope.ngo/aircra ... extra-400/

Username Protected · **Posted:** 04 May 2025, 10:39

There is quite an active Facebook Group on the Extra 400 here. https://www.facebook.com/groups/898954243524707