BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 09:50

Don't over look the Cessna 120/140. With good examples available for under 20K, the bang for the buck ratio is better than many of the examples referenced.

Robert

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 11:45

The J-3 gets all the love, but I prefer the J-5 and 7AC Champ. Much more comfortable cabins and much easier entry:exit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_J-5

Re: Luscombe 8A thru F series. Short on legroom for my 34" inseam. Can be squirrely on hard surfaces. Only [cough] comfortable for me if I sat in the center and used the two outside rudder pedals. Watch out for ADs on castings in the tail.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 12:24

Username Protected wrote:

My hangar neighbor has an Aeronca Champ.... It is fabric and I do not know if doors come off.

You can take the door off of a champ - legally. I would recommend finding one without an electrical system as it only adds weight and proping is fun. You can install a portable radio with and external antenna. Champ is exempt from a transponder in class C and under class B.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 12:50

Socata Rallye. Fun to fly. Canopy, just like a fighter. Slats on the wing for slooooow approach.

Rgs,

Patrick.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 13:05

Had this Champ for going on two years. Most fun ever. Door removal STC is cheap and available. Mine comes off as soon as OAT hits 70 and doesn't go back on until cold weather arrives in November. Get a good one, recently redone with an 85 hp engine. I agree on the no electrical and propping. It's no big deal as long as you're respectful of the proper propping safety precautions.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 13:42

Username Protected wrote:

It's no big deal as long as you're respectful of the proper propping safety precautions.

Trudat! Chocks are lightweight and easy to make. I use them even if I do have someone at the brakes for me. I mean, I use them and another qualified pilot at the brakes for me every time.

If radios and intercom are necessary (and they're often helpful), portables do a great job.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 13:55

I'll ask the OP: What's wrong with a Cub? I must admit, there are all sorts of issues to consider when buying one.

Like:

It is only one of the best selling 'fun' planes of all time. It served with honor and distinction in the military and brings a smile to the face of everyone everywhere all the time. The maintenance is simple, the gas is cheap and it'll fit almost anywhere. It'll make you a better pilot and fill up your logbook with happy memories. Sitting in the back of a J-3 with the breeze in your face, listening to the clattering Continental, smelling the oilfabricwornleather smell, watching the landscape unfold beneath you at a stately pace as the sun rises or sets...those are all things dreams are made on. They are only topped by the sigh when she gives up the ghost at sunset, the wheels rolling gently onto the fresh grass of summer. A couple of taps on the rudder and you reluctantly put her away, stopping for one last look before you shut the door and rejoin the humdrum reality of The Rest of Life.

"It is wonderful! It flies like an [Aeronca/Ercoupe/Socata/RV/Pietenpol]," said No One Ever.

Just sayin'.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 14:27

Username Protected wrote:

An R 22 is as slow and low as you want. Plus it can stop whilst still flying. Good for your brain to learn new things too, will keep you young. When you are training there is nothing like mastering the hover to forward flight. :peace:

I was going to say Bell 47 but neither the '47 or the R 22 qualify under "cheap entry fee" or operating costs. :bud:

Glenn

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 14:31

Username Protected wrote:

It's no big deal as long as you're respectful of the proper propping safety precautions.

Chocks are lightweight and easy to make. I use them even if I do have someone at the brakes for me. .

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 14:57

I actually made a set of lightweight aluminum chocks that are tied together in a very clever way that allows you to pull them from the pilot's seat. Found the plans on one of the Aeronca sites. I ALWAYS USE THEM. I tied a small loop in the end of mine and slip it over the rear rudder pedal. That way, it's always handy when I'm strapped in and ready to go.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 17:22

clipped wing cub! :pilot:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 17:45

Username Protected wrote:

Went to a hand-propping demo at OSH where they recommended hand propping with fuel shut off valve closed. Carb bowl has enough fuel to get through start up sequence. Seemed smart.

I subscribe to this practice, along with tieing the tail down. Shutting the fuel off works great as long as you don't forget to turn it back on :pullhair:

then it's a pain to get started again.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 21:38

Username Protected wrote:

I'll ask the OP: What's wrong with a Cub? I must admit, there are all sorts of issues to consider when buying one.

Like:

It is only one of the best selling 'fun' planes of all time. It served with honor and distinction in the military and brings a smile to the face of everyone everywhere all the time. The maintenance is simple, the gas is cheap and it'll fit almost anywhere. It'll make you a better pilot and fill up your logbook with happy memories. Sitting in the back of a J-3 with the breeze in your face, listening to the clattering Continental, smelling the oilfabricwornleather smell, watching the landscape unfold beneath you at a stately pace as the sun rises or sets...those are all things dreams are made on. They are only topped by the sigh when she gives up the ghost at sunset, the wheels rolling gently onto the fresh grass of summer. A couple of taps on the rudder and you reluctantly put her away, stopping for one last look before you shut the door and rejoin the humdrum reality of The Rest of Life.

"It is wonderful! It flies like an [Aeronca/Ercoupe/Socata/RV/Pietenpol]," said No One Ever.

Just sayin'.

Not discounting a Cub at all. What I really meant is anything the same or even close to the Cub experience. At least that's what I would call it based on what I hear. In fact, I posted AND e-mailed the guy that had one for sale on here 3 or 4 weeks ago. HAD to sell it yet never responded to me at all. :scratch:

it did sell a week later though.
I see some of these with the huge tires and I'm drooling all over myself :drool:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 21:42

Username Protected wrote:

An R 22 is as slow and low as you want. Plus it can stop whilst still flying. Good for your brain to learn new things too, will keep you young. When you are training there is nothing like mastering the hover to forward flight. :peace:

I was going to say Bell 47 but neither the '47 or the R 22 qualify under "cheap entry fee" or operating costs. :bud:

Glenn

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Sep 2015, 21:45

Thanks all for the replies. I have been eyeballing this place and thinking it would be good to get some seat time and maybe add a tail wheel rating first. He has a good looking Champ. http://blueridgesportflight.com

Low and slow, anything besides a Cub ?