I've flown a Citabria and a Decathalon but never a 140. I'd like to find a plane that is simple, suited for casual/fun flying, and with good short/dirt field capability. Have always loved the look of the 140, but sure do like flying the Citabrias. Don't want to spend a lot of money. Plane will be hangared (ouch, almost wrote hang(e)red).

What do you think?

Jim

I like the metal plane, but you will be squished with a passenger in. The 140.
Just an opinion.
Mark

If you're going to fly a tail wheel, it's got to be stick and rudder!!!!!!

I love the 140, but it's not a short field plane with any sort of weight/temp.

I flew one out of H49. Gross wt in summer it was sporty getting it over the power lines at the south end of the field.

I'd take it into http://www.airnav.com/airport/6MO2 solo, but that has clear approaches each end. Was getting up my nerve to take a friend when I moved away.

The 140 is not what one would consider a good short field airplane. And if it's not a good short field airplane it is definitely a worse soft field pane. A friend has a 140 and we were up in the mountains at Schafer Meadows about 5 years ago and he and a friend took off in the 140. Took forever to get off the ground and then once in the air the climb performance is anemic.

While I've always admired the 140 as a pretty airplane, a Citabria has a lot more to offer as long as you're OK with fabric (hangar required, etc). They're way more fun to fly, you can do skis in the winter, floats in the summer, acro when you feel the urge, and except for the hassle of getting in and out of the rear seat, they're way more comfy.

If I recall correctly, the stock 140's had a C85 or C90. There have been various STC's to tinker with the engine, swap for O-200, O-235 and I think somebody has put an O-290 in as well. Not sure if the one I flew had an 85 or 90, but my feeling was always just a touch more HP would have made a huge difference. An upgraded engine might be a different plane depending on what sort of short field you have in mind.

Have you considered a Stinson 108? Lots of capability for the money.

There is a clean/ original Pa28-180 in the hanger at Bermuda Dunes airport

there were several models of the PA28
140-150-160-180-235

Later were
151-161-181-236

235 is just a rare as a Turbo 236 T

Cessna 140, not piper

How tall are you? Go sit in one first, 140's are not very generous on legroom.

I'm 6'3", fit fine.

I'm 6'2" and don't. Would never have one. As bad as a J3 Cub.

The 140 is a nice flying airplane but it is a ground lover that will go faster than a Champ on about the same fuel burn. The Champ/Citabria/Decathlon have elbow room and after it is all said and done; right hand belongs on the stick, left on the throttle. If I had a Van's 6,7,9, or 12, you'd find me flying from the right seat.

With the short/soft field requirement, you need the Citabria or decathlon. My 120 is not good at either and the 140 flaps will add nothing.
One option would be a 140A with the single strut fowler flap wings and the 108hp motor or bigger. I would think its a pretty good performer. But they only made about 500 of these.

Greg