BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Jul 2017, 14:20

Username Protected wrote:

I've certainly never heard the words MT Prop and Cheap Overhaul used in the same decade... but still its a good prop.

Fair enough…

but take a composite Hartzell " Claw" for overhaul…arguably also IMHO THE BEST PROP for an acro bird…THAT is expensive….but worth every cent…..

it's just relative….

doing "hard" acro is expensive….no way around it…..

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Jul 2017, 15:37

If its really done nothing but just IAC Competition and Practice for its whole life... that's actually pretty tame. I think IAC is a lot more about 'Pulling smarter' rather than pulling harder.
Certainly nothing compared to 600 hours of Air Combat training or Airshow work.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Jul 2017, 18:46

I've never flown a full size Extra but I still fly a 25 year old RC Extra and it's definitely one of the nicest flying machines I've ever flown.

I still like my Ultimate Biplane better which is an elongated Pitts with dual swept wings. Very few full scale ones made.

An Extra is definitely on the bucket list one day. It seems like a useful machine that is fast enough to actually go somewhere in.

After 5 years owning a Bucker, I definitely decided that I'll keep my tumbling and snap rolls to the models.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Jul 2017, 10:43

If acro is on you bucket list, and you want to keep the cost factor down, and the fun factor up, perhaps your man card can be reinvigorated with a biplane. The Pitts S2A fits that bill.
When I got back to the flight line after Sunday's fly-in breakfast, a 40-something cougar with a couple of grandkids was peering into the cockpit. When I answered that the airplane was, indeed mine, she said: "that ought to be good for a few dates". At my age, comments like that are always welcome.
See my ad on Barnstormers.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Jul 2017, 12:19

Thanks for the input!

Plan to make a buying decision in the next couple weeks. Thinking about going to KOSH next week to take a second peak at a few contenders. :cheers:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Jul 2017, 16:56

Username Protected wrote:

If acro is on you bucket list, and you want to keep the cost factor down, and the fun factor up, perhaps your man card can be reinvigorated with a biplane. The Pitts S2A fits that bill.

Tom, that is sooo true…

the Pitts S2A is an absolute sweetheart of a Pitts…troublefree 4 banger…enough ooomph to do everything right except maybe "unlimited"…well, thinking about it, one up she will even do that…( but who really wants to do that without getting paid for it…?)

a couple of years ago heard that Avitat actually would reerect the S2A production or at least build one for those who want one..is that still vaild?..have not heard anything in that regard ever since…but new S2As would sell well, about that I am sure

great airplane...

IMHO a lot nicer "balanced" in pitch than the S2B…on account of a lighter and shorter engine…

snaps nicer than the S2B…well as long as one does a bit of energy management pretty much does everything nicer than the S2B

The S2C has fixed a lot of the shortcomings (preceived or real) of the S2B..

But an S2A always will remain the "classic" nicest flying Pitts with two seats...

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Jul 2017, 19:36

Philip: Best wishes to you on your search.
Gerhard: Your input is well-noted... Curtis said it himself, that the S2A is the sweetest flying of all Pitts's.
Regards,

Tom

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 10:11

I am partial to the Sukhoi 29. Awesome airplane but it's not for everyone. Engine is virtually bullet proof but just take a gallon oil can with you when you travel anywhere. No airframe issues except for rear spar attach fittings which most have replaced. Never have to recover anything. Last time I checked, an S-2 cost about $30 K to $40 K to recover.

Hans

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 14:52

I think, at this point, that the most obvious, best course of action is for Philip to get in touch with Gerd, and fly him to wherever that plane is. Then he shall know for sure whether it's worth anything!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 15:37

Philip,

Did not totice earlier that you have a Radial Rocket. With that being said, you are a perfect candidate for a Sukhoi 29 as you are already familiar with the engine.

Hans

Username Protected · **Posted:** 24 Jul 2017, 16:33

Username Protected wrote:

Philip,

Did not totice earlier that you have a Radial Rocket. With that being said, you are a perfect candidate for a Sukhoi 29 as you are already familiar with the engine.

Hans

Actually, I just sold the Rocket which is why I'm in the market for a new "fun airplane". The RR was a great airplane but didn't have the aerobatic capability I wanted and the retractable gear added to the maintenance; I really wanted a tail dragger version of the RR but settled for the retract. The engine was solid, started easy, no issues, but a radial is more of a pain in the butt then a "normal" engine. Having to pull through 24 blades and with 4+ gallons of oil it took a longtime to warm up to operating temperature. I was using the plane for 30 minute joy rides but it took 30 minutes to get it in the air. It found a good home.

Used Competition Aerobatic Aircraft