BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 18:24

Don't laugh, but is there a normal category certified biplane that can be purchased in airworthy condition for the price of an airworthy J-3 Cub? Say $30,000 $35,000? I would assume some Stearmans and maybe certified Great Lakes might come close to this, but I was wondering if there were any other biplanes I am not familiar with in that price category.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 19:12

Certified? Not really. A ratty Fleet might go that cheap, but I’m not sure if it is certified. Anything else certified in that price range would come in the form of boxes of marginally overhaulable parts.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 19:20

Tiger Moths are certified

Can I ask why certified?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 19:48

Username Protected wrote:

...an airworthy J-3 Cub? Say $30,000 $35,000?

I think that's an oxymoron.

:shrug:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 19:49

Username Protected wrote:

Tiger Moths are certified

Can I ask why certified?

They are 70k plus.

There are some nice experimentals cheap, but that is a funny market.

If you don’t mind uncertified, a Stampe would be the best bet in that price range, with a lyc up front.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 21:06

I own a Great Lakes 2T1-A2 (180 HP, 4 ailerons) and I don’t think you could find one in flyable condition for less than $70K and a 2T1-A1 (160 HP, 2 ailerons) for less than $50K. A 2T1-A2 in great condition should be at least $120K.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 11 Feb 2018, 22:44

Username Protected wrote:

Can I ask why certified?

I was thinking something could be used to hop rides in. I am assuming it would be hard to get an LOA for an experimental. People love biplanes, but if that isn't an option I was thinking J-3 because it is iconic and you can open the door so it is kind of like open cockpit.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 10:32

My wife laughed when she saw me reading this thread- "cheap and airplane" in the same sentence?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 10:38

The costs of smaller biplanes like a Great Lakes makes me wonder if Stearmen are undervalued in the market.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 10:39

Username Protected wrote:

Can I ask why certified?

I was thinking something could be used to hop rides in. I am assuming it would be hard to get an LOA for an experimental. People love biplanes, but if that isn't an option I was thinking J-3 because it is iconic and you can open the door so it is kind of like open cockpit.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 10:40

You'll have to double your price to get a certified two seat biplane.

Pitts S-2A/B/C
Great Lakes
Stearman
Navy N-3N

Going experimental is the only way to make your budget work.

Hatz
Starduster Too
Acrosport II
Marquart Charger

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 10:50

Username Protected wrote:

The costs of smaller biplanes like a Great Lakes makes me wonder if Stearmen are undervalued in the market.

What you don’t pay upfront is compensated during ownership.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 11:42

Travel Air 4000

Great for selling rides, can hold 2 up front.

Blows your budget tho :hide:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Feb 2018, 17:04

Max, #1 for the Travel Air, wanted one for years.
Ron

Username Protected · **Posted:** 14 Feb 2018, 03:40

Check with your favorite insurance broker. I met a fellow that bought a Waco with the intent if hopping rides. Said that he could not find insurance for Part 91 ride ops until he had 1,000 tailwheel.

Cheap Certified Biplane?