I totally disagree. I've owned 2vRv-4s and 2 Rockets. The backseat of a -4 is for sub 180# people and smaller is better, but it is a truly fantastic airplane. The Ticket is for sub 200# pax but the baggage space is Huge! I can do 2 roller bags, a duffel and a fullize guitar. You have to watch the the weight in back, but we fly all over the lower 48bin the Rocket. My back seater is petite but I've ridden in the back on some fairly long flights. With me at 220 in the back baggage is pretty limited.

Both are amazing airplanes. But an RV-6 is also a great airplane.

Yup, best bang for the buck.

What’s the situation with composite airframes such as the long/variEZ, lancair 235, etc?

My first impression is cruise speed goals are attained but load capacity is limited and anything other than pavement is right out.

It’s all Varga Kachinas these days!!!

Swift?

The more I reflect on it, the less interested I am in going certified again. It would have to be a very compelling case.

I know what you mean. Tandem taildraggers are fun in a way that other planes aren't.

What about a Rans S-7? There's on on Barnstormers in your budget that comes with floats. It's in Canada, though. https://barnstormers.com/classified-159 ... atid=21710

Something to think about:

In my opinion, taildraggers should do something besides just being a taildragger.

Options:

1) Bush. Be able to land off-airport. This means no wheel pants, and preferably a high wing.

2) Aerobatic. Be able to do basic or advanced aerobatics. Explore the outer edges of the envelope, get and stay sharper as a pilot.

3) Warbird. Gain entry to a cool community.

At 40k, aerobatic is hard unless an RV. Bush is easier. You can always take the pacer experimental! Sorry I forgot about budget for Patrol. But they are indeed awesome.

If taildragging is not a requirement, I've always thought a manual flap mooney would be a great hamburger-getter.

-J

Lots of good points that in hindsight I should have addressed at the outset.

Bush always sounded fun in concept, but here in the south “off airport” means a prepared grass strip that may not be charted (in my experience, anyway).
Aerobatics is something I’ve always wanted to try (and probably good practice for UPT), so I’d be open to that.

As you acknowledge, warbirds aren’t attainable at this price range. I am drawn to taildraggers just because I can’t economically rent one; I’m content with maintaining my flying club membership to fly planes that have the third wheel on the wrong end.

Eventually you will want to resell this aircraft. Best option experimental is an RV.

Great point, Charles. The soft market on the rag wing Pipers earlier in this thread can definitely be a double-edged sword.

Now, if you are interested in a Warbird, check out this entry from the Wikipedia page on the PA-20 Pacer.

“Between 1953 and 1955, the Cuban Army Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Ejército de Cuba, or FAEC) received 7 PA-20s, 4 PA-22-150s, and 3 PA-22-160s. During the Cuban Revolution, PA-22s had their rear-doors removed and a .30 caliber machine gun installed in its place for use against insurgents, along with hand-dropped grenades. A PA-22 providing ground support for the Cuban Army during the Battle of Guisa is believed to be the lone aircraft lost by the FAEC to enemy fire.”

All seriousness aside, there have been a lot of great ideas thrown out for fun low-cost airplanes on this thread. You just need to decide what floats your boat.

Regards,

Bob

Indeed. I’ve got enough to work with now that I’ll go make some inquiries at the airport to see who has what that I can sit in and maybe fly.

I’m not sure that the Pacer market is soft. They’re not as popular as other planes and therefor don’t get the same prices, but one priced right would likely sell quickly. There’s only a few on the market right now.

What about an early Maule - M4 or such. I've seen them go for sub-$40k with recent OH. About 1000 lb useful and 130 kt cruise I think. Otherwise an early Mooney. Loved mine.