Trying to help a friend that inherited this and will be selling it.
the registration shows a 1992 Vortex with an Lycoming AEIO-360 SER.
Any idea on what its worth?


Thanks
Andy

Pretty obscure aircraft unless it is known by a different name. You may do better parting it out.

Not having much luck searching for info on a "Vortex".
Tried Google and searched aerobatic category on Barnstormers.
Any other info about the mfr?

that's all I have from the registration N5XZ which expired in 2015.

I think it may be worth contacting the IAC chapter that the pilot was part of and seeing what you can find out about the plane.

I couldn't find anything on either Ian Padden (the registered builder) or Mike Lewis (the name on the cockpit). Makes me wonder if it was a one-off, and if it has any value besides whatever the engine is worth.

It looks alot like a Stardaucher s-300 except for the tail

In the amateur-built world it's quite common for a builder to invent a new name for an aircraft type, often because they have modified an original design and the owner of the original design either wasn't consulted or doesn't approve of those modifications. An example of this situation is a builder who built what is essentially a Sonex but installed a Corvair engine. Of course the Sonex design owners did not endorse this engine installation so the builder called the airplane a Cleanex - rendering it a one-off design even though its airframe shares nearly complete commonality with the well-known and much more common Sonex.

I suspect the history of this Vortex is similar.

Probably one of.

Engine value after sitting a very long time might be core only.

I know someone looking for an AEIO-360, core might be okay if price is right. Where is it?

Mike C.

Kraft Super Fli, later modded by Mr. Padden to an IO540, from what I've found.......(oddly enough, through the R/C world......)

I followed a forum thread that mentioned Ian Padden. There could be a tenuous connection to the Kraft K-1 SuperFli, which looks similar.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraft_Super_Fli

http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Contribut ... g/7590.htm

Its in Maryland. When I get updated information I'll post it.

Andy


Probably one of.

Engine value after sitting a very long time might be core only.

I know someone looking for an AEIO-360, core might be okay if price is right. Where is it?

Mike C.

I agree that looks like it.
thanks

Andy

What is the engine spec model? (Letters after 360). I am assuming SER is an abbreviation for series. Check to see if it is a straight or dynafocal mount and if it is a parallel valve 180HP or an angle valve 200HP. I may be interested in it and would consider the whole aircraft.

I'll go look at it and get more information.

Andy

I found those same threads about the Super Fli, but it only looks like the Vortex in the way that all low-wing aerobatic planes look similar. Different proportions, different gear, bigger canopy/windshield, different rudder shape...

Maybe there's some shared history there.

Here's a good side view of the Super Fli: