BeechTalk - BT - Talk me out of buying an Albatros (L-39)

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Jun 2013, 23:50

I have been daydreaming of buying ever since doing upset training in one.

I have done the research. They are cheap to buy and easy to maintain, but are thirsty.

Experimental Exhibition means that I have to send a list of places I intend to visit to the FSDO once a year, and whenever I fly the plane anywhere else, I must fax them notice (note: this is not asking for permission, but giving them 'notice.') No real limitations there, just a small annoyance when flying outside assigned geographic limits. (That is what I have an assistant for, anyway!

)

Liability insurance (all I carry) is not as bad as I had expected.

The only downsides are that it burns a lot of fuel and the girlfriend is not excited about climbing into it to go somewhere (but we have an Eclipse for that).

I am looking at one with a 530W and full autopilot. I have no desire to play Top-Gun fighter pilot. The airplane really makes sense to me for <500 mile cross country flights.

So, why not?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:01

Just make sure we get a full PIREP and lots of pics after you get it

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:05

Username Protected wrote:

I have been daydreaming of buying ever since doing upset training in one.

I have done the research. They are cheap to buy and easy to maintain, but are thirsty.

Experimental Exhibition means that I have to send a list of places I intend to visit to the FSDO once a year, and whenever I fly the plane anywhere else, I must fax them notice (note: this is not asking for permission, but giving them 'notice.') No real limitations there, just a small annoyance when flying outside assigned geographic limits. (That is what I have an assistant for, anyway!

)

Liability insurance (all I carry) is not as bad as I had expected.

The only downsides are that it burns a lot of fuel and the girlfriend is not excited about climbing into it to go somewhere (but we have an Eclipse for that).

I am looking at one with a 530W and full autopilot. I have no desire to play Top-Gun fighter pilot. The airplane really makes sense to me for <500 mile cross country flights.

So, why not?

Because if you get one, we will go play in it and I'll end up wanting one.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:05

I just want a ride when you get it. Fuel and beers after are on me. :cheers:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:10

Stewart- it is the perfect airplane to be partners on! :pilot:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:11

I met a guy who owns one. He budgeted about 2hrs for MX for each flight hour. I said it was the most unreliable plane ever built.
He also said, he will never sell it and it is a blast.

Tim

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:11

Username Protected wrote:

I have been daydreaming of buying ever since doing upset training in one.

I have done the research. They are cheap to buy and easy to maintain, but are thirsty.

Experimental Exhibition means that I have to send a list of places I intend to visit to the FSDO once a year, and whenever I fly the plane anywhere else, I must fax them notice (note: this is not asking for permission, but giving them 'notice.') No real limitations there, just a small annoyance when flying outside assigned geographic limits. (That is what I have an assistant for, anyway!

)

Liability insurance (all I carry) is not as bad as I had expected.

The only downsides are that it burns a lot of fuel and the girlfriend is not excited about climbing into it to go somewhere (but we have an Eclipse for that).

I am looking at one with a 530W and full autopilot. I have no desire to play Top-Gun fighter pilot. The airplane really makes sense to me for <500 mile cross country flights.

So, why not?

If you have no desire to play fighter pilot, what is the mission? That's about all they are good for.

A good friend has one of the nicest examples out there. If you take it as seriously as he does, plan on nearly an hour before every flight in prep.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 00:25

Get in touch with Roger Woolsey of Million Air. He has one based in Houston. Beautiful airplane!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 01:20

Well, you asked:
First, though I think I still have an above-average tolerance for risk, I wouldn't fly one regularly without well-maintained ejection seats...and an unhesitating willingness to use them.
Second, I'd consider it paramount to objectively assess the accociated risks and unconscionable not to fully explain your honest assessment to prospective passengers. Doing so, you might well find its utility less than expected.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 07:44

Ooooooooooh......I get it!

You mean an L-39 Albatross!

I saw "Albatross" and thought Grumman HU-16.

The jet doesn't tempt me even a little bit. There's a reason they're all always for sale. The Grumman, OTOH.... :drool:

The ultimate party plane. I couldn't figure out why your girlfriend didn't want one.

Edit: OK, so now it say's "L-39" in the Subject. I swear it didn't when I posted.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 07:51

HAD a friend, great guy, that had one.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 08:09

Look at the ratio of fatalities of L-39s compared to the rest of the GA fleet....If that doesn't deter you , buy three of them....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Jun 2013, 08:10

You are the kind of guy who could own one.

The question only you, and perhaps an uninterested type specific CFI, can answer is are you the kind of pilot who should own one.