Username Protected wrote:
Something no one has mentioned yet is low wing vs high wing.
For bush flying i would think a high wing airplane would be a little more desirable. More clearance from rocks/dirt, allows for narrower strips with tall grass/weeds on either side, and a nice place to pitch a tent under.
I should probably admit that I have a high wing plane so I may be a little biased. Other (IMHO) benefits are better sight-seeing, easy access through doors on both sides, and a built in sun shade when flying and rain shelter when on the ground (loading).
All this being said, we had access to a nice 300HP six until it was sold recently and they are comfortable, stable airplanes that are great for hauling lots of big guys around.
I've had both. I have a friend with a dirt strip in northern Wyoming and the taxi from the runway to the house is about a quarter mile and requires running your wings thru some tall bushes. Works OK with the 182 but not with the Bo. For sight seeing I find no objection to the low wing other than it's not a camera platform. I removed the arm that holds the window in the 182 and that lets it fly up parallel to the wing. Real nice for photography. Unless you need to take pics no big deal.
I was worried about dinging the flaps on the Bo as I beat the hell out of the horizontal stab on the 182 so bad I installed the rubber leading edge guards. Surprisingly this has not been an issue. No rock dings in the flaps and no tail to hit either.
Pitching a tent? I don't do that under the wing anyways so no loss there. The high wing is better for shade but the V tail works as well. High wing better for rain if you're in your lawn chair.