Stan,

The 195 is a wonderful airplane for a X/C traveller, but not a good bush plane.... They are not good short field performers. If you want a 195 for back country, you might consider a -350 HP turbo, but then you have a turbo, which is more maintenance on a high maintenance airplane. I would say a Bonanza would be as good, if not better for back country.... As has been said many times, the Bonanza is much more robust....

I personally recognize that the 185 is the gold standard of bush hauling capability, but I don't like flying them. They are just too utilitarian for my taste. Trimming the tail plane is a PITA at speed. The rudder trim is between the pilot and copilots feet, the cabin is too narrow for guys my size... You have a smaller "beam" than me, but still they are cozy for two "normal" size guys in front. I like the big engine -182s with fat tires much better. No T/W cool factor, but they are a lot more user friendly airplanes... And with a -550 or -580 they will haul ANYTHING out of ANYWHERE.... If someone made a T/W conversion for a 182, that would be the bee's knees...

already built ones come up for sale now and then, most of them have O-540's although it looks like this one is a 4-cylinder...

http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_ ... place.html

Stan,

> retirement ...

There is a C180 project at KCAD. It's not listed as being for sale, but I imagine that it can be bought. The project pace is snail-grade as it's the "if nothing else to-do, work on the C180."

- Sportsman STOL; extended span w/cuffs
- New engine & prop
- Six-pack panel (essentially empty)
- I think it's has new glass
- Paint circa 195x - NEEDS paint
- Interior has been gutted

Stan: I am looking for JGG's input, and for once, I won't create thread drift.
At the risk of repetition, both in text and the attached picture, the 180 is the best thing going for the "forever" airplane. Good cross-country speed, and great in the wilderness. Also a decent IFR platform: Prudence rules, yet it "has been known" to carry a ****full of ice.
I enjoy the performance from Steve Knopps' 520 conversion, as well as the exhaust system from Dane Wagner in Alaska.
Jerrie Mock flew her 180 (Three-Eight Charlie) solo around the world 51 years ago, so this aircraft's abilities are obvious. She was the first woman solo pilot around the world. I was privileged to befriend her, and honored her directive to me by spreading her ashes over the Gulf of Mexico in formation with another 180 painted exactly like hers. 38 Charlie is hanging at the Smithsonian.
As for maintenance, the 180 is arguably the way to go. The cabin dimensions on the 180 and 185 are identical, to clarify a previous post. My airstrip is 900 feet, at 5,500 MSL in the Northwest Sierra Madre. Stopping, unloading horseshoes, sacks of Pinto beans, bags of tortillas, Caterpillar parts, branding irons, and veterinary supplies is a breeze when you have to get turned around fast.... No hot starts with a carburated engine.
Yeah, it may be an old man's airplane, but as for the cool factor, you be the judge....

Tom what's the HP on the 0520?

Tom, nice.......


(now to find a good one...)

Gerald: The O-470-520 engine is conservately rated at 270 HP. The Leading Edge exhaust system does not claim any performance figures, but I feel that at least 10 HP can be gotten with the design. The airplane, made in 1955, is a solid 150 Kt. flier.
I have also flown 185's, but the simple analogy is this: Flying an early 180 is like dancing with a lithe, beautiful girl. Flying a 185 is like dancing with a bear.
Stan: My 180 was originally XB-ZAB, and went directly from Wichita to Leo Lopez, a storied (aircraft) dealer in Mexico. When I bought it more that 27 years ago, it was in rather sad shape. Its been through a lot, and saved my life when it rescued me from a running gunfight near my ranch. (My horse also saved me, but sadly died with a bellyfull of 30-06 rounds shortly after reaching headquarters). With the great help of Beegles, and plenty of money, it is practically a new airplane. There is a note inside of the oil door from my father, also a 180 driver, thanking me for our last flight together. He passed in my arms last year.
Some aircraft we own... some own us.
Best,

Tom

Tom if a 180 and a 185 are flying at the same GW wouldn't the handling be the same?
Don't they both have the same size airframe ?

185

Good compromise between cruise speed and backcountry capability. Won't do super cub short field stuff but a super cub can't fly 145 knots in cruise either.

Get out the checkbook though, the above information is common knowledge and they are in demand.

Tom,

I saw you waiting for my input. Stan calls me everyday for that . I think he really does want the 180 as his retirement airplane. Needless to say, I agree.

Right now, with the Aerostar, the 180 is just my beat around/fun airplane. Such incredible simplicity; it just "works".

It did get a little cargo work out the other day. The Aerostar is in Smyrna, TN, at Carpenter Avionics getting the A/P and radar rebuilt and a new 345 installed. While there, Tim Hubble is recovering the seats. I had all the material here and needed to take it to Smyrna. I loaded the co-pilot's seat which had been removed for work, four leather hides and enough foam to outfit a 747. Had I not had the stretcher door, I would not have made it.

At the right time, it will get new interior, new paint, and a new panel with A/P. Right now, it does all it needs to do.

And man, would I live to see your ranch. Here's mine.

Jgreen

Tom, that sounds like a story that needs to be told....


I looked at a 54 180 yesterday....owned by the same family since 56. Looks a lot like yours....


I think JGG is right...it’s a good plane for my “old man airplane”.



stan

Tom,

Does yours have the Snyder Speed Kit?

Also, have you seen a Selkirk interior?

Jgreen

Snyder's is up here in my neck of the woods. Thought his parts were painted though... Grass strip and all... Come visit.

Beaver? Kind of the best of both - as cool as the 195 and great short field.

The difference between a 180 and a 185

The 185 has a larger tail fin and bigger engine. While the same fuselage is used in both, the 185 fuselage was strengthened in areas. The 182 shares the same fuselage as well. They all pretty much rolled of the assembly line together from what I understand.

185's rolled off the assembly line with fuel injected 470's or 520s, 180s were carbureted.

A Pponked 180 could be a beast. Lighter weight etc.