BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 07:32

I own both a 180 and a 195. Chris' evaluation is spot on.

I have a friend that operates his 195 off of a 1600' grass strip with no issues.

1000' would be no issue for the 180 except in the most extreme circumstances.

Jg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 15:49

So my point is aptly made; this would be a difficult decision. Akin to making a choice between two children.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 16:05

Username Protected wrote:

So my point is aptly made; this would be a difficult decision. Akin to making a choice between two children.

Sophie's choice...aviation style

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 17:14

Oh I don’t think there’s a lot of comparison between a 180 and a 195 is there? I mean other than the manufacturer and the tailwheel?
I see the 195 as a big comfy cruiser that is meant to really travel. Backseat like a Cadillac.
The 180 seems geared more towards utility and adventure. Backseat like a Volkswagen.
Tell me how wrong I am.

Disclaimer: I haven’t flown either but have strongly considered/shopped for both.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 19:02

Username Protected wrote:

Oh I don’t think there’s a lot of comparison between a 180 and a 195 is there? I mean other than the manufacturer and the tailwheel?
I see the 195 as a big comfy cruiser that is meant to really travel. Backseat like a Cadillac.
The 180 seems geared more towards utility and adventure. Backseat like a Volkswagen.
Tell me how wrong I am.

Disclaimer: I haven’t flown either but have strongly considered/shopped for both.

I have both. No argument from me.

Jg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 20:22

Departing KMDW in marginal VFR with rain.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/1-TJfpKraA8[/youtube]

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 22:31

Username Protected wrote:

Departing KMDW in marginal VFR with rain.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/1-TJfpKraA8[/youtube]

I am sorry...you can’t tell me there wasn’t anyone at Midway (especially those SW types) watching and saying... “I wish that was me...”

Well done! Only thing colder would have been leaving with the amphibs on.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 22:59

Username Protected wrote:

Departing KMDW in marginal VFR with rain.

I am sorry...you can’t tell me there wasn’t anyone at Midway (especially those SW types) watching and saying... “I wish that was me...”

Well done! Only thing colder would have been leaving with the amphibs on.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 May 2019, 23:07

The bottom line is John Green is the winner. I think when I grow up, I might wanna be just like him.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 06:43

Username Protected wrote:

The bottom line is John Green is the winner. I think when I grow up, I might wanna be just like him.

Grow up? No way. If there is a secret to growing old, I'm there, you have to keep a little kid in you that giggles sometime when he's having fun.

I think, for me, that I have found the perfect "retirement" airplane scenario. 180/195/Cub.

They're fun, simple, great for 400 mile hops and Delta is only a phone call away. :thumbup:

Jg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 09:18

John: You are clarifying an issue that I am grappling with... thank you.

My mantra: You're only young once, but you can be immature forever.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 12:12

No video unfortunately but I just flew from KSAW-KIMT hard IMC culminating with a GPS to CTL minimums. 600 agl and 1.5 miles. The GPS was 19. Winds 130 15g25. I circled to 13. Nothing but net.

Say what you want about not needing a panel in a 185 but I love mine because of missions like this one.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 12:54

Username Protected wrote:

Mark
I would love a C185 for all the reasons us reading this thread do. I had a Maule for years (MX7-235), and now I fly a TBM 700 (A model) and really miss the taildragger.
The farmstrips, here in South Dakota, we fly out of are 1,100 ft long and the other is about 980 ft long. They are on top of bluffs with drop offs on either end. The Maule had no problem with the strips and our Zenith LSA does it with ease.
The C185 is a great grass strip ( off airport etc) plane, but how does it do for short field takeoff and landings?
I realize that’s a loaded question. It’s really all about pilot skill and technique. But do you feel it’s a plane that after much practice it should work, or is their just not enough margin for error with the steep drop offs on either end?
Thanks for the post. Love the Skywagon.

Greg

Greg:

The C185 is soooo much fun, but as others have said, it will keep you honest and humble. It loves off pavement airports and so do I as they are more forgiving of minor errors. Getting in is no problem. I've landed to a full stop in less than 650 ft total dirt runway. Getting out is the challenge. Grass will add 15-30 % to your T/O ground roll depending on how full and long the grass is. I spent 4 days in the Idaho back country with McCall Mountain Canyon Flying (highly recommend). 30+ airstrips, beautiful terrain. The C185 was right at home and I couldn't get enough. I'm headed back this June for more. Below is my baby taking from one of my rice fields in California.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 13:06

Quote:

Weight is everything when it comes to 180/185 performance,

Actually weight is everything with any aircraft performance.

I used to run a skydiving club with 3 185s. I have 200 hours in the 185, landing every 20 minutes. 5 jumpers sitting on the floor.

The 185 is the only aircraft I ever tried to land & aborted because the cross wind was too strong - went elsewhere.

I did like flying the 185.

We hired lots of pilots. Pilots with Piper Cub (or similar) tail wheel time struggled.

Pilots with Citabria tail wheel time -- did well in the 185.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 22 May 2019, 17:13

Mike, what is it about Citabrias and their pilots that made them better off in the 185?

Flying the Skywagon