BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Jul 2020, 10:01

If it as Cub-like as DR described, I suspect that the problem will be less one of acquiring proficiency and more one of securing (reasonable) insurance.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Jul 2020, 10:51

Username Protected wrote:

Crazy question -- would one of these make any sense as a VFR sport plane for a mission that would include flying just for fun, $100 ($200?) hamburger runs, occasional 200 nm trips, usually flown solo and (very seldom) with one passenger, very limited aerobatics (and likely no competition)?

Can't speak to the Gamebird since I have not flown one, but I know people who own Extra's and fly them as you describe. Just fun little tail wheel sport planes.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Jul 2020, 16:21

John, not crazy at all. I used to own a 300L with an STEC-30 and sold it to someone for that exact purpose. They are a ton of fun! A couple of thoughts though:

1) Insurance with 0 TW time my be tough or high 4 figures+ in either the x-cub or GB1.
2) If you have access to more grass runways and off airport flying (western US/Texas), a cub may offer some more usability for local flying.
3) Make sure you get some good training. Although Extra's and similar are not that difficult to fly, they are way more capable than the pilot. There are more than one aerobatic aircraft permanently parked from a pilot scaring themselves.

Although, not as cool as a GB1, you're requirements fall pretty in line with a well equipped Vans RV-7/8. 170+ kts, affordable insurance, good ground visibility, great economy, autopilot, gentleman's aerobatics, available with a nose-wheel if you like.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Jul 2020, 22:17

Username Protected wrote:

Crazy question -- would one of these make any sense as a VFR sport plane for a mission that would include flying just for fun, $100 ($200?) hamburger runs, occasional 200 nm trips, usually flown solo and (very seldom) with one passenger, very limited aerobatics (and likely no competition)?

I'm also thinking about something like a Cubcrafters Xcub but this wouldn't be too much more money.

About me -- I've been a member for a while, because there is such great info on this site, but haven't been a poster as I know next to nothing about Beech (and the Brand X talk is mostly about turbine stuff out of my reach). Have about 750 hours, mostly in DA40s, and also IFR/glider/SES ratings. Very limited aerobatics (a few aerobatics flights in a glider; an APS upset recovery course in Extra 300s). I very much enjoy basic aerobatic stuff -- rolls, loops, Immelmans -- but am not too fond of negative Gs. Don't have a tailwheel endorsement yet.

I'm concerned that one of these might be too much plane for me, although the comments about honest handling and the factory's apparent intention to offer an autopilot option make me think maybe I could manage (assuming I start with a tailwheel endorsement, a good aerobatics course, and arrange for a mentor pilot for the first decent number of hours). A lot of money for my limited mission, but I figure these might have decent resale value (as long as there are aerobatic folks out there). Also, would I be able to get insurance?

I'm sure some will say I should just start with a Decathlon. Yes, probably -- but being able to go somewhere at 190 knots is pretty tempting.

Thanks for any insights (including that I'm crazy . . . )

This not really a first T/W airplane. You're describing an RV-X mission for 20-15% as much money.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Jul 2020, 22:17

Username Protected wrote:

Doug, Did you fly the F1 down? I'm pretty sure I saw a Red F1 go over me while I was farming last weekend. It looked and sounded awesome! I'm outside Siloam Springs-which is southwest of Bentonville. GameBird is incredible as is the aviation excitement Walton has brought to the area.

Yep, that's us.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 21 Jul 2020, 11:18

Thanks, guys. Re insurance realities and t/w experience -- words of wisdom. That's what's so great about this forum. Much appreciated.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Jul 2020, 20:16

Attachment:

DC3C199B-5764-45AA-A7C5-9118C68B0B26.jpeg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 09 Jun 2021, 21:01

Good interview with the guy pictured in the previous post-
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p ... 0516484467

Or

http://inspire.eaa.org/podcast/philipp- ... omposites/

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Feb 2022, 23:30

I took delivery of SN015 last weekend, it was a factory demo that had 220 total hours.

All I can say is WOW! It is definitely the most pitch sensitive airplane I’ve ever flown, takes some getting used to, but doable. Not a first time taildragger airplane IMHO.

Flies like a scalded dog.

The factory tour is absolutely amazing. The airplane fit and finish is breathtaking.

I’m no aerobatic pilot, but plan to travel around Florida in it, once I get more proficient in landings.

Butch

Username Protected · **Posted:** 08 Feb 2022, 23:44

Username Protected wrote:

I took delivery of SN015 last weekend, it was a factory demo that had 220 total hours.

All I can say is WOW! It is definitely the most pitch sensitive airplane I’ve ever flown, takes some getting used to, but doable. Not a first time taildragger airplane IMHO.

Flies like a scalded dog.

The factory tour is absolutely amazing. The airplane fit and finish is breathtaking.

I’m no aerobatic pilot, but plan to travel around Florida in it, once I get more proficient in landings.

Butch

Congrats, Butch! My kid fell in love with the Gamebird at Oshkosh last summer and tried to jump off the tram when he saw this one parked.

Attachment:

GB.jpg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Feb 2022, 16:18

A couple of weeks ago.

Butch

Username Protected · **Posted:** 23 Feb 2022, 18:10

Darn. That’s a nice little traveling plane.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Aug 2022, 13:57

The latest issue of Flying has a short article on the GB1 that mentions in the last paragraph that Game Composites is developing a new aircraft and as a result is increasing the size of its Bentonville manufacturing facility from 45,000 sf to 120,000 sf. Any rumors or details on this?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Aug 2022, 22:26

Rumor has it that’s it’s called the GB2, that’s all I know.

Butch

Username Protected · **Posted:** 07 Aug 2022, 23:51

Username Protected wrote:

Crazy question -- would one of these make any sense as a VFR sport plane for a mission that would include flying just for fun, $100 ($200?) hamburger runs, occasional 200 nm trips, usually flown solo and (very seldom) with one passenger, very limited aerobatics (and likely no competition)?

I'm also thinking about something like a Cubcrafters Xcub but this wouldn't be too much more money.

About me -- I've been a member for a while, because there is such great info on this site, but haven't been a poster as I know next to nothing about Beech (and the Brand X talk is mostly about turbine stuff out of my reach). Have about 750 hours, mostly in DA40s, and also IFR/glider/SES ratings. Very limited aerobatics (a few aerobatics flights in a glider; an APS upset recovery course in Extra 300s). I very much enjoy basic aerobatic stuff -- rolls, loops, Immelmans -- but am not too fond of negative Gs. Don't have a tailwheel endorsement yet.

I'm concerned that one of these might be too much plane for me, although the comments about honest handling and the factory's apparent intention to offer an autopilot option make me think maybe I could manage (assuming I start with a tailwheel endorsement, a good aerobatics course, and arrange for a mentor pilot for the first decent number of hours). A lot of money for my limited mission, but I figure these might have decent resale value (as long as there are aerobatic folks out there). Also, would I be able to get insurance?

I'm sure some will say I should just start with a Decathlon. Yes, probably -- but being able to go somewhere at 190 knots is pretty tempting.

Thanks for any insights (including that I'm crazy . . . )

This not really a first T/W airplane. You're describing an RV-X mission for 20-15% as much money.

Gamebird. Just Wow!