There's a guy two hangars down from me who got sick a couple of years ago and hasn't flown since. At last count he had three airplanes in his hangar, one of which is a Piper PA-20 Bushmaster. He's a bit of a recluse but rumor has it that he's finally decided to part with the Bushmaster. I know very little about it, other than I caught a glimpse of it in the hangar before he locked it up. It could be a dog or the proverbial Jenny in a barn.

I've done some research on these airplanes and they are basically a Pacer STCed with an extended fuselage, Cub wings (longer) and a 180 HP engine. They are reputed to be terrific back-country performers.

Assuming I can talk him into getting a look at the airplane, is there anyone here who has experience with these things? Pitfalls, what to look for, etc. I fully expect some surprises, but it could be fun. Thanks for any help you can offer.

Tracy, my buddy used a super cub for pipeline patrol. He used to brag extensively about how he could out perform any other small plane like the husky for STOL work. Sadley Russ Watts killed himself in a C152 in high winds on patrol several years ago near KSZP while his super cub was down for repairs.

I have never liked the look of a tricycle gear standard tri pacer, they are just meant to be tail draggers.

Not sure if they have a wood spar wing, that could be an expensive repair. There are alot of mods available to make these planes perform better.

There are probably 10 different styles of these small pipers, some are 2 passengers in the rear and pilot up front, some side by side and most popular 1 up front and 1 behind.

Checking trade a plane or other classifieds these old airplanes used are fetching ridiculous prices, a new one can go over 200K..., a carbon cub, what a performer

This 300 hp looks like a 4 place?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Q3rcwwY8I

Tracy,
I was considering a project like this several years ago. My recollection is that the Bushmaster conversion is Experimental - not STC'd. I could be wrong here, but I do know there are several Experimentals based on the PA-20 airframe. The fuselage is stretched and beefed. Wings stretched, etc. The PA-20 or -22 airframe was really just a starting point. At one time I had plans that were drawn by a guy named Dave Blanton. He had a conversion that used a Ford V6 for power.

That said, I do know of a guy in Willow, AK who has several STCs for PA-20s and -22s. His name is Eddie Trimmer (Trimmer Aviation). He doesn't stretch the fuselage, but does add a left side door, beefier landing gear, and an enhanced "Maule"-like fuel system. He also lengthens the wing and adds fuel capacity, along with an STC for an IO-360. These are several individual STC's that can be installed separately or in one big package. Check out his website: [Link]http://www.trimmeraviation.com[/Link]

Just for a little more info: The PA-20 is the Pacer. The PA-22 is the Tri-Pacer. It's very common to see them labeled as a PA-22/20. This is a Tri-Pacer that's been converted back to a taildragger. The Colt is also a PA-22. It is a 2 seat version of the Tri-Pacer, with a smaller motor. They're all the same fuselage and wing though. They're referred to as "Short Wing" Pipers. There's no relation to the Super Cubs and Super Cruisers the earlier poster mentioned - and they don't have wood spars. They can be found for as little as $15k. They are actually good performers, and when you add some of the STCs and up the HP make a great bush/utility plane.

I've got about 50 hours of Pacer time. It's a great little plane. Not truly a 4 place - kinda like the 172 in that respect. The short wing gives decent speed, and I found it to be very predictable in the landing pattern. It's definitely not a floater. I have a neighbor who has one and is about to add several of the Trimmer mods. If you can get a good price and it's been taken care of (fabric's in good shape, etc), I think you'd have a blast with it.

-Brian

Great info Brian, thanks.

I did a panel in one some years back. The thing would take off like a helicopter with the IO-550! It was placard experimental. You might get ahold of the owner of that one but all I can remember is he was a veterinarian over in Pagosa Springs or Durango Colorado. Sorry, I'm a wealth of non information today.

Mark

tracy,
go to www.supercub.org and ask, someone will have that knowledge.
gary

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.