PFA - The planes, the cost, the works

[mazzy1026]

I have made a couple of "what to do now" kind of threads in the past, without really researching the PFA route. I have to apologise - running a search for "PFA" on this website is somewhat impossible.

I know a couple of people who have bought light aircraft (whether that be kit build or not - including microlights) who are PFA flyer's, and seem to have been very successful, not only in terms of flying hours, but affordability.

So - I suppose a starting point is that I need to learn as much as possible about the PFA. Then I need to start thinking about an aircraft that would suite me.

Can I build a kit plane? Good question - I don't know!
Has to be cheap.
I'm not small - but a couple of people have told me about some very good performing aircraft.
Has to have at least 2 seats.
Must be a new kit/sale (I think - or does it?)

If there are any PFL flyers round my area let's meet up for a beer and a chat .....

Nutshell: get away from £100 per hour club flying and see what this PFA lark is all about ;)

Cheers
Maz :ok:

[S-Works]

Rod1 will be along in a moment to answer all of your questions and convince you an MCR01 is the way to go. Apparantly the PFA route is so cheap you actually get a rebate for every hour you fly.............:p;)

[foxmoth]

Have you looked on the PFA website http://www.pfa.org.uk/ ?
If you go on the left hand side and click on "struts" then you should be able to find your local strut and I am sure you will be able to get some local contacts there.:ok:

[Pitts2112]

You needn't be too caught up in it's being a new aircraft/kit. Most PFA aircraft are well known by others, as are the pilots, so a reputation begins to develop around the pair that will give you an idea of an airoplane's history. I'd assume most types have their experts (DubTrub for Taylorcraft, for instance, Rob Millinship for Pitts Specials), and tapping into the PFA community when you're interested in a something particular will help you find the right expert.

Pitts2112

[Small Rodent Driver]

Have you thought of joining a syndicate?

There are loads of shares available in your area for a relatively small outlay. Flying charges will be closer to £50/hr rather than the £100'ish you are currently paying.

Just a thought. You would be flying a darn site sooner than if you choose to go down the homebuilt route.

[mazzy1026]

Thanks for the responses so far guys ;)

Fox - I've been on the site, but missed that bit - cheers :ok:

[Mike Cross]

I fly a Luscombe on a PFA Permit. This is somewhat unusual as they were let on on the basis that there was no Type Certificate holder responsible for airworthiness. However it illlustrates that there are some factory built aircraft on PFA Permits.

Important question is hangared or not? If you buy a wood and fabric one like a Jodel you will deffo want hangarage so if no hangarage is available or if the cost is more than you want to pay then that will narrow your choice down.

You don't have to build, just buy one that someone else has built. All the usual caveats apply so seek out people who know the type, and preferably the individual aircraft. Also check that you can look after it. No point in buying a homebuilt in the expectation that your local friendly aircraft engineer will look after it for you, he may not want to.

Some PFA types may have handling characteristics quite different to what you're used to, a lot are tailwheel, and some have novelties like flaperons. They can also be very light and more susceptible to gusts or turbulence than something like a C150 or PA28.

So how do I find it? Well our Luscombe is all metal with an 85hp Continental. It's simple, robust, cheap to run, and I have a lot of fun in it. Cruises around 85kt and its endurance is greater than my own. It was built a year before I was and I'm 58 tomorrow!

Mike

[mazzy1026]

SRD - Sorry, I missed your post. Yes, in fact I am due to be meeting with Keith shortly with regards to the Chip - who knows!

Mike - thanks. what are the general costings of your situation? Any pics?

Rgds
Maz :ok:

[Mike Cross]

Hi Mazzy

In my case 4k for the share, 45 quid a month and 32.50 per hour wet, IIRC there's a separate 10 quid a month into a contingency fund. We're probably underfunded on the contingency. Four people in the group so availability is excellent. Pictures? How many would you like?
http://mrc0001.users.btopenworld.com/webimages/btch.jpg
http://mrc0001.users.btopenworld.com/webimages/IMG_1847_resize.JPG
http://mrc0001.users.btopenworld.com/webimages/IMG_2036.jpg
http://mrc0001.users.btopenworld.com/webimages/IMG_4047sm.jpg
http://mrc0001.users.btopenworld.com/webimages/PICT0080.jpg

More info here. (http://www.europeanluscombes.org.uk/)

Prototype flew 1937, rumour has it that Cessna had one in the factory when they designed the 140, precursor to the 150/152. Something like a Luscombe/Taylorcraft/Aeronca Champ would change hands at between 12k and 20k.

[mazzy1026]

Mike - that looks excellent - call me a gun jumper but I'd go so far as saying it looks ideal. My only problem now is where I live - I am pretty much limited to Liverpool and Barton (hmm?).

I am gonna try and find a PFA member from the list on the website, and see what options I have.

Thanks for the pics - all the best

Maz :ok:

[Kolibear]

Happy Birthday Mike:):ok::ok:

I can recommend Mike's Luscombe, he took me up in her on my 50th Birthday!

[Mike Cross]

Thanks K!

If anyone want's to see how we enjoy ourselves please come along to the European Luscombe Rally at Oaksey Park on 4/5 August. Overnight camping, dinner and full english breakfast. Lusty Luscombe Ale on tap on Saturday evening with a band. Spot Landing competition, Flour Bombing and barbecues on both days.

More details here. (http://www.flyer.co.uk/flyins/flyin.php?a=98)

[davidatter708]

Pitts2112 your right about experts most seem to be at leicester which is such a great place for PFA aircraft new pitts seem to turn up every week
Dave

[McFunkletrumpet]

Mazzy. Have you checked your Emails lately?

M

[jamestkirk]

Mazzy.

I have a contact that in the PFA. If you need to know something specific, PM me and will try and find out for you. Hope that helps in some way.

Mike Cross.
Lovely pictures

[Humaround]

Not all PFA types are light and slow.

And bose-x is right - it's so cheap you get a rebate!!

Not really unfortunately, but cheap enough for me to be in 2 syndicates - a farm-stripping Emeraude for pleasant bimbling and an RV6 when I want to go places. Mrs Hum agreed to the RV when she was told 'Loire valley in 2 hours from the midlands...'

Not slow at all, but still only £53 ph.

[mazzy1026]

Not slow at all, but still only £53 ph.
That's what will do it for me!

I have received a few emails/PM's and have replied to them all (always do - manners;)) so I appreciate that, thanks :ok:

[blue up]

If you want CHEAP flying, have a chat with ShortStripper. £2500 for the plane, £12 approx per hour.

http://www.ivan.pfanet.co.uk/

[Rod1]

You can go Gliding for £24 an hour (launch and hire charge) plus £175 ish membership with no capital outlay.

Rod1