Buying A Taildragger. UK-v-USA, Luscombe-v-Piper-v-Cessna.
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Buying A Taildragger. UK-v-USA, Luscombe-v-Piper-v-Cessna.
So. I can't find a share in anything local which means going it alone. The idea of poling around in something nippy and single seat is attractive but I know the novelty of being Nobby Nomates would soon wear off which leaves a two-seater (or more).
Going places quickly with lots of dials and gadgets isn't what I need which is handy really as that'll keep the costs down and I rather fancy a Super Cub. Which won't. Shame really as that's what I learned to fly on but the little general at home ain't having it.
"Go west" someone told me "You can still find bargains in the States". Well I've spent a few weeks looking and it seems to me that by the time you've either schlepped out there and poked around in barns or paid someone to do it for you then added shipping you might as well buy here and that's without the aggravation factor or risk.
The few J3's I've found here seem to be a bit pricey which leaves Luscombes and Cessnas neither of which I've ever flown.
Over to you.
Going places quickly with lots of dials and gadgets isn't what I need which is handy really as that'll keep the costs down and I rather fancy a Super Cub. Which won't. Shame really as that's what I learned to fly on but the little general at home ain't having it.
"Go west" someone told me "You can still find bargains in the States". Well I've spent a few weeks looking and it seems to me that by the time you've either schlepped out there and poked around in barns or paid someone to do it for you then added shipping you might as well buy here and that's without the aggravation factor or risk.
The few J3's I've found here seem to be a bit pricey which leaves Luscombes and Cessnas neither of which I've ever flown.
Over to you.
J3 or L4 are a excellent choice for summer evening bimbling....open door and all that.
if you want to travel places then a cessna 120 / 140 would be good , but the best choice IMHO is the Luscombe.......good looking, excellent handling, decent capacity (8Es ) and range and with a stick.85 kts at 17 litres mogas an hour. Don't know where you are based , but you could check out Sywell next weekend.......Classic Cessnas and Luscombes all together ... see here.... European Luscombes
would be pleased to show you around our Luscombe .
if you want to travel places then a cessna 120 / 140 would be good , but the best choice IMHO is the Luscombe.......good looking, excellent handling, decent capacity (8Es ) and range and with a stick.85 kts at 17 litres mogas an hour. Don't know where you are based , but you could check out Sywell next weekend.......Classic Cessnas and Luscombes all together ... see here.... European Luscombes
would be pleased to show you around our Luscombe .
Last edited by Blink182; 26th Apr 2009 at 20:41.
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Huskys are Super Cub money and more. Much as I love STOL performance I just can't justify it.
Champs caught my eye too. Not too many around though. If I can find something with a stick I'd prefer it and next weekend sounds ideal Blink but Sod's Law dictates that I'll be about 3000 miles away
A look around your Luscombe would be much appreciated if you're anywhere nearby (East Herts).
Champs caught my eye too. Not too many around though. If I can find something with a stick I'd prefer it and next weekend sounds ideal Blink but Sod's Law dictates that I'll be about 3000 miles away
A look around your Luscombe would be much appreciated if you're anywhere nearby (East Herts).
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Luscombes (other than the 8A) and Cessnas (other than early examples) have the advantage of being all metal.
If you intend to hangar it then as well as the Jodels I'd take a look at Taylorcraft. Very nice to fly, similar speeds to a Luscombe and slightly better short-field performance (though it wounds me to admit it).
All of these are economic on fuel and most are available on Permits.
Take a look at the events on www.europeanluscombes.org or just register on there and ask questions.
Rob Lees at Leicester is your best bet if talking Taylorcraft.
If you intend to hangar it then as well as the Jodels I'd take a look at Taylorcraft. Very nice to fly, similar speeds to a Luscombe and slightly better short-field performance (though it wounds me to admit it).
All of these are economic on fuel and most are available on Permits.
Take a look at the events on www.europeanluscombes.org or just register on there and ask questions.
Rob Lees at Leicester is your best bet if talking Taylorcraft.
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I would like to second the comments above. The Taylorcraft is one fantastic a/c. Cheap to own and operatate. Will get in and out of the smallest of strips (lower wing loading than a cub), and will happily cruise faster than a cub.
Check out Taylorcraft.org.uk G-BREY has to be the UK's best example (recently rebuilt to a very high standard). Owned and operated by Rob Lees at Leicester (there are several other examples of the type there as well)
As well as the local bimble for which this type is perfect for, Rob (and others) have managed some fantastic trips, including taking BREY into the arctic circle for some midnight vfr flying.
Check out Taylorcraft.org.uk G-BREY has to be the UK's best example (recently rebuilt to a very high standard). Owned and operated by Rob Lees at Leicester (there are several other examples of the type there as well)
As well as the local bimble for which this type is perfect for, Rob (and others) have managed some fantastic trips, including taking BREY into the arctic circle for some midnight vfr flying.
Look at the cruising speed, range, load carrying ability, fuel consumption, running cost, and purchase cost of the various Jodels, providing you can keep it hangared. Try the handling.
Compare with whatever else you can find.
(I've been a member of a DR1050 group for 19 years)
Compare with whatever else you can find.
(I've been a member of a DR1050 group for 19 years)
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HAL26
There are 2 Pushpak's on the register. I've flown both and owned one for about 8 years. Very nice, very honest and very cheap - 4.5gph and 90mph. Range of 4.5 hours.
Alternatively an Aeronca Champ.
Alternatively an Aeronca Champ.
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If you have access to a hangar then go for a Jodel. Lots around in the UK and France, you can get anything from a basic 65hp two seater up to 4 seats and 120kn, prices are low and maintenance costs likewise. If you are keeping it outside go Luscombe, it is a good machine, will stand being outside and for a spam can
, it is good fun. Do watch out for some of the owners though…
Rod1
, it is good fun. Do watch out for some of the owners though…Rod1