Grob G-115D: where to buy?
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This was me thinking you meant the G115D Heron? I'm not aware of any tutor variants that were D models, all the ones I flew were A.
So are you looking for the 160HP or 180HP? Variable pitch or fixed prop?
The Grob 115 series isn't exactly the best aircraft available, and under performs when compared to a bulldog or a firefly.
If it was my money I'd be looking for a firefly.
So are you looking for the 160HP or 180HP? Variable pitch or fixed prop?
The Grob 115 series isn't exactly the best aircraft available, and under performs when compared to a bulldog or a firefly.
If it was my money I'd be looking for a firefly.
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@ Tractorpuller:
Thanks for the tip, I am just checking their website and I will try to contact them later today.
@ RTN11 I agree that the Grob is not the best machine around, but its running costs are lower than others (Pup, Firefly, Zlins..) and the thing that is attracting me the most is the cargo allowance of 55kg. In comparison, the Firefly has 20kg of allowance, while Pup and Bulldog are difficult to maintain outside UK.
In the field of "ibrid" airplanes (did I spell it correctly?) there is no such thing as a perfect machine: they all have compromises to accept.
I am definitely looking for a 180HP which as far as I know comes only with varable pitch prop.
If I had money enough I would think about a Marchetti... but until I win the lottery I have to fly low....
Thanks for the tip, I am just checking their website and I will try to contact them later today.
@ RTN11 I agree that the Grob is not the best machine around, but its running costs are lower than others (Pup, Firefly, Zlins..) and the thing that is attracting me the most is the cargo allowance of 55kg. In comparison, the Firefly has 20kg of allowance, while Pup and Bulldog are difficult to maintain outside UK.
In the field of "ibrid" airplanes (did I spell it correctly?) there is no such thing as a perfect machine: they all have compromises to accept.
I am definitely looking for a 180HP which as far as I know comes only with varable pitch prop.
If I had money enough I would think about a Marchetti... but until I win the lottery I have to fly low....
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and the thing that is attracting me the most is the cargo allowance of 55kg.
D.O.
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Which 115 type were you flying?
I checked the EASA type certificate and it shows that staring from the version "C" the allowance raised from 20 to 55 kg:
http://www.easa.europa.eu/certificat...2-20122011.pdf
I checked the EASA type certificate and it shows that staring from the version "C" the allowance raised from 20 to 55 kg:
http://www.easa.europa.eu/certificat...2-20122011.pdf
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I flew an early G115A (underpowered) The luggage space was a shelf which at its front edge was level with the top of the seat back and sloped up towards the rear window. You could put a chart on it but nothing as big as a flight case. I suppose you could strap down a 55kg gold bar.
I have more recently been in a G115D as a passenger but cannot specifically remember any difference in space.
Edited to add: I thought the G115A was quite a pretty aeroplane but its flying characteristics didn't match its looks. The flight school lost one in an accident and shortly after sold the other. 20 years on they now have several G115D Herons which were acquired for a military contract.
D.O.
I have more recently been in a G115D as a passenger but cannot specifically remember any difference in space.
Edited to add: I thought the G115A was quite a pretty aeroplane but its flying characteristics didn't match its looks. The flight school lost one in an accident and shortly after sold the other. 20 years on they now have several G115D Herons which were acquired for a military contract.
D.O.
Last edited by dont overfil; 21st Jan 2013 at 10:23.
the D is aerobatic, which is what I look for: an hybrid plane with 55kg cargo allowance and some acro capabilities
The two seat CAPs are obviously aerobatic and pretty too, but the B-model wing inspection ADs would put me off personally and the C wing seems to be a bit of a half effort and expensive. I'm sure people in France with a lot of CAP experience might have work arounds. Friends of mine with a wood winged single seat CAP did it the 'easy' way: first they built all the tooling and then they built themselves a new 100% carbon fiber wing and control surfaces. Nothing that 4000 hrs of labor couldn't solve
Last edited by Silvaire1; 21st Jan 2013 at 22:27.
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I flew an early G115A (underpowered) The luggage space was a shelf which at its front edge was level with the top of the seat back and sloped up towards the rear window. You could put a chart on it but nothing as big as a flight case.
) But this time, I feel as a Grob 115A driver, I feel on safer ground! Yep, the 115A is indeed underpowered (especially when into a strong headwind, one feels as though the aircraft is not going anywhere!) The luggage rack is indeed as you describe. However, on a business trip to Upavon, I put my (ok, albeit smallish and squashy) flight case on it, conservation equipment and material, Tech log and coffee. All with a net over For our trips to Duxford, my FI and I have also packed the back shelf full with two bags, coffee, flying jacket.
So, where theres a will.....
I love the old 115A, it has its faults but then I am sure any aircraft would - just like cars!
Just a thought from someone who flies a 115A regularly.....
GQ
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So, where theres a will.....
I suppose you can put shallow squashy stuff on the shelf but it would not take my hard flight bag. I'm not happy putting stuff at head level behind me.
It just seems so wrong that an ugly old C152 with all its carbuncles and sticky out bits should perform better with the same engine and still have room for two cases. At least the G115D performs a bit better but still no better than a Warrior which has two more seats.
You can tell I have no interest in emptying the ashtrays in flight these days.
D.O.
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Discussion is taking an interesting direction...
Anybody has pictures of the luggage compartment of the D? The canopy is slightly different compared to the A, so I expect some difference in the interior as well, considering the large difference of certified allowed weight...
Anybody has pictures of the luggage compartment of the D? The canopy is slightly different compared to the A, so I expect some difference in the interior as well, considering the large difference of certified allowed weight...
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Currently all RAF Grobs are grounded due to an issue with the prop.
Starting to delaminate and one fell off at a high rate of knots. There might be one or two coming up for sale if they can't rectify the situation.
Starting to delaminate and one fell off at a high rate of knots. There might be one or two coming up for sale if they can't rectify the situation.
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gbvhd by cloudsabove1, on Flickr
This is a G115D. As near as I can tell from the photo the shelf is the same as the "A" model.
D.O.
Last edited by dont overfil; 23rd Jan 2013 at 08:58.
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DO, I reckon what you say... I am starting to be doubtful... I will make a visual inspection on the first available "D" as soon as possible and if the cargo bay is as you say, a shelf on the same head level, I will give up with the purchase plan... it makes no sense to be allowed to carry 55kg when the volume available is not useful....
