Whilst I appreciate the Beechcraft Bonanza F33C aerobatic is not in the OP's shortlist, they are nevertheless a nice aircraft for anyone considering aero's and touring.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct...GaAPznq_y5xEmA

The Sbach with the Radial flies...

Impressive take off, but the video quality is too low to understand what aircraft it is.:suspect:

Its the one in the photos that I posted earlier

WOW ! I bet you swallow your bubble gum when you drop the hammer on that puppy :cool:

Hey ho!
I'm removing some dust from this old thread of mine...

Initially I focused on Zlin 142/242, but although very capable for aerobatics, they are not so nice for touring, due to the limited cargo allowance. I was on the point to buy one in Eastern Europe, but the seller demonstrated not to be reliable (and I think I was pretty lucky to discover this at the right time).

Later, after many searches, visits and discussions, I have come to conclusion that the ideal machine for my purposes would be an SA Bulldog or, in alternative an FFA AS202-18 Bravo.
Both are capable of decent aerobatics, both can carry a third passenger, both have a lot of luggage room. The Bulldog has some advantage as it can be a good IMC machine as well, as is pretty fascinating...

Now I am on the hunt to find one of these machines in good conditions... any suggestion appreciated!:)

Hi there
For touring and aeros, an RV-7 with a fuel injected engine (you can even use a fixed-pitch prop and a carb'd engine, if you want). Compared to the two types you have short-listed, it's much, much cheaper to run and keep. They have been well proven as fast long-range tourers, support is excellent and the internet groups provide a huge network of information on keeping them running. Why not look up Gerry Humphrey's EI-HUM on YooToob, as proof?

regards
TDD

Zio Nick I forget if you were UK based or not. In the UK the BDog can move to the LAA and many are doing so. At the moment this removes the IMC option. Most BDog’s are also only 2 seaters. As I recommended some time ago the RV7 is a much more capable bit of kit.

Rod1

Hi Rod,

Thanks for your answer, in fact I am not UK based, I live in the Netherlands and I am planning to register my new a/c either in the NL or in Belgium.
I am not fully aware of British regulations, but in Belgium IFR is allowed depending on the equipment of the aircraft.
Regarding the third seat, my understanding was that it could be retrofitted, your remark changes my perspective, indeed...

I love my Grob 115C1 as an aerobatic and touring aircraft. Limited on aerobatic capabilities since it does not have inverted fuel and oil but good enough for what I like to do. Also the fact that it is IFR certified is a bonus. I bought my plane in Colorado and flew it home to Stirling, ON Canada ~1,300nm. Very comfortable on long trips. Lots of shoulder room to 2 people and plenty of baggage space. 55KG limit. Here is a picture of the baggage compartment. Very hard to find Grobs for sale. I use globalplanesearch.com
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...8&l=48fb74602f

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...8&l=48fb74602f

I'll toss in a vote for the Airtourer but then I would cos I've got one! It's smaller and lighter than the Bulldog and a lot cheaper to maintain as it is a much simpler airframe.

95-100kt cruise on 115hp and +6/-3g. The 150hp vp prop version is faster and better at aeros but you'll struggle to find one for sale this side of the Pacific.

http://www.flightglobal.com/FlightPD...20-%202877.PDF

While the RV7 is a lovely machine you can buy two Bulldogs for the price of one RV7 or one Bulldog and a hell of a lot of AvGas!!