Indeed, I know it limits the choice hence I'm rather stumped on options and asking for ideas here!

The whole need for 4 seats would be for family trips probably 2-3 times per month + the odd jolly flight with friends etc, I'd probably do 50-70hrs in it per year plus another 30-50hrs in my single seater. Renting isnt really an option at £170+ per hr and a typical min 3 hrs per day its away etc.

Rather liking the Auster the more I look at them, I had a share in a Tri Pacer for a couple of years and really enjoyed that and now also have access to a Supercub which I'm enjoying as I just find vintage types have far more character than modern Cessna's and Pipers.

I'm not in any rush so will keep an eye on the used Auster / Beagle market I think unless I stumble over something else.......

If no Auster appears, you might consider an N-registered C of A type that is already in the UK, assuming you wouldn't want an importation project. This would potentially open up choice of aircraft types. Maintenance on N-register is very unlike that on EASA registers and can be simple, I believe even in the UK if you make good contacts.

Types that come to mind on that basis, other than the Family Cruiser, Pacer and Stinsons already mentioned, and subject to availability (as the saying goes)...

Cessna 170 (the practical choice)
Luscombe 11A Silvaire Sedan
Taylorcraft Model 15 Sedan
Aeronca 15AC Sedan
Fairchild 24 (now we're getting a bit exotic :) )

Etc.

Best of luck

I am selling a PA22-160 Pacer which would surely tick a lot of boxes....It was on a UK reg previously so it may be a permit candidate.

Just FYI...

Does this exist?
 

Cessna 170and the pipers are 150/160hp think I would want at least 180 for getting in and out of grass strips in a four seater with the family on board

KZ VII - Lark
 

What you need is a KZ VII !

Vintage, 4 seats, tailwheel, easy to work on, well within budget

Unlike your regalar cub, it is rare enough to attract attention but is extremely well supported by the Danish LAA (which is organised around the KZ Club). It will get in and out of any field you can stick a Super Cub in, and with more load too.

There is only one in the UK, but the good news is that I have it for sale :)

Send me a PM, for more info via email/phone
www.kz-vii.co.uk

They're pretty rare, but a Cozy IV would tick all the boxes I think?

There was an out of permit Cozy Classic (the 3-seat version) on AFORS last year - no idea if it's still for sale, and if so, whether it's convertible reasonably easily to the 4-seat Cozy IV standard?



Regarding the Stinson - I have one on a private CofA (currently lapsed, and for sale due to a combination of an unidentified engine problem, and a fallen-apart syndicate); about 780lb payload, with a small baggage compartment. It's most of the way to a PtF aeroplane in that you can do most work yourself, but it does need a CofA annual which is pricey - on the other hand you can take it night (which is fine) or IMC (which I'd not make a habit of). I asked a couple of years ago about getting it onto an LAA permit but got the firm answer "if it can have a CofA it must have a CofA", which I think is still broadly CAA policy.

Not vintage, but I was very impressed with the Jabiru J430 when I got to fly one a bit - ticks all your other boxes (PtF, 4 seats, owner maintenance...) Payload is okay, rather than good - but that's true of most 4-seaters.

Ditto Wassmer Wa51 - there was one advertised for sale out of Humberside not long ago.

G

So do I, had a ride in one (OY-DSB) many years ago :)

Some people say a KZ-VII won't get off the ground with all seats occupied?

.. men hvis jeg havde pengene, så ville jeg købe én...

well...not many 4 seaters will take off with 4 builders and full fuel from 200m, and neither will the KZ VII. :)

With kids in the back and a little more room, it's no issue though.

What you really need is one of these https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=dH...hM9EItGOFhM%3A FIVE seats and gets airborne pretty smart ish fully loaded - I know, I have done it!

4 seats,
good stol
180 hp FP or CS your choice
economical
lands anywhere
taildragger
good factory support
build like a brick sh&% house
appx. 950lbs useful load
73 USG tanks

There is only one that fits the bill !!!

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?...-seq=2&s-lvl=2

Or I suppose...

GINFO Search Results Summary | Aircraft Register | Operations and Safety

G

Hmmmm, thinking thoses last two might stretch the budget somewhat!!!

I've got AOEX and ANZT in my log book from my PPL at Thruxton in 1964.
I don't remember them as load carriers - climb with just two heavyish guys was not great. Cruising speed?? Following the railway Shoreham - Portsmouth on my solo QCC in ZT, with a headwind, first an engine, then a second engine, then a coal wagon, then more wagons, appeared under the nose. Always used grass, never hard runway.