Best airplane for the money

[USMCmech]

Do people do TW training in RV4s?

You certianaly can. Either in you own plane, or with one of the handfull of guys who offer RV trasition training. There is one guy around the DFW area that does it. I spoke to a pilot who had 200 TT and 15 tailwheel when he test flew his RV-8.

 

[RPM]

Well...tandem seating would be fine...wouldn't have to be side by side, I suppose.

Do people do TW training in RV4s?

I imagine insurance would be considerably higher for me (95TT) than for you (airline pilot) but still...

Yeah, there is people that do training in the 4 or 8, you can find them on the Vans forums. I would do it If I had a 2 seater currently.. Another excuse for me to "need" a 2 seater That, and I'd love to teach aerobatics on the side again and give thrill rides..(i really don't miss the smell of vomit in the summertime though, when the tough guys get umm, not so tough anymore lol, yuck!) I wish I could still teach taildragger pilots in the Pitts S2, they were good to go in ANY taildragger after that.. If you can land that thing, you can land ANYTHING.

You can still get insurance for a reasonable rate.. I checked into it for my buddy since we considered partnering.. he was low time like you.. I don't remember the quote but it was very reasonable.. ($960) a year If I remember right. The insurance is mostly based off the hull value.. so if the plane is only worth 30K insurance won't be bad at all.. I think they will want to see some tailwheel/dual to insure you though, maybe 10-20hrs minimum..

Now if you wanted insurance on a high performance plane like a Pitts or an Extra 300 that tend to ground loop A LOT with beginners.. with your hours.. eh.. good luck, or get out the wallet!

The ultimate taildragger pilot right of passage..

 

[RPM]

You certianaly can. Either in you own plane, or with one of the handfull of guys who offer RV trasition training.

I'm not a big fan of teaching in others newly purchased planes anymore after engine failures/mechanical problems (bonanza, baron) and near death experiences twice becuse of fuel starvation at a BAD time (RV) good thing I have experience landing in very short rough fields.. you especially need to watch it with experimentals and free reign on system design, you REALLY need to be careful if you are new to the plane, there is some WEIRD designs on systems out there. A new owner who "thinks" he knows the strangely designed fuel systems = bad news, I will never take anyone's word for it again. I want schematics. :buck:

I'd much rather teach in something I know and trust.. the last thing I want to do is be teaching an inverted flat spin in someones newly aquired pitts and have a rudder cable snap do to poor mx that I wasn't privy too, I mean.. I like a thrill, but not that kind :insane:

Most transition guys will only fly their planes.

I guess thats something I should add if your looking to maybe purchase these types of airplanes.. Looking at an experimental or aerobatic plane, You NEED to have someone experienced with these type of aircraft to look at it with you before purchasing to identify any potential problems, Not to scare you.. MOST of them are fine, but there are some sketchy airplanes out there..

 

[Sprint100]

If you only want to operate off of concrete it's ok. All these plastic airplanes, SR-22 included, seem to eat up a lot of runway for takeoff and landing. Club planes should be versatile.

Can't beat the overall performance for such a small engine

 

[Sprint100]

Looking at an experimental or aerobatic plane, You NEED to have someone experienced with these type of aircraft to look at it with you before purchasing AND WHILE BUILDING to identify any potential problems....

Sorry I had to put that extra bit in because I am anal about doing it right since the builder is THE MANUFACTURER. Don't buy a plane with too many modifications(even though they may seem cool), but in actuality the probably don't have the engineering knowledge to redo a proven design. The same about building one, watch the modifications.

 

[Tram]

RV-7

Sole drawback is only 2 seats.

I'd have to vote for the 6.. It rolls quicker..

 

[loubetti]

I would have to say is an older model (2003 or so) Cirrus SR-22.

Pretty amazing to see them sub $200K.

I guess you never flew a later model 210 turbo, and saw 5 large adults and baggage getting out of one.

I guess an SR22 is nice if lower useful loads are attractive to you.

Frankly, I don't need a 'chute or two, big TV screens. I'd rather have good speed, great useful load and a service ceiling that gets up there almost with the jets. That is not, and never will be an SR22.

 

[Polar742]

I would have to say is an older model (2003 or so) Cirrus SR-22.

Pretty amazing to see them sub $200K.

In the words of Sir Mix-A-Lot: Plastic parts are made for toys.

You seem to have a good job, and seem to want a 4 seat single. A few suggestions from someone who has some freetime, and no money for one of his own (all under your 200K):

Stinson V77 - http://www.controller.com/listings/...982.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7 http://www.aerotrader.com/find/listing/1943-STINSON-AT19--V77-94376892

Cessna 195 - http://www.controller.com/listings/...910.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7

Howard DGA - http://www.controller.com/listings/...914.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7

If you feel the need for something cool and will get you good parking at an airshow or FBO:

T28 - http://www.controller.com/listings/...420.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7

T-6 - http://www.controller.com/listings/...228.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7

 

[CN94559]

I have a few answers to this.

VFR buzzing around, not really wanting to go anywhere fast, 152

fast VFR/IFR non complex, Cirrus

fast VFR/IFR complex, Bonanza

Turboprop, Grand Caravan

Private Jet, Citation X

Big Jet, BBJ

 

[Tram]

If you feel the need for something cool and will get you good parking at an airshow or FBO:

T28 - http://www.controller.com/listings/...420.htm?guid=08663b5053544660b077621e5a74f1a7

You left out - "something that will eat you out of house and home in maintainance."

We came "this close" to getting a T-28 several years ago until we started lookin' at keeping it running..

 

[Richman]

Hi Guys,

There are some great deals out there these days. But as they say, it's not the cost, it's the upkeep.

A 182RG (turbo or non) is a fantastic XC machine. You can get a turbo RG these days for less than what a straight leg would have cost you 3 years ago, and have change left over to upgrade the panel. Even a 172RG is a capable plane.

Don't get me wrong...I like shiney just as much as the next guy, but when you're writing the checks, you learn to appriciate other things. Effects of age and repair techniques on aluminum airframes is WELL understood. Most parts can be fabricated with a pair of tin snips and a drill press. The old gyro instruments can be overhauled inexpensively, and placed back into service, without worrying about obsolete data cards, software or a company that's out of business taking out your entire panel.

I point to the Eclipse fiasco. Those people are in a world of hurt because of all the propriatary stuff, and are --><-- close to having expensive lawn ornaments.

If I were in the market, I'd stick with a 6 pack setup (I might spring for a Mid-Continent AI with battery backup), a 480 and a 496/696, which gives you fantastic capability for a LOT less change than a new Cessna or a Cirrus, with money left over for that occasional blown cylinder or failed transponder. I shudder to think what a failed G1000 display or AHRS unit will cost out of warranty.

Richman