All metal/tube & fabric, versus Composite aircraft.. what's your feelings..

[squale]

I am just trying to get some pros and cons from people's perspectives on all metal aircraft versus the newer lighter, faster composite aircraft? I am specifically looking at LSA aircraft and there is a mix of both flavors. The composite aircraft do have a much sportier cleaner look and also usually have better performance numbers with the same engines, but I am just not very knowledgable about composite aircraft so I don't know if they are a good choice or not...

I don't know about many GA composite aircraft besides Cirrius so I can't really compare aircraft in the GA playing field... but then again, I am looking at LSA because I can't afford GA anyhow,

 

[Pugh]

Right now I am training in a Diamond DA-20-C1 (all composite), and used to train in a 152. It is quite a bit faster and more nimble than the 152. But it does have an O-240 as opposed to our 152's O-235 so that helps a bit. It requires aggressive right rudder on take-off as compared to a 152, but all in all it's a fun bird to fly. It climbs real well and when you level off you really have to pull back the power quite a bit. The 152 is an aerodynamic brick compared to the DA-20.

So far our school has not had any issues with the composite maintenance wise but we've only had the planes for 4 or 5 months now. One of the interesting things about it is that the plane has a maximum structural takeoff temperature of 135 degrees F/55C. I believe it's because they don't want you flying it if the wing spar, which is composite, has changed shape from the heat.

 

[avbug]

Are you considering building or working on these aircraft? If not, what do you care what they're made of?

How do they fly...that's the question. Can you afford it, and will you be happy with it?

What the aircraft uses in it's construction is really irrelevant when you go fly.

 

[Lead Sled]

I am just trying to get some pros and cons from people's perspectives on all metal aircraft versus the newer lighter, faster composite aircraft? I am specifically looking at LSA aircraft and there is a mix of both flavors. The composite aircraft do have a much sportier cleaner look and also usually have better performance numbers with the same engines, but I am just not very knowledgable about composite aircraft so I don't know if they are a good choice or not...

I don't know about many GA composite aircraft besides Cirrius so I can't really compare aircraft in the GA playing field... but then again, I am looking at LSA because I can't afford GA anyhow,

There are some things that you ought to consider. Full composite aircraft (airplanes and gliders) have been around for a long time now and they have a proven track record; and, of course, tube and fabric airplanes have been around forever. My main concern with the composite aircraft is when it comes time for structural repairs. Not everyone is up to the task. Go fly them then make your choice - composite or fabric it won't make any real difference.

'Sled

 

[avbug]

Finding mechanics who have experience doing fabric repairs isn't so easy any more, either. Some of the best sticks at glass repair I've met have been those with boat experience, and auto body experience.

 

[garf12]

Right now I am training in a Diamond DA-20-C1 (all composite), and used to train in a 152. It is quite a bit faster and more nimble than the 152. But it does have an O-240 as opposed to our 152's O-235 so that helps a bit. It requires aggressive right rudder on take-off as compared to a 152, but all in all it's a fun bird to fly. It climbs real well and when you level off you really have to pull back the power quite a bit. The 152 is an aerodynamic brick compared to the DA-20.

So far our school has not had any issues with the composite maintenance wise but we've only had the planes for 4 or 5 months now. One of the interesting things about it is that the plane has a maximum structural takeoff temperature of 135 degrees F/55C. I believe it's because they don't want you flying it if the wing spar, which is composite, has changed shape from the heat.

I flew a DA-20 the other day for the first time. Intresting little plane, the main thing I remember about it was it seemed you had to pull the throttle all the way back to get the RPM's under red line. I did not like landing it at all! I can honestly say I have never been that scared in an airplane in my life and I dont really know why.

 

[88_MALIBU]

I would stay with Comp. Material VS fabric. I dont know why, but I dont like leaving a fabric airplane tied down outside very long, even while on overnights. I own a fabric airplane, and would much rather have a Comp. airframe to clean and maintain, or even better=metal.

 

[Lead Sled]

Finding mechanics who have experience doing fabric repairs isn't so easy any more, either. Some of the best sticks at glass repair I've met have been those with boat experience, and auto body experience.

I've never flown a composite airplane. When it comes to gliders you often have to load them on the trailer and drag them to a factory certified repair facility. I would imagine that it would be similiar with the glass aircraft for about anything much more serious than hangar rash.

'Sled