Good taildragger needed

[jbDC9]

Gorilla,

You're in the DFW area? Which airpark? Man, you're not far from Northwest Regional in Roanoke and Hicks Airport just N of Fort Worth... lots of RV activity at these airports, including RV Central, a RV "Builder's Assist" operation at Hicks. http://www.vansairforce.net/rvcentral.htm

If you want to check out projects in progress or maybe bum a ride, you oughta find 'em there.

I assume you've found http://www.vansairforce.net/ Tons of good info there, plus there are the forums, http://www.vansairforce.com/community/index.php. If you really wanna snag a ride, post a question in there, I'm sure you can find a DFW area builder that'll set the hook for ya.

As for a taildragger to build time in, you can't go wrong with a 150hp Citabria; lotsa bang for the buck and a whole bunch cheaper than a Cub. It's fairly roomy too; from the sound of it there's no way you guys would be happy with side by side seats... sucks to be squished in shoulder to shoulder.

John
Houston
RV-8 QB engine/prop mounted, cowling/baffling done... almost time to hang the wings!

 

[sky37d]

I'd go for a Maule. It can handle you, your wife, and your son. They are reasonably priced, even new, and less used. They perform well, they are a HOOT to fly, and they are insurable, trainable, etc, etc. The cub is a 2 seater, a guy on my strip has a 120, and it's small inside.

I'm 6-3, and 200, and did my primary training in a Maule. I also live on a grass strip, but 2700 ft long.

 

[CherryBomb]

You might try and find a Hyperbipe. Its an experimental, not many of them built, but fun to fly. Can be had for a descent price too if you can find them. Probably one of the more challenging taildraggers. We own one and love it. We keep it at LNC just south of Dallas. PM me if you want a ride...

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Gor-

The issue I see is the RV types are much more finicky than a production taildragger... Cubs, Champs, Citabria and Decathalons are pretty stable for taildraggers.

Seems to me you should get involved into a RV club and fly other guys RV's if you can....this way you can stay focused on your final product...

However, if an RV club isn't a option a Decathalon of Citabria is good for the weight you want to carry....

 

[Silvaire Pilot]

Citabria or Decathlon

I have flown the RV-4/6/8 series of airplane and would reccomend either the Citabria or the Decathlon to suit your mission. I am 6'3" 200lbs and instruct tailwheel and acro in both the Citabria and Decathlon. We have two brand new Citabria's for rent here in North Carolina and I have flown myself and a 200lbs passenger with half tanks off of 1000' of grass one a 2900ft density altitude day. The 150-160 hp Citabria is the way to go. More room than a Super Cub and it has the ability to do the occasional loop, roll, spin (i.e. anything positive G Acro) The Decathlon is a much more capable acro trainer however the cost of the plane is more as well. If you choose to buy one it is well worth the money to buy a Citabria/Decathlon with a metal spar. The original Champion/Bellance models came with a wooden spar that can have stress cracks on them. The only way to check for this is to make inspection holes along the main spar about about every 1.5 feet on each wing so a mechanic can get in there and look with a mirror. The spring steel landing gear requires some finesse to do nice wheel landings (think of a springboard) but your RV-8 with spring steel landing gear will land comparably. For those who don't like the spring steel it is virtually maintenance free when compared to the oleos of a champ or maule. If you are looking for a great vacation come to our airport in NC spend a week and get your tailwheel signoff flying around the mountains. We even have seaplane training too! PM me for more details

 

[LJDRVR]

Hey Gorilla,

I would strongly recommend the Citabria also. I've instructed in 15 different models of taildraggers, and although there are others that are more fun to fly, the Citabria can't be beat for total value. Good training platform, (Lots of adverse yaw) cheap to purchase and operate, loves grass and is nice to loop and roll. (Install spades)

As far as tailwheel instruction goes, give Steve Manley a call at 972.345.3333. Steve has years of tailwheel teaching experience, and is an IA, so he can help you with prepurchase stuff. Super nice guy based at ADS. I worked for him years ago as an instructor, highly recommended. I think he's got a Cessna 120 for tailwheel dual these days, but I could be wrong.

Good Luck!

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks guys, somehow I missed these last few postings, as if my PC didn't show them as new. I'll investigate the Citabria/Decathlon series as well.

It'd be nice to spin and loop occasionally. I miss seeing the world upside down. Can't do that in my everyday work.

 

[weekendwarrior]

Cessna 120/140 is a GREAT taildragger...easy enough to transition, yet advanced enough for any RV. I had 120 hours of C140 time 2 years ago, and am now flying an RV-4 without an problems...RV's are very forgiving taildraggers, IMHO.

140's are cheap, available, and easy to sell..buy one for $20K, build some time and have something to fly CHEAP while you build your -8 and you'll be fine.

 

[usafa]

How about some advice? I also am thinking about buying a tail dragger. I just got my t'wheel endorsement and need some direction as to a decent, good handling aircraft. I am leaning toward a Thorp because of price, performance. any comments?

 

[VNugget]

Good taildragger needed?

What other kind is there?

 

[Huggyu2]

I've got a friend with a Thorpe down in the Palmdale, CA area. PM me if you want to contact him

 

[DustMaker]

OK, i can't resist - i am slow to do everything - a real tail dragger

 

[FL420]

I owned a Globe GC-1B Swift and a Stinson 108 Voyager 150 for a number of years. The Swift was lots of fun but the Stinson much more practical, especially to learn in. I have many fond memories of many hours in both. Both are in the Utility category, good for mild, positive G aerobatics and spins although I wouldn't recommend spinning the Swift.

 

[Tram]

Get a Van's.. You'll be glad you did..

JungleJett - What does a Yak 50 run?

 

[flyboycpa]

Strange!!!

I owned a Globe GC-1B Swift and a Stinson 108 Voyager 150 for a number of years. The Swift was lots of fun but the Stinson much more practical, especially to learn in. I have many fond memories of many hours in both. Both are in the Utility category, good for mild, positive G aerobatics and spins although I wouldn't recommend spinning the Swift.

That's really coincidental??!?!?!?!?!

I currently own both a Swift (his) and a Stinson 108-1 (hers).....

I like your choice of planes!

BTW....not only would I not recommend the spins in the Swift, but it is an operating limitation....spins prohibited!

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