Good taildragger needed

[FL420]

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

fb

You are correct, sir. It's been awhile. I miss 'em.

 

[mvedepo]

Go with a Citabria, GCAA, GCBC, or ECA Great planes!

 

[JungleJett]

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

JungleJett - What does a Yak 50 run?

I know of a few that I would recommend for less than 75K and some less than 70K. There is simply no other airplane that can beat it for performance, looks, reliability, ease of MX, and flying qualities for the money. They are a BLAST to fly and really are a poor mans fighter. Plus you will find unlimited support and the other folks that own these and the -52 are a tight group.

There is a dude in the UK that has both a -50 and a Spit. He says there is a striking similarity between the handling characteristics that he can stay current in his Spit by flying the -50. (And he enjoys flying the -50 more!!!)

Seriously...they are a blast to fly and they look cool as hell.

Here is mine...

http://community.webshots.com/photo/2392588500077747909hOvLZE

 

[mvedepo]

Just bought an 8KCAB. GREAT plane!

 

[Huggyu2]

All Yak-50s are single seat, right? If so, I guess the closest two-seater would be a Yak-52? How much difference in performance and "flight characteristics"?

 

[JungleJett]

All Yak-50s are single seat, right? If so, I guess the closest two-seater would be a Yak-52? How much difference in performance and "flight characteristics"?

Yes they are..our motto "Single Seat, Big Meat"

The -52 has a slightly slower roll rate and does not get nearly the vertical penetration that the -50 does. Owe that to about a 400 pound difference between most -50' and -52's. The -50 is also faster. The share alot of the same systems (same engine and prop) and many parts are interchangeable.

The 52 is a good flying airplane. A friend of mine performs in his and does a great show with tailslides, tumbles...you name it. It certainly is not an unlimited aerobat but it will keep you smiling.

Folks that do not know Russian airplanes will tell you these things are junk. I would put my airplane up against ANY airplane as far as build quality and reliability....ANY airplane. They are strong, reliable, very capable, and a blast to fly. They have sweet ramp appeal as well..if that is important to you....and it will be.

If I can point you towards either airplane, let me know. There are a TON of military guys flying these airplanes and LOVE them. A friend of mine is a Hornet driver and says the -50 runs a close race with the F-18 for pure fun.

By the way, they do make a TW version of the -52 but I would stay away from it. They are about 130K (twice what you can get a -52 for)and just not the same as the original birds.

 

[Huggyu2]

Copy that. I got a ride in a -52 in 2002, and loved it. The guy I flew with bought his for ~$35,000 that year. I'll accept the loss of performance: I've got to share the experience with everyone I can.
I've been looking at a number of aircraft for under $100K (for next year), and the -52 is near the top.
Care to weigh in on a debate on the Yak-52 vs the CJ-6? So far, the folks I met at Oshkosh favor the CJ-6, but I'd like your opinion.

 

[JungleJett]

Copy that. I got a ride in a -52 in 2002, and loved it. The guy I flew with bought his for ~$35,000 that year. I'll accept the loss of performance: I've got to share the experience with everyone I can.
I've been looking at a number of aircraft for under $100K (for next year), and the -52 is near the top.
Care to weigh in on a debate on the Yak-52 vs the CJ-6? So far, the folks I met at Oshkosh favor the CJ-6, but I'd like your opinion.

As with any airplane, you need to define your mission. Both are great airplanes and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

The Yak-52 is slower than the CJ-6 but more aerobatic. The CJ-6 is fast but can only do "warbird aerobatics". The Yak-52 is much more capable. The CJ is a better cross country airplane because it is bigger (more roomy) and faster.

The CJ-6 is more like a standarad BMW while the Yak-52 is like an M series BMW. One thing be sure of, the CJ-6 has a smaller engine than the Yak-52. 265 -vs- 360 HP. They are still faster due to a cleaner airframe but since you can get a CJ-6 with the Yaks M-14P, I would HIGHLY recommend that engine over the stock CJ Housai. It is a better engine too!

Price, you can get a totally overhauled (with your paint scheme) Yak-52 for about 75K. That comes with all kinds of good stuff like a tool kit (which is VERY important for these airplanes). A totally overhauled CJ-6 (Chinese Engine) will run you around 125K. So, for a bit less than half the money, you can get a Yak-52. You will need it for gas money!

I have a friend who owns a -52 that I get to fly. He flies my -50 so it is a good deal for us both!

They are both great airplanes and in a perfect world, I would not hesitate to own either. For now...I will stick with my nifty fifty!

(by the way..the CJ-6 is NOT A CHINESE YAK..there is a misconception about that. They share a blood line but that is it!)

 

[psysicx]

How do you like the Swift?

 

[Big Duke Six]

Junglejett:

Sweet ride man, very nice! I've seen lots of -52's and CJ-6's around but I 've somehow never even heard of the -50 before. It definitely catches the eye!!

What kind of fuel burn/speed do you get in cruise with a -50? I have a friend with a -52 that I've been meaning to bum a ride off of and now you've got me all worked up again.

Back to the thread, I've had rides in two RV's. One was a 6A at Sun and fun, the other was a 6 (with Mr Dick Van Grunsven himself) on a demo ride here in Colorado. Both were wonderful flyers, but I just can't get past the nosedragger. Just doesn't seem right! I still have to just dream of building one, but it would have to be an 8QB or a 10 (for the wife and kids).

 

[JungleJett]

Big,

Thanks for the comments about my -50.

As far as fuel burn versus speed. I did a little cross country Sunday and had about 160 TAS and probably burning 17 gallons an hour. Now, I had the power up because I needed to get home. Had I pulled it back to save fuel, I would have gotten about 125 true at < 12 GPH. If your out playing hard, your going to use some gas in the range of the mid-20's per hour. But it is the best way to burn through some gas money!!

Get that ride in a -52 and then multiply that fun by about 5 and you will have a -50.

 

[Big Duke Six]

Thanks for the info!! That's not too bad really, for such a fun airplane.

I WILL go get that ride. The -50 must be a riot. But alas, I DO have to think of the family too...

 

[JungleJett]

Thanks for the info!! That's not too bad really, for such a fun airplane.

I WILL go get that ride. The -50 must be a riot. But alas, I DO have to think of the family too...

You can always rent something for the family....

 

[Huggyu2]

Face it: for most of us, the entire family will rarely fly all together. Own a two-seater so you can fly with one of your kids or a friend; rent the "family wagon", when you need it 3 or 4 times throughout the year.

 

[JungleJett]

Face it: for most of us, the entire family will rarely fly all together. Own a two-seater so you can fly with one of your kids or a friend; rent the "family wagon", when you need it 3 or 4 times throughout the year.

Exactly! Personally, most GA airplanes bore me. I dont mean to sound arrogant, but flying is about having some fun in airplane. I fly straight and level all the dang time in the jet I fly. I want something with some personality and most certifiedf airplanes just dont cut it. They are really nice airplanes though. If I did not fly for the airlines and were not able to travel for free, I would probably look at something like an RV, Glasair or Lancair. Something that has some utility yet is fun to fly. Otherwise, my wife and I get a seat in First Class (for free!!!) and let someone else do the flying.

I do agree that a two seater would be great to have. If I did not have access to a Yak-52, then I would probably sell the -50 and get one. Sharing the joy of flying is a gift all pilots should give.

By the way...I am ironing out my loops and did about 15 yesterday..cannot do that in a C-172.

 

[Big Duke Six]

You know what? You guys are absolutely right about getting a 1 or 2 seater. In fact, I've given that same advice myself to other guys over the years. It's just that I suppose when I'm thinking about MY airplane, I naturally thought I had to plan on bringing the wife and kids.

But really, that will almost never happen. And, there are plent of perfectly good 4-seat traveling machines out there to rent. It just seems like a tougher sell to the wife when you say " Look Honey, I got an airplane, and it only has one seat! Aren't you excited?!"

See? Of course, I wouldn't just go buy one and bring it home, but you get the point.

I think part of it too is that I would want my friends and loved ones to experience the thrill (i.e., NOT in a -172) of flight with me. But there is obviously more "thrill" when you're not carrying around that extra seat. But hey, I DO have that buddy with the -52 I could work a deal with...

 

[Huggyu2]

By the way...I am ironing out my loops and did about 15 yesterday...

Oh, you just had to rub that in, didn't you???

 

[avbug]

A lot of good suggestions. However, if you don't have any conventional gear experience right now, rather than a playtoy, what you need are a lot of takeoffs and landings in conventional gear airplanes. You'd indicated at the start of the thread that you don't want a low powered airplane; you want something that isn't "underpowered."

I submit that you probably should have an "underpowered" airplane. Something that requires you to fly it, rather than have excess power. Something that makes you plan ahead and use the full capability of the airplane. Personally, though it's generally meant for shorter folks like me, a Cessna 140 is hard to beat (as are many of the other aircraft hereto mentioned). Get one with an 0-200...you won't be hauling amazons and giants around in it, but as conventional gear airplanes go, they do fine.

A yak or other such airplane would be dandy, as would a basic Cessna 170B or 180...but there's cost, and you might enjoy burning up sky and aerobatics, but that's not what you need for your conventional gear experience. I don't think you'll find the RV very difficult to fly...you don't need to go get a pitts or sukhoi to prepare for the RV...though a pitts is a lot of fun and can be had for a bargain if you look.

Nothing wrong with a Maule.

If I had the bucks to play with (I don't), I'd go buy a T-6. If you're going to be playing anyway, get something with some character that you'll remember, and that will teach you good basics (and remind you about them from time to time). Go buy a Pawnee for that matter, and fly that after you've got some basic instruction in a Citabria.

A Husky can be had for under a hundred grand today, and that's a very capable airplane. Whatever you decide, you're taking a good pragmatic approach with instruction and looking for something into which you can grow. That's a good thing. Best of luck.

 

[frog_flyer]

Get a Waco. What a blast.

 

[JungleJett]

Oh, you just had to rub that in, didn't you???

Cuban 8's are next and then vertical rolls..then start on the tumbles.

 

[Wacopilot]

Get a Waco. What a blast.

I Second That!!!!

Waco

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks for the excellent suggestions. As a noob taildragger guy, I have decided to go with a Ford Trimotor. Or a B-17.

JK! Lots to think about. Unfortunately, my new airplane is now in my kitchen in the form of new countertops, custom cabinets, and about 6 major appliances. That's where all the $$ went. I can sit at my kitchen table and make airplane noises while I get another cup of coffee from my Miele coffee machine. The grinding beans sound a bit like a starter motor, if I'm sleepy enough.

Oh well, now I have some spousal leverage. Soon, I will be flying again, when I want, where I want, with no TSA, grumpy CA's, or FA's.

 

[ATCT]

I have a crapload o Tailwheel time and for a tall guy looking for cheap, I'd say a Stinson 108 or a PA-12 Supercruiser. Super Cubs, Decathalons, and the nicer citabria's just are expensive for one with some guts. You can probably find a nice low-timed Stinson 208 for $30-40k. The cheapest super cubs are running $40k+, a nice one will run ya $100k. A J3, Champ, Chief, and BC-12's arent that great for tall people. I havent seen too many PA-12's out on the local market but when I have they seem reasonable when compared to a Super Cub. Not really a "3-seater" but the extra width is awesome, when thinking theyre usually a buttload less than a comparably equipped SupCub.

 

[DLF8108]

Stinson 108-3

Two years ago I purchased a Stinson 108-3.

Performance is good--airborne in about 1200ft (full fuel, no pax, no cargo). Control harmony is great, hard to get a "real" stall b/c of those leading edge slots in the wing. Roomy cabin. I'm 5'8" & sit on a 2" temperfoam seat/back cushion (for both comfort and visibilty over the nose.)

Very forgiving as taildraggers go. Oleo stuts in the gear make for good landings (both wheel and 3 point). The "tall tail" 108-3 does, however, have some cross wind limitations (huge tail, small rudder). I had ZERO tailwheel time when I purchased the airplane. MY insurance company only wanted 5 hrs dual in a Stinson with a "Stinson current" CFI, but I had an old Stinson CFI (not my checkout guy) fly with me for another 12 hours before going solo. (9 hours to ferry the acft home + 2 hours local check out at my home grass strip.)

I had a complete annual inspection done (as a pre-purchase) with the sale contingent on the outcome. You need to get an A/P who is knowledgeable about the airplane to do the inspection. Don't buy a "cheap" one. Pay 30-50K for a good one with no squawks.

Both the International Stinson Club (ISC) and the YAHOO Stinson Discussion group are a weatlth of information.

It is a great airplane.

 

[Big Duke Six]

OK, I'm 6'2 and the Stinson 108 has always looked good to me, but earlier someone said that they were NOT good for tall people. Guess I'll have to go find one to sit in. I'm also operating out of airports above 5000 MSL, so I need something with some poop.

 

[DLF8108]

5000' MSL...7500' DA??...probably want one with the 0470 or 220 Franklin conversion...I've seen a couple for sale in the past 12 mos...now you're talking about spending 50-60K

 

[Big Duke Six]

OK, so maybe I'm back to a two-seater then, maybe a 115 hp Champ? Would I fit?