Good taildragger needed

[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?