Good taildragger needed

[Gorilla]

Here's the situation, guys. I'm very close to pulling the trigger on an RV-8 QB kit. I'm not the fastest builder, and I suspect it'll be a few years before she flies, even the QB.

I need recommendations for a 2-seat taildragger that I can fly, and gain experience in, while the kit is underway. I live on a 2,500' grass strip. The airplane needs to be relatively docile. Doesn't need to be fast, just capable of safe performance. I am 6'3", 220 lb. my wife is 6', my son is 6'4" (at 15 years old!) so it needs to be able to lift our butts safely on hotter DFW days.

I haven't flown piston in 20 years. I'm planning on hiring a CFI for quite a few hours to get the taildragger endorsement, and get myself back up to speed in the GA world before launching off with family and friends.

ALL recommendations appreciated. Super Cub? Luscomb? T-craft? Decathlon? That's the kind of stuff I'm looking for... Thanks!

 

[FlyinT]

You should have decent luck with any of the airplanes you listed. The Super Cub would be one of the more pricey for what you want. An earlier Citabria might be considered. The Decathlon is nice, but for cruising around - the Citabria might better suit your needs. Both of the American Champion aircraft are docile and have handle nicely. On the T-Craft - I don't know that two of you could fit side by side. Same for the Luscombe. You may want to consider a Cessna 180 or 185. I have seen many RV-8's ,7's and 6's lately. I think it'll be a great airplane for you. I had the fortune of helping my father build two T-18's as I was growing up. Got to fly the second one after it was done. I flew it for 80 hours or so until he sold it. He always said the RV choice for a wing was a much better choice than the one that John Thorp put on the T-18. Currently, I put my taildragger experience to use flying a 2000 Waco YMF-5. Awesome airplane. Nice control harmony and a nice attention getter.
Best of luck with building the RV. Each T-18 that Dad build took 6 years. I understand that the current quick build kits are much more complete and will make the process quicker. Blue Skies,

 

[Huggyu2]

Why don't you just avoid the whole delay, and go buy a completed RV-8? Is it because you really want to build it yourself? If so, how about just buying another RV-8, finishing yours, and starting a two-ship operation (is your wife a pilot?)!!!
There are a number of RV-8s on barnstormers.com for sale, between 90K and 115K. That's less than what you'll pay for a Super Cub, I think.

 

[Gorilla]

I do want to build my own. Are Super cubs really going for $115k? Ouch.

 

[Gorilla]

Thanks very much guys. I did a bit of additional searching on Barnstormers. The Super Cubs are out of control, price wise. T-craft and Luscombe are underpowered. There are several Maules available; the prices seem decent, good performance, good loads. Maybe a Maule will be the answer. The Champion also looks good in terms of price and performance. I remember being towed behind a Champ during my glider years. They did a great job.

Since the RV will be tandem, I think that configuration will be the way to go. This will be mostly a trainer-type aircraft for us, so I can learn to safely taildrag, and hopefully also get my family members started flying.

 

[Stukadriver]

A Champ might be a good option if you can find one with a bigger engine - I flew a 150 hp seaplane, and it had plenty of get-up-and-go. I can only imagine what it would be like on wheels instead of floats. There used to be a Decathlon for rent at Arlington if you want to try your hand at one, but I haven't rented from them in several years.

A buddy of mine finished his RV-8 about 6 months ago, and I can say that you will not be disappointed.....

 

[canyonflyer]

Champs are typically 65hp aren't they? I bought a Luscombe years ago with a 90hp engine. I'm 6'1", 190, and I fit ok. It's a great little airplane, cruise at 105 mph and burns 5 gal/hr. That's hard to beat in my book. They may not be as docile as a champ though - a Luscombe can be a work out, and a humbling bird.

I've also flown Luscombes with O-200 (100hp), and one with 150hp, and those did REALLY well!

BTW - My Luscombe is for sale, there will be an ad on barnstormers shortly.

Canyonflyer

 

[Slim]

My father has a Citabria available. I got my private in it.

It's hangared in Newport News(PHF), VA. We considered relocating it to the DFW area 12-13 years ago. Both my parents used to fly, but no longer due to medical reasons and age.

If you're interested, send me a PM. I'll contact my father. I have no idea what he might be asking for it.

Fly safe!

 

[banned username 1]

Yeah- something like that might be a better way to go since the guys in your family are fairly good-sized. Unfortunately, I never had that "problem" darnit!

You're going to love the RV-8. One bit of advice- I'd recommend the Quick Build kit. The workmanship is very good and when you pencil out the price per hour that your paying- and saving, you can't beat it. There are lots of award-winning RVs out there that started as QB kits.

Enjoy the journey!

 

[PreRVSM]

C170a

I think a C170A or B would be a good choice. I have had my 170A for over 20 years and it has been a good low cost aircraft. If you take out the back seat (40lbs) and use it as a 2 place it makes it a good aircraft with lots of rooms to carry stuff.
I will be selling mine on barnstromers soon, $30K, 400-500 left on engine, needs paint, basic VFR panel with mode C.
Jim

 

[JungleJett]

Chuck the RV-8 idea and buy a Yak-50! I almost bought an RV-8 a few years ago and am glad I went with the -50! Granted it is a one holer but holy $hit is it more fun that should be allowed. It is super easy to fly and when the ACM mood hits you, find a fellow -50 owner (there are some in the area) and go at it!

When I need a two holer, I borrow a friends Yak-52 and go flip around!

By the way, when I decide to get a two hole tailwheel, it will be an RV-8. Until then, fights on!

 

[Gorilla]

Champs are typically 65hp aren't they?
Canyonflyer

Like I mentioned, this stuff is all pretty new to me. The Champs used for our glider operation were definitely "up-engined" in some way, probably 150 or 180 HP. I'd definitely need the power.

Slim - appreciate the offer. I'm still investigating but I'll keep it in mind.

UAL78 - It'll definitely be a QB kit. It'll still probably take me a LONG time to get it done right! I'm looking forward to the journey. I do need to get up to Oregon and visit the factory, maybe get a ride.

PreRVSM - TY for the suggestion and the offer.

JungleJett - I've always thought Eastern-bloc light aircraft were cool. I've never flown one, but the simplicity, value, performance, etc, are all there for sure. If I had more $$, I'd like to do both a Yak AND an RV, but a kit has been a dream of mine for decades.

I posted a while ago here at FI, inquiring into kits, and I've yet to hear a real negative about Van's aircraft. I don't want to come off as a tire kicker; it'll happen soon. I'm moved in to my airpark home, and as soon as our hideous kitchen remodeling :smash: is done (it$ been 2 month$ so far :angryfire ) I'm going to get the ball rolling.

Thanks to everyone for the great suggestions so far. Any Maule owners want to pipe up? I'd appreciate any Maule operators opinions, and any other taildragger suggestions, preferably tandem. Mild acro definitely a plus! I need some parachutes, too.

 

[MAJIC9]

A friend is putting his 170 on the market now.. if interested, PM me.

 

[MDAutry]

Since You Havn't Reciped In A While...

Check this one out!

http://www.mauleairinc.com/Our_Planes/Maule_M-7-420AC/maule_m-7-420ac.html

I know this is the perfect match for you...
Have fun...
MDAutry

 

[trip]

I had a PA-20 taildragger for a couple years and I loved it, think that is what the maule was built up from. I am 6'1" and it was comfy for me. The BC12D Tcraft my buddy flew was real cramped as well as a Stinson 108 where my head was scrapping the headliner. I would look at a PA-12 if you think you might like a supercub, they are more reasonably priced.

 

[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