Looking for A Great Plane...

[ShyFlyGuy]

I've got an itch, and I need to scratch. I want to build a plane, and I need it to meet certain requirements.

Here it is:
-Must seat more than one.
-Must have floats option.
-Must be a FAIRLY simple project (1500-2000 hours max)
-Must be fairly inexpensive ($20,000 w/out engine & instruments)

I know that this is a pipe dream, but if you know of something that meets all or most of the "requirements", please do tell!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Shy

 

[Geronimo4497]

Murphy Rebel?

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Exactly...

Any others?

Shy

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

oops... repost.

 

[Eagle-ista]

Why floats?

Try an amphib www.searey.com

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Why floats?

Try an amphib www.searey.com

I'd like an amphip, but I just don't see it. My favorite series of aircraft of all time are the Albatross, Goose, and Mallard from Grumman. But they are not efficient and generally high-maintenance. I don't want it to look home-made, so the less wires the better. I like the look of the Cub on floats, it's just a classic look, as is the Grumman series. The SeaRey is a nice plane, but it just doesn't have "the look." Pretty expensive as well...

Shy

 

[Jetdriver69]

Have you looked at the Zenair 701? Two place,all metal, very simple construction (400 hours or so), super short field performance, float capable, many different engine options. Price for the kit is about $14,000. Another $17,000 or so for 100hp Rotax or Jabiru engine with firewall forward package. Of course avionics, interior, paint, etc. would be extra. Look at www.zenair.com, they have all the info needed with many pictures of float equiped 701. If you want a 4 place, then the Zenair 801 with a 180 hp engine would work.

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

Have you looked at the Zenair 701? Two place,all metal, very simple construction (400 hours or so), super short field performance, float capable, many different engine options. Price for the kit is about $14,000. Another $17,000 or so for 100hp Rotax or Jabiru engine with firewall forward package. Of course avionics, interior, paint, etc. would be extra. Look at www.zenair.com, they have all the info needed with many pictures of float equiped 701. If you want a 4 place, then the Zenair 801 with a 180 hp engine would work.

I like it! It's a little awkward looking, but it's a hit on all the bullet-points I mentioned above. These are GREAT recommendations... Anything else? I think we're going to be making the purchase on the first of the year...

Thanks for the info so far...

Shy

 

[ATCT]

The two id suggest are the Rans S-7 Courier
http://www.rans.com/3S7-S7LS.htm#

or the Kit Fox Super Sport
http://www.kitfoxaircraft.com/Aircraft Kits.htm

Both start under 20k, have large builder networks, and I have seen both on straight and amphib floats.

ATCT
(hoping to restore a PA-11 to floats in the future)

 

[ShyFlyGuy]

The two id suggest are the Rans S-7 Courier
http://www.rans.com/3S7-S7LS.htm#

or the Kit Fox Super Sport
http://www.kitfoxaircraft.com/Aircraft Kits.htm

Both start under 20k, have large builder networks, and I have seen both on straight and amphib floats.

ATCT
(hoping to restore a PA-11 to floats in the future)

Niiiiice...

Shy

 

[brett]

Do you want fast or slow? Aerobatic? RV-4 will do all. 185 MPH cruise at 8 GPH or 130 at 5 GPH. Aerobatic, and fantastic handling qualities. Short field performance. Not a lot of room in the back and touchy on CG, so only good if your pax are not big bubba types. There's an RV-4 project for sale on Barnstormers.com for 16,000. Looks about half done.

For a little more you can build an RV-7, match-hole construction.

RVs are fantastic airplanes.

UPDATE: WOOOOPS -- glanced over your, "floats option" requirement. Well, there was a guy who just finished an RV-7 on floats. There's Video of it on the EAA website. Looks like it has a tendency to PIO when landing on the water, or maybe it's just the pilot.

I've got an itch, and I need to scratch. I want to build a plane, and I need it to meet certain requirements.

Here it is:
-Must seat more than one.
-Must have floats option.
-Must be a FAIRLY simple project (1500-2000 hours max)
-Must be fairly inexpensive ($20,000 w/out engine & instruments)

I know that this is a pipe dream, but if you know of something that meets all or most of the "requirements", please do tell!

Thanks in advance for your help.

Shy

 

[imacdog]

The CH-701 looks like a great plane but it does not have as much room inside as it looks. The fuselage narrows in front of the seats, so your legs start getting pushed toward the center of the aircraft. The Kitfox is a decent size plane with plenty of baggage space, and the Rebel is the largest of the three in terms of interior space. Before you make a decision I would highly recommend trying on each of your finalists for size; I'm glad I did. Haven't made the purchase yet but seeing the planes in person helped me eliminate a couple top contenders.

 

[Blues604]

I used to work for the RANS Company and really like their planes. The S-7 if you are looking for that cub look. Sweet flying plane. I also like the S-6 for the side by side and the fact it can be a tailwheel or trike. Floats or amphibious floats if you like. Funnest job I ever had!!