Question Taking the Tailwheel Plunge

[lrobichaux]

I've flown my NXCub for a little more than 8 months and ~ 100 hours and I just love it. It's a beast of a plane which has afforded me the opportunity to develop some basic Cub flying skills. Low, slow, short grass strips, windows open ... it's the most fun I've had in aviation ... so far. That said, the internal critic deep in my head constantly reminds me "yeah, that's all great, but it's not a tailwheel." So, after a few months of consideration, I've signed up to but a brand new EX-3 built by an experienced A&P/AI builder who I trust completely. I'm going to own the plane in partnership with my stepson. So this post is combo announcement and request for suggestions / recommendations.

2025 EX-3, CC363i, 83" 2-blade CS prop, 31" ABW, Acme suspension, 3x3 extended landing gear, ABW baby bushwheel with an IFR panel w/ AP, BEW of 1,169 lbs.

@Neal , I've watched just about all of your YT videos, but would appreciate it if you would point me the top 2 or 3 most relevant for a new EX-3 owner. Would also love everyone's opinion on whether the the following is worth the cost: (1) forward facing camera, and (2) dual caliper Beringer brakes.

Comments and suggestions welcome.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

would appreciate it if you would point me the top 2 or 3 most relevant for a new EX-3 owner. Would also love everyone's opinion on whether the the following is worth the cost: (1) forward facing camera, and (2) dual caliper Beringer brakes.

Forget the toys and learn to fly it.

With that empty weight I have to wonder if the builder understood "unusable fuel". The FX-3 has 5 gallons unusable when tested by CC. That's a 30 lb penalty over builders who assume unusable fuel is what is left after draining the tanks with the aircraft level.

 

[lrobichaux]

Forget the toys and learn to fly it.

Yep. Good advice. I've got a little TW time now, and I plan to get 10 hours dual before flying solo PIC.

With that empty weight I have to wonder if the builder understood "unusable fuel".

See attached.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

Well I see 30 lb unusable in there I'm but still surprised at the weight. My FX-3 with 80 inch prop and 26 inch ABW, GPS175, and G5, has an empty weight of 1170 lb. (Extrapolated for post delivery mods from factory weighing).

Maybe you got an unusually light build which should be good.