Private Pilots License

[BIGNASTY]

Good deal. You've got time to get your ticket and research aircraft. There is no doubt in my mind the Super Cub is a great plane but I'm kind of partial to the Citabria Decathlon. Tundras' would be a very wise choice in your application and the great thing is, you'll be associating with people that do this type of flying.

Best

gregg

In looking I thought that the Citabria Decathlon would be LOTS MORE MONEY when I saw that you had mentioned it. But in looking its comparably priced close to the Super Cub or the O1. Citabria is pretty low slung on the landing gear, think tundra tires would be enough for clearance?? and then low again when skis are on, would be nice to know that you could go inverted :-laf could just imagine the finger prints in the side of my skull if that happened with the wife in the rear seat

 

[jhenderson]

I know it's early on, but you need to put backcountrypilot.org one your favorite list. Good people and great info. Also check out maulepilotss.org. I know I'm biased because I used to own an M5-235, but they are in my humble opinion, the most plane for the money. Rugged, easy maintainence, 4seats, a huge cargo door, about 800lbs useful load. The only downside is insurance. They are a very capable aircraft, and are sometimes subjected to poor judgement by the pilot.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Will do Mr jhenderson any info will be of value, haven't been around aircraft in so long except to get on at an airport or go to an airshow that I don't know of all the models.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

In looking I thought that the Citabria Decathlon would be LOTS MORE MONEY when I saw that you had mentioned it. But in looking its comparably priced close to the Super Cub or the O1. Citabria is pretty low slung on the landing gear, think tundra tires would be enough for clearance?? and then low again when skis are on, would be nice to know that you could go inverted :-laf could just imagine the finger prints in the side of my skull if that happened with the wife in the rear seat

I love the Decath' and I love staying on point with maintaining proficiency in unusual attitude flying, hence, my wife demands a promise with wings level to the horizon if she's in the plane. You made a good point in that the Cub does appear to have more strut than mine and that may well be an issue should you decide to go with skis. Finger prints in the skull?? Been there done that:-laf You should be able to get a really good aircraft for under 200K that will suit your needs and skill level for many years to come. But be prepared, they aren't cheap to maintain.



One of the great things about flying [now] for me, is no more Hal'.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

I know it's early on, but you need to put backcountrypilot.org one your favorite list. Good people and great info. Also check out maulepilotss.org. I know I'm biased because I used to own an M5-235, but they are in my humble opinion, the most plane for the money. Rugged, easy maintainence, 4seats, a huge cargo door, about 800lbs useful load. The only downside is insurance. They are a very capable aircraft, and are sometimes subjected to poor judgement by the pilot.

Mr. Henderson, that Maule has some pretty neat specs. I like it!

 

[jhenderson]

First off, my names Jeff. Mr Henderson was my father. go. To to the Maule factory website. Good info and some interesting video. Look for Maule in the movies.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

First off, my names Jeff. Mr Henderson was my father. go. To to the Maule factory website. Good info and some interesting video. Look for Maule in the movies.

Jeff, I watched all the performance videos on Maules site and that is one Dang' nice airplane. Thanks for sharing.

gregg

 

[BIGNASTY]

First off, my names Jeff. Mr Henderson was my father. go. To to the Maule factory website. Good info and some interesting video. Look for Maule in the movies.

Those are some nice looking aircraft!!! What about cost?

 

[BIGNASTY]

Went and got my Physical today, Doctor said OK to go, so on to the next step.

 

[jhenderson]

All planes are expensive. A good M7-235 with low times can be had for around 100K. A lot of money to me. I bought an M5-235 with 1750hrs for 35K. But that was 15 years ago. One word of caution about specs on Maules: all performance figures are with just the pilot and 1/2 fuel, not at gross. The best part of these planes is the low maint cost. Parts are about 1/2 or less than Cessna or Piper. Simple rag and tube fuselage with metal wings. I was heartbroken when I sold mine.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Let me run something by you guys, it no mystery that I like the Super Cub and have been looking at that angle a lot, seen this and was wondering your thoughts

http://www.cubcrafters.com/carboncubss?gclid=CLHji5-Mt7kCFWXZQgodbzMAAw

 

[jhenderson]

I think they are a terrific plane. Only problem is useful load. 2 people plus fuel leaves no room for supplies. Weight and space are both very limited. If I am correct, you are looking to ferry supplies. if that is correct, you will need to look at 4 seat aircraft. Preferably one with a large rear door. Pull the back seat and carry supplies. 2 people. Plus 3hrs fuel usually adds up to 500lbs+. My Maule had about 800lbs useful load. That's only about 300lbs left for cargo. And a Maule is considered a decent cargo hauler. Kind of like looking at a Jeep when you really need a pickup. Food for thought.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Congratulations BN, you are now a student pilot! The only way you're going to know what suits you is to go fly it... rather, take a ride in it and I think it would be a good idea to try several different type of A/C before starting your lessons. It's been my experience that Cub' drivers are a breed unto their own and they love their A/C. We occasionally fly [for fun] a 5 stack formation; 2 super cubs, 1 citabria, 1 globe swift, and 1 aeronca champ. The Cubbys' are always hawking their low and slow performance ability... darn nice platform!

 

[BIGNASTY]

We have been talking about this, The load would be mostly foods stuff that we cant store a large supply of, its not like we are going to ferry building supplies, if that's the case we can meet them at the hwy with a sled and mules to get lumber, Pipe and things like that. Most of what we will need will be brought in during the accessible months. The plane is for access during winter for going to town and food, so I don't think we would need a skid drop from a C130 but that gives me another idea :-laf



Planning for the winter months supplies will be pretty critical fuel for tractor and equipment will have to be enough to make it thru the winter. Same with animal feed.

 

[BoeingDiesel]

I think they are a terrific plane. Only problem is useful load. 2 people plus fuel leaves no room for supplies. Weight and space are both very limited. If I am correct, you are looking to ferry supplies. if that is correct, you will need to look at 4 seat aircraft. Preferably one with a large rear door. Pull the back seat and carry supplies. 2 people. Plus 3hrs fuel usually adds up to 500lbs+. My Maule had about 800lbs useful load. That's only about 300lbs left for cargo. And a Maule is considered a decent cargo hauler. Kind of like looking at a Jeep when you really need a pickup. Food for thought.

Jeff makes a very good point, and for your intended use, the Maule seems to be ideal.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Jeff makes a very good point, and for your intended use, the Maule seems to be ideal.

Will have to start looking at all in earnest as soon as hunting season is done. I took a look at the Maule site that was put up not much different looking than the Cub how's the leg room for a six foot six guy?

 

[jhenderson]

Maule is 4 seats and 3 doors. Cub is 2 seats and 1 door. I'm 6'1 but short legged. Alan Jackson has or had one on floats. His dealer moved the seat tracks back a few inches. A cub will be fine if you fill the back seat with grub instead of another person. With light aircraft you will always be playing the weight and balance game.

 

[BIGNASTY]

Went to Missoula to pick up some new hunters (Good friends) to go to our Daughters Wedding and then hunting with us, they have a little Pharmaceutical company Corporate Jet that they all came in, The pilot is the same guy that flew two of " MY Planes " in Vietnam one was the OE1 the other was my Sandy he saved our bacon a few times pulling Split S's over and over to get back on munitions as fast as possible to keep them off our butts in camp. He said that for a plane I should look no further than a Bird Dog, can land on a postage stamp, low cost to buy and to operate, and took a look at our airfield and said just get your ticket and forget the rudder/brake control, all you will need is to be able to use the rudder with your feet, a Bird Dog will almost stop before it gets to the ground, run out roll is minimal at best, and during the winter when your on ski's what the hell good are brakes???

 

[BoeingDiesel]

Spring

Hey BN, are you still thinking about getting your ticket? There are a couple nice L-19's for sale at this link.

http://www.controller.com/list/list.aspx?ETID=1&catid=6&Manu=CESSNA&MDLGrp=L19&setype=1

On a side note; When you get up there in the clear air by yourself, and do some dutch rolls, chandelles', lazy eights and watch the earth go by, you won't regret it.
Best
gregg

 

[BIGNASTY]

QUOTE=BoeingDiesel;2389468]Hey BN, are you still thinking about getting your ticket? There are a couple nice L-19's for sale at this link.

http://www.controller.com/list/list.aspx?ETID=1&catid=6&Manu=CESSNA&MDLGrp=L19&setype=1

On a side note; When you get up there in the clear air by yourself, and do some dutch rolls, chandelles', lazy eights and watch the earth go by, you won't regret it.
Best
gregg[/QUOTE]


Yes iam still looking forward to getting in to the seat the 1st of Next month. But it will be for an totally different reason. I dont know if you were aware but our Nephew has taken over the Babb MT part of the operation and he is in training now to get his lic.

Let me ask a kind of stupid question, What is the advantage to flying myself to various places around the states, Like if I had to jump in and fly to Lakeland FL from here. I can get a flight out of Missoula or one of the other nearby bigger citys with no problems, but the cost would naturally be more without prior reservations. Sometimes I wouldn't know until I had to go, kind of thing.

Would the cost of renting a plane or if I were to have my own and pay for fuel vs take a commercial flight be worth the investment, /Im sure the fun factor and maybe the convenience of a nearby airport, but cost wise ????


BIG/