Bye Bye old friend

Read the forum code of contact

Member for

19 years 2 months

Posts: 650

Just delivered G-ASML to her new owner. Amazing how one gets attached to an aeroplane, particularly an old-fashioned old thing like the Luton.

Still she's going to be well looked-after, on a cracking farm strip in Kent.

Now the next challenge. What does one go for next? Prime attributes are two-seats (the reason I sold the Luton), classic, taildragger, reasonable farm strip/short field performance and to not cost a fortune to run!

Aeronca? Taylorcraft? Cub? Jodel? What would you recommend?? :confused:

Original post

Member for

18 years 8 months

Posts: 4,721

Just delivered G-ASML to her new owner. Amazing how one gets attached to an aeroplane, particularly an old-fashioned old thing like the Luton.

Still she's going to be well looked-after, on a cracking farm strip in Kent.

Now the next challenge. What does one go for next? Prime attributes are two-seats (the reason I sold the Luton), classic, taildragger, reasonable farm strip/short field performance and to not cost a fortune to run!

Aeronca? Taylorcraft? Cub? Jodel? What would you recommend?? :confused:

Have you got pictures off this aircraft? and where abouts did you see it too was it Maypole?

All the best
James

Member for

19 years 2 months

Posts: 650

As its a private farm strip, its not fair to say exactly where it is being based.

Loadsa Luton Minor pictures, including Gasmantle on the www.lutonminor.com website, which I'll be continuing to look after!

Member for

18 years 8 months

Posts: 4,721

Thanks thats a nice plane there is it easy to fly?

James

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 16,832

I love the look of the Luscombe.

Mind you I have been seduced towards the Taylorcraft.

Then there's the classic Auster.

Or the ubiquitous Cub.

So little time, so many aircraft - bit like women really ;)

Moggy

Member for

18 years 8 months

Posts: 563

Hi GASML,

An aircraft that I enjoy flying is the Luscombe 8F. A friend of us has one. It is a side-by-side two-seater and has a 90 HP Continental and it cruises at 112 MPH.

http://www.europeanluscombes.org.uk/articles/images/rally05/N9945C.jpg

Member for

18 years 8 months

Posts: 563

aargh Moggy was just before me :D

Member for

18 years 3 months

Posts: 35

There is only really one choice..... an Aeronca. I have had my Champ just over a year, its great fun to fly, takes me in and out of farm strips no problem and has an excellent view out for a high wing taildragger. Being a low hours pilot I have found it an economical way to get into vintage aircraft flying, I have even ventured to Ireland and France in it.

Attachments

Member for

20 years 3 months

Posts: 1,452

Obviously, I would say an Auster. The purist in me would say a Cirrus or Gipsy powered one. I'm no expert on owning and operating one, but I wonder whether a Lycoming powered Mark IV or V (or J/5 Alpha) would be more practical? There was the J/2 with the 75hp Continental, but they're like hens teeth. I too also have sneaking reagrd for the Luscombe, which I think are rather attractive little aircraft.

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 1,077

Left-(air)field thoughts:

Piston Provost
Chippie
Lysander
Storch

although your last requirement may preclude all but the chippie....

Cessna Airmaster has caught my eye, but that is a 4 seater....

Member for

17 years 11 months

Posts: 77

I love the look of the Luscombe.
Moggy

Luscombes are great to fly - get your hands on one and you won't want to let go :eek:

Member for

21 years 1 month

Posts: 1,029

GASML,

come to Popham on the 17 September - you might find a selection of nice Lucsombe's to look at (wx permitting)

Member for

20 years

Posts: 4,561

Steve - before Bod leaps in....

BE2C!!!!!!

TT

Member for

24 years 2 months

Posts: 3,538

Pietenpol aircamper is quite similar to a 2 seat Luton. Cubs are nice but probably too expensive. The Vagabond might be a better alternative. Luscombes are nice but could be a bit expensive on maintenance if you later on find corrosion. The Champ is nice but personally I found it a bit dull to fly. Austers are cheap but quirky and getting on a bit. Although some people question their skittishness on the ground, I'd be looking out for a Kitfox (or similar) if I was you.

Member for

19 years 7 months

Posts: 33

Rollason Condor I,ve owned one for nearly 30 years ,cheap as chips good ones under £10000 all on permits nowadays rugged few woodwork problems compared to Jodels and superb handling qualities beautifully harmonised.Wide cabin and its got sticks who on earth would want a tailwheel with a yoke and an instrument panel that looks like a forties american car with handling to match. Go www.rollason-condor.co.uk

Member for

18 years 6 months

Posts: 1,077

Something from the Miles stable?

Member for

19 years 2 months

Posts: 650

Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'm going to have a lot of aeroplanes to look at over the next few months!

And yes TT, work on the BE-2 replica is still continuing apace! It's getting very tall!

Attachments

Member for

19 years

Posts: 2,106

[QUOTE=GASML]Thanks for all the suggestions. Looks like I'm going to have a lot of aeroplanes to look at over the next few months!

I bet you wernt to pleased with the Kitfox suggestion :eek:

Member for

20 years

Posts: 1,628

The chap who sold his Luton Minor at our strip has now turned up with a Rand KR-2. I remember a Brittania captain commenting on a previous Rand at the strip and saying "the trim tab on my 767 is bigger than the wing on this thing". It distinguished itself by wrapping itself up in a ball at the feet of the new purchaser at the end of the delivery flight. No harm done to the occupant but a disgruntled new owner.

Member for

19 years 2 months

Posts: 650

It distinguished itself by wrapping itself up in a ball at the feet of the new purchaser at the end of the delivery flight. No harm done to the occupant but a disgruntled new owner.

I now know from experience last week, that in terms of peer pressure there's nothing as scary as landing an aeroplane in front of its new owner.

Thankfully Gasmantle let me get away with a perfect three-pointer. Proving there's always a first time!

Attachments