Running a 'vintage' aircraft
Discussion
I know there are a few pilots on here and I was wondering if any are currently operating classic/vintage aircraft?
I like the idea of a 1940s/50s aircraft, particularly some of the war era Austers, but what is the reality of running something like that - what is parts availability like? Are the Lycoming 290s still well supported? Generally something like this will be on a permit which should help keep costs down but are they any more expensive to operate than a more modern complex type? Not bothered about performance/practicality as I'm (slow) building an RV8 and can hire a spamcan from the local club when I need more seats.
Anyone on here with any practical experience?
I like the idea of a 1940s/50s aircraft, particularly some of the war era Austers, but what is the reality of running something like that - what is parts availability like? Are the Lycoming 290s still well supported? Generally something like this will be on a permit which should help keep costs down but are they any more expensive to operate than a more modern complex type? Not bothered about performance/practicality as I'm (slow) building an RV8 and can hire a spamcan from the local club when I need more seats.
Anyone on here with any practical experience?
Not a pilot so can't really help on running costs - but you can still buy new build Piper J3 Cubs (not built by Piper these days) which could give you the "vintage" experience but knowing you were flying a relatively new aeroplane.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cub_Crafters
http://www.legend.aero/shop/
If I had a PPL, that's the type of aeroplane I'd like - or perhaps a PA-22 Tripacer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cub_Crafters
http://www.legend.aero/shop/
If I had a PPL, that's the type of aeroplane I'd like - or perhaps a PA-22 Tripacer
Our local gliding club uses 2 Stinson L-5 which were "left behind" by the US at the end of WW2 for the new Italian Air Force as trainer, then dismissed from the AF and sold to Aeroclubs.
I must admit that approaching their 75th birthday they seem to still go pretty strong, but I have no idea what engine they are running nowadays.
I must admit that approaching their 75th birthday they seem to still go pretty strong, but I have no idea what engine they are running nowadays.
Eric Mc said:
Not a pilot so can't really help on running costs - but you can still buy new build Piper J3 Cubs (not built by Piper these days) which could give you the "vintage" experience but knowing you were flying a relatively new aeroplane.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cub_Crafters
http://www.legend.aero/shop/
If I had a PPL, that's the type of aeroplane I'd like - or perhaps a PA-22 Tripacer
Yeah, I appreciate the Cub-a-likes, and indeed considered the Rans Courier S7 before deciding on the RV8 build, but some of the modern Carbon Cubs are seriously pricey.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cub_Crafters
http://www.legend.aero/shop/
If I had a PPL, that's the type of aeroplane I'd like - or perhaps a PA-22 Tripacer
For me the appeal is in the history as much as the flying experience. I will never be able to afford a BOB Hurricane (Euromillions excepting) but an Auster with authentic invasion stripes is just about doable...
They don't come up for sale that often though.
Austers in various forms were used into the late 1960s. You could get a "warlike" but younger Auster AOP9, the type which operated in the Middle East during the Aden Crisis.
Most post war Austers had British engines, rather than the American Lycomings.
Also, the WW2 era Austers were really UK built versions of the American Taylorcraft.
Most post war Austers had British engines, rather than the American Lycomings.
Also, the WW2 era Austers were really UK built versions of the American Taylorcraft.
Lycoming O-290 parts are available but most have to come from the US.
Old Austers are all PTF aircraft, so reasonably cheap to run as aircraft go. Buy wisely and there should be few surprises. The Gypsy overhaul costs will break your heart and you will be dependent upon people who bought ex-military spares for a song and then knock them out at certified prices. The better parts are getting hard to source.
Probably worth flying the mark you are interested in - the handling is pretty 'vintage' and Auster ailerons are on many of them almost ornamental!
Old Austers are all PTF aircraft, so reasonably cheap to run as aircraft go. Buy wisely and there should be few surprises. The Gypsy overhaul costs will break your heart and you will be dependent upon people who bought ex-military spares for a song and then knock them out at certified prices. The better parts are getting hard to source.
Probably worth flying the mark you are interested in - the handling is pretty 'vintage' and Auster ailerons are on many of them almost ornamental!
Geneve said:
DH Chipmunk ?
Like classic cars, whilst the running costs may be a bit higher, the right choice of aircraft may be an investment.
I believe they’re permit to fly now as well which makes them cheaper to run (as well as the Bulldog)Like classic cars, whilst the running costs may be a bit higher, the right choice of aircraft may be an investment.
Not sure how old this article is, however it may be of help
http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/LAA%20To...
Wobbegong said:
Geneve said:
DH Chipmunk ?
Like classic cars, whilst the running costs may be a bit higher, the right choice of aircraft may be an investment.
I believe they’re permit to fly now as well which makes them cheaper to run (as well as the Bulldog)Like classic cars, whilst the running costs may be a bit higher, the right choice of aircraft may be an investment.
Not sure how old this article is, however it may be of help
http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk/LAA%20To...
I would love a chippy (last flew one in 1993 as a cadet!) but too expensive while the RV8 build is still ongoing. Ideally I want 'relatively' cheap tailwheel experience and a bit of historical interest is a bonus.
yep i run a 1940's aeroplane.
anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
kurt535 said:
yep i run a 1940's aeroplane.
anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
What do you run Kurt?anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
I'm an engineer (marine) by trade so don't mind getting my hands dirty, it's more parts availability that concerns me, though I imagine much can be fabricated if no longer available.
Anything is possible. How much was Sir looking to spend? http://hawkerrestorations.co.uk/investing/
Simpo Two said:
Anything is possible. How much was Sir looking to spend? http://hawkerrestorations.co.uk/investing/
If only...dakka dakka dakka dakka
LimaDelta said:
kurt535 said:
yep i run a 1940's aeroplane.
anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
What do you run Kurt?anything you buy just make sure its on a permit NOT CofA
engine is everything. gypsies expensive to fix. small continentals still going strong but knowing their history is vital. sadly the great Isenberg has semi retired who was/is an awesome engine rebuilder.
aeroplane shouldn't go down in value but annual costs will outstrip any rise after you take into account insurance/hangar costs/laa membership/engineering/fubar fund
I'm an engineer (marine) by trade so don't mind getting my hands dirty, it's more parts availability that concerns me, though I imagine much can be fabricated if no longer available.
My parts will come from Univair, Wagaero and Aircraft Spruce. So i'm buying;
new Maule wheel
4 x brackets
12/15 different sized AN bolts
@$800..........
Ill import piece by piece from the States via my pal. Works out FAR cheaper than from LAS in the UK.
Way to look on repair is its also cheaper than having an aeroplane unable to give me right full rudder on a 3-pointer in a gusting x-wind causing me to ground-loop and possibly prop strike
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