Purchasing choices

Talk about airplanes! At last count, there are 39 (and growing) FAA certificated S-LSA (special light sport aircraft). These are factory-built ready to fly airplanes. If you can't afford a factory-built LSA, consider buying an E-LSA kit (experimental LSA - up to 99% complete).

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MrMorden
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Location: Athens, GA

Re: Purchasing choices

Post by MrMorden »

Nice, the Sting is a very nice airplane. I think you will have a blast in it!
Andy Walker
Athens, GA
Sport Pilot ASEL, LSRI
2007 Flight Design CTSW E-LSA
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Warmi
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Warmi »

Yes, I have 1 hour in the older ( StingSport) model and it is almost scary how "out there" one is - like on a magic carpet.

And yes, I have watched just about every video by drdehave( I believe ) of StingFlight fame on youtube :-)
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
Nomore767
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Nomore767 »

Before you commit...I'd suggest having a chat with Drdehave on this forum who, as someone mentioned, has done some fabulous videos flying around CA in his Sting, as well as accumulating a good knowledge of the airplane.

I suggest it because he'll have a lot of tips to pass on about the airplane PLUS not so long ago he recounted a major problem he had with, if I remember correctly, his fuel tank delaminating after putting a lot of residue in his fuel.

It may not be an issue with the exact airplane you're looking at but if it were me I'd follow it up before buying.

Just my 2 cents! Good luck!
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cynamonb
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by cynamonb »

When I "found" my Piper Sport in Little Rock I had Bill and his crew do the prebuy. Bill is very knowledgeable quite the renaissance man.

Bruce
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Warmi
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Warmi »

I did read every post written by drDehave, who actually detailed his ordeal with the delaminating fuel tank quite extensively.
As far as I could tell, he was never able to fully determine if this mishap was related to ethanol, a faulty tank or a combination of both.
I know TL-ULTRALIGHT is now essentially prohibiting use of E10 in all TL aircraft so that pretty much confirms that there was an issue to begin with.
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
Nomore767
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Nomore767 »

If TL is "essentially prohibiting" the use of E10 in a Rotax powered aircraft I'm sure it's the airframe and not the engine.

That said, it's a shame that you'd have to use 100LL until the newer UL fuels reach market which will be at least as expensive as 100LL.
It also means more frequent oil changes and service intermissions on items such as the gearbox In the meantime.

Personally, buying an airplane with a known "issue" would certainly give me pause.
TimTaylor
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by TimTaylor »

As little fuel as these airplanes burn, I would not worry about having to use 100LL, not to mention it's much easier than hauling auto fuel. However, I would check out the fuel tank very carefully as part of a pre-buy inspection.

By the way, I'm leaving the house in 15 minutes to go burn about 12 gallons of 100LL to get a $250 burger at KGMU.
Retired from flying.
craigv
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Location: Alameda, CA

Re: Purchasing choices

Post by craigv »

AvGas: Even with 25 hour oil changes, Decalin or TCP fuel additives and gear box services, there will be damage from lead buildup in Rotax engines. I had one aircraft where maybe 1/2 the hours, at 845 hours, were on cross country trips where I always used AvGas. The engine had a compression leak at annual, and when we pulled the heads I couldn't believe all the lead on the valves, valve stems, valve seats and piston heads. The lead buildup was holding the valve slightly open. We caught it before there was any damage and were able to clean the lead off those visible engine parts as well as in the gear box. There wasn't anything we could do about all the other lead built up throughout the engine and I don't know what the long term affect of that is.

My current aircraft, an Aerospool Dynamic, had 465 hours on it when I bought it. The previous owner was old school GA and only used AvGas and it had a serious overheating problem also. It sold at a greatly discounted price for those reasons. The first thing we did was service the gear box, specifically looking how much lead was in the slipper clutch. We were amazed at how little there was and the guess was that the chronic high temps helped blow out the lead. We put it back together, solved the overheating issues and it has been running fantastic ever since. Now I go to great lengths to use as little AvGas as possible.
TimTaylor
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by TimTaylor »

Another reason I like the SkyCatcher
Retired from flying.
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Warmi
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Warmi »

I do have Ethanol free MoGas available about 20 minutes away from my place ( Joliet KJOT ) which is quite convenient but ultimately , when doing CC , gonna have to compromise and use AvGas - I mean, there is just not much choice out there.
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
3Dreaming
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by 3Dreaming »

Swift fuel.
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Jim Hardin
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Jim Hardin »

3Dreaming wrote:Swift fuel.
A LOT easier to find unleaded automotive fuel!

https://swiftfuels.com/ul94-map/

Hen teeth are far more prevalent :D
3Dreaming
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by 3Dreaming »

Jim Hardin wrote:
3Dreaming wrote:Swift fuel.
A LOT easier to find unleaded automotive fuel!

https://swiftfuels.com/ul94-map/

Hen teeth are far more prevalent :D
Someone said "until the new UL fuels reach market", well they have. Yes it is hard to find, but the number of places selling it is growing on a regular basis. You just need to talk one local FBO into carrying it then you are set. I haven't started carrying it because I am a branded Phillips 66 dealer. I do get unleaded premium auto fuel without alcohol for my Rotax, but the meter is not tested so no selling it.
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Warmi
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by Warmi »

Well, got the down-payment ...
We will be going to Arkansas next week for 2-3 days to check the plane, and if we like it, buy and transition etc ...

Looks like it temperatures will be in 90s over there ... it will make for a good test how well can I (and my wife ) handle a plane like Sting with a huge, bubble canopy in a really hot weather.
Should be fun.
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
rcpilot
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Re: Purchasing choices

Post by rcpilot »

Warmi wrote: ......Looks like it temperatures will be in 90s over there ... it will make for a good test how well can I (and my wife ) handle a plane like Sting with a huge, bubble canopy in a really hot weather.
Should be fun.
The annoying part in hot weather is taxing/doing your run up. Once you get going the vents usually give enough "breeze". The previous owner of my Zenith had made things out of pool noodles to keep the canopy cracked open on the ground. They're tied together with string so it's easier to pull them in and close the canopy.
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