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Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 2:06 pm
by MrMorden
Nice, the Sting is a very nice airplane. I think you will have a blast in it!

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 3:43 pm
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 :-)

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 5:41 pm
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!

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 6:21 pm
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

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Wed May 31, 2017 10:11 pm
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:06 am
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:16 am
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 9:45 am
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:16 pm
by TimTaylor
Another reason I like the SkyCatcher

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 12:43 pm
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Thu Jun 01, 2017 7:09 pm
by 3Dreaming
Swift fuel.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 5:54 am
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

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 8:11 am
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 11:50 am
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.

Re: Purchasing choices

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2017 12:25 pm
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.