Buying your own plane for training

[drseti]

Glad to see nobody was killed flying those death traps.

[SportPilot]

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[3Dreaming]

I have been flying a 1938 Luscombe 8A quite a bit lately. No electric, round gauges, all metal, (fabric covered wings), no parachute, and having a ball.

I have also flown my Warrior and CTLS this week as well.

[drseti]

I have been flying a 1938 Luscombe 8A quite a bit lately. No electric, round gauges, all metal, (fabric covered wings), no parachute, and having a ball.

Of course you are, Tom. That's because your Luscombe has a ball!

[SportPilot]

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[Nomore767]

Here's Howard (Nomore767) in his ALL METAL, NO PARACHUTE RV12 parked next to my RENTAL, ALL METAL, NO PARACHUTE SkyCatcher at KFQD. We met for lunch of burgers and banana pudding. It was a beautiful day for flying.

Jim,

It was a really nice day for flying and I enjoyed our time together.

What could be better on a weekday than hanging out at a quiet airport, talking about planes and flying over lunch? It's what sport flying is all about! Young or old, new or seasoned, it's about fun and the joy of flying!

It's also about banana pudding!!

[drseti]

How do you hand prop an airplane with no electrical system at a remote airport when by yourself?

Very carefully!

[SportPilot]

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[SportPilot]

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[drseti]

Yes, but that's a serious question. Every now and then I consider buying a J3 or some other plane with no electrical, but I would want to be able to prop it where ever I was.

OK, serious answer. Most of the J3 drivers at Piper Memorial Airport put blocks in front of the main wheels, with long ropes attached, put the ends of the ropes inside the plane, and then hand prop from behind the wing on the right hand (door) side. Once the engine is idling, they climb in, apply brakes, and then pull the chocks in by the ropes. The key is never to get in front of the wing when propping the plane.

[SportPilot]

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[3Dreaming]

I have been flying a 1938 Luscombe 8A quite a bit lately. No electric, round gauges, all metal, (fabric covered wings), no parachute, and having a ball.

I have also flown my Warrior and CTLS this week as well.

How do you hand prop an airplane with no electrical system at a remote airport when by yourself?

So far I haven't had to worry about it. I have taught the owner and my 17 year old son how to prop the airplane.

There are several ways to do it. My dad's airplane has a tiedown release. You start the airplane get in and release the rope. There is also a fellow who used to sell plans for a rretractable tiedown made out of a retractable dog leash. In addition to the tiedown take a few short pieces of sacrificial rope to tie to something, and leave it behind.
Also when looking for a airplane try and find one with a impulse coupling on at least one mag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PV3_VG76Gv0

edited to add link to video.

[3Dreaming]

I have been flying a 1938 Luscombe 8A quite a bit lately. No electric, round gauges, all metal, (fabric covered wings), no parachute, and having a ball.

Of course you are, Tom. That's because your Luscombe has a ball!

The owner seems to think I have a switch installed to control the ball. I turn it on when I'm flying and the ball stays in the center and turn it off for him, because the ball moves all over the place.

[drseti]

What a great idea! Wish I could install a switch like that.

[MrMorden]

I have been flying a 1938 Luscombe 8A quite a bit lately. No electric, round gauges, all metal, (fabric covered wings), no parachute, and having a ball.

I have also flown my Warrior and CTLS this week as well.

I love the Luscombes. At some point I might buy one to learn tailwheel in. They are about the most undervalued airplanes around, IMO...you can pick up decent ones for $15-20k, and get over 100mph on 65hp!