Roost Air Lounge => Aviation related topics => Topic started by: undatc on December 29, 2006, 10:18:23 AM
Title: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: undatc on December 29, 2006, 10:18:23 AM
Ok so as I'm in an aviation college, one of the favorite topics of discussion at meals, besides your latest stage check blunder, is what airplane you want to own and why. So I put it to you all, if you could own your own plane, personal use, what would it be? If you have one now, whats in it, how'd you get it?
Personally I have a couple for different reasons. 1st up is a Cessna 195. I love classic cars, and I think this airplane is like the old muscle car of airplanes. Its big, has a huge engine, radial none the less, has a payload like none other, and on top of that with modern fuel tanks, has a range of almost 1200 miles. Also the nice thing about these is that they are so old a lot of people dont want them, so price isnt to bad, about 95k for a fully restored plane. Ive seen planes in need of a little TLC go for about 20k.
2nd for me is a Lancair ES-P. Modern homebuilt (yea right), fast and pressurized up to about FL280 this is the perfect all around airplane. Its comfortable, roomy, seats 4, 1200nm range and crusies at 270 mph. Only down side is cost, homebuilt the kit costs ya about 120k, so retail on a fully built one probably close to 200k. I spose this would be a good reason to get my IFR license so I could make use of the pressureized cabin eh?
What are yours?
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on December 29, 2006, 10:49:16 AM
Rockwell Aero Commander 112 or 114 or Cessna C177RG Cardinal II both from the late 70s. My first and so-far only flight was in a '74 Cessna F177RG (Reims built, serial number 0122).
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: AirtransRecon on December 29, 2006, 02:39:40 PM
PT-17 Dehavilon Beaver.
Flew front seat in a Steerman a few years ago and fell in love. Everything in her cockpit just feels right.
KW
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: chuckar101 on December 29, 2006, 06:07:30 PM
First would have to be the RV-9, with conventional gear. There fast, light on the controls, and fairly cheap. Second would have to be the Cessna Cardinal like Frank. Never flown in one but love the look.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Panzerrat on December 29, 2006, 08:37:45 PM
I'd have to get my license first, but as to what I'd like?
How about a: Beech Staggerwing. Old school sex with wings. PBY-5A Catalina. Hey, where couldn't I go with this one.
Come to think about it, any warbird will do for me.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: switchtech on December 29, 2006, 11:06:23 PM
Real world dream airplane is the Zenith Zodiac XL - and hopefully I'll be starting a build on one in the coming year.
Fantasy world.... a Gulf Stream G550.
jbs
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on December 30, 2006, 01:29:55 AM
Aero Commander 500B---the reasons are mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 8)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on December 30, 2006, 08:43:48 AM
Hmm...lets see. It would need the following but not in order:
1. 1,000nm range 2. 150kt+ cruise at no more than 7gph. 3. Aerobatic with light controls. 4. Full fuel plus at least 2,000lbs usefull load. 5. Homebuilt so I could work on and modify as I please. 6. Take off and land in under 200ft with 31" tundra tires.
If anyone knows this plane, please let me know. In the mean time I need to get going on my Bearhawk Patrol. ;D
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Mic on December 30, 2006, 10:34:56 AM
Piper J3 first ! Then Mitsubishi A6M2 ... ::silly:: Spitfire Se5A Spad 13 Nieuport 17
Well, must be easier to find a J3 somewhere !
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Panzerrat on December 30, 2006, 04:28:41 PM
A Nieuport 17?! You like dodgy wings, do you?
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: switchtech on December 30, 2006, 07:12:26 PM
Hmm...lets see. It would need the following but not in order:
1. 1,000nm range 2. 150kt+ cruise at no more than 7gph. 3. Aerobatic with light controls. 4. Full fuel plus at least 2,000lbs usefull load. 5. Homebuilt so I could work on and modify as I please. 6. Take off and land in under 200ft with 31" tundra tires.
If anyone knows this plane, please let me know. In the mean time I need to get going on my Bearhawk Patrol. ;D
Phil
Well, Phil, I think this is a case similar to "1) Fast, 2) Cheap, 3) Safe - Choose two" - though I suppose with enough money anything might be possible! :D
jbs
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on December 31, 2006, 01:48:31 AM
Hmm...lets see. It would need the following but not in order:
1. 1,000nm range 2. 150kt+ cruise at no more than 7gph. 3. Aerobatic with light controls. 4. Full fuel plus at least 2,000lbs usefull load. 5. Homebuilt so I could work on and modify as I please. 6. Take off and land in under 200ft with 31" tundra tires.
If anyone knows this plane, please let me know. In the mean time I need to get going on my Bearhawk Patrol. ;D
Phil
Well, Phil, I think this is a case similar to "1) Fast, 2) Cheap, 3) Safe - Choose two" - though I suppose with enough money anything might be possible! :D
jbs
I think a Columbia 400 would get 2 out of 3 |:)\
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: switchtech on December 31, 2006, 06:12:16 PM
Hmm...lets see. It would need the following but not in order:
1. 1,000nm range 2. 150kt+ cruise at no more than 7gph. 3. Aerobatic with light controls. 4. Full fuel plus at least 2,000lbs usefull load. 5. Homebuilt so I could work on and modify as I please. 6. Take off and land in under 200ft with 31" tundra tires.
If anyone knows this plane, please let me know. In the mean time I need to get going on my Bearhawk Patrol. ;D
Phil
Well, Phil, I think this is a case similar to "1) Fast, 2) Cheap, 3) Safe - Choose two" - though I suppose with enough money anything might be possible! :D
jbs
I think a Columbia 400 would get 2 out of 3 |:)\
Or even the new Cirrus jet would get two for sure.
A VLJ with tundra tires? ::thinking::
jbs
::rofl::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 01, 2007, 05:55:03 PM
Aero Commander 500B---the reasons are mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 8)
What's the difference between a 500B and the Shrike? And is the 500B the one with the strange Concorde/Embraer style yoke handle?
I was searching for this low approach picture to ask how high you were compared to this: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0911730/L/ Before I found that though I found these two great liveries, I especially love the red/white one, and the black is just cool, it only needs red registration and you can play Blackbird pilot :D http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0896935/L/ http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0345452/L/
Before I found the low-level approach picture I found this picture that I suddently noticed was a RDAF Falcon! :o I don't remember them doing any such stuff at the airshow I attended as a kid. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1071936/L/
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 01, 2007, 06:30:39 PM
Aero Commander 500B---the reasons are mine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 8)
What's the difference between a 500B and the Shrike? And is the 500B the one with the strange Concorde/Embraer style yoke handle?
I was searching for this low approach picture to ask how high you were compared to this: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0911730/L/ Before I found that though I found these two great liveries, I especially love the red/white one, and the black is just cool, it only needs red registration and you can play Blackbird pilot :D http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0896935/L/ http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0345452/L/
Before I found the low-level approach picture I found this picture that I suddently noticed was a RDAF Falcon! :o I don't remember them doing any such stuff at the airshow I attended as a kid. http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1071936/L/
Frank
The red Commander is a 500B with an added crewdoor and a Shrike nose----The turbine Commander over the beach looks to be about 5 feet in the air.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 01, 2007, 06:38:43 PM
Ah so it's the nose that's the difference between the B and the Shrike? Was the change for aerodynamics like the updated Commander 114B/115 nose or for radar or other special instruments? And how far off the ground were you in your flyby and what version Commander was that?
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 01, 2007, 09:24:45 PM
Hmm...lets see. It would need the following but not in order:
1. 1,000nm range 2. 150kt+ cruise at no more than 7gph. 3. Aerobatic with light controls. 4. Full fuel plus at least 2,000lbs usefull load. 5. Homebuilt so I could work on and modify as I please. 6. Take off and land in under 200ft with 31" tundra tires.
If anyone knows this plane, please let me know. In the mean time I need to get going on my Bearhawk Patrol. ;D
Phil
Well, Phil, I think this is a case similar to "1) Fast, 2) Cheap, 3) Safe - Choose two" - though I suppose with enough money anything might be possible! :D
jbs
LOL, I frequently tell my clients the great compromise "Good, Fast, Cheap...pick 2" regarding design and construction.
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 02, 2007, 12:20:12 AM
Ah so it's the nose that's the difference between the B and the Shrike? Was the change for aerodynamics like the updated Commander 114B/115 nose or for radar or other special instruments? And how far off the ground were you in your flyby and what version Commander was that?
Frank
It was a 500 B with Shrike nose---about 30-50 feet---whats that---10-15 meters? Low enough to wave at the guys on the second floor ::eek::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: spacer on January 02, 2007, 06:51:35 AM
Currently building what we decided was the best, most practical choice for us: the Zenith CH801. Maybe later, an RV-10 for cross country ability. Less practical, but would be a great flying recreational vehicle (and if I didn't have to worry so much about the cost of fuel): a Grand Caravan.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 03, 2007, 07:27:16 AM
Currently building what we decided was the best, most practical choice for us: the Zenith CH801. Maybe later, an RV-10 for cross country ability. Less practical, but would be a great flying recreational vehicle (and if I didn't have to worry so much about the cost of fuel): a Grand Caravan.
Cool, always nice to meet a fellow home building fan. I'd love to build an RV-8 myself, probably will someday. Right after the Bearhawk Patrol is flying. Right now I'm just working a couple sets of wing stands. One set for a friend, and one set for the Challenger wings currently in my hanger. Then I can fix the sheet rock in the hangar ceiling, so I can finish covering the challenger wings without gassing myself out of my apartment above. ::silly:: Once the Challenger is done I can re-do the panel in my C-150, after that I can get started on the BH Patrol. Gotta love sequences, I'm hoping to get started in the next 5 years. ::cowboy::
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Gulfstream Driver on January 06, 2007, 06:04:24 PM
I always thought those Commanders looked so goofy on the ground. It's not fun trying to clean the belly on one. I hear they're awesome to fly, though.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 06, 2007, 08:23:20 PM
Currently building what we decided was the best, most practical choice for us: the Zenith CH801. Maybe later, an RV-10 for cross country ability. Less practical, but would be a great flying recreational vehicle (and if I didn't have to worry so much about the cost of fuel): a Grand Caravan.
Cool, always nice to meet a fellow home building fan. I'd love to build an RV-8 myself, probably will someday. Right after the Bearhawk Patrol is flying. Right now I'm just working a couple sets of wing stands. One set for a friend, and one set for the Challenger wings currently in my hanger. Then I can fix the sheet rock in the hangar ceiling, so I can finish covering the challenger wings without gassing myself out of my apartment above. ::silly:: Once the Challenger is done I can re-do the panel in my C-150, after that I can get started on the BH Patrol. Gotta love sequences, I'm hoping to get started in the next 5 years. ::cowboy::
Phil
The 4 seat Bearhawk was on the tip of my checkbook... then I went ahead and decided on the CH801, for various reasons, one of which is the rugged trigear setup. I may not fly quite often enough to be comfortable with a taildragger, though I guess it wouldn't be too bad. I'm also concerned with my wife's ability to land the plane safely if she had to. Also, I flew the demo bird at the Zenith factory and just fell for the plane right there.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 08, 2007, 09:17:27 PM
Hey Jim, here's an Aero Commander you can afford and it has an unparalleled fuel economy ::rofl:: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00oKuXjfxZI&mode=related&search=
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: BrianGMFS on January 08, 2007, 11:38:44 PM
My turn to chip in...
For a classic bird, Can't beat the Spartan Executive... Pure 1930's Art Deco design http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1142992/L/
For something current, A PC-12 would fit the bill nicely.
Brian
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 09, 2007, 12:23:31 AM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: TheSoccerMom on January 09, 2007, 06:33:01 AM
Quote
Ted Smith designed a wing that's better than sex |:)\
Quote
Wow!! Hey, I'd always heard Ted Smith was a genius, but... BETTER THAN SEX??!!!??? ::rofl::
So.... is that stated somewhere in the Aircraft Flight Manual??!!!?? ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 09, 2007, 04:11:13 PM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Shouldn't be any less durable than paint. Also makes the bird lighter when it's not painted.
They're lighter, and with alclad (pure aluminum layers over the alloy core) a layer of oxidation forms and protects the metal within. The alloy is more susceptible to corrosion, hence the outer layer. Some folks like theirs polished (and it looks great when done right), and that's a bit more work... but wow, there are some purty airplanes out there when they're polished up.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 10, 2007, 02:05:13 PM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Shouldn't be any less durable than paint. Also makes the bird lighter when it's not painted.
They're lighter, and with alclad (pure aluminum layers over the alloy core) a layer of oxidation forms and protects the metal within. The alloy is more susceptible to corrosion, hence the outer layer. Some folks like theirs polished (and it looks great when done right), and that's a bit more work... but wow, there are some purty airplanes out there when they're polished up.
I agree that a polished airplane can be nice but how many here have tried polishing one? The first one I ever tried was an Ercoupe with metalized wings---I forget how much I was paid to do it but IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!!! ::complaining: When I started, the Ercoupe seemed like a little airplane but by the time I was done I swear that damn thing had grown to proportions of an airliner! Owning a bare metal airplane and keeping it polished is either an act of love or a sure sign of a manic-depressive disorder. ::loony:: ::loony::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 10, 2007, 04:05:27 PM
Actually corrosion and cleaning (polishing) was what I had in mind. Sort of like owning a De Lorean DMC-12 except the stainless steel isn't quite as susceptible for corrosion. I'd think weight is only a real factor on larger planes, like a canadian airliner that's reverted back to mostly unpainted planes to save weight and thereby fuel, it did look pretty for the photoshoot, but I wonder how it'll look after a long flight. And what about cleaning costs for metal vs normal protective paint (lacquer?)? And can't some of these paint-types make the surface more slippery to aid the aerodynamics like have been tested with shark-scale designs transferred to boat hulls?
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: chuckar101 on January 10, 2007, 07:20:56 PM
This is coming from a guy with limited knowledge Frank, but I would guess no paint with small airplane would be more faorable. Line of thinking is that small aircraft have less extra power then most large aircraft. Thus every little bit of weight adds up quicker.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: spacer on January 10, 2007, 09:12:35 PM
Oh yah... My plane will take to the sky at first without paint, merely because any changes would mess with the paint job. Once I've flown off the 50 hours, I'll clean and paint her. I've had enough of polishing other peoples' stuff. I just wanna fly mine.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 11, 2007, 02:08:03 AM
Oh yah... My plane will take to the sky at first without paint, merely because any changes would mess with the paint job. Once I've flown off the 50 hours, I'll clean and paint her. I've had enough of polishing other peoples' stuff. I just wanna fly mine.
If your cobuilder took maternity leave ::angel:: does that mean we're gonna have to postpone the first flight gratification? ???
If so, maybe you could put a crib in the hanger ::thinking::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 11, 2007, 03:00:38 AM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Shouldn't be any less durable than paint. Also makes the bird lighter when it's not painted.
They're lighter, and with alclad (pure aluminum layers over the alloy core) a layer of oxidation forms and protects the metal within. The alloy is more susceptible to corrosion, hence the outer layer. Some folks like theirs polished (and it looks great when done right), and that's a bit more work... but wow, there are some purty airplanes out there when they're polished up.
I agree that a polished airplane can be nice but how many here have tried polishing one? The first one I ever tried was an Ercoupe with metalized wings---I forget how much I was paid to do it but IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!!! ::complaining: When I started, the Ercoupe seemed like a little airplane but by the time I was done I swear that damn thing had grown to proportions of an airliner! Owning a bare metal airplane and keeping it polished is either an act of love or a sure sign of a manic-depressive disorder. ::loony:: ::loony::
While waiting in line at the fuel pump one day I complimented the guy behind me on his beautifully polished C-180. Only paint was a stripe down the side. Really nice. He laughted and said it didn't normally look that nice, but he had a couple teenagers that were complaining about being bored. :D
I know just cleaning and waxing my painted 150 is an all weekend job. Can't imagine haveing to polish the whole thing.
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 11, 2007, 03:33:13 AM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Shouldn't be any less durable than paint. Also makes the bird lighter when it's not painted.
They're lighter, and with alclad (pure aluminum layers over the alloy core) a layer of oxidation forms and protects the metal within. The alloy is more susceptible to corrosion, hence the outer layer. Some folks like theirs polished (and it looks great when done right), and that's a bit more work... but wow, there are some purty airplanes out there when they're polished up.
I agree that a polished airplane can be nice but how many here have tried polishing one? The first one I ever tried was an Ercoupe with metalized wings---I forget how much I was paid to do it but IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!!! ::complaining: When I started, the Ercoupe seemed like a little airplane but by the time I was done I swear that damn thing had grown to proportions of an airliner! Owning a bare metal airplane and keeping it polished is either an act of love or a sure sign of a manic-depressive disorder. ::loony:: ::loony::
While waiting in line at the fuel pump one day I complimented the guy behind me on his beautifully polished C-180. Only paint was a stripe down the side. Really nice. He laughted and said it didn't normally look that nice, but he had a couple teenagers that were complaining about being bored. :D
I know just cleaning and waxing my painted 150 is an all weekend job. Can't imagine haveing to polish the whole thing.
Phil
See there, THAT's why we are trying to get you and Happy together! :D You meet, fall in love, win the lottery, have rich kids who are bored, THEN you have them polish your 150!! ;D
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Gulfstream Driver on January 11, 2007, 06:24:42 PM
Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?
Frank
Shouldn't be any less durable than paint. Also makes the bird lighter when it's not painted.
They're lighter, and with alclad (pure aluminum layers over the alloy core) a layer of oxidation forms and protects the metal within. The alloy is more susceptible to corrosion, hence the outer layer. Some folks like theirs polished (and it looks great when done right), and that's a bit more work... but wow, there are some purty airplanes out there when they're polished up.
I agree that a polished airplane can be nice but how many here have tried polishing one? The first one I ever tried was an Ercoupe with metalized wings---I forget how much I was paid to do it but IT WAS NOT ENOUGH!!! ::complaining: When I started, the Ercoupe seemed like a little airplane but by the time I was done I swear that damn thing had grown to proportions of an airliner! Owning a bare metal airplane and keeping it polished is either an act of love or a sure sign of a manic-depressive disorder. ::loony:: ::loony::
While waiting in line at the fuel pump one day I complimented the guy behind me on his beautifully polished C-180. Only paint was a stripe down the side. Really nice. He laughted and said it didn't normally look that nice, but he had a couple teenagers that were complaining about being bored. :D
I know just cleaning and waxing my painted 150 is an all weekend job. Can't imagine haveing to polish the whole thing.
Phil
Isn't that why you have children? To polish your airplane...
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: spacer on January 12, 2007, 03:18:12 AM
Oh yah... My plane will take to the sky at first without paint, merely because any changes would mess with the paint job. Once I've flown off the 50 hours, I'll clean and paint her. I've had enough of polishing other peoples' stuff. I just wanna fly mine.
If your cobuilder took maternity leave ::angel:: does that mean we're gonna have to postpone the first flight gratification? ???
If so, maybe you could put a crib in the hanger ::thinking::
Oh, that'll be a while anyway, unless something changes with work. Hey... a riveted aluminum crib... with control surfaces...
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: TheSoccerMom on January 25, 2007, 01:07:03 AM
Helped a friend/student polish his gorgeous but a bit neglected C-172. We both thought "this won't take long". HAR.
After the first exhausting afternoon, he was headed to Sears to buy a big, soft buffer. We did the whole airplane both by hand and with the buffer, and it was STUNNING when it was done. It, too, had the one, classic stripe down the side, with a split stripe up the vertical fin.
It's still one of the prettiest airplanes I ever met. I wish I had a photo! He got compliments every single place he went. (On the airplane, I mean). ;D
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 25, 2007, 05:51:51 AM
Is it OK if I just wish for summer so I can fly the plane I've got? ??? :(
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: fireflyr on January 26, 2007, 02:37:20 AM
Is it OK if I just wish for summer so I can fly the plane I've got? ??? :(
Phil
HMMM, down here, we fly year round ;)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Mike on January 27, 2007, 07:32:18 AM
Hands down the F4-U4 Corsair ! ! !
un-negotiable . . .
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 27, 2007, 07:50:04 AM
Mike: Really!? I thought you would say AS-350 B3 or Airwolf or something of a similar type, you know a un-stuck-wing ;D
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Mike on January 27, 2007, 05:36:14 PM
well.... the thread says "airplane" of your dreams . . . ;)
The FAA clearly differenciates between "airplane"and "aircraft" so I have to ablidge ::whistle::
when it comes to working with an aircraft day in and day out, it will be the AStar, no doubt (even though "Jane" broke down on me yesterday in the middle of a job :'( , but I'll forgive her...)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 27, 2007, 07:25:27 PM
Looking out my front window at this beautiful snow covered runway, I've been having fond memories of my ultralight on skis. Anyone ever seen or flown a Preceptor Pup? or have any experience with VW conversions? Guess I'm dreaming of a ski plane at the moment :D
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: TheSoccerMom on January 27, 2007, 10:32:46 PM
WOW, that has always been THE coolest, SEXIEST, most appealing airplane to me!! Followed by the Spitfire...... and the PBY, and the P-40, and the P-51, and.. and... and....
Uh oh, does this mean we've been drinking the same Nevada water too long?!?!!!?? ;)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Turbomallard on January 27, 2007, 10:52:26 PM
[ WOW, that has always been THE coolest, SEXIEST, most appealing airplane to me!! Followed by the Spitfire...... and the PBY, and the P-40, and the P-51, and.. and... and....
Go on... say it... the Turbomallard, of course! TM
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Mike on January 28, 2007, 03:17:29 AM
HA HA !!
Where do you find this stuff, Duck?!
What a sexy plane !! WOOT WOOT !!! ::drinking::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Turbomallard on January 28, 2007, 03:31:25 AM
Apparently this is a DVD cover... found it online searching "turbo mallard." Searching "turbomallard" brings up... oh, forget it.
TM
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on January 28, 2007, 03:51:34 AM
well.... the thread says "airplane" of your dreams . . . ;)
The FAA clearly differenciates between "airplane"and "aircraft" so I have to ablidge ::whistle::
when it comes to working with an aircraft day in and day out, it will be the AStar, no doubt (even though "Jane" broke down on me yesterday in the middle of a job :'( , but I'll forgive her...)
Oh man, I can't believe I didn't notice that, that's normally one of my skills to note small differences like that.
What happend to Jane btw? Anyone hurt?
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Mike on January 28, 2007, 04:47:20 AM
well.... the thread says "airplane" of your dreams . . . ;)
The FAA clearly differenciates between "airplane"and "aircraft" so I have to ablidge ::whistle::
when it comes to working with an aircraft day in and day out, it will be the AStar, no doubt (even though "Jane" broke down on me yesterday in the middle of a job :'( , but I'll forgive her...)
Oh man, I can't believe I didn't notice that, that's normally one of my skills to note small differences like that.
What happend to Jane btw? Anyone hurt?
Frank
No, nobody got hurt. She was making a funny noise and I landed and had it checked out. Turned out to be the starter/generator so it got replaced. No big deal. You know the deal with helicopters, right?! If it isn't broken . . . it's about to! ;)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Baradium on January 28, 2007, 08:19:35 AM
As far as paint and weight....
On small planes, the difference might as well be negligible. It's not enough to worry about.
With a large aircraft though, it might be over 1,000 lbs of paint. *However* polished aluminum can require more maintenance (the paint protects the metal as well).
Additionally, a white paint can be 10-20 degrees cooler than a polished aluminum during the summer. Delta actually claims a greater than 10 degree difference on same model aircraft when on the ground during the summer vs American Airlines specifically becuase of the white paint.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on January 28, 2007, 09:01:57 AM
On small planes, the difference might as well be negligible. It's not enough to worry about.
With a large aircraft though, it might be over 1,000 lbs of paint. *However* polished aluminum can require more maintenance (the paint protects the metal as well).
Additionally, a white paint can be 10-20 degrees cooler than a polished aluminum during the summer. Delta actually claims a greater than 10 degree difference on same model aircraft when on the ground during the summer vs American Airlines specifically becuase of the white paint.
I'm going to dissagree with you on the light planes. paint, especially if it's over an existing coat, can add 20 to 30 lbs. In a two place aircraft that could easily mean the difference of an hour or more of fuel, or a 120lb passenger vs 150lb passenger. Or meeting ultralight rules or not. Doesn't seem like much, but can be significant.
Phil
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Baradium on January 28, 2007, 09:53:04 AM
I'm going to dissagree with you on the light planes. paint, especially if it's over an existing coat, can add 20 to 30 lbs. In a two place aircraft that could easily mean the difference of an hour or more of fuel, or a 120lb passenger vs 150lb passenger. Or meeting ultralight rules or not. Doesn't seem like much, but can be significant.
Phil
But see, now you're starting to talk multiple applications. That's not the standard, nor "correct" way to apply the paint to an aircraft. ;) That also doubles or better the weight that the paint adds. Cutting the numbers in half is 10-15 lbs. That's two gallons of fuel. You'll reduce endurance by all of 10-15 minutes in a C-172 in cruise... Maybe 20 minutes in your 150.
And I havn't seen many ultralight aircraft that have much a fuselage. :D
Seriously though, I'm not trying to include when people do improper procedures. You're supposed to take all the old paint off before applying new, so I really don't care how much weight is added if you have a half inch of paint on the aircraft. ;)
I'd also like to point out that in the pictures I've seen, it sure looks like the tundra toy has a nice coat of white paint on it. ;)
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_05/textonly/fo01txt.html Is a good explation on the paint vs polished argument.
I'd like to point out that on a 717 paint adds 119 lbs... that's not really all that much weight on an aircraft that size. Does your 152 even have 1/10th the amount of paint of a 717? ;)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Bruce on February 20, 2007, 01:11:13 AM
Nobody has m entioned the Cessna T50 "Bamboo Bomber" ala Sky King. I always thought these were neat. My Cessna 170A is really my favorite. It's been in the family since Dad and I picked it up in Wichita in August of 1950. I can afford the fuel consumption, it's all metal, and it flies great! It attracts attention wherever I go. What could be better?
If I could afford more airplanes, there would be the T50, a Curtiss Robin, a 1930 Taylorcraft (Dad's first airplane) and maybe a Pitts Special just for fun. 8)
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: gibbo_335 on February 21, 2007, 01:06:27 AM
CAN I HAVE A Beechcraft B58 Baron 8).....PPPLLLLLEEEAASSSSEEEEEEEEEE but i'll settle for a CAC Boomerang ::thinking::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Frank N. O. on February 23, 2007, 01:09:42 AM
If I was to dream on full throttle then I'd love a Colani VII.
Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on February 23, 2007, 03:41:42 AM
If I was to dream on full throttle then I'd love a Colani VII.
Frank
Don't know that one. Got a photo?
Phil ::cowboy::
Yes but only 1 single one of a concept-model and no data is known but the basics look smooth and practical (great visibility, place for a weather-radar, big doors etc.). Edit: And of course I post without adding the photo, here I go again. Frank
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: gibbo_335 on February 24, 2007, 05:04:20 AM
WOW, never heard of the Colani XII...wot an interesting aeroplane :o
Yeap if i could have a warbird this is it DonYan!! ::wave:: I have had the privillage of seeing this one Suzy Q in real life!!!!
And here is her web site too!!!! http://www.accentwebdesign.com.au/boomerang/indexf.htm
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Panzerrat on February 24, 2007, 11:28:45 PM
Ouside of being rare, why a Boomerang? If I recall correctly, wasn't it derived from a T-6 Texan?
Whoops, as I typed that I remembered that it was the Wirraway that was built from a T-6. (http://www.diggerhistory.info/images/air-ww2/wirraway2.jpg)
Here's a little quicky write-up on the Boomerang. Interesting concept. http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-air-support/ww2-allied/boomerang.htm
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: Panzerrat on February 25, 2007, 09:30:46 AM
Well, no matter what, you can never go wrong with anything derived from a T-6 Texan.
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: gibbo_335 on February 25, 2007, 10:48:33 PM
Why a Boomerang.....mmmmmm ::thinking:: possibly the nicest of all our Aussie Warbirds (in my humble opinion :) ) CAC also made Mustangs etc BUT when i first came face to face with Suzy Q it was a bit overwhelming and i suppose the lasting impression was "WOW if i could have a Warbird this is it!!".......and it's a single seater so i don't have to share ;D ::rofl:: ::rofl:: ::rofl::
Title: Re: Airplane of your dreams...
Post by: tundra_flier on February 27, 2007, 08:13:10 AM
I just saw that Rotec is now making a 9 cylinder, 150 hp radial engine. So I'll have to add to my dream planes a Vans RV-8 with a Radial! ::cowboy:: Of course the Bearhawk Patrol I've got plans for would also look pretty sweet with a radial on it ::thinking::
