velo's new airplane (canceled due to FAA hijinks)

[Mike]

WHAAAAAAAT ?!?       

I don't even know what that means you wrote there (other than the cancelled part....)

[spacer]

WHAAAAAAAT ?!?       

I don't even know what that means you wrote there (other than the cancelled part....)

In the course of researching the airplane and what it'd take to get everything done legally, I learned about the
upcoming ELSA deadline. If the airplane isn't registered and inspected by then, it becomes spare parts, as it'll
never be legal to fly. This is what I got from the DAR with whom I spoke.
So... the search goes on for an inexpensive timebuilder/trainer.

[airtac]

I had to cancel the deal. After talking with our friendly DAR, I learned that I won't be able to have the airplane licensed in time to meet the
FAA deadline for ELSA, making the Drifter an expensive lawn ornament.

Back to square one...

Well shoot VG, that's a dissapointment   But, I'm a firm believer that anytime a door closes, another one opens---------so start preparing for the next deal to come along, it will be even better

[Frank N. O.]

Sorry to hear that I hope that another chance arrives soon 

Frank

[spacer]

We may go back to just finding a decent deal on a certificated airplane. I've already canceled my account at the FBO, and I think I'll save the money and find a Colt/Traumahawk/C150 or the like for my instruction. I already know a willing instructor, but she doesn't have a small airplane handy nearby. She flies bizjets, but still does instruction on the side in a student's airplane or suitable rental.

[airtac]

That sounds like a good way to go

[Mike]

That sounds like a good way to go

Totally !! 

...plus! .. .  .   .     .     . a C-150 has so much more surface area for nose and/or tail art !!     (hint) 

[undatc]

Ah sorry to hear about that.  Once again the gremlins of the FAA have struck.   

[FlyboyGil]

What is the ELSA? And how come it's targeting planes that won't be airworthy by a certain date?

[spacer]

Experimental - Light Sport Aircraft, is a sort of amnesty program for folks with two seat ultralight trainers (which won't be legal under part 103 any longer) and "fat" ultralights,
which are operating unlicensed as if they were 103 airplanes, to get those planes 'legal' (and taxed). The Sport Pilot license also allows fat ultralight pilots to more easily attain a license
to fly those airplanes after the deadline, after which violations can cost a pilot about $15,000... far more than many of the planes are worth anyway.

Basically it's just a way to bring an 'outlaw fringe' group under the skirts of the FAA, a control freak organization that can't seem to stand folks out there flying without their oversight...
and without paying fees, but I think it's mostly the authori-tah they're after.

[spacer]

All right. I'm looking over models and types, and trying to find something that'll work for basic instruction and will be usable in the future.
I've always had a soft spot for the Aeronca Champ, but prices lately have gotten kinda nutz, the model demanding the same sort of markup
the ol' Cub had been enjoying, due in large part to the Light Sport rule.

However, I've noticed that a project Champ, in need of re-covering and reassembly, still goes pretty cheap compared to its eventual value, and
with a bit of maintenance experience behind me I think I could manage, with the help of the lovely and talented Mrs V (and of course, moral support from
Zoe).
I've flown a Champ once, over ten years ago, and it was gobs of fun. The airplane was forgiving and acted like it wanted to be my friend.

Anyone here have one of these? Or at least is friends with one?

[TheSoccerMom]

Not for a loo-oo-ong time now, but my 2-cents'-worth is telling me, a Champ would be good to you....  they are such fun little airplanes.  Good luck!! 

[spacer]

Yeah. I've heard plenty of Cub pilots badmouthing it, but I liked it. 

[airtac]

Yeah, the Cubs a great airplane but I've got a couple hundred hours in Champs and I absolutely love them for the very reasons you stated

[spacer]

Yeah, the Cubs a great airplane but I've got a couple hundred hours in Champs and I absolutely love them for the very reasons you stated

Also, at my height, the Champ is perfectly comfy to enter and fly. I haven't tried to get into a Cub, but I hear it's a bit tight for guys like me.