Airplane of your dreams...

[Frank N. O.]

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

[tundra_flier]

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.   

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! 

jbs

LOL, I frequently tell my clients the great compromise "Good, Fast, Cheap...pick 2" regarding design and construction.

Phil

[fireflyr]

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

[spacer]

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.

[tundra_flier]

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.    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.   

Phil

[Gulfstream Driver]

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. 

[fireflyr]

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. 

Ted Smith designed a wing that's better than sex   Ailerons are a little heavy but it rolls sooooooo nice

[spacer]

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.    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.   

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.

[Frank N. O.]

Hey Jim, here's an Aero Commander you can afford and it has an unparalleled fuel economy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00oKuXjfxZI&mode=related&search=

Frank

[BrianGMFS]

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

[Frank N. O.]

Oooh, beautiful! But how durable is the unpainted metal for wear, tear and cleaning?

Frank

[TheSoccerMom]

Ted Smith designed a wing that's better than sex

Wow!!  Hey, I'd always heard Ted Smith was a genius, but...  BETTER THAN SEX??!!!???     

So....  is that stated somewhere in the Aircraft Flight Manual??!!!??           

[fireflyr]

Ted Smith designed a wing that's better than sex

Wow!!  Hey, I'd always heard Ted Smith was a genius, but...  BETTER THAN SEX??!!!???     

So....  is that stated somewhere in the Aircraft Flight Manual??!!!??           

YEP!---here it is on page 96 

[Gulfstream Driver]

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.

[spacer]

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.