RivetBangers.com

So, with an interest in starting a fun conversation, riddle me this. If a dude (me) wanted to acquire a 4 place EAB for use as family capable weekend brunch aircraft, what would he be looking at?

Seems that the 4 place EAB field is primarily made up of fire breathing composite dragons and $200K RV-10's. I'm banging my head up against the wall trying to figure out what EAB would compete with something like a 177RG / 182RG class aircraft in terms of usage profile and cost.

Any thoughts? Id love to avoid the pain of maintaining a certified bird but in this market segment there really doesn't seem to be any type of EAB competition.

Spike

Not an RG, but the Bearhawk is hard to beat...

I used to be all about RG airplanes, but have since turned my cheek to FG airplanes for simplicity, and the slickness of today's FG airplanes (RV's are prime examples) make the headache of retracting gear a thing of the past for me.

Doesn't have to an an RG. I was just going after that type of aircraft specs. As in 4 seats, 140 - 155 kts, good for IFR, etc.

Gear going up or down on an EAB most definitely isn't a requirement.

Bearhawks are nice, but not sure I want to put the wife and kiddo in it and to 300nm on an ifr flight plan

Spike

Spike wrote:Bearhawks are nice, but not sure I want to put the wife and kiddo in it and to 300nm on an ifr flight plan

Spike

Why?

Modified tailwind? BD 4 or just buy the 180hp cs Cessna cardinal

pat wrote:Modified tailwind?

WAAAAAAAAY to much work and risk with that...

pat wrote:BD 4 or just buy the 180hp cs Cessna cardinal

BD-4 would be a good option...not a lot of support, but it's a good airplane.

cjensen wrote: Why?

Not sure how mommy would feel in a quazi tandem taildragger with a 1 year old next to her looking at tubes and fabric

Spike

Ah. Can't argue against feelings.

Zenith CH640?

Is it possible to buy a certified plane and then re-register it as experimental?

I've thought about this with an old 152 or something.

Sorry Brett, I don't believe thats possible.

How about a Cozy IV? Pretty much meets your basic requirements. Major downside is longer runway required. http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/k ... s/cozy.php

cbkillion wrote:Is it possible to buy a certified plane and then re-register it as experimental?

I've thought about this with an old 152 or something.

The only two categories that I'm aware of one could potentially use, is the Experimental Exhibition or Experimental R & D categories.

Both are very limiting to specific operations, and typically only allowed to fly a set radius from a base.

I hadn't even thought of the Zenith. Its specs are pretty decent too. Though darn that thing was beat with an ugly stick.

EZ, hadn't thought of that one either. That might be a bit tight for the familia.

*sigh*

I can't believe I didn't think of this when the modified Tailwind was mentioned, but I just ordered a set of plans today for metal wings for my Tailwind (yes, I'm starting over...) from Callbie Wood. He sells a set of plans for the CF-4 Fourunner...

My first thought is, what the heck is that? Might have to look it up. What are the chances that one can be purchased already flying?

Slim to none...not a real common airplane, but four seats and fast!

Spike wrote:So, with an interest in starting a fun conversation, riddle me this. If a dude (me) wanted to acquire a 4 place EAB for use as family capable weekend brunch aircraft, what would he be looking at?

Seems that the 4 place EAB field is primarily made up of fire breathing composite dragons and $200K RV-10's. I'm banging my head up against the wall trying to figure out what EAB would compete with something like a 177RG / 182RG class aircraft in terms of usage profile and cost.

Any thoughts? Id love to avoid the pain of maintaining a certified bird but in this market segment there really doesn't seem to be any type of EAB competition.

Spike

Not all rv-10s cost $200k. I know that mine isn't anywhere near that amount. You you can find a good used engine and a simple panel, you could bring it I n closer to the $100k limit or slightly above that.

Bob

Sorry for the late reply. I agree with you, but you have to build it I don't seem to have time for that right now.

Spike

Spike wrote:Sorry for the late reply. I agree with you, but you have to build it I don't seem to have time for that right now.

Spike

Not really, but does require some due diligence. A friend recently purchased a project that was 99.9% complete for $125k. Granted the interior was rather spartan, the panel had Skyviews with Apollo gps/com, and the engine was 300smoh. He probably could have got his pink slip, but he decided he wanted to upgrade a few items. With the economy being what it is, there are deals out there.

Bob