What else would you build?

[captain_john]

I am thinking a Murphy floatplane would be a good "next project".

Thermos and I both have float ratings and Wicked Stick has an interest. Between the 3 of us, I think we could pull it off. After all, it is a metal design!

Maybe after the RV's are done? The Skunkworks Facility will be empty by then and we will need something to do on rainy days and all!

What would you build next?

CJ

[Dan A]

how about building floats for the RV. There is a RV-6 in Canada on floats and it performs well. Is claimed to be the fastest single engine plane on floats!
Dan painting

[cjensen]

A buddy of mine is building a Sonex. Very efficient airplane on so little power. That might be fun. And, speaking of floats, there is one Sonex on floats I do believe. This is a rating I would like to get in the near future. One that I would have no use for, but would be cool to get!

Other than that, if money were no object, I'd go for a Lancair IVP!

[txaviator]

I posted a reply in here earlier today, but it disappeared. What's up with that?

[captain_john]

Dunno, what did you say?

Honest, I am sure it is no conspiracy!

It has never happened to me, so I am guessing a unique set of circumstances??

Say it again.

CJ

[captain_john]

...and Danny, I have seen the -6 in Canada with the floats on it. I must admit, it crossed my mind!

Maybe if funds are limited, I could start building a set of amphibious floats that may find their way under an RV!

I think I prefer a high wing for the task, though.

Also, float flying really beats up the plane and I want to keep the RV nice when it is done. Hence, the Murph. It would be a STRICT VFR unit too.

CJ

[hngrflyr]

Just a little more than a year ago, we bought a RV-6 that had been flying for a number of years. It's truly a great airplane. I'm thinking, after my wife finishes her private license in our Cessna 120, I might want a partially completed RV kit to finish. If that happens, one thing is for sure, the third wheel will be under the tail.

Bobby S

[Ron]

A Seaplane rating is the most fun rating you will ever aquire. I did mine at Jack Browns seaplane base. Did you know that twitchells in Maine is one of only two places where you can actually rent a Seaplane Solo? Jack Browns trains in the J-3 and twitchells is using the 172. I have to agree, if I were to build something devoted to floats, it would be of the high wing design. A glassy water take off on one float would be sure to get that low wing to close to the water for comfort.

[captain_john]

Um, Yah! But no...

Yah, Twitchell's will rent you a 172 solo. Thermos got his rating there.

I got mine in Rangeley Maine from the highly respected and ill fated Steve Bean. An absolute PILLAR of the aviation community in Maine. Steve was a wonderful man whom I regarded as a personal friend and a true mentor to me!

Steve would rent out his 172 solo, but didn't advertise it. I bet Dan Drexler, who took over Mountain Air Services in Rangeley would probably do the same so long as you proved to him reasonable proficiency.

Steve, rest in peace. You are missed by many.

Check out Rangeley for Seaplane ratings. The scenery is FABULOUS and you can hop from lake to lake moreso than down at Twitchell's in Turner.

CJ

[captain_john]

BTW, Ron... You want "IN" on the sea plane too!?!

You aren't that far, as the RV flies!!!

CJ

[Spike]

So many planes, so little time .... off the top of my head here is a short list:

Kitfox
Spacewalker
Stearman
Velocity
Glassair III
Legacy
RV-10

[l & d lewis]

I'm voting for an Australian Storch with an Innodyn turbine..........

[cjensen]

My original choice for building was a Velocity SE FG, so realistically, that would be my "what else" choice.

[N941WR]

Either an Acro Sport II or a Hatz.

Of course I would have to learn to weld. Then again I had to learn to rivet when I started my -9.

Bill

[captain_john]

This past week we had a guest speaker at our E.A.A. meeting and he was going over LSA stuff. Now, this really didn't mean much to me... that is until he mentioned that we (as Private Pilots) could operate in other classes and categories with a mere signoff by a CFI.

Ya, I didn't know this. He said, as a PP with say... a Rotorcraft signoff, we can fly helicopters that qualify under the LSA umbrella.

Now, this enters another possibility into the "what else would you build" equation!

Mebbe an eggbeater is in my future?

CJ

[svanarts]

Helicopters. Ick. I think you were onto something in your first post. I think a Murphy Moose on straight floats would be the ultimate "guy's airplane." Followed by a Murphy Super Rebel with big ol' tars. A friend is building a Rebel and it's just a cool, if not over-built, airplane.

Another plane I liked (even though they are ugly as sin) is the CH-701 or 801. At OSH 2 years ago they were demo-ing it out at the ultra-light strip. That 701 was getting off quicker and landing shorter than 90% of the ultralights that were there.

Can you tell I'm a fan of STOL planes?

If I ever get tired of RV's (yeah, yeah I know) then I'll build a bush plane.

[captain_john]

YAH! The 701! That's the one the call the sky JEEP!

They say you can fly it into the hangar, do a 180, land it and then get out of the plane and close the hangar door!



I really liked that one too! Almost buit it or the 601. I wanted something more airworthy and speedier.

My wife told me to long list the eggbeater and front burner the floatplane!

I think it would be a decision, considering the water runways available to me here!

CJ

[Snap]

Come to the Dark Side, mmmmmmhhhaaaaaaawwwwwww!!!! (evil laugh)