Here is my new Scout. Love it!

Either that Scout has short legs or you are one tall dude! Citabria maybe?

Nice looking airplane! Exciting to get a new airplane isn't it?!? Enjoy the feeling, enjoy the airplane!

Kurt

Yeah it's a 7GCBC but I'm also a tall dude and it's one of the few tail draggers I can fit well in. I bought it from a guy in Idaho that used it for back country camping and hunting trips. It's got metal wings from ACA and the lifetime struts, the 8.5" tires and a lycon 160 hp o320. It's in cherry condition and so far I'm having a blast flying it, very different than my Baron!

Just thought I would dig out this old thread. I have a Scout and the only thing lacking is a belly pod. I would love one. Anyone got any news of the Airglas STC. Sick of pestering Airglas, always get the same answer which is "its coming". How long does an STC take?

aussie bob wrote:Just thought I would dig out this old thread. I have a Scout and the only thing lacking is a belly pod. I would love one. Anyone got any news of the Airglas STC. Sick of pestering Airglas, always get the same answer which is "its coming". How long does an STC take?

I plan on stopping by there next week, I will let you know what they say.

Speaking of belly pods: I stopped by BackCountry Cubs in Douglas WY the other day, and got to look at a new (experimental only for now) pod that they are offering with their kits. While there have been combo fuel/cargo pods before, this is the first where the fuel tank portion (not pictured) is quickly removable when max cargo room is needed. It also had a really big access side door.

But in talking with the 30 year experienced real live Alaska bush pilot Bob, now working at BCC, he noted some needed changes in the final production model.

1. A rear door, that can be removed entirely, so lumber and other long objects can be shoved into the pod. If they extend out the load is secured under the fuselage. Just like a lumber rack on a pickup, but upside down and on an airplane.

2. Drain holes, so the inevitable blood and guts from hauling hunters and their catch can be hosed out.

3. A top, so when in turbulence and or getting bounced around on landing, axes and other sharp object won't bounce up and mess up the belly fabric.

Nothing like the voice of experience! I then asked a question I had long wondered, what about the hazard of collapsing the gear or whatever, and having that belly pod breached, fire in other words. I was told that had been done, several times, busted up pods that is, with no additional problems like fire I was also informed that the additional drag is negligible, "can't tell it's there". Finally, for a working Alaska Cub, a good pod was the single most valued thing to have, the most bang for the buck, then any other mod out there. So hang in there with AirGlas, sure sounds like they are worth the wait. I am talking with these people on the possibility of them making one for my Rans S-7, and they seem receptive to the idea. I also remember when another S-7 pilot stopped last year with his own version of a belly pod:a modified plastic sled, the type used by hunters and fisherman to drag through mud and snow, I need to check out the local sport shops and bring my tape measure.
http://www.koendersmfg.com/sled.html

http://www.eAeroFab.com

N300RE wrote:

aussie bob wrote:Just thought I would dig out this old thread. I have a Scout and the only thing lacking is a belly pod. I would love one. Anyone got any news of the Airglas STC. Sick of pestering Airglas, always get the same answer which is "its coming". How long does an STC take?

I plan on stopping by there next week, I will let you know what they say.

Went by Airglas today, they said the Citabria/Scout Pod is ready and there waiting on approval from the Feds. They said it should be 45-60 days, but knowing the FAA it could be 6-9 months or more.

Thank you for asking. I am hoping on the 45 - 60 days. The 6 - 9 months has already passed

aussie bob wrote:Just thought I would dig out this old thread. I have a Scout and the only thing lacking is a belly pod. I would love one. Anyone got any news of the Airglas STC. Sick of pestering Airglas, always get the same answer which is "its coming". How long does an STC take?

make that you have a scout for now....I plan on stealing it and eloping with it shortly, it beautiful!

Well, I have dug this old thread out again. It finally happened! Airglas got their type certificate or whatever its called and got my pod out to me in Australia. The fitment was completed yesterday. Thank you Cliff!

Looks good!

That looks like it will be really nice. A friend of mine is flying his brand new Scout home from WI right now. Cant wait to check it out! I've always liked Scouts, especially around here the extra range and speed makes it a little easier to actually go somewhere.

He's got some big tires ready to go on when he gets home, should be a blast.

Perfect fit Bob! Thank you for the pictures!

I agree, I've only got comparable time in my 7GCBC Citabria. It's a slightly less capable version, but still gets me 90% of Cub performance on HALF the price. I've only done light off-road work with it, mostly because I don't want to get in trouble here is Socal, but I'd never even come close to scaring me. Landing roll <150', takeoff roll ~3-400' depend on load. Thats with 150HP and a mid-pitch prop. The Scout 180-210HP and CS prop would bring the takeoff much closer to the landing.

I flew a 160HP SuperCub around a little last year. I would take the Citab over it for all but the shortest/roughest strips.