Don't like flying with my 31" ABI, tires on in route. There is no argument that landings are simplified and safer. But, the amount of weight, drag and forward CG is an issue for long cross countries.

If there are no dirty rough airports on the flight, I would prefer 8.5s.

8GCBC wrote:Don't like flying with my 31" ABI, tires on in route. There is no argument that landings are simplified and safer. But, the amount of weight, drag and forward CG is an issue for long cross countries.

If there are no dirty rough airports on the flight, I would prefer 8.5s.

X2

I agree with 8GCBG about pulling a lot of air on a cross country. The only big tires I ever flew were stock tires on a Stearman and the 450 hp P&W handled them well. However, I really hated a long ferry with a spreader on a Pawnee. The trucks on the highway were going faster than me.

I think the plane has a say too. I own an 8GCBC. I really like my 31's and the cush they offer. I am by no means driving over trees and boulders, but I do fly in and out of really rough stuff. the spring gear transfers a lot of energy into the airframe. The same places a cub type gear can handle nicely with a set of 29's. My buddy operates a cub on 29's and doesn't need, nor want bigger, but his gear soaks up better.