Hi I'm new on this board. I'm looking for a airplane for our family of three (occasionally 4 when the mother-in-law visits ).
I know a 180 is the best but I'm also looking for a primary trainer (I'm a cfi) for my teenage son. I definitely want a tail wheel and something I could some day put on floats.
So I'm thinking a Stinson 108-3 with big engine. But I was surprised when I saw one the other day that they aren't "huge" inside. So just wondering how much smaller is the pacer inside for 3 people and stuff? Seems like a lot more pacers here in AK and more support. Thanks!

I've done transition training in both, and the Stinson was substantially more comfortable in a number of ways. I'm 6'4", and the Stinson was taller inside, and with better visibility for me. I think they are both about 40" wide. The Stinson also has doors on both sides. I'm not much of a tailwheel pilot, so the Stinson was easier to land, perhaps true to reputation. The back seat of the Pacer was a tiny, dark hole. For three people it might be okay, but the Stinson would probably be more comfortable.

That said, the Pacer was more fun to fly. Quicker on the controls, and more exciting on the pedals. It also burns less gas with an O290 or 320, at least compared to the O-470 Stinson I was flying.

jcadwell wrote:I've done transition training in both, and the Stinson was substantially more comfortable in a number of ways. I'm 6'4", and the Stinson was taller inside, and with better visibility for me. I think they are both about 40" wide. The Stinson also has doors on both sides. I'm not much of a tailwheel pilot, so the Stinson was easier to land, perhaps true to reputation. The back seat of the Pacer was a tiny, dark hole. For three people it might be okay, but the Stinson would probably be more comfortable.

That said, the Pacer was more fun to fly. Quicker on the controls, and more exciting on the pedals. It also burns less gas with an O290 or 320, at least compared to the O-470 Stinson I was flying.

I’ve never been in a Stinson, but agree with your Pacer comments. The backseat is small, and without a skylight mod it can seem like a cave. It’s much better to be thought of as a 2 seater with a huge baggage area - or as a 2+2, to use some sports car terminology.

If you’re tall in the torso, the Pacer might be a tight fit depending on how much cushion is in the seats. I don’t have a headliner and if I’m sitting up very straight can bump my headset’s headband on the top bars in turb. My “normal slouch” clears just fine, haha.

If you’re near North AL you’re more than welcome to come by and try my Pacer on for size.