I have been trying to determine a good plane for flying with my two dogs. I would like to stick with a kit or LSA. I have no desire at this time to build so I'll have to buy used. My situation is that I have two yellow labs, about 85lbs and 75lbs, respectively. That seems to eliminate many of the tandem planes out there, but I could be wrong on this as I haven't been able to see any up close. I did have a chance to look at a few RV-6s and -7s. With the right seat removed I could carry both. Sure it would be a quick plane, and one I could use for two people also if I left the dogs behind, but I couldn't carry dogs and people. It would also limit the backcountry type flying. The aircraft the looks to fit the bill best is a Just Aircraft Highlander. I like the Kitfox also, but the cargo area of the Highlander seems more open and accessible.

Anyone flying with two larger dogs? How do you do it?

Just tie them to the tailwheel.

Trade 'em in on 2 small dogs?

lc

Littlecub wrote:Trade 'em in on 2 small dogs?

lc

Hell no!

That was a driving force when I decided to build a kit plane. We had two St Bernards and they always traveled with us, so I picked the Zenith 801..........

Times change and so do people... Was married 30+ years.......In 2009 the wife said either the plane goes or she does... Just before Oskosh. I flew it to OSH and I still have my plane, I gave her both dogs in the divorce since they were brother/sister and it would have been a huge shock for either one to be seperated. On the very day I took back possesion of my house she put the female St Bernard down..... Karma will deal her the hand she deserves I am sure .

Good for you in considering you plane decision based on your dogs... That speaks highly of your personality.

Ben.

It's not LSA or Experimental, but my dogs like the 185

Stol, thanks for the Zenith idea. I just checked out their website and it looks like it would have to be the 801 (clearly that would work for me if it worked for two Saints) as the 701 appears to have no cargo area to speak of that would work for dogs. The plane is a bit ugly, but so is my BMW R1150GS Adventure and some say the same about my Nissan Xterra. It isn't quite as efficient as the Highlander would be with the Rotax, but it is actually more versital as I could carry four people if I wanted. I need to look at the pictures more for where to put bags as it looks like the back seats go to the wall.

My pups are siblings as well and they, along with my motorcycle, are all I kept in my divorce.

SkyTruck, I know a 182, 180, or 185 would be good, but I really want to stay away from certified planes.

Cooperd0g wrote: I need to look at the pictures more for where to put bags as it looks like the back seats go to the wall.

If you fly one of them homely 801 don't forget the bag for your head so your friends won't recognize you.


Now before anyone get their panties in a bunch I'm KIDDING!

good day

OregonMaule wrote:

Cooperd0g wrote: I need to look at the pictures more for where to put bags as it looks like the back seats go to the wall.

If you fly one of them homely 801 don't forget the bag for your head so your friends won't recognize you.


Now before anyone get their panties in a bunch I'm KIDDING!

good day

Don't be such a jerk, man!! I think about flying one of them at least once a day. Sure, ugly as hell. But great performers and great visibility....... and cheap on gas.

I have NO doubt I'll be corrected if I am wrong...... but, CD, I believe the 801 does have a 'belly pod' option......
Keeps the wt at/near cg.

lc

I don't want to go 7500 on this thread, but...

I take my 45 pound dogote with me everywhere I go when I am not on a bike, and several times he has hopped up on the seat of both my Ducati and my KTM and sat there looking at me like "I can ride, I know I can, don't leave me"

He watches planes fly in and out of the airport when he is there with me and his new routine is to site at the edge of the pavement at the fuel pumps until they shut down and then stroll over and see if it's one of his friends. Twice he has hopped in aircraft in Willys shop because they had dog smells in them, and sat there waiting to go.
I am pretty sure he will be ok in the air, but how do I break him in? What if he gets sick and tries to climb on me? What if he tries to get on the floor and gets caught up in the rudder pedals? or throws himself into the controls? I can take the rear stick out of the champ. I supposed I should tie him in with his harness on.
I heard a bad story about a German Shepard dog almost taking down a Jetranger over lake Chelan. He was a police dog being transported uplake and a few people on board got bit. I know he won't freak out like that, it would be more of a "I'm afraid, hold me" type of thing.
I considered a dog crate, but that would not be easy to put in a Champ, or the 150. Plus, he has never been in one and like seeing out the window.
Any experiences or advice?
D.

Cooperd0g wrote: The plane is a bit ugly, but so is my BMW R1150GS Adventure ............
..........My pups are siblings as well and they, along with my motorcycle, are all I kept in my divorce.

The GS is supposed to be ugly and I like riding with guys who have them because they make my Multistrada look better, plus the adventures have enough extra fuel on board to siphon when the ducs tank runs dry.
Any guy who values his GS and his two dogs over all other possesions is ok in my book.

Hell no!

OregonMaule:
I guess I should have explained immediately I was kidding.......

Slow learner I guess,
lc

I was PM'd about the Glastar Sportsman 2+2 and just checked it out online. It looks like a good option as well, but man, that sucker is pricey. A little bit faster though. It looks like a very versital airplane. I don't really need a hardcore backcountry plane.

The Zenith does have the belly pod according to their website so that's a neat option. And I knew you were kidding about trading the dogs in for smaller ones.

So far it is looking like the Highlander, Zenith 801, and Sportsman are strong contenders. Not too much availability in the used market from what I find though. I'm not in a position to buy for a while though, but I like learning about the options.

My red heeler had over 10,000 hours riding in an airplane with me over his 17 years. Start em young and teach them airplane manners and they'll do just fine no matter what you're flying.

Gump

Thumper, my 7 month old Golden, does just fine in the back seat of my Husky. Either looks out or curls up and sleeps. Here she's on the way back from Idaho.

Check out the Murphy Rebel.

Here is a nice example:
http://tincantimes.dcsol.com/Rebel4SaleInfo.html

Look at the Zenith 750 too. Depends on how big the dogs are, but there was a pretty good area in the back of that airplane when I looked. The 801 is also obviously a real good candidate.

I know you said you wanted to stay away from certified, but my old straight tail 172 with the rear seat removed has a HUGE area for dogs.

The Highlander has a decent amount of room in the back too I believe.

Check out the Jabiru j-250 as well.

Cooperd0g wrote:I was PM'd about the Glastar Sportsman 2+2 and just checked it out online. It looks like a good option as well, but man, that sucker is pricey. A little bit faster though. It looks like a very versital airplane. I don't really need a hardcore backcountry plane.

The Zenith does have the belly pod according to their website so thanks a neat option. And I knew you were kidding about trading the dogs in for smaller ones.

So far it is looking like the Highlander, Zenith 801, and Sportsman are strong contenders. Not too much availability in the used market from what I find though. I'm not in a position to buy for a while though, but I like learning about the options.

I know of a Glastar that was bought as an unfinished kit to repair another Glastar, but now the shop who owns it has the stuff to finish the kit and is selling it as either a buyer assisted build, or custom build. They do really nice work, and are reasonable in thier labor rates. Pm me if you want the shop name and number.