Anyone ever flown a Rallye? The gear doesn't look strong enough for rough fields but probably works well for those nice European smooth grass strips. I think I've only ever seen one and that was probably 30 years ago at 65S. Most of the videos on YouTube showing them seem like they don't get in much shorter than a C-172. It also looks like your knees are in front of the panel? Visibility looks good and a stick would be nice. Looks like they made a tailwheel version too.

A friend of mine has owned one for years. One of the nicest airplanes I’ve ever seen. He lives in Orofino Idaho and has landed at most of the reasonable backcountry strips. Probably not the Big Creek four. Regularly into Fish lake and Chamberlain Basin and they can get pretty rough. I’ve seen him consistently land under 400 feet. Take offs however take more runway, not sure how much.

topgun260 wrote:.... Most of the videos on YouTube showing them seem like they don't get in much shorter than a C-172. It also looks like your knees are in front of the panel?....

First time I ever saw a Helio Courier land, I thought to myself that it didn't do much better than a plain old 172.
Years later, I got to watch a guy who really knew how to fly a Helio land his. Big difference.

Used to be a guy around here who owned a Rallye. I rode in it once.
Don't recall what engine it had, probably the 150.
I don't recall that it was esp STOLy,
but then again he didn't have much time in it & probably flew it like a 172.
See above comments re Helio.

The Rallye 235E is an insane bargain aeroplane. It will take off in about 60-80 yards light, climb at 1500fpm and cruise at 130kts Indicated. The only downside is the tires are small, and the parts are rare. I would love to have another one.

What about the knees in front of the panel? Is it that tight in the front? What about landing performance?