Has a Mooney been suggested yet? I've only been in an M-20C but it was fast and efficient and I think there were turbos on some of the later models. Downside is the relatively cozy cabin. But if commuting is the primary intent I'd think speed & efficiency would be the principal concerns. With the uncertainty over the future of avfuel and the likelihood that the price will only continue going up I'd be wary of really thirsty engines. Course if you're actually moving something that pays for the leg disregard my concerns altogether.

As piperpainter has proven, a Mooney can certainly be used at least in the sidecountry.

I got a fair bit of time in a buddy's E model Mooney. I truly loved flying that airplane, but I never flew it in any ice. I don't know how that wing would do if the shape got deformed a bit. And with the route Pat's talking of flying, ice IS going to be an issue if he really wants to fly it on a regular basis. Now the Navajo on the other hand. I do know what that airplane does with a load on. I'd be a whole lot more comfortable I think.

Sure fun spending other people's money!!!!!

Gump

hotrod150 wrote: Speaking of fuel burns, what's T6 go through in an hour, 25-30? About lke the 310 I guess.

Depends on how hard you are working it...figure on around 30 for cruise and about 35-40 for aerobatics or formation unless you are flying lead. All of the ones that I have flown have been racers so it may be slightly different than a stocker, but I would bet they are close.

Is that 611F that Jack got kick off the ramp at Reno? Use to be owned by Sherman when it was shit hot

What have you been racing? Are you going to bring 11F back to racing? I think Dennis sold that plane to Sherman back in the day...glad to see it still flying

GumpAir wrote:I got a fair bit of time in a buddy's E model Mooney. I truly loved flying that airplane, but I never flew it in any ice. I don't know how that wing would do if the shape got deformed a bit. And with the route Pat's talking of flying, ice IS going to be an issue if he really wants to fly it on a regular basis. Now the Navajo on the other hand. I do know what that airplane does with a load on. I'd be a whole lot more comfortable I think.

Sure fun spending other people's money!!!!!

Gump

It would take a fair amount of grease to get Pat in a Mooney, and he and i for sure couldnt get the door closed. Besides you have to fly those from one seat in one direction and the other seat on the way back so your neck dosent grow crooked

They are great airplanes for std pilots though you never hear of a wing breaking on a Mooney.

The Navajo would be a great airplane for what he has in mind. He could take us to mark the trail with beer cans....

The same plane...used to known as "Frostbite". It belongs to a buddy of mine (Frank) and I get to fly her from time to time. It is still a hot airplane as he has not changed much other than the paint. It still bears her race number on the tail as a tribute to her heritage, but there are no plans to race her again. Ironically, the first T-6 that I ever logged time in was race 22, "Two of Hearts" that used to belong to Mary Dilda. I'm sure you know the history between these two aircraft and their previous owners.

Here is a short article about my first T-6 solo...it was done in 611F and included a little formation with a Corsair.

http://clearontop.com/2009/12/14/taming-the-texan/

A formation pass at a recent fly in...I'm flying the Stearman and Frank is in 611F



A little formation practice in "Two of Hearts"

mr scout wrote:The Navajo would be a great airplane for what he has in mind. He could take us to mark the trail with beer cans....

I've already marked most of that route on my four-wheeler. Beer cans and peeing on the rocks. Shouldn't be hard to follow.

Gump

If you really wanna go fast, carry 6 people and turn heads on every ramp then you need to find a Lionheart. There were only 5 ever built and 3 are still flying, but it is one sweet ride and pure addrenaline to fly. Not an off airport plane though so you will need another toy in the hanger to get the tires dirty.

Hey Pat
I don't care what you get for a plane, but I hope ya like it. I like Mr. Scouts way of thinkin .
But, I could use a paycheck. Need any help at the mine. Then I could get that Carbon Cub.
Gary

hotrod150 wrote:

once&futr_alaskaflyer wrote:I would take a big engine Comanche over a Lance any day for this mission especially considering your other interests.
Not to mention the Twinkie, many of which have RSTOL mods. I was looking at them hard when I thought I was relocating somewhere requiring a regular family commute.

What's a twinkie? It just came to me that maybe you're talking about a Twin Commanche?

Yep. I'd love a Twin Commanche with STOL mods and Rayjay turbos.

That's cool you guys are still rolling with this thread!! Great pics of the T6's!

So yeah.......Have you seen me in person Vick?? Mr Scouts comments are spot on!! So the Mooney is out of the equation. For a 3-4 hour flight I gota be comfy!!

I'm thinking about renaming this post also or start a new one about cross country (commuter planes). But I know this forum is geared more towards "Backcountry" flying and planes. I'm starting to think that all this info shouldn't be focused just on me. Maybe there's others that are thinking of a Point A to Point B plane as well?? I don't know.........

I'll send you a PM Gary.

ya know, Pat, pretty hard to beat the airplane u have for comfy and solid...!

jomac wrote:ya know, Pat, pretty hard to beat the airplane u have for comfy and solid...!

I know, Jo....But she's going to stay here in Idaho and be strictly for play and getting the tires dirty!

Straight tail Lance normally aspirated. I would dearly love to have one of these and I think it would perform admirably. Largest cabin in the class I should think, will haul serious weight if needed. Front baggage allows for easy balancing of CG and a lot more volume. Roomy and wide (lot more head and shoulder room than Mooney or Bo). John Bartelt, Bartelt Aviation in Sturgis, MI is the Lance/Saratoga king in terms of knowledge and access. He is second generation in the family business, can find what you want if he doesn't have it immediately available.

Hey guys, I started a new thread.

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=6280

Bump for the sake that I want to buy a T6!

I know I may seem crazy but damn...I really want to fly in the air races (yeah I know...everyone does)! Anyone know of any other schools aside from the Warbird Training School in Kissimmee FLA?

Trying to figure out how to fly a P51 some day...

Plane is getting a new alternator today. Getting zero work done today dreaming about flying one of these.

AKT

aktahoe1 wrote:Bump for the sake that I want to buy a T6!

I know I may seem crazy but damn...I really want to fly in the air races

AKT

If you are serious and really have that kind of money to blow on racing give me a call tomorrow...I know of a race ready T-6 for sale.