To all,

I'm seeking "operational" feedback for an Aeronca Chief on floats, best engine (sometimes bigger isn't better), float size and what one could reasonable expect to achieve for general performance under ISA conditions.

Thank you in advance, cheers

I have a local contact for you, a CFI I've done a few BFRs with. He teaches in a Chief on floats. Will PM you his info. You can follow up what you learn in this thread.

Roger, check, copy standby for new ATIS message

I’ve ridden in one on floats. More power is better. Especially with two people in it. Cabin is very tight. Range is limited because filling both tanks has such a negative effect on performance. The one I rode in had the cowl tank, and turtle deck tank. We flew to a lake very early in the morning with a plan to return before the day started to heat up. One too many cups of coffee at the residents table, and we barely made it home without having to wait until the next morning!

Fun, but I’d be solo most of the time, so I’d choose the Champ on floats and enjoy the cabin space and control stick.

How is it that a Champ is better, I’m not questioning just curious since as I understand it the wing is the same ?

Mapleflt wrote:How is it that a Champ is better, I’m not questioning just curious since as I understand it the wing is the same ?

His point was that he’d be flying solo most and would prefer the stick control and more comfy cabin of the Champ. The Chief has a wider cabin overall (but just a little) but the pilot seat is offset. Champ you sit in center, which most folks also prefer.

Of course, all this depends on what’s available.

I have Champ time but no Chief time on floats. Both nice planes though.

MTV

MTV I was responding to the "performance" aspect of the reply not the seating configuration.

MTV understood my meaning.

Given that I expect the performance would be the same, I would opt for the Champ, because it’s going to be mostly a single seat machine either way.

I’m 6’ and weigh 250. If your mission is to haul a couple Transport Canada standard size or smaller adults, disregard.

I have a casual friend that has a Chief on floats. I believe he has a 85 in it and pretty much flies alone, but I am really not sure. I don't see him in the summer much, only in the winter when he is on skis. If I see him I will get more info.

Pete

Thanks be to Pete

I had a Champ on PK 1500's that I put 300 hours on. I really liked the plane and the roominess was nice, even for a small guy such as myself.
The plane was converted to a 7AC_CONV with a Lycoming O-235 and the plane had every available mod one can dream up. Regret selling it.
A friend had a 90 HP Champ on 1320's during the same time and he felt the 90 HP is the ultimate float Champ. He never flew mine but I think he would have liked it.

I would definitely look at 85HP and up for any of these for float use.

Give Bob Kittine a shout. He i one of the administrators of the Aeronca owners forum. I just found out through a conversation on a different subject he owned a Chief on floats, quite possibly the one I was talking about. Should be a excellent resource.

[email protected]

Pete

Thank you kind Sir