How about a PA12 Im just tosing out ideas that might do the job, get you some hours until they will insure you on a maule.

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I put another vote in for the pacer (just not a metallized one), but you really couldn't go wrong with any of them. They'll all get you into pretty much anywhere you'd want to fly. It seems like it's more about personal preference than anything. If you find out which one that you think flies the best and buy it, you'll be a happy camper. 1220 is a little on the heavy side for a Pacer. That's before putting larger (heavier) wheels on, longer (heavier) prop, etc. Mine weighs about 1240, but that's after I top it off. Good luck!

Schmokey wrote:

highroad wrote:There are a few mods that really make a Pacer perform. I would stay away from a metalized one. Put as big of tires as are necessary for your mission and a borer prop and it will go a lot of fun places. Shop for one that already has the wing tips squared off.
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Why avoid metalized if the final weight isn't too bad? Does it cause problems? This particular metalized pacer I'm looking at is around 1220#.

Call Steves Aircraft for real answers. http://www.stevesaircraft.com/

My opinion only : They were designed for fabric on metal, not metal on metal. Fabric is easy and inexpensive to repair, had the belly on my Pacer patched several times as well as the horizontal stab. My airplane with a long prop, squared off wings, leather interior, gyro's, 31's (50#s more than 8.50's) weighs just under 1250#'s.

I seem to recall that the STC going to metal instead of fabric adds about 75lbs of weight.

Don't forget that the -22 is a pretty snappy plane to fly- they are just plain fun given their responsiveness. The metal versions also had a tendency to loosen up- I've seen it happen, and that owner had to stay on top of it every year. If you can hangar it, fabric can't be beat for ease of repair. I replaced the belly on mine in a couple of days. The metal version is also louder by a fair amount in the cockpit- guaranteed. There were some issues with drainage on the metal version as well- not terrible, but you had to be more vigilant to inspect the lower longerons.

Metalized airplanes have a few disadvantages.

You have a STEEL fuselage structure, now encased within an aluminum skin. With fabric, when the fabric is shot, you have a pretty good chance to carefully examine the frame. Not so with metalized airplanes.

Metalization GENERALLY adds some weight.

But, to me, one of the biggest factors is virtually every metalized airplane I've ever seen is just plain ugly.

None of these are real deal killers, mind you. And, ugly is in the mind of the beholder.

MTV

Metalized airplanes have a few disadvantages.

You have a STEEL fuselage structure, now encased within an aluminum skin. With fabric, when the fabric is shot, you have a pretty good chance to carefully examine the frame. Not so with metalized airplanes.

Metalization GENERALLY adds some weight.

But, to me, one of the biggest factors is virtually every metalized airplane I've ever seen is just plain ugly.

None of these are real deal killers, mind you. And, ugly is in the mind of the beholder.

MTV

Disregard. Talked to a Pacer mechanic a few minutes ago. He set me straight on metalization. I'll just find myself a fabric Pacer.

If anybody knows of a 150hp NON METALIZED Pacer near the PNW up for sale, shoot me a msg. Thanks for the tip on the one in CA, checking it out now.

highroad wrote:

OregonMaule wrote:I would buy the biggest most powerful STOL plane you can afford and afford to insure and maintain. AFFORD! If you can't afford to fly it get something less expensive. Bigger is always better IMO.

If I could afford one I would be in a Caravan, Palatus Porter, Twin Otter, Kodiak, Beaver or a DC-3. But I can't so I fly a Maule.

Cheers...Rob

Let's not forget that a Pacer and a Stinson had to fly into Gewey Moore and redirect most of the water off of the runway so that the Maules could land.......

Are you confessing to ILLEGAL air strip maintenance?

Schmokey wrote:If anybody knows of a 150hp NON METALIZED Pacer near the PNW up for sale, shoot me a msg. Thanks for the tip on the one in CA, checking it out now.

This one is near both of us in Snohomish, http://www.barnstormers.com/classified_ ... 22_20.html

Been listed for awhile so you could probably make the guy a deal. Be sure to check his website link in that ad as well. I'm finally selling my house in Colorado and having to write a hefty check to get it out if, so my plane money is gone...or I'd be going to look at this one.

Just set up a showing with him. Thanks for the lead

He said it's under 1000 lbs empty right now. It's stripped to the bone, which I kinda like. With big bush tires, a borer prop, and a leading edge exhaust system, that thing would be a beast. Well, Beast Jr.

Schmokey wrote:Just set up a showing with him. Thanks for the lead

He said it's under 1000 lbs empty right now. It's stripped to the bone, which I kinda like. With big bush tires, a borer prop, and a leading edge exhaust system, that thing would be a beast. Well, Beast Jr.

I'd love to see it. If his weight is that as is, you could cut more by pulling that plush interior as well. Looks like a decent plane. Good luck, if you get it, I'd love to split some gas with ya or trade rides or something.

Good lord,

What is it with all these brothel red velvet interiors that seem to be everywhere? Seem to be a lot in pipers and maules??

soaringhiggy wrote:Good lord,

What is it with all these brothel red velvet interiors that seem to be everywhere? Seem to be a lot in pipers and maules??

Brothel .. plane .. man, that's a great idea.

Burgundy velvet in a plane screams sophistication, cigarette holders, cognac snifters, and vibrating beds. It tells the occupants that this man at all times remains cool and classy. The pilot is often seen flying in a gold-trimmed bathrobe, sipping a cocktail while battling hurricane-force winds with ease.

Tadpole:

Done and done. You work at Cub Crafters right?

Schmokey wrote:Tadpole: Done and done. You work at Cub Crafters right?

That's an ugly rumor, I just hang out there every day.

An "honest" under 1000 pound Pacer I'd REALLY like to see.

Don't believe everything you read, particularly if it's in regard to the empty weight of an airplane.

MTV

mtv wrote:An "honest" under 1000 pound Pacer I'd REALLY like to see.

Don't believe everything you read, particularly if it's in regard to the empty weight of an airplane.

MTV

I agree. I know that guy doesn't have the back seat installed, wonder if the weight is without it in. That plush interior doesn't look light either.

Schmokey wrote:
Brothel .. plane .. man, that's a great idea.

I've heard rumors that there may be some airstrips in Nevada where this tempting business model may have already been realized. Fran's Star Ranch near Beatty NV, Janie's Ranch near Basalt NV (now long gone), and a couple of others come to mind.

Years ago out in the northern Owens Valley, it was not infrequent to have one of the glider pilots radio his crew that the weather was getting bad and "I may be going down at Janie's Ranch", upon which his crew (usually the wife or girlfriend) would issue a very stern warning that she would not be bringing the trailer to retrieve the glider from there.

mtv wrote:An "honest" under 1000 pound Pacer I'd REALLY like to see.

Don't believe everything you read, particularly if it's in regard to the empty weight of an airplane.

MTV

Mine weighed in at 975 when i first bought it when the rear seat was out (I weighed it with an A&P- not from paperwork). After a panel upgrade and installing heavy duty flooring, it's right at 1016 with the rear seat installed. Then again, mine doesn't have the sophisticated red plush interior and is a straight pacer. Not sure what a converted Pacer comes in at after putting the tail on the ground, but mine said it came out of the factory at 944.

robw56 wrote:I haven't seen any O-360 C-170s out there going for less than 45K... If there was I would have bought one.

I saw this plane today and thought of this thread

http://www.cessna170.org/forums/viewtop ... =25&t=8809

Though technically you are still right, until he knocks his price down by at least one dollar