I am looking for sound ideas of possible planes. I am a CFI, soon to be CFII/MEI as well adding on my Tailwheel and Float rating (going to Talkeetna for that).

I am currently exploring possible tailwheel aircraft that would be forgiving to build experience in, instruct out of, relatively low ownership costs. Limited budget (we really no budget, but will figure something out) Some off airport operations. IFR capable as it would be based for a bit in SoCal and being able to get through the marine layer.

Planes in mind:

150 Texas Taildragger (if I could find one)
Citabria / Scout
Rans S7C (if could find one with the Primary certification) -- still not sure if that could converted to IFR
C-170

Also, there is a possibility this would be part of a 'club' on lease back - just dual given.

Thanks
Travis

Maule all the way!






He!he!he!he! I was first!!! lol

Pacer,
There's a really nice one on Barnstormers right now for $35,000.
Dave

T-craft F-19 is perfect. It's capable of basic IFR cert, capable of very good STOL (600 foot strip if necessary, less with VG's), fuel efficient, not expensive to buy, fly or maintain (O-200 engine which can run on car gas)... and ... wait for it... it can be equipped with and looks good with really big hairy manly tires!

A friend of mine (retired AC-47 pilot) had a Texas Taildragger 150 and said it was too squirrely and had no prop clearance. That squirreliness may affect your ability to train students, especially after the first groundloop.

An Aeronca Sedan would be perfect but they are very much in demand and valued as working bush planes so they may not be cheap.

The Aeronca Chief would be almost perfect, except I don't know if it can be IFR certified... probably yes with an O-200 and electrical system, but I don't know for sure.

There's a nice 170 for sale at Whiteman airport WHP, the guy's name is Eddie David if I recall. I think it's a 180 conversion too.

Taylorcrafts are great airplanes, I used to fly a F19. It had all the required instruments for IFR flight but the Type Certificate Data Sheet calls for a placard on everything up to the F22 that says VFR only. I looked into it with the local FSDO and they said that was a show stopper, no IFR.
If I was going to rent one for solo I would call my friendly insurance person and find out what they recommend, I'm guessing Citabria, that's what I see the most on rental lines. My boss had a 7GCAA that was IFR approved and it wasn't out of the ordinary.
Dave

I'd be curious to see what the underlying reason is for the IFR block on the F-19. If it is something as simple as a pitot or static issue, you could do a one-time STC (after whatever the problem is being fixed) for IFR operations. This is a good example of what supplemental TC's are for. But it will definitely not be as easy as buying an IFR airplane of course.

Stinson 108 with brakes on both sides? Easy to learn to fly, easy to teach in, vintage appeal but highly capable for what they are running these days.