I see where people have discussed the 1019,but is anyone out there flying one in the backcountry? Thinking of getting one, and yes realize that one has to work within the confines of Experimental Exhibition.

A buddy of mine has one. Lots of range but not much speed (100 KTS or so). The engine is very expensive to maintain and repair.

He's putting an IO-520 in after the compressor turbine went out on his. He's also working with Wipline to put a set of amphibs under it. He's doing a bunch of other stuff to it to make it a better bush plane.

It seems like a lot of money to spend on an airplane that has rather limited use. It's a great STOL plane but you can't carry much in it. Depends on your mission I guess.

I'd buy one just for the cool factor...and there's a couple of them Registered here in Canada for Commercial use! Not sure how that slipped by!

There's one still with Italian military markings and small tires parked at CYVR, south side. I see it fly occasionally but don't know where it goes.

Another one at Fort Langley but I heard it went over on its nose on a Fraser River sandbar. Maybe RC has it in his shop and can update. Won't be cheap.

I saw one with military markings in VAM. I gather that it is based on a short private strip on Saltspring and the owner flys for an airline out of YVR. Very sweet ride.

Is this the turbine L-19 ? I've seen one come down from Oregon to do DER stuff .

Yes, very similar to the L-19 with some structural mods and a square tail. Not too much parts interchangeability with the L-19 from what I understand. Surprising given the similarities.

There's a good chance that was my buddy from OR you saw. He does a bunch of DER work and he has a 1019.

Do you have much turbine experience?

In wouldn't touch that thing with a 10' pole, unless you're aiming to get up in the FLs and haul butt, or need over 400hp, the turbine just isn't the best option, especially if you're getting 100kts and crap for load hauling.

Why not get something where you get your money's worth? 185? Helio? Heck for what it's going to end up costing you to keep that turbine in shape, just get a DHC2.

I have to agree... Our fixed wing turbines earn their keep when held to the TGT limit in the FLs. Otherwise they're just expensive gas hogs.