I went and looked at a skyraider ultralight that's for sale by the original owner/builder. He is an A&P IA. He has never flown it. It is about ten years old and has been stored inside its whole life. It's powered by a half VW. He's asking $15K. I thought his price is very high. So, what's it worth?

$10k, then subtract whatever it would cost to re-engine it to something that won't kill you.

10K is about right especially since it is un-flown and un-tested. The VW conversions are not bad if it is from one of the better build shops. Much better than a Hirth or a Kawasaki of the same vintage. The 1/2 VW might be bit underpowered depending on your weight and field elevation. Skyraider is still building planes and it would be worth a call to them to ask a few questions.

Av8r3400 wrote:$10k, then subtract whatever it would cost to re-engine it to something that won't kill you.

That bad.....?

I'm just looking for something cheap and fun for the back yard that can go in the garage.

I agree. You can buy a nice flying Avid or Kitfox with a 582 for 15K and compared to a single seat Sky Raider they are much more airplane. I know of one in my neck of the woods that's a proven flyer with a Rotax 503 for under 10K.

The Skyraider flies really well with a Rotax 447 or 503 and would have much better performance. Flying around with that 1/2 VW would be like driving a VW beatle or bus. Sure it'll go but that's about it.

The fact that someone built it and then never flew in it and let it sit for 10 yrs would raise a flag but that's just me. Most builders can't wait to get in the air after a build. Was it ever registered? If so how was it registered? I don't think Skyraiders were ever light enough to be considered Ultralight which is less than 254lbs among other requirements but I could be wrong. If that's not the case then it'll need an Airworthness Certificate.

There's a Rans S7 (1988 vintage) with a 582 65 horse for $20K in Mississippi.

Check Barnstormers under "Experimental" then "Rans"

I understand the builder has not flown it, but has it ever been test flown (by anyone?) and what were the results?

WingsOverPalawan wrote:I understand the builder has not flown it, but has it ever been test flown (by anyone?) and what were the results?

Never flown, ever. I have known the builder for many years. He hasn't flown in 20 years. Therefor he rightfully might be intimidated to fly it.

I would find some qualified, unbiased, disinterested person to inspect the aircraft, and then get some advice from a half-VW expert on reviving a half VW after sitting for 10 years.

$10,000 seems fair to me, after the inspection and if it checks out okay.