So, I'm a 6'2", 260lb, northeastern US pilot looking for a fun and capable (enough) ride. Two seats is fine as I typically fly alone but could occasionally have someone ride along. Would have access to a 172 and Archer if needed for weight, range, etc.

My typical mission would be $100 lunch runs, overnight (light) camping trips, visiting friends, etc. Flights of maybe 2 to 2.5 tops with 1 to 1.5 much more likely/often. Again, I have access to a 172 and Archer, so speed is not a concern - just want something fun. Ability to operate into/out of grass strips down to say 1,500' with ease (flying solo) would be something I would really like as I quite enjoy flying on grass/gravel. Would be typical grass runways, not true "backcountry" type stuff, but STC availability for larger tires (say 8.5s) would be nice.

>>EDIT>> Price tag of say $45K and below. Realized after I posted that would probably be incredibly useful information!!!

Thoughts/recommendations? Hope to have my tailwheel endorsement soon, so obviously they can be in the mix.

Thanks,

Aeronca Sedan, they are cavernous

How about a champ? They seem like a fun, undervalued play-around airplane.

CamTom12 wrote:How about a champ? They seem like a fun, undervalued play-around airplane.

This. A champ sounds great for your mission.

Citabria 7GCBC (150hp and flaps) or Scout.

Your mission seems easy to fulfill. Maybe this is a time to look at what deals are available rather than what planes specifically. I'm 6'4" 235lb so I understand your needs in the size department. As far as two place goes, while bellanca/champion planes (7GCBC for example) are larger in the cabin, they are harder for me to get into and not as comfortable once I'm in as a Piper tandem plane.

Any cessna variant will pretty much fit the bill, except stay away from the 120/140/150 for comfort at your size. When I fly a 140, My elbow is in the chin of copilot when I use the flaps. A C170 for example has enormous amounts of space and will accomplish what you want to do. Equally, a 172 should be able to get out of 1500' fine at sea level, especially solo. I would not invest my money into a 172 though because their value is peaking right now in my opinion and why buy something you can rent? An early straight tail 172 would be great though.

As for 2 place, if you like/fit in 7GCBC's well, they are truly hard to beat. Pure fun. Also stock PA12's are great. With 150hp, even better, but not necessary. Flaps are cool but again unnecessary.

Try a tri-pacer on for size. They will do everything you say no problem and you'll fit in them fine if you want to.

The options are endless. You have the perfect "mission" stated to simply buy a fun enjoyable plane. I wouldn't worry about the specifics too much.

CamTom12 wrote:How about a champ? They seem like a fun, undervalued play-around airplane.

I just bought a Champ this spring with a 65hp and although I love it, I wouldn't recommend it for a big dude. He would be very limited on load. I would think a Citabria would be a better choice.

Pete

pburns wrote:

CamTom12 wrote:How about a champ? They seem like a fun, undervalued play-around airplane.

I just bought a Champ this spring with a 65hp and although I love it, I wouldn't recommend it for a big dude. He would be very limited on load. I would think a Citabria would be a better choice.

Pete

I agree that the lower powered Champs, like the earliest 7AC probably wouldn't be the best for someone his size. But, there are a plethora of Champ models out there, some of which, like the 7GC, have more useful load and a bit more power.

Everyone's flexibility is different. To me, the Champs (which includes the Citabrias) are much easier to get in and out of than Cubs. But, that's a personal thing, and requires that you get in and out of one yourself, and see how you fit.

MTV

Champ; I'm 6'/240 (67 yr old) and work out often and STILL very UN-flexible. My Champ (C85 w/ O-200 conversion) gets me into a private 1800' strip (100' rise) at 8000' elevation=DA of 10K+. Champ is easier to get in and out of for me than my recently purchased Husky and feels roomier. Great fun/economical flying; works a LOT better at sea level.

All I have to ad is 'Not a Maule'

I'm 6' 170# and my girlfriend is 5' 100# and even we have no extra room

Aeronca Sedan. All day, twice on Sundays. Nothing compares in roominess in the "affordable" plane class. I'm 6'3" and 245, was 280 when I owned my Sedan (thank you exercise and Keto diet).

And they're beautiful!

Thanks. Lots of recommendations for the Champ. Will need to find someone near me with one so can get it and see how well I fit. Worry a bit about the lightness of them - lots of bumpy/breezy days here in southern New England.

A Sedan is like two Champs glued together for the price of one airframe, you will be amazed how roomy they are

Ahhhh, I would like to change my answer.

Sedan

And +1 on what Akavaitor says about Keto diet, im down 28 pounds and feel great!

Kurt

The big bonus is that a Sedan purchase makes you an immediate; "member in good standing", Holy Order of the Round Tails. A small and not very distinguish cult of aviation that few aspire too but we are proud just the same.

On a side note most of us could also "benefit" from the Keto experience in our quest for weight savings and aviation glory.

Huh,

Nice to know I made the Holy Order of Round Tails. I don't think I have ever been in a holy anything before. As far as the Keto diet goes, i can't comment on that, but the triple bypass diet works wonders, although I wouldn't recommend it. As far as the Champ being light in windy conditions, other than a old Quicksilver MX it's the lightest thing I have ever flown. My observation after a whopping 40 hours or so (Including the ferry flight from FL which was pretty windy the whole way) is that yeah, it gets blown around, but really isn't that bad. Not much different than a 150. Others who have more time may have more wisdom than me.

Pete

I'm 6'1" 250-265.... I finished up my ppl in a 53 tripe, darn good airplane, it was cozy with an instructor and my wife. If I had to do it again I'd want a newer one with individually adjustable seats. For your price range you can buy a whole lot of pa-22/20, way more airplane than just about anything else. Having said that I'm looking to find a 15ac that needs lovin' for my first TD. And yes I feel way better on Keto and have also lost around 25 lbs but truth be told I'm having a tough time getting under 250.... probably the doritos...

How's the soft & short performance of the Tri-Pacer? I love the looks of them.

I am a relatively low time guy (200 hours, about 100 of that in the last year and the other 100 19 years ago). Fallen in love with grass strips and short strips (short for me anyways!). Finding shorter ones to practice in now to gain further comfort in that area.

Electrical system would be good to have though - for radio, GPS, transponder, etc. I know I can go portable on radio and gps, but hard wired would be preferable. Handpropping - never done and not really afraid to (would love to give it a try, and will have to eventually when I get some Cub time up at GBR) but a starter would be preferable.

Looking in all the usual places (Trade-A-Plane, Barnstormers, etc.) I see that the PA-12 often falls into my price range. From what I hear, it is a capable plane and relatively docile for a newbie taildragger pilot (still working on the endorsement) like me. Most I am seeing have a navcom and transponder or at least a comm and transponder, which would be good (close to NY and Boston Class B veils).

I guess another question would be would one go for a decent PA-12 for $35ish, or prefer to save $10-15K and get a decent Luscombe, 120/140, or Aeronca and have a few extra $$ for bigger tires, VGs, etc. to improve soft/short performance? Are any of those any "easier" on a first time/newbie taildragger pilot?

Lots of options - lots to think about. Thanks for the comments and guidance so far guys.

Many times a purchase comes with a few "surprises" that you will want to be able to absorb If no surprise arise, blow the "extra" cash on fuel getting to know your new found friend,