The perfect Aeroplane......

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AndySmith
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:50 pm

The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by AndySmith » Fri Feb 05, 2021 11:06 am

I am looking for ideas for the ideal aircraft for me to move onto..... either :- A) as a quick build kit or B) one that is already built & flying...

I have a couple of aircraft in mind, however I thought I would ask on here to see if anyone had any better ideas ?

My must haves are.......

A) Low wing
B) Excellent visibility from cockpit. i.e unobstructed vision)
C) Good fuel burn rate..... i.e. less than 25 litres per hour
D) Decent Fuel range
E) Aerobatic rated airframe (nothing excessive, i.e not unlimited)
F) Two seats
G) Well proven / Highly reliable Engine
H) Good sized Instrument Panel for "Traditional" instrumentation.
I) Capable of routine Farm Strip Operation.

Thanks for your help & ideas

Smudge

Ian Melville
Posts: 1000
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:21 pm

Re: The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by Ian Melville » Sat Feb 06, 2021 6:16 pm

There are only 14 types on the 2 seat aerobatic list, four are RVs
Ian Melville
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AndySmith
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2018 9:50 pm

Re: The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by AndySmith » Sun Feb 07, 2021 10:53 am

Thanks Ian,

Yes..... the two options which I already had in mind were the RV7 and RV8 (though I appreciate the fuel burn is likely to be above 25 Litres / hour)..... what is the "2 seat Aerobatic List" you refer to ??

Regards
Smudge

Ian Melville
Posts: 1000
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2008 7:21 pm

Re: The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by Ian Melville » Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:00 pm

Ian Melville
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Mark A
Posts: 137
Joined: Thu Jan 03, 2008 10:48 am
Location: Near to Enstone

Re: The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by Mark A » Mon Feb 08, 2021 3:58 pm

In the homebuilt list that Ian mentions, half of them are biplanes so don't meet your criteria. That leaves RV-4, 6,7, 8 (and now 14) plus the Falco, CR100 and Sirocco. Those last three are very few in number.

The RV4 and 6 are lighter that the 7 and 8 so better suited to shorter runways although their aerobatic weight limits mean a passenger will usually force it into the utility category.

As for 25 litres/hour; an O-320 will achieve that fully leaned at about 55% power and the RV4 and 6 can still cruise at 130 knots at that burn rate although the temptation to nudge the black knob forward can be hard to resist!

Outside of homebuilts you could consider a Bolkow Junior (mid-wing), Fuji 200, T67, Bulldog, Chipmunk etc. All might need some compromise of your criteria.
Mark Albery
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John Price
Posts: 189
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2008 7:27 pm
Location: Eynsford

Re: The perfect Aeroplane......

Post by John Price » Tue Feb 09, 2021 4:30 pm

Well if you can find one it'll solve all of aviation's problems in one go.

John.
035570

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