Sipa and other out of production wooden a/c

WBerry · Post by **WBerry** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 7:25 pm

Hi All,
I was looking at the Sipa for sale in the latest LAA mag. Having talked to the folks selling it, it sounds just the ticket. However I had orginaly been put off by percieving it as an obscure type, and thus hard to get spares for.

Is that fair? I've been told that in theory, wood and fabric is easy enough to fix if something breaks, and of course being a permit a/c means you can get new bits made up as long as its fit for purpose (yes?).

Is it really as easy as that, or should I beware the older obscure types?

All views greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Will.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:00 pm

Hi Will, my advice would be not to get too concerned about a type like the Sipa being out of production. Jodels are in the same boat, but as you rightly say wooden airframes are relatively easy to repair. The metal components are generally pretty straightforward too. Engines parts and props are not a problem either. Older aeroplanes have a soul as well, they have a history, they have traveled, they have a story to tell and will talk to you every time you fly them. Go for it, you will not regret the decision.

David Hardaker · Post by **David Hardaker** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:28 pm

Will
The Sipa is a very pleasant handling aircraft. It has really good flaps, and all the contols are precise. Good for a strip.
A genuine one has a C90 up front.
I don't care for the wide-track u/c mod, it makes for a very lively ride on anything other than smooth ground.
There's not many about but as Brian says, maintenance isn't too much of a problem, they're a low-tech machine... as are Jodels.
A friend of mine owned G-ATXO for years with no problems.
David

WBerry · Post by **WBerry** » Sat Jan 10, 2009 9:57 pm

Thanks for your thoughts.

Andrew Leak · Post by **Andrew Leak** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 8:04 pm

A SIPA! Of course you want one! I've spent the last 4 years restoring one, on and off, whilst keeping my ticket fresh. It has been a challenge to get some parts and it's often been cheaper and quicker to get them remanufactured but an absolute delight to buy the odd part from ex-SIPA owners and to chat about their exploits. Visit my blog at http://sipaflyer.spaces.live.com/
..it's slightly out of date (July) but I'm putting more on this week. If you want to chat about the aircraft PM me and I'll give you my phone number. To be completely honest it has been an exciting project and I would probably end up doing it all again to something else! Kits are just too easy!

regards,

Andrew

Light Aircraft Association

Sipa and other out of production wooden a/c

Sipa and other out of production wooden a/c

Sipa 901/903