Hi,
Looking for some advice on STOL aircraft. I need to be able to operate safely in and out of 300m grass. Budget of around 20k for a ready to fly permit machine. Any advice, help, links etc much appreciated.
Nick
STOL Aircraft Advice
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Will Greenwood
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Hi , a J3 Cub springs to mind, very good stol but limited on cruise of 70-80mph. The J4 coupe is a bit faster and the L-18 as well may be in budget.
The Zenair will also do STOL, although may be out of budget, although I do remember some cheaper ones recently(they have an engineering problem which will be sorted soon) Also the Aeronca Champ can do 300m.
There are others that will do 300M, but you will have to be experienced or you could do a Farm Strip Course with the LAA/PCS. Do you have a particular aircraft in mind or are you just looking to see what might fill your needs.
Will.
The Zenair will also do STOL, although may be out of budget, although I do remember some cheaper ones recently(they have an engineering problem which will be sorted soon) Also the Aeronca Champ can do 300m.
There are others that will do 300M, but you will have to be experienced or you could do a Farm Strip Course with the LAA/PCS. Do you have a particular aircraft in mind or are you just looking to see what might fill your needs.
Will.
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David Hardaker
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- Location: Yorkshire
STOL types
A 90 horsepower Jodel 117 or 120 will do fine (won't it Brian !) Whether or not it has airbrakes doesn't really matter too much - unless getting in over obstacles is a real consideration.
You can buy one for less than £20k and have some change.
And you'll have an aircraft with superb visibility.
There's also the 90 horsepower Vagabond, but they're a bit rare, most have A65's up front.
You will have to try hard to beat the Jodel performance v price.
Most Rotax 912 powered types are NOT cheap, and often not as nippy as the Jodel.
But I'm biased !
You can buy one for less than £20k and have some change.
And you'll have an aircraft with superb visibility.
There's also the 90 horsepower Vagabond, but they're a bit rare, most have A65's up front.
You will have to try hard to beat the Jodel performance v price.
Most Rotax 912 powered types are NOT cheap, and often not as nippy as the Jodel.
But I'm biased !
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mikehallam
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If you trawl the microlight end of the LAA/BMAA spectrum, prices are reasonable and their specifically required lower stall speed is genuine & they do not require vast runways or enormous skills to hit the numbers each & every time !
Just for example, as I have one (of course) the Rans S4 looks like & performs like a little Cub or Auster & is frugal, inexpensive and 200 yds is usually plenty, so 300 gives a bit od slack.
Of course as you're a rich git with £20k to splash out you might not consider such urbane and slow steeds.
As far as Jodels are concerned I ran my 1051, 105 H.P. Potez version for 20 years in & out of 550 metres and that was only just enough on more than one occasion. They can be quite slippery hence the good cruise etc.
Don't forget the other main problem, where to keep it & inside a shed !
Good Luck.
Just for example, as I have one (of course) the Rans S4 looks like & performs like a little Cub or Auster & is frugal, inexpensive and 200 yds is usually plenty, so 300 gives a bit od slack.
Of course as you're a rich git with £20k to splash out you might not consider such urbane and slow steeds.
As far as Jodels are concerned I ran my 1051, 105 H.P. Potez version for 20 years in & out of 550 metres and that was only just enough on more than one occasion. They can be quite slippery hence the good cruise etc.
Don't forget the other main problem, where to keep it & inside a shed !
Good Luck.
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Will Greenwood
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mike newall
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The Aeronca Champ will out Cub, out Jodel and out everything mentioned.
But - then, I am biased.
When you look seriously, the Champ doesn't look smart, however it does the biz very well - very well indeed.
Anyhow, I may wish to buy my third Champ soon, so on reflection - go buy a C*b - it will keep the Champ prices down.
No, don't buy a Champ, go away, don't even think about it, buy a Condor or Auster, some other superb piece of British - er - er - thingy.
But - then, I am biased.
When you look seriously, the Champ doesn't look smart, however it does the biz very well - very well indeed.
Anyhow, I may wish to buy my third Champ soon, so on reflection - go buy a C*b - it will keep the Champ prices down.
No, don't buy a Champ, go away, don't even think about it, buy a Condor or Auster, some other superb piece of British - er - er - thingy.
I'm a bit biased here (as I'm selling it) but there is a Streak Shadow (LAA permit, Group A) on sale on AFORS for a mere £9.9K. Excellent condition, etc. 
If you're 1-up then 300m to a Shadow is a vast space. Amazing flying experience too. Over 1000fpm and 70+knt cruise, with jet fighter style viz.
I'm sure theother expensive stuff is OK too though
If you're 1-up then 300m to a Shadow is a vast space. Amazing flying experience too. Over 1000fpm and 70+knt cruise, with jet fighter style viz.
I'm sure theother expensive stuff is OK too though