Can of worms

Gavin Bell · Post by **Gavin Bell** » Fri Jun 11, 2010 8:29 pm

Hi folk,

Have recently qualified PPL and see permit aircraft as my way forward, long term. A friend took me for a flight in his Jodel 117, great fun and flies beautifully, but a bit cramped for me at 6'3" (the 117 and 120 are about 3" short in headroom). Otherwise perfect.

Main requirements are reasonable touring, so cruise above 90 Knots, not use much more than 20L/Hr and take 2 adults with overnight camping gear.

Open to any suggestions, am going to check out Emeraude, Jodel 1050 and maybe even an Auster.

Any thoughts appreciated

Gavin

Rod1 · Post by **Rod1** » Sun Jun 13, 2010 10:08 am

Lots of aircraft will fit that, what is your budget?

Rod1

Graham Clark · Post by **Graham Clark** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 1:09 pm

Remember, that if you choose to buy an aircraft on an LAA Permit, it is possible within reason to modify it to fit your body. Seats can be moved back a couple of inches; a blown canopy in lieu of flat curves. That might fit you inside a Jodel. Speak to an LAA inspector if you fancy a particular aircraft that is a bit of a squeeze.

Brian Hope · Post by **Brian Hope** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 1:32 pm

It won't fit you inside a two seat Jodel though, the seat back is a fixed bulkhead, it would have to be a 1050.
You might like to try a Rans S6, an Aeronca Champ, a Piper Cub or perhaps a Luscombe, I have a mate who's over 6ft and flies a Luscombe. Some people are long in the leg and short in the body, others are the other way way round so the only way really is to suck it and see. Go to a few fly-ins and try a few aeroplanes on for size.

mikehallam · Post by **mikehallam** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 4:38 pm

Like Brian says, the Rans S6 is a good all round a/c.

Reasonably priced, easy to maintain and bags of room inside.
Good short field plane too so if you can find a strip to keep it at, that reduces the cost package too.

mike (S-6-116)

Gavin Bell · Post by **Gavin Bell** » Mon Jun 14, 2010 9:49 pm

Thanks for the advice guys. I think attending a few fly-ins is the way forward. Budget is sub £20k. I am more interested in keeping down the the on-cost of maintenance and fuel, as the right aircraft shouldn't depreciate too much.

Cheers

Gavin

David Hardaker · Post by **David Hardaker** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 6:19 am

Gavin
Don't give up on the 2-seat Jodel idea. Did you try different cushions.....??
Also the Jodel D18 has more legroom than a D117/D120.
The Jodel is most performance for least brass.
There ought to be a few aircraft for sale, judging by how quiet the skies seem to be.....
d

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:14 pm

H,

Jodels are for dwaaaaves and tight Yarksheermen........

Gavin - think Champ - It's the future

David Hardaker · Post by **David Hardaker** » Wed Jun 16, 2010 10:35 pm

Mr N
I have sampled the alleged delights of a Champ.
If you like them so much, why please, are you building an RV ???

Gavin Bell · Post by **Gavin Bell** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 6:23 am

Now gentlemen, play nicely please

Dave, from the seat base (aka spar) to the canopy is 3" too short for me even on a D120. Being a resident yorkshireman found it was £50 cheaper to have neck shortened than to extend canopy, so have booked myself in for surgery........I think a Jodel 1050 is my minimum for room, but am also going to look at an Emeraude

Cheers

Gavin

gasax · Post by **gasax** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 8:27 am

From my experience with an Emeraude you may find the same problem. However the latter German built ones do look to have a bit more room, the French ones all have the seat back as part of the bulkhead.

You have touched upon Austers - I had a Terrier for a while which I would not recommend due to its shear weight, but the J1, J4 J5 should all accomodate pretty tall people as well. You would also have the option of lowering the seat mounts - which should be an easy thing to sort out with the LAA. My mate is 6ft 2 and with the Terrier seat lowered (it has a big screw adjuster) he had loads of room.

mike newall · Post by **mike newall** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 5:18 pm

We are building an RV because it would seem to be quicker than refurbishing a Jodel.........

J.C. · Post by **J.C.** » Fri Jun 18, 2010 4:35 pm

For years I have championed jodels, they are good but there is no denying they are short of space. My son has difficulty fitting in one.
I recently bought a Minicab. What an eye opener! I feel as though I have discovered the best kept secret in aviation.
It beats the Jodel on every front. My son flew mine home and has since bought it .( that's how impressed he was!)
There are two for sale at the moment.

Gavin Bell · Post by **Gavin Bell** » Sat Jun 19, 2010 9:17 pm

Tried an Emeraude yesterday, acres of room vertically and width wise. May have to think about moving the pedals forward a couple of inches, but otherwise perfect.

In terms of my needs I think the Emerude is close to spot-on, good range and capable tourer.

Gavin

David Hardaker · Post by **David Hardaker** » Sun Jun 20, 2010 6:27 am

Gavin
The Emeraude sounds OK for your 6'3" but...will it get airborne convincingly out of 400 yards, 2-up with a sensible amount of fuel ?? If it won't, there's many interesting places you may not be able to visit.
Just a thought....
A Minicab with a C90 would be good, and the Sipa 901/903 is another option.
David

Light Aircraft Association

Can of worms

Can of worms

Aircraft choice

How slow ??

Emeraudes.....