The perfect Aeroplane......

[AndySmith]

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]

There are only 14 types on the 2 seat aerobatic list, four are RVs

[AndySmith]

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]

TL1.09, it's well down the menus.

http://www.lightaircraftassociation.co. ... batics.pdf

[Mark A]

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.

[John Price]

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

John.