Landlocked wrote:Hi everyone!
Just looking for opinions on which would be a better entry level taildragger trainer keeping in mind floats may be added at a later date. Also, must be side by side seating to keep an eye on the youngins!
(so many options, not enough $$)
I owned a Chief when I was 16, flew it on wheels to build time for a commercial license. Have flown everything in your list. The chief was a great economical way to fly, mine had the A-65 in it, hardly drank anything at the gas pumps. It also taught me that you must FLY an airplane from the moment you pull the armstrong starter, till the fuel is cut off and the tiedowns are back in. Spend your learning time on something with only 65 ponies, and, it will make a real stickhandler out of you. I never flew the chief with a bigger engine, but have many fond memories of flying away with 2 of us and a tank of gas, getting about 200fpm on the climbout, and leaving the vicinity of the airport looking for thermals....
The T-craft with the 85hp up front on skiis was an absolute BLAST to fly. I loved every minute of it. It climbed a lot better than the chief (those 20 extra ponies and all). On floats, well, what can i say except AVOID THE RIVER and dont look at small lakes. Dealing with 2 and 3 mile long lakes, it was just a pleasure to putt around in. The biggest hassle these days, if you dont have your own fuel supply at your own dock, it's bloody near impossible to buy gas on the water anywhere. Not a problem if you are just toodling around your own back yard, a big problem if you actually want to go any distance.
I've heard rumors of folks re-classifying the t-craft as a homebuilt, and putting some amphibs under it. Completely solves the problem of getting fuel on the go, just stop at an airport. I think that would make it a great 'go fishing' machine that's not on a leash the length of half a tank from home.
but, for now all i can do is daydream.Please post when you decide...maybe som pics of the your new ride too.