Just starting out

[Daveinthebush]

If you were just starting out flying and wanted to buy a small inexpensive plane for brush flying (small strips, gravel bars and such) that could also maybe handle floats on occassion, what would you try to buy? VHF, 2-4 seats, tail dragger, tundra tires............

Thanks guys! Any opinions welcomed.

 

[martentrapper]

You should probably define "inexpensive". There are several options. However, are you wanting an aircraft in GOOD condition, or one that your going to work with as you own it?
I doubt you'll find any sort of plane with floats that one could descibe as "inexpensive".

 

[Daveinthebush]

$$$

$$$

$25-30,000 from what I have seen and then there are some for less.

 

[Louis]

You can probably at least eliminate a Super Cub unless you're looking for a project. As far as two seaters, you might look at Taylorcrafts, Aeronca Chiefs and Champs and Cessna 140's. There is a Piper J-5 in the Anchorage paper in your price range.

As far as four seaters, you might find a Stinson, Aeronca Sedan, Piper Pacer or older Maule for fairly cheap.

Like Martentrapper said, there probably won't be a float plane for the price you mentioned, unless you want to consider that Kingfisher Amphibian which is also in the Anchorage paper. I don't know much about that type (it's an experimental homebuilt) aside from what I heard from the only person I've met who owned one and he wasn't terribly enthusiastic about it. Good luck!...Louis

 

[Toddler]

Champ

Champ

I just purchased my first airplane a 1960 Champ. Great airplane and very forgiving. You can find its cousins the Chief and the Sedan in your price range.

 

[martentrapper]

Everyone has their faves, but for off airport work, and "inexpensive" and something you could use on floats, I'd recommend a T-craft or a J-3/PA-11. Look for one that's lightweight (no electrical) 85 or 100 horse continental, and doesn't have a super duper fabric/paint job. Your just learning, no sense in tearing up a good fabric job. J-3s run a little higher, cost wise, but are good performers.
If you want to jump in with both feet, you can have my GCBC for 38 thou.

 

[Daveinthebush]

Tayor Craft

Tayor Craft

Actually a Taylor Craft is one that I have been considering. Seems to be made for grass landings. I have seen a couple of accident reports for landings but at least they were accident reports and not follow ups on crashes and listing of the deceased.

Thanks MT, Dave

 

[fishnflyak]

Martentrapper is right on..

Martentrapper is right on..

I cant think of better "starter" airplanes than J-3's, 11's, T'crafts, or even 108 Colts if you can still find any.

Forget those accident reports. I think you would be hard pressed to find ANY airplane exempt from them for one reason or another.

 

[mfitzhugh]

Zenith

Zenith

Find a used Zenith 701 or build one new for cheaper than most certified planes are used. It will take off at gross weight on a grass field in less than a 100 feet. They are super safe and you would have to work very, very hard to get it to spin or do something like a moose stall. It only hauls a little less than 600 LBS but then if you take a Super Cub into a tight very short or rough field your about the same weight or you ain't coming back! The best part is the parts are cheap to buy and they are good! The floats are very inexpensive and you can get them straight or with wheels. Google the Zenith and check it out yourself you won't be sorry.