Any opinions on the PA15/17 Vagabound for use as a sight seeing plane and general fun for 2 adults? Economical, low and slow is all that is in mind with an occasional couple hundred mile trip. I just found out one is for sale in my area but presently know nothing about it.
PA15/17 VAGABOND
- Thread starter GYPSY
- Start date
Carey Gray
Registered User
Thun Field, Washington
Pretty cool rigs. Not so exciting with a 65, pretty dang impressive with a C90. Cuter than a speckled pup under a red wagon. I knew of a guy in Oregon with a 65 Lyc powered Vagabond that flew it to Barrow AK several times. He must have liked his. 
d.grimm
Registered User
toledo, oh
PA15/17
The minimalist (?) aircraft. I like mine because it's inexpensive to feed and my kids feel a little more secure ( who knows why) sitting next to the guy flying rather than in front of him. Plus it's full of Cub parts so we can keep them flying. Loved my Pacer, however it soon became apparent that my wife didn't like flying in anything other than a jet, so the Vag was it.
I would have a Super Cub but I can't afford it on pilot pay.
The minimalist (?) aircraft. I like mine because it's inexpensive to feed and my kids feel a little more secure ( who knows why) sitting next to the guy flying rather than in front of him. Plus it's full of Cub parts so we can keep them flying. Loved my Pacer, however it soon became apparent that my wife didn't like flying in anything other than a jet, so the Vag was it.
I would have a Super Cub but I can't afford it on pilot pay.
Steve Pierce
BENEFACTOR
Graham, TX
My Dad has a Vag with the 65 Cont. It is a blast. Faster than a Clipped wing Cub but flies a lot like it. I think the 65 Cont works great. My brother and I flew it alot in TX before we delivered it to Mph. It is LSA legal too.
Jon B.
Registered User
Willmar, MN (KBDH)
A local guy here has a -15 with a Lycoming 65. I've ridden in it acouple of times. Even with a couple of guys bigger than the FAA 'average', it flies just fine.
Be aware though, that the -15 has only the tires for 'suspension; no bungees or anything else (if stock). The -17 has real suspension in the gear. The -15 is not a good match for rough strips.
Jon B.
Be aware though, that the -15 has only the tires for 'suspension; no bungees or anything else (if stock). The -17 has real suspension in the gear. The -15 is not a good match for rough strips.
Jon B.
Briefly talked to the seller by phone. It is a project with no engine or mount. Two years ago,in Alaska, the plane went down between two trees and tore the wings off. This guy bought it and has since transferred to Wyoming. He tells me he has the wing parts to rebuild it but it will need struts, engine and mount. He said it was powered by an C85 that the previous owner kept. It has been converted to a 17 with bungees and dual controls and has "bush wheels". The fuselage was recovered a year before the crash (3 years old now) and has two repairable tears. He claims to have all paper work back to day one. He is asking $3,500 OBO. Any initial reactions???? I have not seen it.
behindpropellers
Registered User
NE Ohio
If a vagabond is what you want....
Buy one flying. I have seen several NICE ones for sale for 20-25k.
http://www.barnstormers.com/ad_manager/ad_detail.php?ID=120778
What else is missing? Make sure you make a running tally of the missing parts before you buy.
I would be concerned that the fuselage is bent after the wreck.
I flew one once, never landed it. Fun airplane but you need to fly it often to keep your skills up.
Tim
Buy one flying. I have seen several NICE ones for sale for 20-25k.
http://www.barnstormers.com/ad_manager/ad_detail.php?ID=120778
What else is missing? Make sure you make a running tally of the missing parts before you buy.
I would be concerned that the fuselage is bent after the wreck.
I flew one once, never landed it. Fun airplane but you need to fly it often to keep your skills up.
Tim
Steve Pierce
BENEFACTOR
Graham, TX
I would suspect a bent fuselage too.
d.grimm
Registered User
toledo, oh
PA15/17
I second that opinion to just buy a good one unless you want a project.
There was just one in the Short Wing Piper Club website with a C-85, two doors, that needed cover soon. $11,500. I think it was still in annual, just had old cotton on it. If you want a project, buy one that is intact.
I second that opinion to just buy a good one unless you want a project.
There was just one in the Short Wing Piper Club website with a C-85, two doors, that needed cover soon. $11,500. I think it was still in annual, just had old cotton on it. If you want a project, buy one that is intact.
