Combining in Montana

[skywagon8a]

I've considered taking that route but feel like being a novice pilot in an uninsured airplane is testing my luck a tad bit more than I'm comfortable with.

This is a defeatist attitude. You are assuming that you will damage the airplane. Find a good instructor, learn to fly properly. The airplane will survive as will you.
The 85 hp Champ in post #40 would be an excellent choice. I'll not go into details, but there is no need to use a plane with all the whistles and bells while learning to fly. In fact, you will learn more without the gadgets.

[Steve Pierce]

I bought a $12,000 Piper Clipper with 2 friends in Idaho and trailered it home. As soon as the first bills came due the first partner bailed and a year later I bought the other partner out. I traded work on my instructors Cessna 140 for instruction. I learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I flew everyday the weather allowed.

[RaisedByWolves]

This is a defeatist attitude. You are assuming that you will damage the airplane. Find a good instructor, learn to fly properly. The airplane will survive as will you.
The 85 hp Champ in post #40 would be an excellent choice. I'll not go into details, but there is no need to use a plane with all the whistles and bells while learning to fly. In fact, you will learn more without the gadgets.

I had an over weight champ that I learned tailwheel in. It was great. I learned to fly. I relied on the wing and not the HP. You’re much better off if you can do that, and a few years down the road buy a supercub. Would I trade my cub for the champ now? Heck no. But the new owner does send pictures and he is really enjoying it now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[1934A]

For not much more money than a Champ, you could even buy a PA-18 95, PA-11, or a J3...

[Skywalker]

In the seventies National Geographic did a huge article on custom cutting. The romance of big mechanized and mobile operations, very American. Now we need the Aussies?

Use a Champ for quick success on your ticket. Then find a Cub and learn to land.

[Gordon Misch]

I agree with the above. I bought a non-electric Taylorcraft, then found a good instructor. Needed to rent a plane for night and VOR stuff, but for learning the basics of operating an airplane, the T-craft was excellent. Just do it. Buy liability insurance only. And have fun!