Buying a Super Cruiser

BC12D-4-85 said:

I owed a modded 12-180 like akavidflyer describes. Quick off the water in 500' loaded then flew like a wandering brick with a loan payment soon due. ....

Gary

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Was the required ventral fin installed or not?

BC12D-4-85 said:

Here's some goofy kid in June 1948 trying to decide which Piper to fly...the J-3 or PA-12. I think it was the PA-12 that day.

Gary

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J3 on 25" BWs

Glenn

akavidflyer said:

Have you tried the Sensenich ground adjust STOL prop? It is impressive on how it pulls and what you gain in on both ends of the spectrum over the 82-42 or 82-44.

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No, but I'd like to.

skywagon8a said:

Was the required ventral fin installed or not?

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No. The previous owner used the added STC rudder spring mod which was inadequate.

Gary

cubdriver2 said:

J3 on 25" BWs

Glenn

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We often flew the PA-12 in the background when dad and mother went along for the ride.

Gary

BC12D-4-85 said:

No. The previous owner used the added STC rudder spring mod which was inadequate.

Gary

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That's why it flew like a wandering brick. Those springs are just to BS the FAA to think it will pass the stability tests. Springs are not adequate substitution for tail area, regardless of what those who use them to pass the certification tests say.

Yes I agree on the springs. Just no fin around then. Today I have one in my shed for a Taylorcraft that would have worked on the -12. The stock w/O-320 and factory tail I later flew did very well with a lower fin. Extended wings on the 12-180 and cuff might have made it worse. Either way today I'd prefer a PA-12 with larger than factory engine kept light and simple.

Gary

Did you get a chance to go look at the -12 you were interested in?

1934A said:

Did you get a chance to go look at the -12 you were interested in?

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Not yet. I was supposed to fly down Thursday and see it but 300ft ceilings most of the morning ended that. Going to try again next week.

Let us know how it goes once you do get eyes on it! If it's not what you're expecting, I may know of one for sale.

I decided the Super Cruiser just wasn't a good fit for me. Bought a Citabria 7KCAB.

PerryB said:

Truer words were never spoken. I put a lot of effort and money into building mine light and keeping the CG back where it belongs. Once they get over 1200 lbs and under 12" cg, they become sleds. I ended up at 1095 lbs and around 14" (don't remember the exact number right now) but it flies GREAT. I'm not going to say how much I spent getting it there because my wife might walk in... but it's a sweetheart.
O-320/150
Flaps
18 tail (w/gap seals) and 3" extended 18 gear
Lightweight starter/ alt / oil cooler
Catto 82-39
-- Oops, did I say Catto prop, I meant McCauley Borer 82-42.....

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Just had mine weighed (following new engine and firewall forward refresh) and it’s 1059.5 and 12.47. Hooray!!!!!!! No sled riding for me [emoji1303]


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Mobetter said:

I decided the Super Cruiser just wasn't a good fit for me. Bought a Citabria 7KCAB.

View attachment 50107

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Slightly more aerobatic than a PA-12 [emoji1303] Which is one of the 2 things missing from my wants list when I unexpectedly found the PA-12 I now have (and love) guess the other one from: Fast, Aerobatic, 2 Seats [emoji848]


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Spoiled from the git go--first solo 1952 PA-18--150--very light ---no electrics-- Instructor/owner says battery, starter and gen. all on shelf in the hangar where that HEAVY stuff belongs . 95% of the starts were 4th blade and from the safety of -behind- the prop . This generous man shared his favorite airplane with me for 20 years. I was ACCUSED of "wearing" the airplane by some friends. shortage of "green" led me to a tired "12" that I spent 15 years rebuilding. Being spoiled with 18 led me to flaps and the 0-320. looking back at 1000 hours of fun flying---no regrets for the money spent. Yes that old 18 --150 is still my all time favorite. Operated from neighbors (one way in---one way out---power lines and tall trees) pasture/hill and only used 300 feet even with passenger---elevation 900 ft.---yes indeed , the 12 worked just fine----geezer Dan