Folks, could use some guidance and insight. I’ve been reading so many posts on different airframes that my head is swimming.
Our ‘73 C180 is a great plane and we’re keeping it, but at 1,900 lbs on bush wheels it’s not an outstanding short strip performer even with the PPonk and 3-blade MT.
Plus, I really miss flying a tandem with a light stick.
Am constantly returning to the idea of building a PA-18 or similar because 1) I love working on machines and like the idea of flying and maintaining something that I built myself; 2) I want substantially more off-airport wheel and ski performance; and 3) I really enjoy flying tandem aircraft.
Mission is mostly to get to where the fish and game and good camping are in AK. Needs to work with wheels, skis and perhaps floats. I’m comfortable w/TIG work, but would rather begin with a relatively complete kit for my first time build.
The Bearhawk Patrol seems to tick a bunch of boxes (including short perf + good range), but so much groundwork and mods have already been done in the world of PA-18 variants that it’s hard to turn away from those. It’s not a minor issue - for example, I don’t think anyone yet makes a pod for the Patrol. Molding and laying up fiberglass is fine, but one more thing to do.
I tend to fly heavy into rough areas with gear, game, hunting partner, etc. and want to handle 500’ coming and going at gross without sweating too much. So, a rugged build with high power to weight.
Finally, I’m 6’1 and 200lbs with broad shoulders, so not tiny. Never had a problem getting in and out of PA-18’s, but I’m not getting younger
I bet somebody is going to say sell the 180 and get a light, stripped down 185 w/550. Not a tandem, so loses some charm...
Our ‘73 C180 is a great plane and we’re keeping it, but at 1,900 lbs on bush wheels it’s not an outstanding short strip performer even with the PPonk and 3-blade MT.
Plus, I really miss flying a tandem with a light stick.
Am constantly returning to the idea of building a PA-18 or similar because 1) I love working on machines and like the idea of flying and maintaining something that I built myself; 2) I want substantially more off-airport wheel and ski performance; and 3) I really enjoy flying tandem aircraft.
Mission is mostly to get to where the fish and game and good camping are in AK. Needs to work with wheels, skis and perhaps floats. I’m comfortable w/TIG work, but would rather begin with a relatively complete kit for my first time build.
The Bearhawk Patrol seems to tick a bunch of boxes (including short perf + good range), but so much groundwork and mods have already been done in the world of PA-18 variants that it’s hard to turn away from those. It’s not a minor issue - for example, I don’t think anyone yet makes a pod for the Patrol. Molding and laying up fiberglass is fine, but one more thing to do.
I tend to fly heavy into rough areas with gear, game, hunting partner, etc. and want to handle 500’ coming and going at gross without sweating too much. So, a rugged build with high power to weight.
Finally, I’m 6’1 and 200lbs with broad shoulders, so not tiny. Never had a problem getting in and out of PA-18’s, but I’m not getting younger
I bet somebody is going to say sell the 180 and get a light, stripped down 185 w/550. Not a tandem, so loses some charm...