Hey Greg/All - I don't post much as I seem to use up all my free posting time on a few other forums, but love sc.org, and love cubs in general.
But, I have an a Rans S-7S, and a Rans S-7 long tail (previous model) before this one.
Nimpo is right, is if you ask what is important to you - really important - it will pretty much narrow down what plane that is the best fit.
I always find the stigma against the Rotax 912/912S odd. I think until you have had personal experience with any powerplant, its hard to really judge it. I have flown almost 600hrs behind my current 912S. It has been absolutely flawless - I've flown it 1/3 of the way across the country 2x, to Idaho from N. CA at least 6 times, over the Sierras I don't know how many. It's not a Lyc/Cont., and there is learning to do in relation to its operation and matin., but I dig that. And I am in no way above average in motor knowledge in general. The maint. on it has been a total non-issue for me - once you learn the motor. Probably below. They have produced 40,000 of these things - ALL are on aircraft. The super cub is the gold standard in many respects - for a 100hp powerplant in a light aircraft - the gold standard is the Rotax 912S, period. That doesn't happen to a POS motor. Period. Any motor will have issues if the installation, operation, or maint. has issues.
Regarding the S-7, I am also biased. I have cub time (1st ever airplane ride was a J3, and used to fly a friends J3 later in life), but cannot do a full comparison like RanchPilot. What I do know is this:
- Useful load is 600lb which ain't bad
- It will fly pretty much what I can fit in it. Its a REMARKABLY forgiving airplane at over gross and aft CG. People are amazed at what I have taken out of the plane.
- If you want lots of camping gear and a passenger, it's not the best plane. A bellypod would be great. If you can pack light, it's not an issue. I have a large baggage mod. For lots of gear, my rear seat comes out in seconds, goes in the baggage bag (or out), and I have a lightweight cargo platform that installs providing a huge area behind the pilot for more gear.
- It is NOT small inside - in fact, It feels a LOT roomier to a std. cub to me. And has 5 ft wide doors on BOTH sides.
-For 95% of any given "bush pilot", It will get into and out of about anywhere you will go in a SC. I feel I am a competent back country pilot, and I have yet to find the limit of the aircraft (as configured), only my personal limits. I think on the scale of that average bush pilot, I have taken it some pretty hairy places, and it's be a performer.
- I average an honest 97mph (GPS) burning 4.4-4.5 gph of premium mogas. I actually set my cruise by fuel flow, rather than airspeed. For me, this is one of the biggest benefits (beyond acquisition/build cost) that make the S-7 the best fit for my budget.
Landing Gear - John Roberts in Homedale, ID (used to build for CubCrafters, fabricated fuselage jigs for the SQ2 and worked for TCOW, designed and built his own light bush plane, etc.) now produces a cub-style gear for the S-7 that is an easy retrofit for a flying plane, or dead simple install for a kit. I run this gear now, and it's awesome. 3" extension, the fabrication and welding is flawless, and BEEFY. Slowed me down, but I don't have them faired.
I think the bet advice was given here that for any plane you are considering, go get some flight time. Considering what a commitment a plane is, getting some time is a worthwhile venture.
Now, all that said, I would love a CarbonCub EX with 210hp
Thanks to all for a great community.
Here is my bird along with some recent adventures in video and pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/emmetw...&authkey=Gv1sRgCLvVhd2vvKmYCg&feat=directlink
https://picasaweb.google.com/emmetw/1stAnnualNorCalTruckeeFlyIn?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJuk6cT0nre18wE&feat=directlink
Panel fashioned a bit after cubcrafters
Loaded
Roberts Cub-Style Gear
[video=vimeo;32758460]http://vimeo.com/32758460[/video]