I might be buying a plane, but it's not a Cub.

[DavidB.]

Hello everyone,

I introduced myself a week ago (see http://supercub.org/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=21981 )
I have always loved Super Cubs, probably because I grew up in Anchorage and had so many friends who's dad's flew them, and saw them in the sky almost constantly. I still want a Cub, but even a fixer is out of my price range right now. I do not want to continue renting the 150 from lake Aero (even though it is $80 an hour wet) and I want to get as much experience as possible, and I really want tail dragger experience.

I was offered a 50% partnership in an Aeronca Champ. It was restored then the owner had some medical issue and took the wings and engine off and shoved it in a storage locker. It is VERY cheap and according to the IA who has looked at it, it is a short project (as far as aircraft projects go)
We will be inspecting it on Monday. If it is indeed in good shape and was stored properly, I will buy it. I also just got a hanger in Chelan, so I am determined to fill it with an Airplane. If this one does not pan out, I will find another.

I know there is the age old Champ vs. Cub debate, but does anyone here have some honest advice or experiences with Champs? I am not sure what year or model it is yet. I am waiting for an e-mail back from the IA. The kid I am partnering with works for the IA, and has for a while, so I don't get any feeling I am getting a project that will never fly pawned off on me. It was offered to me because the IA knows I desire a taildragger and so does the kid who works for him. The kid doesn't have all the money he would need, but with the two of us, we can pull this off.

I am joining the Aeronca Forum in about 5 minutes, but I will keep reading this one due to the enthusiasm I see here, and my love for Cubs.

David

 

[behindpropellers]

I borrowed a champ for a few days this summer.

Flying at 4gph is nice.....

Flying anything is nice.

Just make sure it isn't a snowball project which costs you more than a flying plane.

Tim

 

[Clay Hammond]

Contact my brother Nate he owns a Champ that he has had for ten years and just tore it down for a rebuild. He's on here under his name. He's very vocal on the Aeronca forum and is chronicling his rebuild there. He'll most likely chime in here for you too.

 

[King Brown]

I might be buying a plane but it's not a Cub

At one time I had a SC, 185 and Champ in my hangar. If the Champ is a good price and not to badly in need of money to make it the way you want it, buy it; the Champ is a good little plane. I liked the extra elbow room for just tooling around; don't knock a Champ.

 

[WWhunter]

DavidB,
I was in the same boat as you a few years ago. Wanted a SC but honestly could not force myself to pay the kind of money they were selling for back then. I was sort of talked into a Champ by a fellow member on this site and I can say I am fairly happy with it. Granted, it is heavily modified and not your "average Champ.
As behindpropellors stated..."flying anything is nice" nothing could be more true. My Champ will probably do 90% of what the average SC will do. Sure, it won't carry as much nor get off the ground nearly as short but as long as I fly within its limitations I can't complain. I will say that I feel the Champ is much roomier and "comfortable" flying that a cub. Handling is not as sprity but for what I do it serves its purpose. There are a couple of guys there in Alaska that do a LOT with their Champs. Both of them post on the Aeronca site. Like my Champ they have Alaska Bushwheels and powered by Lyc O-235s, so they have little bit more get up and go per se.
I doubt you will be disappointed with this Champ as a first plane. Buy lots of fuel and learn to fly it.
Good Luck,
WW

 

[scout88305]

Welcome David,

Check this out

http://www.airbum.com/pireps/ClassicCompChamp.html

 

[bob turner]

I think the Champ is a fine plane - way better than a small Cessna.

Most folks think the Cub handles better - even though it is slower and less roomy, it commands a much higher price.

The price differential should tell you everything you need to know. The Champ is fun, and way, way better than a Cessna 150.

Opinion.

 

[12Geezer2]

Champs are fun---and that's coming from a "dyed in the wool" CUB :-? NUT :lol: