We are a group of 3 western Pennsylvanians who built and have been flying a ?homebuilt? version of the Mountain Goat.
Many years ago, I enjoyed a ride with Bill Montagne and was so overwhelmed by the airplane and that flight that I bragged about it for months. We practically jumped off the runway and did a quick climb to altitude where he demonstrated a fast cruise, slow cruise, stalls, a very slow climbing turn (I remember seeing 23 on the ASI). The landing was incredibly steep and short. It was, by far, the most fun I?ve ever had in the sky. I returned home and proceeded to sell my partners on the
plane.
Several months later, we got lucky. Bill called and said he had a ?bare bones?, tacked fuselage and some wing parts he wanted to be rid of because he wanted to move. Shipping turned out to be a real problem and considerable damage ensued, but we had enough to build on. Several years later, after a lot of work and dollars, and a lot of phone calls to Livermore, Ca., we completed our ?homebuilt? Mountain Goat.
We?ve been flying it now for about 3 years and it is every bit the airplane we hoped for, even though we don?t have many of Bill?s special components. We do not use his induction system, special exhaust system he designed nor his landing gear. We used the Bearhawk LG which we like very much. Our goal was more focused on the STOL end of the speed envelope.
On an average day we can get off the runway in about 200 ft, climb like the veritable angel, and cruise at about 130 mph at 75% power. Landings with flaps produce very short rollouts. Stall speeds are 27 with full flaps, 38 with one notch, and 48 clean(half fuel and 2 people). Stalls are gentle and predictable in all configurations. Cruise is very comfortable. Our engine is a low compression Lyc 0-360(168hp) and our wood prop is a Sterba 76-60. Our empty weight is 1240 lbs w/80 lbs tail weight. His design is extremely unique and a barrel of fun to fly. With performance like we get, its hard to imagine how much better the performance
would be in one of his production models.
There is plenty of room in front and rear seats, and lots of room for many pounds of hunting, fishing and camping gear extending about 5 feet from the back of the rear seat.
We think Bill is an amazing fellow - he is honest, honorable and he has always been very kind and helpful to us - a very good friend.
Shelly and partners--Fred and Jeff
pics at http://shellenberger.net/goatworks/
Many years ago, I enjoyed a ride with Bill Montagne and was so overwhelmed by the airplane and that flight that I bragged about it for months. We practically jumped off the runway and did a quick climb to altitude where he demonstrated a fast cruise, slow cruise, stalls, a very slow climbing turn (I remember seeing 23 on the ASI). The landing was incredibly steep and short. It was, by far, the most fun I?ve ever had in the sky. I returned home and proceeded to sell my partners on the
plane.
Several months later, we got lucky. Bill called and said he had a ?bare bones?, tacked fuselage and some wing parts he wanted to be rid of because he wanted to move. Shipping turned out to be a real problem and considerable damage ensued, but we had enough to build on. Several years later, after a lot of work and dollars, and a lot of phone calls to Livermore, Ca., we completed our ?homebuilt? Mountain Goat.
We?ve been flying it now for about 3 years and it is every bit the airplane we hoped for, even though we don?t have many of Bill?s special components. We do not use his induction system, special exhaust system he designed nor his landing gear. We used the Bearhawk LG which we like very much. Our goal was more focused on the STOL end of the speed envelope.
On an average day we can get off the runway in about 200 ft, climb like the veritable angel, and cruise at about 130 mph at 75% power. Landings with flaps produce very short rollouts. Stall speeds are 27 with full flaps, 38 with one notch, and 48 clean(half fuel and 2 people). Stalls are gentle and predictable in all configurations. Cruise is very comfortable. Our engine is a low compression Lyc 0-360(168hp) and our wood prop is a Sterba 76-60. Our empty weight is 1240 lbs w/80 lbs tail weight. His design is extremely unique and a barrel of fun to fly. With performance like we get, its hard to imagine how much better the performance
would be in one of his production models.
There is plenty of room in front and rear seats, and lots of room for many pounds of hunting, fishing and camping gear extending about 5 feet from the back of the rear seat.
We think Bill is an amazing fellow - he is honest, honorable and he has always been very kind and helpful to us - a very good friend.
Shelly and partners--Fred and Jeff
pics at http://shellenberger.net/goatworks/
My plane is not just another "cub" although some times I wish it was! 
