Narwhal,
Have you considered a Husky? Scout? If not, why not?
Kurt
Yes, definitely considered them and would probably be happy with one of those two too, however:
1) I have a friend with an FX2 who persuaded me, and seeing their airplane planted the seed all along.
2) CC FX3 = approximately half the published takeoff and landing distances (90/155ft) of the Husky A1C (200/350ft) and Denali Scout (300/300) but the same (within 5 mph) cruise speed (135 vs. 136 vs. 140 mph). Again, published numbers, I have no doubt that a good Husky or Scout pilot will put me to shame being the unskilled hack that I am. Again, I know these are all "published specs" and not necessarily apples to apples. I've flown enough 172's where the POH said to expect 110 knot cruise when 95 knots was the reality to know how that goes. The Scout/husky numbers didn't seem like a big enough improvement over my C182B, which can doo about 500ft/500ft/135 mph even in my unskilled hands.
3) Useful load. ~750 lbs for Scout and Husky, close to 900 lbs for the FX3 (and less of that weight needs to be fuel due to fuel injection, electronic ignition, potential LOP operations). Add to that 10% lighter empty weights for an FX3, which is helpful in off-airport (and I would eventually like to setup for skis).
4) CC FX3 = experimental. Maintenance and modification flexibility. What if I want a new piece of avionics or change something about the airframe? What if some kind of new engine tech emerges and I want to try it out? Probably a lot easier to address that in an experimental. Suspension options are also a big factor here, I wasn't thrilled about the prospect of spring gear on the Scout and the Husky has a proprietary system.
5) CC FX3 = Resale. I feel like it would be very easy to sell the machine if I needed to, and not lose too much money, as long as it is well taken care of. I could be mistaken, but I feel like the CC products hold a stronger market position than the Aviat and AC.
6) It was relatively easy for me to find PA-18's to rent and try out and not possible for Huskys or Scouts. I know a CC doesn't fly the same as a PA18, but odds are if you see a hot 45 year old, you're also going to like her 20 year old daughter.
7) Training availability. I like the fact that TacAero has a dedicated training program for the airplane. I realize it's probably possible to get great training in the other two birds, but it doesn't seem as easy to come by.
Did CC marketing play a part? Yes, probably, I'm just as susceptible too that form of persuasion as everyone else. It just doesn't seem like Aviat and American Champion are making a big effort at that.