Allen Sutphin

That is what my impression of the challenger was. One of the reasons it was a handful in any wind, especially here in the mountains. But then anything less than 8 or 9 lbs PSF is going to be like riding a bull who is slightly ticked off.

Anybody know anything about the Rans S-5?

Ga. is a lot closer for me. If it works out.

Thanks!

Evidently they don't allow many people from WVa on Facebook!  10K-12K isn't bad.

Still trying to get ahold of the guy in Ga about the RR3 kit for sale.

I took it at 52 and haven't had time to do anything since. 15 years later and still not caught up. Honey-do list still looks like an aircraft spruce catalog and keeps growing!

We're hi-tech now days! We use Gorilla tape and the new Gorilla string. Bailing wire is getting too expensive. Our portable welder is out of commission since Bubba sprained his ankle and can't peddle it anymore. LOL!

TJay, you sure you're not part hillbilly? I think if you check your bloodline that somewhere there is hillbilly in it.

E-mailed about the Kitfox Lite kit on Barnstormers. Factory built, flown and disassembled and shipped in 1993. Guy said he had offers of 15K and up so  far. He can carry on without me. Hadn't flown in 29 years so I'll pass.

The good deal usually depends on if you're the buyer or the seller. Compared to new kit prices, yes there are some deals still out there. Not as many as there once was, but that is with everything any more. My A&P ticket still keeps me in the game. But even the old A&P's are slowly fading away.

Nice! The last kitfox about did me in. Think my complete rebuilding days are about over. Parts and materials are getting pricy along with aircraft. At this age and stage, putting 35-40K into a bird to fly once a week (maybe) doesn't make sense to me anymore. Cheap aircraft days are over and behind us. I had a fifty year run at it  so maybe time to kick back and take a break.

If you are rebuilding this one to keep for yourself, then its worth it in every way. If you are rebuilding it in hopes of reselling it, then you might want to reconsider it. Very few if any ever recoup their cost in materials alone, labor isn't even involved. Parts and materials are getting expensive now days. If you enjoy building and have the time, by all means go for it. Sit down one rainy day and figure up (as best you can) your rebuild cost compared to aircraft value and decide. If you are a true aircraft nut, cost doesn't matter anyway. Just a sickness we all came down with!

The whole airframe or just the fuselage?

I have a set, but probably won't work for you. they are 60" LH pusher blades. All 3 brand new. For a pusher like CGS Hawk or challenger aircraft.

That would be a good deal for someone wanting to make a custom build like a single seat monster. Way too far away for me to even consider.

I still have an engine mount and plate for a Fox 1, 2 or 3 if anybody is interested. I bought it from TJay a couple years ago and never used it.  According to him, for a 503/582. I think I paid him $250 for it plus shipping. Of course don't hold me to that, he might know.

Right now I am enjoying the downtime from aircraft building and flying. A little unsure as to where the current national situation is going to end up, so reserve cash is kind of nice to have. Which makes me ponder where the aircraft market is headed, up or down. I can't be the only one who thinks like this. One of the reasons I think the ultralight market is going to explode in the future. But I've been wrong before. Still do a little A&P work, which keeps me in the game.

The Badlands ultralight is a good looking bird but kind of expensive. And almost a year waiting list. I really have a problem with sending several thousand dollars to someone I don't know and wait a year an see if I get a kit. A lot of things can happen in a year. That is what took RidgeRunner out and a few lost a lot of money. I would consider building one from scratch but have you seen the price of 4130 tubing. OUCH!

It doesn't show up registered in FAA database. Which to me means its worth about 50% of asking price. Called about another one that the owner said was an ultralight. It had 2 seats and a 12 gal tank. When I suggested it wasn't a legal ultralight, the owner said I didn't know anything and hung up. Oh well, I'll bide my time and hold on to my money. My busy season is about to start anyway.

He's from a time when men were men and women were glad of it!  The "tough" generation.

Sent the guy an E-mail.

No, but will check it out. Thanks!

You can't get to NV from WVa!!  Besides, under the current situation, spending 10-15K right now might not be the smartest thing to do. I sold my challenger at the right time and maybe I'll chill for awhile.

Not that any of us make hard landings, but I on occasion, have made a few carrier landings when I needed to get it on the ground and right now. I really don't have much faith in a wood structure airframe in those conditions. I know wood is a strong material, but airframes take quite a bit of abuse in off airport operations. I just prefer the landing gear attached to a metal frame rather than wood. But that's just my opinion.