millertimeunc 0 #1 November 7, 2009 I'm looking at buying a plane in the next few years. I want something fun, relatively inexpensive to own, aerobatic, IFR capable, and with an extra seat for a passenger. I'm thinking about a 2 seat Pitt's Special. Any thoughts/suggestions?The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #2 November 7, 2009 I wouldn't call an S2 inexpensive...definitely FUN...until it's time to land! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #3 November 7, 2009 Hah! I fly an R model KC-135 as my work plane, so there's very little in the way of landings that scares me!The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,478 #4 November 7, 2009 > I want something fun, relatively inexpensive to own, aerobatic, IFR >capable, and with an extra seat for a passenger. I'm thinking about a 2 >seat Pitt's Special. Not sure if you could call a Pitts a good IFR platform with a straight face. The old 150 Aerobat is a two seater and is probably a better IFR platform (but also not great due to its light wing loading.) Capable of some aerobatics. And with something like 25,000 built, there are cheap used aircraft available and lots of spare parts. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #5 November 7, 2009 I'm not too concerned with it being a "good" IFR aircraft, just that it gives me some options if I want to take it somewhere and the weather gets iffy.The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,478 #6 November 7, 2009 >just that it gives me some options if I want to take it somewhere and >the weather gets iffy. The problem is that with IFR (specifically flight in IMC) you absolutely positively must be current; you can't just fly IFR "when you want to go somewhere and the weather's bad." And that means you have to fly IFR fairly often. If your aircraft is not a good IFR platform you won't fly IFR very often. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #7 November 7, 2009 http://www.airliners.net/photo/Untitled/Van's-RV-4/1036054/L/&tbl=&photo_nr=23&sok=&sort=&prev_id=1036055&next_id=1036053 How about an RV-4? More in line with what you mentioned. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #8 November 7, 2009 The Air Force flies IFR to the max extent possible, so I shouldn't have any problems with currency. The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #9 November 7, 2009 Wow, pretty cool! I'll have to check that one out more closely. The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidB 0 #10 November 7, 2009 Quote KC-135 as my work plane How's it feel to fly a relic? I get buzzed by 135's, 10's, C17's, & C5's @ McGuire. When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #11 November 7, 2009 It's an old plane, alright! With the R model engines, though, it's got better fuel economy and a LOT more power than the A or E models ever did. Boeing did a pretty good job with this jet!The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
captain1976 0 #12 November 7, 2009 I got a couple of tail draggers and they're fun. I wrote an article some years back and it may be helpful if you have never flown one. It was basically written for Cessna's but the same rules apply (see attachment)You live more in the few minutes of skydiving than many people live in their lifetime Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #13 November 7, 2009 Get an RV.... 4, 7, or 8.... plenty for sale on ebay or barnstormers---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertimeunc 0 #14 November 7, 2009 Very nice article. I'd like to get some stick time in a tail dragger to experience some of the things you wrote about.The best things in life are dangerous. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eUrNiCc 0 #15 November 7, 2009 Matt, What you want is an RV. Trust me. I bought an RV-4 because I wanted a two seater that was fun/nimble, aerobatic, efficient & well proven. My RV has 150hp Lycoming from a C-172 & it can out climb most jump planes and cruise at 180+mph at 7gph. It's all aluminum & good to +6 -4 G, so it's good for most sport acro maneuvers. It's a VERY responsive and fun airplane to fly as you're sitting right on the longitudinal and lateral axes, plus the visibility out of the canopy is excellent. A RV-4 isn't the best choice for IFR because of limited panel space and a pretty tight cockpit (especially for somebody your size). RV-6, -7, -9'es with side by side seating make much better IFR platforms, but you lose the centerline seating. There are almost 7000 RV's flying now (roughly one sixth of all registered experimental aircraft) and there is a very active worldwide RV community. VansAirforce.com is home of the RV forums where you can turn for info and advice from other RV builders and pilots. Every question that I've ever had has been answered immediately by searching the forums. Next time you're in Raleigh, let me know! You might maaaaaybe just barely fit in the back of my -4, as long as you weight less than 180 we'll be within CG too! If not, I know somebody with an -8 that you'd fit in. Seeya, EricEgad, A BASE life defiles a bad age. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #16 November 7, 2009 Gyros don't like to be tumbled on a regular basis. Caged gyros are expensive they tell me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #17 November 7, 2009 Quote Gyros don't like to be tumbled on a regular basis. Caged gyros are expensive they tell me. But with the right Pita they're great! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #18 November 7, 2009 Quote But with the right Pita they're great! PITA=Pain In The Ass? That's most of the pilots that I deal withYou are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
millertime24 8 #19 November 7, 2009 First a house now a plane? I better be getting a DAMN nice Christmas gift this year!!! Muff #5048 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,412 #20 November 7, 2009 Quote Quote Gyros don't like to be tumbled on a regular basis. Caged gyros are expensive they tell me. But with the right Pita they're great! I'm told the free-range gyros taste better."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #21 November 7, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Gyros don't like to be tumbled on a regular basis. Caged gyros are expensive they tell me. But with the right Pita they're great! I'm told the free-range gyros taste better. Sheep are sheep! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuckyMcSwervy 0 #22 November 7, 2009 Quote Quote KC-135 as my work plane How's it feel to fly a relic? I get buzzed by 135's, 10's, C17's, & C5's @ McGuire. I love living so close to McGuire too. I can sit in my backyard and watch the big sexies .... love it!!Always be kinder than you feel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryoder 1,412 #23 November 7, 2009 Quote Quote Quote Quote Gyros don't like to be tumbled on a regular basis. Caged gyros are expensive they tell me. But with the right Pita they're great! I'm told the free-range gyros taste better. Sheep are sheep! I'm sure if Clay was still here he would tell us each one is special in it's own way."There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AviationTD 0 #24 November 7, 2009 Quote I'm looking at buying a plane in the next few years. I want something fun, relatively inexpensive to own, aerobatic, IFR capable, and with an extra seat for a passenger. I'm thinking about a 2 seat Pitt's Special. Any thoughts/suggestions? What you just asked is too broad. Based on your criteria, the selection is still wide open. How much are you willing to pay for a plane? Not only that, you will also need to know how much operating cost are you willing to pay? I could go on with a bunch of questions, but I am not going to bore you. I am sure that you get the idea. Pitt's Specials are a hoot to fly, but it will require a lot of attention. And it is not cheap to operate for sure! I am currently building a Mustang II in my basement. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VectorBoy 0 #25 November 7, 2009 Sheep are sheep! I'm sure if Clay was still here he would tell us each one is special in it's own way.Do sheep like to be tumbled? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
