You need a two seat American General/ Grumman like the AA1's. It will be
the closest thing in handling to the Eclipse that you are used to, but has
more space inside. Some have had mods added for more speed and I believe
bigger engines have been modded in as well.

The Piper 2 seaters would be my next choice.

You can sometimes find the old Diamond Katana's with the Rotax in the 40k
range, but don't buy one until you can find an AP who already knows how to
fix a Rotax. It will still be tight, if not tighter than the newer ones
though.

Many of the other choices are going to get into nice planes that are really
old. Perhaps not the best first plane ownership experience unless you have
time and money (not large bucks, but often bucks) to spend managing and
maintaining.

All science and engineering aside, I just couldn't leave a a fabric plane
outside. Something just seems wrong about that.


"Malcolm Teas" wrote in message
om...
"Dude" wrote in message
...
What particular models are you considering?

It's kind of ranged around as we learned more and thought more
carefully about what we want to do. But, in addition to the Cherokee
140, I've considered Aeronca Champ, but would prefer a Sedan. I've
thought seriously about a Maule, but can't seem to find one in good
enough shape in our price range. The Stinson 108 models seem pretty
well suited too. I'd think the J3 cub would be too slow for our
intended uses.

I learned in a 172 but would like to buy something else. With all due
respect to many worthy 172s out there, it just seems like a boring
plane. That's my own opinion, YMMV of course.

I like the Diamond Eclipse that I rent sometimes, but it's a little
snug for my 6' 3" height. And, is a little difficult to have much
luggage or dog in too. However, I'm not in much danger of buying one
due to it's price.

We've condsidered a Taylorcraft or Luscombe, but haven't yet had a
chance to see them up close to see if I'd fit and the dog would be
comfortable. Their useful loads seem too low in any case.

There are other possibles too, like a Cessna 170, but I'm looking for
something I could buy resonably soon and not have to wait forever to
find one of the few being sold.

-Malcolm