"Michael" wrote in message
oups.com...
I would like to get something that I can learn in & use for a multi time
builder.

Really, the way to go if you want to build cheap multi time is an
Apache. Get one with the stock (150 hp) engines and run it on autogas.
Sure, it's dead slow, but as long as you only use the front seat, the
single engine performance is acceptable - and nothing else can be had
or operated at that price. Plus it sure is roomy.

If you actually want some performance for your money, think TravelAir
or Twin Comanche. Neither has the cabin room of an Apache (the
TravelAir is better for the tall, the Twin Comanche for the wide) but
they're still comfortable. Now you're looking at about 200 mph max
cruise (though you will probably run it at 170-180 mph most of the
time, for fuel economy) and a fighting chance on one engine at full
gross, as long as you're not in the mountains.

The Geronimo is a player, but you get TravelAir fuel burn and a lot
less speed.

Or you can go Duchess or Seminole - that way you can burn as much fuel
as the TravelAir or Geronimo, go as slow as an Apache, have a smaller
cabin than a Twin Comanche, and pay more to buy than any of them - but
they sure are docile to fly, and thus cheap to insure, and you will
probably get your money back when you sell.

Anything else you buy will likely wind up costing more to operate than
renting the twin trainer at your local flight school.

Michael


Thank you very much for that rundown.