Hi Mark,

We have been using a L-19 Bird Dog for a number of years at Great Basin
Soaring. It is very strong, which we need because of our density altitude
issue in the summer. It hauls heavy two place ships with ease. Since it
was designed for military FAC use, the pilot has great visibility. It also
make a great photography platform, with large rear windows that open in with
a clear sight line. General maintenance has not been a problem for us. We
did do an engine overhaul, when it is time it is time. There are two major
parts suppliers and we have had no problem getting parts when we need them.
You may want to check out the International Bird Dog web site
www.ibdaweb.com to get some technical information. There are a number of
different models and some have a bigger ground loop problem than others.
The major draw back of the Bird Dog is that it has become too valuable. A
clean one with a low time engine is $80,000+ in military paint. I hope this
helps.

Terry
"Mark Grant" wrote in message
...
I am interested in obtaining information about purchasing
and using an L-19 as a tow plane. Does anyone have
any first hand knowlege, including maintenance, desirability,
practicality etc.