On Aug 26, 10:56 pm, "Jim Carter" wrote:
Based on a posting by newps, I started thinking about what the perfect
2nd airplane should be assuming the 1st aircraft was purchased for
longer all-weather cross-countries. In other words, if the first
aircraft was a Navion, or Bonanza, or even a Sierra or Arrow (newer
aircraft excluded because we want to be able to afford a 2nd bird) then
what would I want for a puddle-jumper.

Personally, I'm partial to aircraft with the 3rd wheel on the right end
of the airframe so an O-1 Birddog comes to mind, but even a C-120 or
C-140 might be a lot of fun.

For me it would be an Ercoupe. My flying club has Mooneys, 172's,
etc, and quite a few members own planes like Aeroncas or Swifts, etc.,
for fun flying, using club planes for more serious aviation. It's a
good compromise.

Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we
play for keeps.
- Ernest K. Gann

While it's true that quote came from Ernest's book, he didn't say it.
The airline captain who was training him said it after the "matches
under the nose" incident.