What is the Funnest 2-place airplane?

Vaughn Simon wrote:
"Gig 601XL Builder" wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net wrote in message
...
Loose some weight Darrel. The 601XL cockpit is wider than a 172
at 44 inches. It is a little tighter because of the center console
but after you get used to it it is much more comforable than a 172.

I recently checked out in the factory-made version of the 601 and
find the climb performance with two aboard marginal (and I live at
sea level). Because of this, it is the only plane that my FBO
routinely does not fill the tanks on. Balanced against that, I love
the visibility, love the maneuverability, & love the modern panel
after a lifetime of steam gauges. You can feel what I assume is the
wing spar sticking into your back through the otherwise comfortable
seats. It would be just bad enough to totally ruin a long XC.

I've flown in 3 different 601XL. One that was Jabiru powered and two Corvair
powered. I haven't flown in the O-200 powered version and only with a
relitively light pilot in the Jab version. The Jab climbed at just under
1000 fpm. Both the Corvair powered 601s beat that with more load.

I think that was probabaly the seat design the factory uses sticking in your
back. They break the seats into two parts and the bottom comes up to about
the lumbar area of your back. I didn't like that either and plan to use a
different approach.




I am not sure that I would describe it as "roomy". For example, my
kneepad limits stick movement, so I have to leave it off my leg and
drape it across the center console. Being a "glider guy", I have no
problem with canopies in general, but find the one on that particular
plane to be a serious disappointment. One needs to fuss with it to
get things to line up before it will click closed. This is best done
with two sets of hands & is a total pain when solo.

And it is not the easiest thing to build either. I'm doing that now.



My general feeling is that it could easily be my favorite 2-place
if it had a few more feet of wingspan to help the climb and a few
important details attended to.

Vaughn

("Gig 601XL Builder" wrote)
I've flown in 3 different 601XL. One that was Jabiru powered and two
Corvair powered.


Which Jabiru, do you recall?


Paul-Mont

Montblack wrote:
("Gig 601XL Builder" wrote)
I've flown in 3 different 601XL. One that was Jabiru powered and two
Corvair powered.


Which Jabiru, do you recall?


Paul-Mont

3300

Exactly! Sonex claims that all of their designs meet the 120 kt / 138 mph
limit, but all (are supposed to) do 150 or better at 8,000 feet TAS.

I don't have one, so I'm not an expert; only relating what the Sonex forums
say. Yup, there are those who's performance is less. Some are able to bring
it up to spec via tweaking or re-attention to details. Others perform very
well right out of the box.

I, too, sat in the "demo" cockpit at AirVenture, and also sat in a few
customer-built versions at the Sonex open house the Sunday before. Yup.
Tight. But, the original poster was looking for a fun a/c that would either
be flown by himself or with a small child. Most of (98%) of my flying is
single-pilot. Funnest or best-all-around-compromise? It's in the eye of
the beholder.

Still trying to decide between a Sonex, Rans S-19, or a Vans RV-9. All very
different. One is $12K-$20K less. Do I really want to spend that extra?
Still deciding. For my first plane, I looked at C-150's. Ended up with a
172. Now I'm older and wiser, and REALLY trying to define the REAL mission I
want.

"Montblack" wrote in message
...
("tater" wrote)
Max airspeed for LSA is 138mph.


At sea level

At "maximum continuous power" V(H)

http://www.sportpilot.org/questions/....asp?faqid=223


Paul-Mont

"Carl Orton" wrote in message
...

Still trying to decide between a Sonex, Rans S-19, or a Vans RV-9. All
very different. One is $12K-$20K less. Do I really want to spend that
extra? Still deciding. For my first plane, I looked at C-150's. Ended up
with a 172. Now I'm older and wiser, and REALLY trying to define the REAL
mission I want.

Why restrict yourself to one particular design, or aircraft? Unless you are
70+ years old, I would suggest that you buy a used Ercoupe. Fly it for a
year or two, pass it off to another pilot and use the money you have made
(investment) to select another on your list.

This is much like those fellows who are agonizing over the choice between a
certified aircraft engine to mount in their experimental airframe, or to try
an auto conversion. I always recommend they use and aircraft engine to prove
the airframe and than later, sell it and mount the conversion.

We are only caretakers of the machinery we buy. Most times we can get our
money back out when we sell. Buy it, use it, take care of it and pass it
along. We are not restricted to only one choice. Unlike choosing a wife!
))

Rich