7GCBC to DA40 and back to Scout

T

tombranton

New member
Hi Folks,

My wife and I are both pilots and learned to fly on a 7GCBC. After a brief fling with a Diamond DA-40 we miss the tailwheel experience. We have an opportunity to pick up an IFR Scout at a very good price. Our only concern is how much more difficult to land is the Scout than the 7GCBC. We both got fairly good with the Citabria but alas, we never learned to make wheel landings. Any thoughts out there on Scout landing techniques and the Scout in general.

Thanks everyone,

Tom and Kathy
 
My story: I started with a 72 7GCBC back in 1977 here in AK. In late 79 I bought one of the last Bellanca Scouts, a 1980 from the wonderful folks (Doug & Mike) at Screaming Eagle in Santa Paula. I flew that 8 yrs/1600 hrs. here in AK. It was, to me, the most versatile, easy to control, bush plane available then. Then I went on to a 185, then rebuilt a 180 that I had for years. I just sold the 180 one yr. ago, and am back to a Scout, a 2003 -- and I'm very happy with being back (if you're serious, I researched long & hard about places to buy -- I'd be honored to help if you need it...). The Scout has 8:50 tires...not a problem if you're experienced at all in tailwheels. It often comes wi/constant speed prop & old fashioned L.R tanks (only on/off -- hard to balance fuel burn sometimes) and a few other weaknesses. I can't compare to a Husky but I know I can fit (6'6") in a Scout and can't in a Husky...and Scout's A.S at cruise is a good compromise over a slow Cub, etc. That's my story...and I'm sticking w/it :wink:
 
...one more thing! The Scout's are warm looking and warm literally (w/rear seat heater, at least in AK...a good testing ground) and, with the 3-blade, are SORTA quiet. OK, they're deafening...but they look pretty! AND...as you'll see in lots of these posts, the factory is totally supportive and I bet they'd sell ya a new one if ya asked real nice! Love the Scout...
 
I find that the Scout isn't really any harder to handle than the rest of the Citabria line, but it is a bit different, especially with the 80 gallons of gas option. The gear is tall, and with the 8.50's and full fuel it's top heavy, and you had better brake carefully while wheeling it on. I am currently rebuilding one that nosed over under just those cirumstances. Still, you'll love it after you've gotten the feel of it. A very capable bird.


Hag
 
...and Tom & Cathy, I saw your same question on Backcountry Pilot's website, and there were folks there pushing the Husky on you. I'd really watch that plane...yes, it's very capable and it WILL get off the ground quicker than a Scout in the right hands, BUT it has an uncomfortable seating arrangement (it's welded in place and if you're tall like me, forget it...IMPOSSIBLE), they compromised on their trim system to get pass FAA regs, etc. I encourage you to fly both, and check further. Thanks!
 
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