A howdy...

K

KatzManDu

New member
Hi!

To make a long story short I'm looking at a 14-13 as my first airplane; the one I finish my training in and take my check-ride in. I know how insane this sounds but I have my reasons, mainly if I'm going to be paying a premium for insurance as a 47-hour pilot I may as well get my tailwheel endorsement in the process since that will satisfy the insurance company requirements for minimums. Plus, the places around here that have the cheapest hangars are also grass strips. And aviation is a hobby, anyway, and if I want something cool and unique I may as well be selfish about it, even if it is practical in that it can fit the family! Oh, and the fact I have my own airplane waiting for me to fly it may actually force me to finish up my ticket after this 18 month odyssey.

I already have a hangar, CFI and AP/IA lined up (I think.) I'm not going to purchase anything without a pre-buy and I'm waiting on the CD from the FAA to show up so I can go over the records.

Regardless of my own foolhardiness I was wondering about the following things...

1) The aircraft I'm looking at doesn't have an electric motor for the gear. It's still 100%-hand crank. I'm not opposed to using my upper body strength to crank up gear but I believe in working smarter not harder when possible. Where can I source the motor and/or STC to make an install happen?

2) The aircraft I'm looking at has the 150hp Franklin. I know the Stinson 108 which has the same engine has an STC available to go from 150 to 165hp pretty easily. Can that same STC be applied to the Bellanca?

3) I know the book says 150mph cruise for these beasties. Realistically what can I expect from an aircraft that seems to be well-kept even if under-utilized?
 
I have fixed cruise prop from 150 on my 165, I cruise in the 140s but climb is poor. I'm faster in cold air and half fuel.

If you have aeromatic, you'll have good performances take off and cruise. But for less you will have lots of fun with some metal props if you don't mind the AD and stay out of the harmonic around the 2150-2250 or something like that. Some guys here have metal props and have no problem,

For the wood 150 fixed prop on 165 you will need LSTC. This combinason is not on the type certificate.

I think prefomance wise, aeromatic is pretty much up there. But you have to find one. Or buy one from Tarver if you're not in a hurry. 5000.00$ and a year wait from what some told me. But they're nice!

A.
 
It's very hard to come across a Cruisair with the electric gear. It was a factory option, but very few I've seen have them and it's hell to find an STC for it. The non-factory conversions were done a long time ago, so finding the exact motors are also pretty near impossible, and STCs give no flexibility in the parts you use.

If you want a Cruisair with electric gear, there is one for sale in California.
 
I don't think you're crazy. You can learn to fly this plane easily and it is easy (as taildraggers go ) to land. (all primary training was in taildraggers for half the history of flight) Don't let the hand crank scare you off. It is reliable and fun and easy to use. Good luck. Pay a little extra for a nice one.
 
Have to echo Peter- don't let the lack of an electric gear motor deter you from buying a good bird. The "armstrong retract system" is safe and very reliable. The dread of cranking the gear down helps in remembering to put the gear down :D

Let us know which 14-13 you buy and post some pics on MyPlanes dot com.

Welcome to the FAST lane!
 
I have to crank it up and down and just enjoy it. And every pilot passenger I bring with me laugh about it. So if it put a grin on some faces, it's worthed.
I admit that when doing a little session of touch n go, they stay down and I stay slow.
The gentlemen who had it before mentionned that when he had a sore shoulder on final, he was sure the gears were down. I put grease on the screws to avoid the sore shoulder. Really, this is one of the best taildragger I've flown, docile, perfomant, and good looking. All for a budget well under all modern retractable. And a fun forum that comes with it!
Go for it!
 
Hey, Alain. When are you going to come down to NH to visit? I'll let you know the next time I'm in St. Jean.
 
Now that the thing is all certified and straight, I fly more often so let me know a little ahead of time and I will meet you there.
I'll be happy to let you try it.
Still have my phone number?

A.
 
Hey Katz- not having actually FLOWN a Cruisair yet, but I expect speed well over a Cessna 172 with about the same operating costs.
I've heard anything from a true 150 mph in a well-rigged, slick Cruisair down to 120. Personally I'm doing everything I can to delete parasitic drag i.e. making sure the flaps and ailerons are flush with the bottom of the wing, rigging them with extreme care, and burying the antennae in the fuselage (we'll see about that one). I am reusing my venturi because quite frankly, I don't want the expense of a vacuum pump- I'm on a budget!
Can't wait to see what you end up with :D
 
What prop will you swing?
Does not take much to make them go faster, well rigged, clean, and good prop. And keep it light of course.
 
Just to add my two cents...the 14-13-3 had the electric system on the landing gears and there may be others, but I have rode in a couple of them and they still needed to assist the electric motor with the hand crank.
Gary
 
Comparing a Cruisair to a Cessna 172 is like putting a sports car next to a minivan....or that gal who got tossed off Southwest Airlines with the grumpy old hen who likily complained about her.
 
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