Good Morning from Michigan

[SethV]

Hi Everyone! Joined here as I am starting the search for our first tailwheel!

We currently own a share of a SR22. I am a CFII and fly corporate part time in CE525, CE510, CE500, CE560XL, BE90-200-300. My son is 17, he has finished his private and instrument and plans to take his commercial, multi and CFI once he turns 18 in January. He also wants to learn tailwheel. Pretty much none to rent around here and I would like to have him really get proficient at it so think we should just buy one. I will post down below in the main topics as I am hoping to learn more about them and which models would make good first tailwheel planes. I hate the prices right now, was hoping to get away with 25-30k and find something in good shape with an electrical system. Not sure that will be possible or not?

Thanks everyone and look forward to chatting with you!!
Seth

 

[darrell whitley]

Welcome aboard. I bought mine in Alpena MI last April. I paid more than 25 or 30k.

 

[Bartman]

Hi Seth and welcome!

The best value in a tailwheel airplane right now is the Aeronca Champ, you can still find them under $30k and they fly great. They're a much better value than a Cub. There are some Citabrias that have the Champ oleo strut style of landing gear and they don't sell for as much as the '67 and after Citabrias with spring gear. You might look for a pre-1967 Citabria 7ECA with oleo strut gear if you really want to stick to your spending goal but you can probably find a Champ that had an electrical system added to it for less.

Prices have shot up in the last year and a half but there are still some good values out there if you know what to look for.

 

[Bob Turner]

Agree 100%

However, these things are not like used cars - whatever you actually pay, you can expect to sell for the same or more. And consider the extra bucks for a J3.

I have found that if you can land a J3 you will have no trouble with a Champ or Super Cub. The reverse is decidedly not true.

Electrics are not important unless you have to fly inside class B or C.

 

[Bartman]

and, it should be noted, there is no known cure for Barnstormers.com addiction so surf with moderation!

 

[Big Ed]

Champs and Citabrias are both great TW trainers. You should be able to find a decent Champ in that range, or get a rundown Citabria for close and fix it up.