That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively. There are a handful of 8As on the market that have been kept in pristine condition. Similar small, two seat, inexpensive to operate. About three inches of the blade tip was twisted forward. When a vented fuel cap. Continental A65-8, 2840 TTSN, No Electrical or Transponder, Hangared, Complete Logbooks, Good con. For something between $15,000 and $21,000 and the willingness to learn to fly the airplane, the Luscombe can be a most enjoyable personal magic carpet. Fuel Burn at 75% power in standard conditions per hour. If Moody Larsen did his magic and caused a 115- or 150-hp engine to be up front, climb rate can easily exceed 1,000 fpm. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. Stinson 108 Series. The entire left wing, including the attached lift strut and fuselage attach lug, was found 0.25 nautical miles from the remainder of the wreckage. My Uncle had a C 120 with an O 200 and he could take me, but not by much. The "G-meter" read a negative 1/2 g. The altimeter read 350 feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury. As in a Greek tragedy, just as Don Luscombe reached his goal of mass-producing all-metal airplanes, the continuing effects of the Depression, constant lack of capital, and his financial shenanigansincluding failure to repay loans and creative use of stockcaught up with him. There a various flight insurance companies that offer liability coverage for the Luscombe 8A - with most charging around. I don't really know any different either. Read More About: Luscombe Aircraft Corporation Sidebar Silvaire LSA-8 Silvery LSA-8 Has a Great Tradition, Now Built New The flight controls are relatively well harmonized for an airplane designed in the 1930s. Luscombe pilots have broken off tailwheels on bumpy fields and discovered that they could fly home, make a wheel landing, apply a little brake and power, then taxi to the ramp while holding the tail in the air. Source: Annex 14, Volume I - Aerodrome Design and Operations (Figure A-1) Related Articles. Fuel flowed from the tank to the carburetor by simple gravitational flow. Mind the gravity not the gap. 0.0 Luscombe 8A 1946 Luscombe 8A Engine: Continental A65, 65hp Fuel type: 80 Propeller: Fixed/Pitch Landing gear type: Fixed/Conventional Max ramp weight:1260 lb Gross weight: 1260 lb . Just open the door and say "load up"he will find room. Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 15_5 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) GSA/219.0.457350353 Mobile/15E148 Safari/604.1, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. mdi-signal-distance-variant Focal Length: . 12.22.2013 - Initial article format Operating aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an entirely unique skillset and environment. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000+ for a restored Luscombe 8A. Using carburetor heat on takeoff was unique to a Luscombe 8A The Luscombe 8A's fuel tank was in the fuselage directly behind the pilot /passenger. The combination of light weight and relatively high power results in an impressive 600-foot takeoff roll and 128-mph cruise speed. When equipped with the lower-powered engines, the Luscombe provides rather leisurely takeoff performance. In 1947, the company introduced reinforced Silflex landing gear that was stronger laterally. Private ( F-PMCD) | Luscombe 8a Silvaire. A Bellanca Citabria is considered an easy tailwheel airplane to handle on landing. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. While it may be nothing but showmanship, the Silvaire can make a good pilot look very good and let the pilot flying it have a ball. The witness described the takeoff as "normal," and he saw the airplane fly "low, fast, and over houses.". Fuel capacity 14. Statistically, every Luscombe still flying has had a ground loop, nose over or gear collapse. There is no set-in-stone figure for how much you will have to pay over the years during your ownership of a Luscombe 8A. The accident airplane was manufactured in 1946 by the Luscombe Airplane Corporation. This site also participates in other affiliate programs including but not limited to ShareASale, CJ, and ClickBank, and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Landing distance (50) 1,540. The controls remain crisp and responsive even at lower approach and landing speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings. Added new article from Ravi Fry Overall, its an intriguing alternative to other aircraft types, and will motivate you to go for a quick flight whenever possibleor for no particular reason at all. However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. Landing gear notwithstanding, the airplane is enormously fun to fly. Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around. Frank Johnson, Howard Jong (aka Young), Fred Knack. For the sake of cost, there are two sticks but only one throttle, located in the center of the panel, so the command stick is held in ones left hand. Regardless, of your flight experience, you will be given the same amount of liability protection of $1,000,000 in coverage. Takeoff distance: 1,050 FT Landing distance: 450 FT Takeoff distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,950 FT Landing distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,540 FT Weights Gross Weight: 1,260 LBS Empty Weight: 750 LBS Fuel capacity: 14 GAL Ownership Costs 1946 Total Cost of Ownership: $12,300.74 Total Fixed Cost $3,477.16 Annual inspection cost: $669.00 Storage: Now when I fly a nosewheel plane, my actual use of rudder makes everything a whole lot easier and cleaner. Fuel cost per hour: Luscombe Aircraft 8A - Performance Data. Learn all about planes and pilots, and even how to fly, with SkyTough. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF ANOTHER MAINTENANCE PERSON TO ADEQUATELY INSPECT THE AIRCRAFT FOR PROPERLY SECURED BOLTS. Bulky footwear and boots are to be avoided in the interest of dexterity. It was, therefore, possible with a low fuel level to climb at an angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than . it and the airplane jumps in that direction. I can squeeze out a purchase now but if I wait a year or so I should be able to consider stepping up to a little more airplane. Can't identify browser version. blancolirio 56K views 1 year ago Tailwheel landing. - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. ( Univair Aircraft Corporation 2500 Himalaya Road Aurora, Colorado 80011 Toll Free Sales: 888-433-5433 Phone: 303-375-8882 No statements regarding wing lift struts or unresolved discrepancies were recorded. Whats Going On with Cessna Denali Turboprop. Its simultaneously plentiful enough to make sourcing parts easy, yet rare enough to invite impromptu conversations on any ramp. This airplane is certificated in the normal category. LUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. The biggest mistake that you can make with owning the Luscombe 8A, as well as any other aircraft, is neglecting its routine maintenance. Difficulty in getting production up and running meant that Luscombe was late to the 1946 airplane-selling party and could not cash in as effectively as others, even though it eventually pushed 15 airplanes out the door each day. The airplane wreckage was examined at the accident site on June 25, 1995. Compressions all 78 or higher Hand Prop Start Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. Luckily, the low cost of operating and owning a Luscombe 8A is reflected in the price of insuring this monoplane. Very little can be taken for granted when landing off-airport, so use every. Best Cruise: 117 KIAS In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. 1,200. The witness stated that the pilot " was going to do a loop," because he saw the airplane begin a dive and then pull up. Matching Tug also available. Luscombe 8B Now, although a Luscombe 8A in the $25,000 to $30,000 range is a solid option, a restored aircraft is guaranteed to be more reliable and will last longer. A key characteristic that I look for in every aircraft is safety. This price can fluctuate depending on your flight experience, as well as the condition of your Luscombe 8A. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. http://www.luscombe-silvaire.com/team_luscombe.aspx, Family Float Flying: Our Journey To Adventure, The Ultimate Boundary Waters Bush Flying Platform, Flying to Extremes: Memories of a Northern Bush Pilot, Water Dog The Amphibious Aviat Husky A-1C. Its clean lines belie its years. Im in the same boat! The airplane's maintenance records were recovered and examined. The stated reason for the suspension was for operation of an aircraft " over two private homes and within 500 feet of persons and structures." on March 20, 1993. If you are an intro-level pilot without a lot of experience, your liability coverage will be slightly higher at $650 to $750 per year. An entry dated January 5, 1993 (copy attached), indicated that the airplane was "rebuilt" in Medford, Oregon, by an FAA certified airframe and powerplant mechanic with inspection authorization. It has been a long time ago that I sold my Luscombe but I'll try to remember. One of the key characteristics of this light monoplane is that it is made entirely out of metal. Engine 65-hp Lycoming. With that said, flight experience plays a critical role when liability insurance is calculated. Compatible Make. Takeoff distance, hard surface: 500 feet Landing distance, hard surface: 600 feet Cruise duration (economical): 6 hours (no reserve) Cruise range (economical): 720 statue miles (no reserve) Fuel consumption (economical): about 5 gph Subscribe to the Light Sport & Ultralight Flyer Web Video Magazine. Parts are relatively difficult to find, and the powerplants on most B models have been replaced with more common engine types that are easier to maintain. Fairly large quantities of fuel in the fuselage tend to give most pilots the heebie-jeebies, so the wing tanks are an improvement, despite the substantial concern Luscombe showed in 1937 for crashworthiness in designing and protecting the original fuselage tank. There are a handful of insurance options to choose from, but ultimately, it should not cost more than $500 to $950 per year. An autopsy was performed on the pilot by Dr. Larry V. Newman, M.D., of the Oregon State Police, Medical Examiner Division, Portland, Oregon, on June 26, 1995. Fuelburn: 4.4 GPH The lug is secured to the end of the lift strut with its own self-locking elastic stop nut and bolt assembly. Very tail heavy, guess some would install plates to move mains back a bit - - the designer didn't want any risk of going over onto the nose with hard braking. Many models incorporate overhead skylights, which help to make the compact cabin feel more open and bright. The Silvair monoplanes that were made in the late 40s had virtually identical specs to the original 8 series - with some modernized improvements here and there. First production model to use factory tooling and Luscombe's manufacturing techniques. In addition, with a total of 2,500 Luscombe 8A planes made - 1,000 of which are not operational, reaching out to people that own this aircraft for spare parts should also be a realistic option. Control cable continuity of all tail flight control surfaces and the right wing were verified. . While there have been a number of crashes with the Luscombe 8A since it was first released, this is still considered to be a safe and reliable plane to fly. Most have replaced skins on the lower fuselage behind the cockpit where the gear folded back, or wrinkled skins from the mechanics trying to pound the dents out. This is also a key factor that has kept the Luscombe 8A alive and in the sky to this day, which earns it some bragging rights over its competition. It was designed as a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine airplane. He observed the airplane begin to "dive down," and then pull up. Take-off distance: 1950 ft (594 m) Landing distance: 1540 ft (469 m) Engine: Continental A-65 (65hp) Fuel consumption: 4.2 GPH (15.1 LPH) For sale for: USD 15,000 / EUR 12,750 Watch 1 Video about the Luscombe 8A The Luscombe Endowment Pilotmix Aircraft database Luscombe 8A The Temco Aircraft Company built model variations of the Luscombe series aircraft under the name Silvaire. Don't know if I can wait - but think that is the best way to go. Aeronca, Champion, Citabria, Bellanca. All rights reserved. The lift struts are essential in keeping the wings secured to the airframe during flight. ( The J3 was a lot of work but very rewarding. Fly one tank at a time w/two wing tanks 142/01. Flying may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Luscombe; see all. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. For instance there is a Luscombe factory letter that describes the steps required to convert an 8A to an 8D-- which will allow a gross weight of 1310 lbs. I flew a 65 hp 8A for a couple years. Each offer sits own individual blend of strengths and weaknesses. ) Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around $705 to $950 per year for experienced pilots. Dassault Falcon 7X - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs, Piper M350 - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs, Piper Saratoga - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs, Beechcraft G36 Bonanza - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs, Mooney M20F - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs, Nextant 400XTi - Price, Speed, Fuel Burn & Specs. ( Less popular than the Cubbut still relatively commonnearly 6,000 in the series have been produced since 1937, and more than 1,400 remain on the U.S. aircraft registry today. Subscribe to the BackcountryPilot newsletter to be notified of new articles, videos, merchandise, and more. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. Conversely, long legs or thick thighs will constantly battle the control sticks for space, and when conditions are gusty, the area beneath the instrument panel can become a busy, crowded place. ) [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. Now I fly every chance I get, and share the information I learn, here. There have been a total of 402 accidents since the Luscombe 8A was released, which is not bad considering that it has had nearly 90 years of flight time. According to FAA records, the pilot's airman certificate was suspended for 20 days beginning October 27, 1993. A survey of Luscombes listed for sale found 16 active listings. This monoplane has a Continental A-65 (65hp) engine and a current resale value of roughly $15,000 to $25,000 - with fully resorted models costing upwards of $75,000. It managed to sell about 80 8Fs before collapsing in 1960. Plans for Phantom Model Available 78/06. 337 Taxiing one in a stiff crosswind is work. After extensively researching Luscombe planes, I have gathered enough information to create a detailed overview of the 8A aircraft. They have been the victims of unfairly critical accusations about their ground handling. One of the rarest Luscombes, only 24 currently appear on the U.S. registry. Best Range: 519 NM ( The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. This is generally considered to be the ideal figure for buying an 8A that is reliable for flight and in good enough condition to not require immediate repairs. $17,500. Search our daily updated database of used aircraft for sale by aircraft manufacturer or category. The sweet spot seems to be the $25,000 to $30,000 range. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. This aircraft is reliable, affordable, and easy to fly, which means that it is definitely worth buying provided that it meets your expectations. Every one I've ever flown has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me. Search more Extra airplanes on Hangar67. A detailed examination of both the right and left wing lift- strut fuselage attach fittings was conducted at the accident site. Examination of the fractured end of [the bolt] and remaining fractures revealed no preexisting cracks. The 8A introduced a more powerful 65 hp Continental, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after World War II. With 65 hp under the hood at maximum gross weight, 1,050 feet is required for the takeoff roll and 1,950 feet is required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. This was our Luscombe 8F (Second to Last Luscombe Built). The Luscombe 50 (Model 8) was to become the company's most famous product. Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, M-10 Cadet. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. 100 mph cruise, heavy ailerons, light rudder and elevator, Landing gear won't take any side loading. Luscombe's Model 8 Silvaire first appeared in 1937, and the first 50-hp production models were on the market in 1938. Add to Wishlist. 1946 Luscombe 8A. Please send us your experiences on your aircraft. Initial climb rate 900. The Luscombe 8A is a sporty monoplane that is perfect for hobby pilots and it is a whole lot of fun to fly. Technical and practical discussion about specific aircraft types such as Cessna 180, Maule M7, et al. Luscombe 8A & Model 10 Model Plans 78/03. Two of the most important elements of a good ownership experience are parts availability and a vibrant community of owners. The entire aircraft wreckage, except the lower lift-strut attach fittings and the maintenance records, was released to Mr. Jack Lenhardt, Hubbard, Oregon, on June 25, 1995. The Luscombe 8A (Modified) is effectively an 8A modified to 8C status. I was wondering how he fits his wife in there? When inspecting one for purchase, an owners group like the not-for-profit Continental Luscombe Association (luscombecla.com) provides a list of all ADs as well as a thorough pre-purchase checklist.