No, not currently in the market (anyone hiring? ) but got to thinking about this. I want something that is appropriate for a warbird flyin, but I think I won't be in position to dump 100-300K on a hobby anytime soon. Looking at the trainers and such I can see maybe a PT-19 or similar, but even then those aren't really practical planes. The O-2 is a kickass plane but maintenance heavy and requires a multi-engine endorsement. However, I've recently discovered the Navion, some of which were military-operated as the L-17. http://www.warbirdalley.com/l17.htm Looking around, even ex-military planes are 40K or less, and ones that were civilian from the start range down to 20K (although like Ferraris, you can't really afford a cheap one). Much less expensive than the PT/BT WW2 planes. I'm probably still 2-3 years from ownership, but these look good. Anyone know the planes, have any experience with them?
It is built like a tank (typical NAA), and has seemingly very good enthusiast and club support. They are very straightforward to fly I am told, apart from not being that fast and a little heavy. The "Warbirds" welcome at fly-ins span a huge spetrum. All the way from the $30K L-birds (fabulous smiles per $ value) to, well you know. If you do not mind being a little slow for the fuel burn (of course, I have a T-28A, so I have no credibility here), the Navion is a good choice as it is quite sturdy and practical from what I have heard. While just a pet peeve of mine, any Warbird is a Warbird - there is no "starter warbird". You have one or you don't. Guys have just as much cause to stand proud beside their L-5 as a B-17. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks as always for your input Russ. I meant "starter" in the same way that people use "starter Ferrari": a way into the club, but certainly not the centerpiece of the Concourse. Every plane owner I've ever met has been proud of their ride.
I don't like the term "starter" anything. And - there is no reason a Navion could not be a centerpiece of a Concourse...
Given facts it's built like a Tank and user-friendly, and Russ says, "no reason a Navion could not be a centerpiece of a Concourse" There is only one logical outcome; Tillman, Texas Ranger Image Unavailable, Please Login
I flew one briefly a long long time ago when we had to move a bunch of airplanes when a hurricane was coming in. I wasn't checked out in it but i did it anyway and it is a rocking chair friendly airplane. Stabile and easy to fly. I would have one in an instant. I remember a contractor guy who was flying through Sarasota Airport with one in 1948 that he was using to take a bunch of concrete cores to Tampa to be tested. He had removed the rear seat and had at least 10 samples in the back that we figured weighed at least 1000 pounds. He was not concerned at all and took on enough fuel to get to Tampa and made a fairly normal take off. Great airplane in many ways. Not as sexy or fast as the Bonanza but a real solid and friendly bird. I would get one.
I think that this is one of the most underrated airplanes ever. It isn't fast or fancy like the Bonanza but it is a solid, steady nice flyer. Look at the wing. It has adequate dihedral, maybe more than needed but that adds to the stability. The root airfoil is an NACA 4415 and the tip is an NACA 4409 which adds to better performance in a stall and then added to this is some twist that adds even more docile performance in landing. The P-51 style wing planform and the long tail moment arm makes for good directional and pitch control as well as good looks. The only thing that I would check is the maintainence on the hydraulics. Over many, I would have one of these airplanes in a flash. If you want something that is reliable , steady and nice to fly, I would get it.
Thanks for all the input, sounds like a winner. Did y'all know there's a twin version? Rare! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I have no knowledge or desire to attain any regarding the twin thing. Ain't no Navion. And don't mess one up with all the phony look-a- like WW2 markings. Do it right or don't do it at all.
A civilian Navion in pseudo military colors and a true L-17 that I saw this past weekend. From what I understand, neither has flown for several years Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Tillman, I have a hilarious Navion story...one of my old friends was a NAA engineer name of Perry Laffoon. I knew Perry when he was working at the old Aero Commander plant in Bethany Oklahoma - but in his earlier days he worked for North American out in southern California. Interesting guy - he got to work on the B-70 Valkyrie as well as being a crew chief for an F86 when he was in the AF. North American had a contract with the military to basically do complete rebuilds on their Navions - everything got upgraded. Wiring, hinges and other moving parts, re-engined, new interior and so on. One of the guys who was a supervisor on the line slipped his personal civilian Navion into the line - now there were 29 planes to be rebuilt instead of 28. It actually got the full rebuild and it was not discovered until delivery day when somebody took the trouble to count the planes! Of course, it was not so funny when the guy got fired and sued for the costs of his little fraud...
This makes me sad. It's for sale, but they're only asking about 10-15K less than the low-end flyers. It will never move again Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Skagit Fly-in Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Spotted at a local airport, pics stolen from another forum. Sad Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
