WACO sports bi-planes - anyone know much about them?

That WACO YMF has three seats which would make it perfect for our family and for some barnstorming in my retirement. However, it is a lot of airplane for what it does...they also make the lighter two-place Great Lakes which I have my heart set on one day...

I've never flown either one.

Dave
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I used to own a Great Lakes which looked EXACTLY like the one in the picture-- in fact, it could be that one.

The Lakes was a fun airplane, for sure-- I didn't realize that Waco bought them. That's cool that it might come back into production.

For me, the Waco is a dream airplane. The Lakes was fun, but a bit tight in the cockpit, and completely useless for any sort of cross country trip-- which is too bad, because cross country trips in biplanes are a lot of fun.

I still regret selling the Great Lakes, 20 years later...

 

Off topic but this post reminded me - somewhere around 1985, I got to ride in the front cockpit of one of the Red Baron squadron's Stearman's during one of their practices while they were here to do a show at the Nascar race. Three other co-workers rode at the same time, each of us in separate aircraft.

My stomach was a little off at first, but was fine through all of the stuff they did. Have to admit to putting a death grip on the metal frame. As we were lining up for the runway to land, I started sweating like a pig - cold sweat.

Got on the ground, out of the plane, walked over and sat down at a tent they had set up. And then proceeded to puke my brains out.

One of my other coworkers got out of the plane with wet pants - she peed herself bigtime.

 

In Myrtle Beach years ago, I took a plane ride in a 1940 Waco UPF-7 with the tail number N134Q.

It was great fun riding in the open air, especially when we flew low along an empty stretch of beach.
It had a 2-seater passenger seat in the front and the pilot sat in the back.

If you're ever in that area and want a ride, their website is here:
http://coastalbiplanetours.com/home

Here are a few pics.
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Nice photos, did you say you flew along the beach or taxied on it?

 

LOL. He did take us pretty low on that deserted stretch of sand.

The surf to the left and the trees to the right were at eye level.

He was only going about 90 mph - 100 mph, but the sensation of speed was thrilling.

.

 

Don-
I'm just back from Oshkosh. I visited the Waco booth, and indeed, you can buy a brand new Great Lakes. They had a beautiful one on display. I'd love to have one as a second airplane one day.
j

 

I've flown one for about 12 years now. Anything specific you want to know?

 

How does the Waco compare to a Stearman?

dave

 

I have only flown a Waco 10, UPF7 and neither compares to a Stearman. Of course, the older Waco was just that, old but fun. The UPF7 was much like a truck compared to the Stearman.

 

I suppose that I should be more specific in the Waco model to which I referred. It was a 1929 Model 10 that had a Cont. 220 on it and was then called a CSO. Ailerons were somewhat ineffective compared to more modern biplanes but if you flew it the way it flew, it was very enjoyable. i have flown several other biplanes but my favorite will always be the Stearman. I'll have to find my pictures somewhere.

 

Their website is wacoaircraft.com. I've been following the new Waco since they started making them again in the late '80s, and have been a fan of the originals for as long as I can remember. They are great airplanes, but being an antique aircraft enthusiast I see the glass cockpits in them and it makes me want to puke, totally unnecessary in my opinion. The used "new" ones can be had for $150,000 and up, while used originals can be had for $75,000 and up depending on model, condition etc.

 

Very much depends on the Waco and the Stearman. Stock Stearman is very nice for the biplane experience, but sluggish and only holds one in the front hole. John Mohr does the world's best aerobatics act in a stock Stearman so they can dance but only in the hands of a true master.

The modern Wacos have a four aeleron system and either 270 or 300 hp engines. Two can sit in the front. Much livelier than the stock Stearman, much nicer to fly. Haven't flown a souped Stearman with either the 300 or 450 horse engines. People seem to like them.

THe YMF-5 Classic Wacos are heavier than the early '30s models (e.g. taperwing) and feel it. Different flight experience but still antique. Need one of each. I'd like to have a cabin Waco (more deliberate) and a QCF or something similar.

Instruments don't really matter. You won't use the glass much because these things take forever to go anywhere. If you like glass, however, why not as long as you put it one of the new ones. The old ones should be original in my opinion.

At end of the day, these are all about flying antique taildraggers (tricky) as opposed to nose gear. That aspect is what defines the experience (and the pilot) more than what make of aircraft it is.

 

Can you put two normal sized people up front?

Also, where do they source the engines from, these days? Does someone still make new Jacobs engines?

 

I believe that 300 hp Lycomings are still plentiful. Good engine too. I flew a 300 hp Stearman years ago and have flown in a 300 hp Travel Air and the Lyc. is a nice smooth power plant.