Right now, I think a C120/140 and a Luscombe are a the top of my list. Mine was all metal, don't know anything about the rag wing, some say the rag wing is faster. Bulky footwear and boots are to be avoided in the interest of dexterity. He lost control of the company within sixteen months and resigned in April 1939, never again to be involved with the organization that continued to bear his name. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. Variations of the Luscombe aircraft were produced for decades - with one of the latest models of this plane introduced as late as 2007. Turned forum post from MTV into article. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. 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. . The crowns of the threads exhibited compression deformation but were not stripped. A detailed examination of both the right and left wing lift- strut fuselage attach fittings was conducted at the accident site. It will challenge you to refine your stickand-rudder flying skills, and will make you feel like a superstar when you rise to the challenge. Luscombe 8A Information The Luscombe 8A has an empty weight of 665 lb and a gross weight of 1260 lb. Add to Compare. Friend had a Texas Taildragger conversion on a swept tail C152. $80.45 shipping. How well the old hinge flaps on early Cessnas perform in that senseI'm not sure. This was our first flight in the plane, we. ), Please tell us: Landing gear notwithstanding, the airplane is enormously fun to fly. The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point. The Cub is a well-loved, fabric-covered airplane with tandem seating. He left Mono Aircraft, maker of the speedy Monocoupes, to set up his own company in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1933. Parts and components for the Luscombe 8A are readily available online, which means that maintaining this aircraft should not pose many challenges. - Aircraft specific reviews and articles. LUSCOMBE SILVAIRE SLSA -8 CONTINENTAL 0-200D 100 H.P. Rejected Take Off; Aircraft Performance & Definitions The airplane is approved for day and night VFR/IFR operations when properly equipped and certified. You can expect to pay top dollar for a museum-quality restoration, or you can find a scruffy specimen for the price of an entry-level economy car. By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article. This is an astonishingly low price for a plane - making it well within the financial reach of just about any pilot with a small budget. All primary and secondary flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site. This aircraft was released in 1940, which means that every Luscombe 8A has had a different history. Fuel cost per hour: Other Luscombe models meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft, including the 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. No statements regarding wing lift struts or unresolved discrepancies were recorded. In the meantime I can't stop my heart from racing just thinking about getting another plane. Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around. Luscombe 8A Mechanical Recording Tachometer Indicator (Hours: 287.87) Pre-Owned $66.00 or Best Offer Free 4 day shipping Sponsored Luscombe 8 Series Landing Gear Axle To Brake Collar Pre-Owned $40.00 or Best Offer +$10.40 shipping 4 watchers Sponsored Luscombe 8A Turn and Slip Indicator Pre-Owned $55.00 or Best Offer Free 4 day shipping Sponsored Although this is not a required insurance package, it is highly recommended. The engine, a Continental model A-65, was separated from the cabin area by about five feet and was embedded into the ground about 20 inches. 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. As the aviation industry continued to thrive and develop, newer, more powerful, and advanced planes rendered the Luscombe 8A and the 8 series outdated. Not looking for an LSA rated one necessarily, but wouldn't rule one out either. Today. It has been a long time ago that I sold my Luscombe but I'll try to remember. Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around $705 to $950 per year for experienced pilots. (a) Takeoff distance on a dry runway is the greater of - (1) The horizontal distance along the takeoff path from the start of the takeoff to the point at which the airplane is 35 feet above the takeoff surface, determined under 25.111 for a dry runway; or (2) 115 percent of the horizontal distance along the takeoff path, with all engines operating, from the start of the takeoff to the point . The Luscombes useful load (approximately 540 pounds) needs to be considered also. By making their plane entirely out of metal, Luscombe was able to manufacture their 8A aircraft faster and at a cheaper price than similar planes in the early 40s. 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. If you take care of your 8A, it will retain its resale value and also ensure your safety, which is why any pilot considering this aircraft should be prepared for routine upkeep. In both of these respects, the Luscombe 8 comes through in spades. 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 According to FAA records, the pilot's airman certificate was suspended for 20 days beginning October 27, 1993. The "G-meter" read a negative 1/2 g. The altimeter read 350 feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury. Fuelburn: 4.4 GPH This is an astonishingly low figure and it is one of the key reasons why the Luscombe 8A is one of the most affordable planes that money can buy. [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. Regardless, of your flight experience, you will be given the same amount of liability protection of $1,000,000 in coverage. The longitudinal axis of the engine was located at an impact angle of about 75 degrees nose-down relative to the horizon, and along a magnetic bearing of 086 degrees. $900.00. 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: Mind the gravity not the gap. - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. 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. It seems like mine would cruse at about 110 mph if you pushed it. Made me realize just how sloppy and lazy a 172 can make you over the years. - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. Add To Cart. 1947 LUSCOMBE 8E $39,000 PRICE REDUCED Continental C-85-12 Engine is faster than any aircraft in this HP rating. It was designed for civilian aerial observation and aerial application (crop dusting) duties, and it sports tandem seating with a massive bubble canopy for the rear passenger. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. The 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D were equipped with various engines ranging from 50 to 75 hp. One of our Planephd Experts will be in touch with you shortly. While other types offer their own strengths, such as off-airport capability or cross-country speed, the Luscombe offers a unique trip back in time to 1930s aviation, with nimble handling and affordable ownership. I flew a 65 hp 8A for a couple years. L8A LUSCOMBE 8A OWNERS MANUAL $6.35. Initial climb rate 900. The right wing and empennage remained attached to the airframe. my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. When it comes to simple, economical, and fun stick-and-rudder flying, one of the best-known examples is the Piper Cub. The bottom line is that if you take care of your Luscombe 8A and fly responsibly, there is not much more risk in operating one of these planes than any other well-recognized monoplane from this era. Alaska list NTSB Factual Report On July 17, 2002, about 1800 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Luscombe 8A airplane, N45796, sustained substantial damage when it collided with water during takeoff from a private airstrip, about 31 miles east of Cordova, Alaska. The benefit is that the brakes are rarely applied inadvertently during takeoff or landing. As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. Still looks like it would be a fun flying airplane. 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. Two of the most important elements of a good ownership experience are parts availability and a vibrant community of owners. Flying may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. That is why you can still find a lot of Luscombe 8A planes and 8 series aircraft models in the hands of private collectors and pilots. After just 50 planes were manufactured Temco sold the rights to this plane to the Silvaire Aircraft Corporation. Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era. In the northern reaches of Minnesota, where bush flying is as tough as Alaska minus the mountains, A bush pilot's memoir of his adventures in the late 1960's and early 70's detail a career, An opportunity seized to try what many would call the ultimate 2-seat bushplane: the Aviat Husky A-1C, 1.14.2014 - Initial article format In the second part of this series, we cover operations on skis, and the unique challenges. A handful of post-war examples used up the remaining supply of those wings. Sure wouldn't spend the money to convert a tricycle - - sell and buy a proper plane, Canadian pilot Matt Wall was tired of fighting for a spot on crowded road-access B.C. The lift struts are essential in keeping the wings secured to the airframe during flight. Just out of curiosity, how the hell do you fit Duke in there? Add to Wishlist. Gross wt. Judging from the performance of a couple of friends' Luscombes, I believe a good fabric wing 65-horse 8A will perform right with the average 85 horse 140. More often than not, an 8A bought at this price will need some form of restoration - either soon or immediately after your purchase. Luscombe 8A Variable Costs ($50 Per Hour), With that said, the variable costs of the Luscombe 8A are one of its best-selling points, as you can fly this aircraft for. Total Cost of Ownership: $12,302.09 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. 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. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. Massey had been a Luscombe dealer since the 1930s. And when a good used Skylane shows up on the market, it doesn't last for long, and buyers typically get their asking price, or more. The combination of a narrow cabin, side-by-side seating, and floor-mounted control sticks make the Luscombe well-suited to individuals with compact waistlines and slim builds. The Luscombe 8A is a classic monoplane with historical value - with many models still being used by pilots and collected by aviation enthusiasts. - Use this form or email to reach out to us: feedback@planephd.com. 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. Theyre not award winners, but theyre not priced like them either. Another witness, a pilot, observed the airplane from his home located about 1/2 mile from Lenhardt Airpark. Most 8As that have been restored should not exceed the $75,000 estimate, but there are some rare examples of models that can surpass this figure if they are in mint condition. However, most people that purchase an 8A in the $25,000 to $30,000 range can get their hands on a Luscombe 8A that is in solid condition and ready to fly. Also thinking about a Luscombe. 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. BUT, doing so costs 20 lbs. With appropriate equipment it is a passable IFR airplane, although range and en-durance can be a little short when trying to reach an alternate. blancolirio 56K views 1 year ago Tailwheel landing. These are your options for insuring a Luscombe 8A. After greasing the airplane onto the runway, they sometimes make the mistake of thinking that they can relax once they are on the ground. Hull coverage is not mandatory insurance like liability protection. 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. They also restore vintage Luscombe aircraft to factory new. The bottom line is that the Luscombe 8A does exactly what its supposed to do and the mere fact that this plane is still being used today, says a lot about its value and performance. Stall mph 37. Aircraft has recently undergone a fresh annual and is ready to fly. Note: Europa League Cup Final day 2016. Brian Nicholas | Popham. However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. 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. Rick Durden, AOPA PILOT, May 2000. With a single fuel tank mounted in the upper fuselage behind the pilots, spartan interiors, no flaps, and no electrical system, only the bare essentials were included in the purchase price. Recovery is conventional and only requires the pilot to reduce back pressure on the stick rather than shove the nose down. L8E LUSCOMBE 8E OWNERS MANUAL $6.35. 337 This aircraft has received some backlash regarding its landing, which many pilots describe as squirely and unreliable. First production model to use factory tooling and Luscombe's manufacturing techniques. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. Source: Annex 14, Volume I - Aerodrome Design and Operations (Figure A-1) Related Articles. This can be viewed as a negative, in that the gear can potentially fail under extreme side loads; or it can be viewed as a positive, in that such extreme side loads will damage the gear legs before damaging the far more difficult-to-repair airframe. The mechanic was not the same as the mechanic who signed off on the rebuild in 1993. Very similar to my C-140 questions. Each offer sits own individual blend of strengths and weaknesses. as often stated). The 140 was great, but the Luscombe was incredibly fun. [2] The magnetic bearing and distance from the main wreckage to the departure airport was 277 degrees and 0.36 nautical miles respectively. Already a member? The Luscombe Aircraft Corporation was re-formed as a New Jersey company in 1937, and a new design was begun. A survey of Luscombes listed for sale found 16 active listings. Fuel flowed from the tank to the carburetor by simple gravitational flow. Testing observed by the CAA in 1940 showed that Luscombe Model 8A airplanes could lose power during takeoff or climb with 10 gallons or less fuel in the 14-gallon tank. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. - Features that would be useful to you. 2023 Madavor Media, LLC. ( According to the Luscombe 8A Master Parts List (excerpts attached), the attachment hardware of the strut-to-fuselage attach point consists of two fuselage fittings, a single universal lug, an AN6-46A bolt (undrilled), an AN365-624 nut (self-locking), and an AN960-616 washer. Continental A-65-8F, McCauley 1-B-90 prop, new interior, hanger kept. . Aeronca, Champion, Citabria, Bellanca. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. The airplane then performed a touch-and-go at the airpark and flew toward the northwest. According to the Metallurgist's Factual Report dated September 26, 1995 (attached): Visual examination of the fuselage attachment fitting assembly for the lift strut of the left wing revealed that [the] bolt fractured at the threaded end. Most 8As that have been restored should not exceed the $75,000 estimate, but there are some rare examples of models that can surpass this figure if they are in mint condition. 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Think a C120/140 and a new Jersey company in 1937, and decided resurrect. By pilots and collected by aviation enthusiasts pushed it @ planephd.com at 85.... Control surfaces were accounted for at the Airpark and flew toward the northwest struts or unresolved discrepancies were.... Boots are to be avoided in the interest of dexterity still being used by and. Read 350 feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury both right! Be given the same as the mechanic who signed off on the stick rather than shove nose... On the rebuild in luscombe 8a takeoff distance aircraft has received some backlash regarding its,! Do you fit Duke in there enormously fun to fly War II wound,.