WIX Archives
C-47?!!!!
Posted by bdk on Thu Feb 21, 2002 03:50:52 PM
In reply top OUR WARBIRD PLEASE READ posted by Tony on Thu Feb 21, 2002 06:21:44 AM
This would be a big deal to accomplish in the US...
A C-47 is over 12,500 lbs gross weight, so a Type Rating would be required. This narrows down the available pool of pilots, or you could go get a type rating if you are suitably experienced.
A C-47 is a large complex aircraft, requiring lots of competent maintenance (and lots of fuel!). While parts are readily available, things like tires can be very expensive due to their size and low production rate. Could the group afford to park an aircraft like this indoors? Yes, the required annual inspection would cost thousands.
Assuming you had a type rating, how much would insurance cost? An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating would help, but a VFR private pilot with a type rating would have a lot of trouble getting ANY insurance. Depending on the country and the way the ownership arrangement is made, a fatal airplane crash could see EACH AND EVERY MEMBER SUED by multiple families, even if you only owned a singel $100 share.
A twin Beech (Model D-18) would be much more practical, and a number of attractive postwar US Navy schemes were used. There was also the AT-11 with the glass nose that was used during WW2, as well as other US Army and US Navy versions- not to mention non-US schemes.
An AT-6 would also be practical. As a certificated aircraft you could sell rides at airshows (you could in the twin Beech as well) to recoup some maintenance and fuel expenses. It is also a great trainer for those inclined to learn aerobatics. An AT-6 is also a great aircraft to use as a platform for aerial photography.
A Stearman would be a BLAST! You could learn to fly in one, a commercial pilot could give rides, you would be welcome at civilian and military airshows, you could do aerobatics, they are cheaper than an AT-6, insurance is readily available, they are rugged, they are very safe, etc. The only downside is that it takes a while to reach a distant airshow at 100 MPH.
A Yak-11 is not certificated in the US and must be licensed under the Experimental Exhibition category. You can't sell rides, and insurance will be more expensive. Licensing an aircraft of this type can be a hassle, and there may be restrictions (no flight over populated areas, etc.) imposed. It is also difficult to find parts in the US, and I'm not even aware of one in the US flying with the original Soviet engine.
I've been in an aircraft partnership before, and it didn't work out very well. Your mileage may vary!
Now if anyone wants to donate money to my AT-6 project, I'll gladly take your money! :-)
BK
