Originally Posted by
Bill Greenwood
The Chipmunk is a great looking and flying plane, it is said to handle like a baby Spitfire. So if you don't need that other 1500 hp or so, this is a great one.
I have not flown that many with the original Gypsy engine, only a bit at sea level where it was more than adequate. There are some reengined with 260 h? Lycoming that have plenty of punch for acro.
I have not flown any of the C J/Yak stuff, but I have heard that they are good for acro; especially the Yak 52, and they are cheap if you don't mind buying a plane from a country where they think dog is a food, not a pet.
Another alternative, especially since you want a real baggage compartment and to go somewhere on occaison is a T-34.
It is super easy to fly and land, good for and approved for acro including brief inverted, and can go cross coutry. I flew my stock 225 hp one from Colo, to Oregon, California, Oshkosh, Texas, Florida, and even the Bahamas and many places in between, as well as over 14, 000 foot mountains. It will cruise at 150 k at 13 gph, somewhat faster for the 260 or 285 hp. engine ones. I would expect them to advance in value over the years, and I'd guess more so than the CJs.
I don't know of an easier plane to land, and can use most any runway. Stall at VSO is 48 knots, so you can land on very short runways, less than 1800 feet and probably fine in up to 20 knot crosswinds. It is in the utility category, and thus built to 6 g positive and 3 g negative.
34s had a spar inspection AD, too long to go into here, but should be long since taken care of in any flying now.
There is a very large and active T-34 group with lot's of fly ins and formation training.
It's only real drawback is that it is more expensive, about low $1oos for a basic one and up over $200 if you want to play with some computer on the panel.
And it was built by gun owning, Republican votin real Amerkins!
Looks are somewhat subjective, but I think the Chip is the best looking and the T-34 next, despite the nosewheel. I've never quite adjusted to the looks of the CJ/Yak nosewheel ones.