Hey, I was wondering if the aeronca chief 65 hp is a good plane to actually learn to fly. From other posts it is a good plane, but I just want to know if someone has learned in one or if its a good/bad idea.
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Hey, I was wondering if the aeronca chief 65 hp is a good plane to actually learn to fly. From other posts it is a good plane, but I just want to know if someone has learned in one or if its a good/bad idea.
It should be fine if you only want a sport pilot certificate.Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ60
I learned in a Chief. I still bless the fact that I started in a tailwheel from a grass strip. It's helped in so many ways over the years. So I think you have a good choice there. Referring to Marty's comment above, I had to transition into another aircraft (Musketeer in my case) to get the required radio work and hood time, since the Chief had no electric, but starting in the Chief won't restrict you to Sport Pilot and will help in other ways down the road.
I would suggest that if you're at a high altitude airport (4,000-5,000 feet or more) you might prefer an 85 hp aircraft, but nearer sea level it should be fine.
AJ!
Go for it, man! Do all your dual and solo pattern work, airmanship, and cross country stuff in it. Then, when you're ready for your Private checkride, get checked out in a C-150 or C-172 and learn how to navigate with the VOR and also squawking the transponder in Class B airspace. You'll need a handheld radio and a headset for your flying in the Chief, so you'll have the radio work done already. Plus, with a handheld, you can listen to it at home and get aclimated to how pilots communicate on the radio. Don't forget to have fun...
Thanks everyone.
it would be around 1,000-2,000 feet above sea level. And would be from a private grass strip in MN. As far as performance does it operate well when It is almost fully loaded? Doesn't seem like much extra weight left with 2 200lbs guys and a full fuel tank?
Mount a set of Federal A1500's and a tail ski and take full advantage of the cold air with that kind of a load in a Chief. With your snowmobile suits on, it will be pretty cozy in there with the two of you.
It should be fine under those conditions. Don't get me wrong, you'll not get 1,000 fpm climb, and it won't break any speed records, fly OK there and it'll teach you a lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ60
Crusty nailed it. I got my license in a C-150 some 40 years ago. Shortly after that I was introduced to a Champ where I learned to pilot a plane. I later bought a Champ. My cousin did his license exactly as described by Crusty. Did all his pattern work, cross countries, etc in my Champ, then checked out in a C-172 to do the required night and radio nav work. I recall checking out his instructor in my Champ so he could ride with his student to endorse him to solo in the Champ. (No tailwheel endorsements required back then). I did a minimal checkout for his instructor and told him whatever he did, let his student land the plane as his student already knew what how to handle a tailwheel.Quote:
Originally Posted by crusty old aviator
Yes, the Chief will fly well at gross at your low altitudes, even during the summer. No ball of fire, but not dangerously underpowered even with an A-65.
-Cub Builder
Hello AJ60, where in MN are you located?Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ60
just east of Fargo about an hour
I learned to fly in 1963 in a Champion with a 65 hp. I bought an Aeronca Chief in the same year and after one circuit with the owner, flew it back to my home ap. I put a lot of time on the chief over the next 4 years. I never found anything on the chief that was negative to flying. The chief is a wonderful aircraft to fly. Very forgiving and dependable. It will always be in my heart as a first love. You cannot go wrong. I progressed to fly a lot of aircraft since then.
Mostly, I think the most important fact is that you will be learning on a "tail dragger". You will get a lot of experience that cannot be recieved form tri-gear.
You cannot go wrong on a Chief. You will never be sorry.
I do wish you all the best.
Barry
FWIW from a newbie owner (& student pilot): A co-worker has a Chief, and I happened to go up with him not long after a 450nm trip with another fellow in a C-172. What a difference! That Chief felt like a sports car after the 172. Not as fast, for sure, but very responsive; it really wanted to go where you pointed it, and responded very quickly. Love at first flight. Bought a PA-22, however I still remember that Chief very fondly!
So trade in your Tri-Pacer for a Chief, Walt! Maybe you'll actually fly it!