Any Aeronca 11AC drivers out there?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:37 pm

One of the guys in my EAA Chapter just acquired a MINT copy of one!

I have yet to see it, but am anxious to fly it! I found a good POH online at:

http://www.aeronca.com/manuals/Chief-11AC-POH%20SB.pdf

...and it looks pretty thorough!

It looks easy enough to fly. The nostalgic panel is a RIOT!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 9:48 pm

Any idea where he got it? Just wondering because there was one offered REALLY cheap in the latest NORDO newsletter from Lee Bottom Flying Field (where I'm going to my TW endorsement). The guy wanted $13,500 for it, and it was mint! I hadn't heard if it had sold yet...

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:24 pm

I have about 700 hours in Champs, Chiefs, and Aeronca K models. The Chief is a good, honest airplane. Only one number to remember... 60 MPH.

I really miss my old Champ.

In fact I just dug up my old Champ web page:
http://geocities.com/svanarts/index3.htm
.

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:25 pm

One other thing, the Champs an Chiefs are the esiest landing taildraggers out there... the RV taildraggers are EVEN EASIER. IMO

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 10:52 pm

Great site Scott! Cool pics!

I'm doing my TW training in a '46 Champ at the end of August...at least that's the plan right now!

Here's the website for Lee Bottom Flying Field. Really

place!!

http://www.leebottom.com/

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Wed Jul 19, 2006 11:35 pm

Great choice Chad!

I think you'll find your RV-7 MUCH easier to land than a Champ. Just remember to keep tap-dancing and stirring the chile! At least that's what an old Cub driver told me once.

The best part about flying a Champ is cruising along at 80 MPH, with your hand hanging out the window, watching the trucks on the freeway below PASS YOU!

Be sure and take lots of pictures while you're there.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 7:04 am

Scott, looks lke I really hit a chord with you on that one!

Nice website! Needs some links to your RV-4 stuff though!

Chad, he bought it right here in MA. I am sure I walked past it a million times and never noticed it because it's not an RV! Damn shame really, as they are nice little planes.

They all say that if you can fly a Citabria, you can fly one of these. I am looking forward to trying my hand at it soon!

CJ

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Thu Jul 20, 2006 9:58 pm

captain_john wrote:Scott, looks lke I really hit a chord with you on that one!

Guilty as charged.

.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 10:08 pm

Tonight I flew the Aeronca for the first time!

It flies, AS ADVERTISED!!! It is tame and exactly as stated in the POH! You need to remember one speed, 60!

I loved it and can't wait to get into it again! It is an excellent tailwheel time builder and a joy to fly!

I was so thrilled, I alled had and told him all about it and got an OSH update at the same time!

I will post some pics when I get them.

CJ

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Mon Jul 24, 2006 11:05 pm

Very cool! Now, if you can land that Chief, you will have NO problem landing your RV-7. However, you may have trouble slowing your 7 down. I *still* can't get my RV-4 slowed down.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:26 pm

Scott, that is pretty much the way I see it. Between these nice little taildraggers and the Cherokee 6... I should be adequately prepared for the -7 when the time is right!

I am going back to the airport right now to check on it. The WX is not really conducive, but I just hafta say hi!

I will gat a picture of it too!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 7:59 pm

Okaaaay, here is a pic of the little bugger!

We went to Martha's Vineyard with it today and landed on the grass strip in about TEN FEET!!!

Here is a pic of the office.

Pretty spartan, but real seat O' the pants taildraggin' excitement!

This C-170 was recently rebuilt here at New Bedford where we keep the Chief.

It is absolutely IMPECCABLE!!! It is for sale for $68,000 if you want it!

...and just to finish things up, here is a pic of the garage. The wings are in the cradle and all I need to do is hammer on the bottom skins. The flaps are good to go, all ready to install the hinges and hang 'em!

Whatcha think?

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 8:26 pm

captain_john wrote: Whatcha think?

CJ

Um, I don't even have the words to speak of how COOL a day you just had!!

It's SO damn hot here, that after about 10:30 this morning, I didn't even go outside except to take the puppy out. I cooked breakfast at the chapter hanger this morning at 5:30am, came home, mowed the yard, cleaned the house, took a shower, then kicked back and watched my newly acquired copy of One Six Right. You had a better day than I my friend!!

One Six Right is THE movie to see!!! I loved it!

JohnR · Post by **JohnR** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:15 pm

Cool planes CJ! Sounds like a great day. I didn't get anything done on the plane today. We had a family reunion that we went to until about 4:00 then had friends over for dinner this evening. They had to leave early and I think I will call it a day.

Chad, One Six Right is a good film and very informative. Absolutely great videography also.

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:17 pm

That 170 is AWESOME!
For some unknown reason, I have a special place in my heart for cessna taildraggers. My dream airplane is an old 180. I spent several hours at OSH walking around looking at all the 170s and 180s there. There were some sweet 195s, too!

I bought a copy of One Six Right, too - haven't had a chance to watch it yet, tho. The super high def screening of it is allegedly coming to Indy sometime in the next couple months - I'll definitely be there!

Thomas

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:25 pm

Thomas,

Keep me (us) posted on that. I would head over to Indy to see it on the big screen!

tshort · Post by **tshort** » Sat Jul 29, 2006 10:23 pm

Will do.
I read somewhere (on the airventure site?) that it was touring 12 cities, one of which was Indy.
The onsixright.com web site is not up to date, as it says more info on the theatrical tour will be up the week of 7/24 . I will watch and keep you posted. We could have a rivetbangers steak dinner here in Indy.

T.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 4:28 pm

That'd be SWEEEEET!

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:41 pm

I flew a Chief while my Champ's wings were being re-covered. I hated the visibility out of that Chief compared to the Champ but you still have to love the little plane. At least it got me into the air! I really love the door-knob throttle.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:51 am

Scott, do you think the vis outta the Chief is worse than the -7?

I don't think so, but I was looking for your opinion?

CJ

RivetBangers.com

Any Aeronca 11AC drivers out there?

Any Aeronca 11AC drivers out there?

UPDATE!!!