Get extra lift from AOPA. Sign in to continue reading, By Plane and Pilot Updated November 20, 2017 Save Article. The best flying Light Sport Aircraft ever designed. The biggest problem with tail-draggers is landing in a crosswind. LUSCOMBE 8A Aircraft "I was charmed in many ways by the Luscombe - its gleaming, polished-aluminum surface, the great handling, zippy yet economical performance, surprisingly easy landings, and good American hardware.". Good times, flying old Just updating the panel will cost most of what this old bird is worth. Flew a Luscombe 8A today Luscombe Aircraft Each aircraft is restored to uncompromising standards and unique specifications of each owner or buyer. The corrugated metal control surfaces are easy to inspect. Luscombe Aircraft Company created the expensive two-place, radial-engine Phantom, whose ground handling was so awful that more than one buyer canceled the sale after taking his first flight. On a positive note, the current Luscombe Aircraft Company of Las Vegas, Nevada, has upgraded the design and anticipates selling a 185-hp nosewheel version to be called the Model 11E. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. This monoplane has a Continental A-65 (65hp) engine and WebThe Luscombe 8 was designed by Donald Luscombe and flown for the first time in 1937. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. 3301 Turner Road. Actually, I thought that a Piper Pacer was notorious for ground loops. and thats why Im asking not telling. Climb rate for the 8E and 8F was claimed to be 800 feet per minute. Climb rate for the 8E and 8F was claimed to be 800 feet per minute. I love seeing planes, and motorcycles or other oddball barn finds out of the ordinary realm of old cars. A Luscombe is a few steps more difficult to keep straight on landing than a Citabria and a few steps easier than a Stearman. Remember, Dave, there are two kinds of pilots who fly taildraggers: those who have ground-looped and those are GOING to. Aircraft Inquiry Rick Durden, AOPA 684126 , is an aviation attorney who holds an airline transport pilot certificate and enjoys flying antique and classic aircraft. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. Luscombe Questions - Backcountry Pilot Returning to the field for landing, plan on using carburetor heat when the power is reduced, then slow the airplane to about 65 to 70 mph on finalor slower if flying one with flaps. Most pilots adjust fairly quickly to this slightly unusual state of affairs. Runup takes only moments: Move the stick about to check the ailerons and elevators (after taxiing, the pilot should know if the rudder is properly attached), check the mags and carb heat (on some models the manual recommends landing and taking off with full carburetor heat), scrutinize the engine gauges, set the elevator trim, set such gyros as are installed, and line up with the runway. They exist because of the determination of an affable scalawag to create and mass-produce all-metal airplanes. Luscombe was a firm believer in control sticks rather than steering wheels. the Loop - Mystery Plane - Luscombe 8A The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. But its going to cost you. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. 2023 FLYING Media. The tailwheel is in clear view and should be examined carefully, for tailwheels have been known to break off. This freed up some space within the cabin to create a small shelf for storage for the occupants. I own both a Lotus Esprit and an Europa and they both have a bigger cockpit than this plane. Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225. WebThe 8A is equipped with a Continental A-65-8 engine. The Mighty Luscombe 8a - Backcountry Pilot After all, the factory employees had received a practical education in crashworthiness be-cause for several years a major portion of the companys income came from re-building wrecked Phantoms. on BFs)Nothing to be afraid of? Ever. On a small grass strip four miles south of Henry Fords behemoth B-24 plant at Willow Run, Larsen lived, worked, and quietly became the Luscombe doctor. I'm a believer in life-long learning, and continuing training for pilots. N1005K (1946) N1013K (1946) N1015K (1946) N1029K (1946) N1034K (1946) N1035K (1946) N1040K (1946) N1042K; N1045K (1946) N1046K (1946) N1057K (1946) N1064K This airplane is certificated in the normal category. The 8E also featured a more powerful engine over the prior years with 85 b.h.p. 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Private aviation leader NetJets is hiring pilots, Sweepstakes Cessna 170 heads to avionics shop, Training and Safety Tip: Be fuel-foolproof. All flying now. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. Continental A-65-A total time: 1068, SMOH 21 hours. Tame compared to a Pitts S-1. No need to buy avgas ($5.60/gal.) Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! Im guessing its storm damage. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 78 knots and a stall speed of 37 knots. A properly leaned Silvaire generally has greater endurance than its pilot, simply because of the small cabin. LUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. The aircraft is a two-place, high-wing, single-engine airplane, equipped with conventional landing gear. I have seen one plane literally wrapped around another because of high winds. The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. How's that for fuel economy? As in a Greek tragedy, just as Don Luscombe reached his goal of mass-producing all-metal airplanes, the continuing effects of the Depression, constant lack of capital, and his financial shenanigansincluding failure to repay loans and creative use of stockcaught up with him. Subscribe to Our Site. Side-by-side two-seaters, the postwar models used a Continental 90- hp engine and were claimed to be acrobatic. My first plane was a Cessna 150 purchased in a like disassembled condition. Find it here on craigslistfor $4,750 andgo here if the ad is archived. The 108s had the Franklin 6 cyl. Weight and balance data missing? WebIt's actually an excellent plane for a low time tail wheel pilot. Fuel capacity 14. For the first several takeoffs in a Silvaire, it is a good idea to use grass runways to take advantage of the drag on the tailwheel. Franklin has a good support group. A Pitts Special is a very difficult airplane to land. Once in the air the pilot discovers that the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric brethren. Perhaps that started the reputation that persists to this day describing Luscombes as a ground loop waiting to happen. No more white knuckles. Luscombe aficionados point with pride to the numerous pictures of the airplanes with 16 to 20 people perched atop the wing. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. Discussion in 'Hangar Talk' started by Grum.Man, Apr 8, 2017. I have owned two Luscombes aircraft,Cessnas, pipers,Bellanca and never ground looped one of them. my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article. LUSCOMBE 8A - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost Granted I know nothing about plane crashes (other than they are bad!) Americas owner-flown aircraft enthusiasts and active-pilot resource, delivered to your inbox! The final models of the 8F were produced by Silvaire Aircraft Co. between 1946 and 1960 when their production was discontinued permanently. Engine 65-hp Lycoming. A65 engine 1243.9 SMOH. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. They landed sideway with a drift and it did not ground loop. The tail comes up of its own volition, or earlier if motivated by the pilot. An attempt to sell the tandem-seat T8F Observer to the Air Force went nowhere. It is sad, but this Luscombe is good for parts or perhaps a static display. This will be a monster project but at least its possible if the logs are complete as promised. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. Finally finished and flew it nearly 2000 hours including three coast to coast trips without a mishap due to a patient and thorough 10 hour check out. 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. However, this data alone does not provide the basis for a determination regarding the. LOW TIME 1940 LUSCOMBE 8A $26,000 ACCEPTING OFFERS UC-90A Paint Scheme N25289, S/N 1195, 2166 TT completely restored starting in 2000, 40 That is somewhat optimistic. Hello, youre 1,000 feet off the ground. Over 6,000 postwar Silvaires were built, and more than 2,000 are currently rated airworthy. If the pilot is using one of the brakes a great deal, the length of time for a successful crosswind taxi may be limited, as the brake may heat up and fade. On a small grass strip four miles south of Henry Fords behemoth B-24 plant at Willow Run, Larsen lived, worked, and quietly became the Luscombe doctor. After greasing the airplane onto the runway, they sometimes make the mistake of thinking that they can relax once they are on the ground. The seller notes this example comes with all logs since new. Start your free trial today! Web1939 Silvaire Luscombe 8A N25159 1808TTAF, 748TTE, 300 STOH with Millennium Cylinders, Continental O-190 C85 with starter, Auto or 100LL, Fabric wing in good shape, Annual completed 6.1.15. He left Mono Aircraft, maker of the speedy Monocoupes, to set up his own company in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1933. This upgraded 8A entered production in June 1940, and immediately became a best-seller, was first of the breed to be referred to as Silvaire. He dropped progressively larger engines into the tough, diminutive airframes until, by the late 1960s, 150-hp stud brutes were rocketing off of the grass at Larsen Field. Oftentimes, the planes that show up on craigslist are worth talking about. 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. 8A EASY PROJECT $8,500 He dropped progressively larger engines into the tough, diminutive airframes until, by the late 1960s, 150-hp stud brutes were rocketing off of the grass at Larsen Field. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. At the time, the company president and largest stockholder turned out not to be a U.S. citizen, but an Austrianwhich did not endear the company to the Army in the wake of the Anschluss. info@luscombeair.com. airworthiness of an aircraft or the current aircraft configuration. Those who have flown Luscombes for a time have learned that because the controls are very responsive, even at fairly low speeds, the aircraft can handle very stiff crosswinds. The next day he joined other competitors in flying a local air show; Giles Henderson in his clipped wing cub, Herb Cox flying his Drunk Farmer Stole a Cub routine, Jerry Spear His is an original 8A with no electrical system. Already a member? BARNSTORMERS.COM Same aircraft.I With a full fuel load, the maximum allowable weight in the cabin is only about 400 poundsa motivator, combined with the space available, to keep pilots from becoming too portly. If the airplane is rigged correctly, it does not want to drop a wing; it just pitches down, straight ahead. Gaze at them and think fond thoughts, for they can be the Achilles heel of a Luscombe. Luscombe Aircraft Corporation | United States | Jamestown, NY WebThe Luscombe 8 was designed by Donald Luscombe and flown for the first time in 1937. So, I thought I would toss out some known numbers on this one particular Luscombe 8A with an A-65, Ceconite covered wings and a brand new PMA'd 14 gallon fuel tank. The combination of relatively stiff landing gear, fairly narrow gear tread, and effective flight controls means that a pilot who does not position the controls correctly is going to have trouble during landing rollout. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. Been a Luscombe owner for a few years and have no complaints. The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. For something between $15,000 and $21,000 and the willingness to learn to fly the airplane, the Luscombe can be a most enjoyable personal magic carpet. Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the process. They have been the victims of unfairly critical accusations about their ground handling. There's quite a difference flying a low wing loading older light plane from a high wing loading one that pretty much punches through the winds and turbulence. Given the ruggedness of the metal aircraft, one would have thought that it would have joined the legions of Cubs, Champs, and other L-birds that served in so many roles and locations during the war. The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. One of my favorites. Once in the air the pilot discovers that the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric brethren. ( by watching several ground loop videos, it seems they are coming in too fast) Luscombe 8A He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. Most Luscombes now have 12.5-gallon fuel tanks in each wing, converting to the style of the later marques and away from the original 14-gallon tank behind the seat. Have all logs. If Moody Larsen did his magic and caused a 115- or 150-hp engine to be up front, climb rate can easily exceed 1,000 fpm. The Luscombe 8A aircraft is a high-wing monoplane released in 1940 and it is part of Luscombes 8 series. 1946 Luscombe 8A This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. WebIf you are in the market for a Luscombe aircraft or have one that you would like us to sell for you, contact us here. WebLUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. All were sold to private owners who desired tandem seating and extraordinary visibility. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. One nice thing about these types is some fall under the Light Sport category letting you start flying cheaper then buying a new LSA,which can run 50K on up. The airplanes met the rather primitive aerobatic certification requirements of the day. Now, because they are pushed by ones heels rather than toes, there are those who insist they are a nefarious plot on the part of those who make airframe replacement parts to ensure a steady flow of business. Continental A65-8, 2840 TTSN, No Electrical or He left Mono Aircraft, maker of the speedy Monocoupes, to set up his own company in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1933. Just remember, Dave, you can fly a Wright farther than you can ship a Pratt. Taxiing one in a stiff crosswind is work. My dad bought a Luscombe 8A a few months ago but I finally got the chance to fly in it today with him when he came to help me work on the Venture. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. 3,738. The Stinson shouldnt even be considered a taildragger its that forgiving. Ceiling 15,000. That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. Luscombe Weight and Balance First of all, there is just something cool about flying such a back to basics airplane. My answer is learn to fly the airplane or leave it in the hanger. Continental, determined to make the engine work, added a second magneto and set of spark plugs, provided for carburetor heat, and made some other changes. And you can get an STC for using auto gas for a lot of light a/c. Most Luscombes now have 12.5-gallon fuel tanks in each wing, converting to the style of the later marques and away from the original 14-gallon tank behind the seat. The critical next step is to pick out a point beyond the departure end of the runway, straight ahead of the airplane, and resolve to keep the airplane pointed at that spot no matter what happens. He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. Thanks for including it!!! Plane and Pilot builds on more than 50 years of serving pilots and owners of aircraft with the goal of empowering our readers to improve their knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. Recovery is conventional and only requires the pilot to reduce back pressure on the stick rather than shove the nose down. However, this data The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. unless you dont fly regularly. Display name: Grum.Man. Luscombe 8A Aircraft Overview | SkyTough The handling of a Luscombe on landing has to be put in perspective. Tall narrow gear and no ailerons. A Luscombe does not come close to being in that category. List of aircraft registered in the United States with the manufacturer and model designation of LUSCOMBE 8A, ordered by tail number. All true, and the Gullwing is incredible but the Howard is better with its more common Pratt and Whitney R985. No one has been able to explain it to me but a nose-gear naturally wants to move straight forward. The electrical system, with a 12 volt storage battery, is fully protected by thermal-type circuit-breakers and switches. Luscombe developed a four-place, 145-hp tailwheel airplane called the Model 11A Spartan that fought certification difficulties and simple poor timing to come out when there was no market to penetrate. on board. The pancake engines, as they were called, had a reputation for unreliability, so Luscombe was justifiably skeptical of using one. Luscombe Aircraft 1946 Luscombe 8A. Steep turns are such pleasure that it is difficult to stop. This provided a cheaper and less complex design, and later changes to the vertical and horizontal stabilizers likewise simplified construction and sped production times up. for approved maneuvers. It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively. WebFind N71881 1946 LUSCOMBE 8A on Aircraft.com. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. You found out that you have to fly it all the time in any kind of winds. Start your free trial today! I'd love to see more people interested in flying, and rekindle old dreams and ambitions you may have had about becoming a pilot. The dammage to the vertical stabilizer likely means this has been on its back, perhaps from one of those unforgiving landings. Bring the tail up, and drive it around, as is. When Renaissance Aircraft decided to start up the line with a 150-hp version of the 8F, it came to John Larsen and asked him to build the first one. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. Luscombe 8A Master 'Silvaire' | Planes of Fame Air The type certificate and tooling were acquired by Moody Larsen of Belleville, Michigan, in 1964. His is an original 8A with no electrical system. Those who have sat in the new Renaissance Luscombe and experienced the magic that John Larsen did to the interior are astonished that what had been cramped confinement is now far more comfortable. I shudder to think of what its going to cost to get the radio and instruments back in shape, let alone the engine. LUSCOMBE 8A Please post more of them. 1946 Luscombe 8A Could be one of the lowest time Luscombe in the World! if it had been on its back wouldnt the verticle stabilizer be much worse? ( minimum altitude, I think) I like the quick disconnect wings. One of the coolest plane pictures I ever saw was at a small WVA airport. A Bellanca Citabria is considered an easy tailwheel airplane to handle on landing. The Dumbest thing I ever did in aviation, but I got away with it. Well, I guess I asked for it (planes, battleships,etc. Aircraft As in a Greek tragedy, just as Don Luscombe reached his goal of mass-producing all-metal airplanes, the continuing effects of the Depression, constant lack of capital, and his financial shenanigansincluding failure to repay loans and creative use of stockcaught up with him. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. Location: Sanford NC. Depending on the model, loading (the maximum gross weight of all but the lowest-powered versions is 1,400 pounds), and temperature, acceleration ranges from sedate to brisk. Its an interesting alternative to a Cessna of the same era, and in their day, Luscombes were fairly advanced aircraft. Luscombe 11A Sedan. Last Annual, logs showed 2878 TT and 851 SMOH, Narco 810 Com and Narco AT 150 Transponder/no encoder or ADSB; no other avionics! Continental E-165-2 engine, 40 gallons fuel, 130 MPH. Great aircraft with a rich history. If the pilot is using one of the brakes a great deal, the length of time for a successful crosswind taxi may be limited, as the brake may heat up and fade. LUSCOMBE 8A Luscombe 8 - AOPA - Aircraft Owners and Pilots They make it clear that they will not tolerate a milquetoast on the stick and rudder but will reward the pilot who truly knows how to operate those devices. Phone: 833-587-2662. (You must log in or sign up to reply here. Any a/c that qualifies as a LSA makes ownership a lot easier. It managed to sell about 80 8Fs before collapsing in 1960. Sign up for our free daily email and youll never miss another find: Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases. Because more than 50 years have lapsed since most rolled off the assembly line, the idea of aerobatics in the airplane should be approached with extreme caution while contemplating the timeless question: How many times can you bend a tin can? Knowing the wings that are holding you up at 5000 feet are same ones that were on saw horses in your yard gives you pause to think about the quality of your work. That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the process. Beautiful airplane that flies incredibly well. ). On a gusty day in a Luscombe with questionable brakes, the sweating occupant of the left seat may be in full agreement. Luscombe Aircraft FREE TRIAL Available! That's quite a change up from the Venture. 1946 Luscombe 8A - Plane & Pilot Magazine This is the 1st of your 3 free articles Become a member for unlimited website access and more. They made money with it, I asked not Your feet will MOVE on every take Woe may betide the pilot who has an uninformed mechanic who tries to adjust the brakes by pulling on the cables, for that pilot may find nothing when the brakes are most needed. The narrow landing gear make for rather unforgiving landings, but these are a hoot to fly. Read more about avoiding scams and protecting your money. We crafted our line to include packages to I read all the accident reports in Flying mags and others. Lust for a Luscombe Theres a bunch of birds around here that were in a lot worse shape than this one when their restoration was started. I think a Taylorcraft has to be an eye-opening experience in the same vein. Takeoff distance (50) 1,950. Get extra lift from AOPA. He says that even crosswinds are manageable, thanks to its effective ailerons. There was the usual painful litigation resolving little, so the Luscombe assembly line continued to lie dormant. Luscombe 8 1944 Luscombe Silvaire Model 8-A Standar 1958 Luscombe Silvaire Model 8-E Oil Capacity 4 quarts 4.5 quarts Performance Do Not Exceed Speed 126 Knots-glide or dive 100 Knots-level 126 Knots-glide or dive 100 Knots-level Max. Structural Cruising Speed N/A N/A 24 more rows Most pilots adjust fairly quickly to this slightly unusual state of affairs. SUBSCRIBE. Returning to the field for landing, plan on using carburetor heat when the power is reduced, then slow the airplane to about 65 to 70 mph on finalor slower if flying one with flaps. While it may be nothing but showmanship, the Silvaire can make a good pilot look very good and let the pilot flying it have a ball. Shaking a wing during the walkaround inspection reminds one that the Silvaire is remarkably strong. Nope. With a full fuel load, the maximum allowable weight in the cabin is only about 400 poundsa motivator, combined with the space available, to keep pilots from becoming too portly. However, salesmen will be salesmen, and Luscombe soon turned his engineers loose on the idea of wrapping a small, all-metal airplane around this engine. Maneuvering is precise. Rotation speed is about 55 mph. WebJack Lane's Luscombe 8A 11 - INT - Mystery Plane.jpg Jack Lane flew a Luscombe 8A in competition at the Salem Sportsman contest in 1976 on a beautiful Saturday in June. Jamestown, New York 14701 . I have flown the J-3 Cub, the Citabria and the Pitts Special and have never ground-looped. Taxi of Luscombe 8A, and takeoffs and landings of this vintage taildragger airplane! WebYear: Not Listed Make/Model: LUSCOMBE 8A Registration #: N71288 Serial #: 2715 Location: Pismo Beach, CA USA $27,000 USD Circle M Aviation CALL (530) 305-4151 I accept the Trade-A-Plane terms of use & service: Send Email Stay safe.

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