With the 85 hp engine, this goes down to 850 feet and 1,850 feet, respectively, and these distances are further improved with the Continental C-90. Alternatively, less-perfect examples are among the most affordable aircraft on the market, costing about as much as a new Yamaha sport touring motorcycle. Today. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. Mr. Lenhardt was representing the registered owner of the airplane. In 1947, the company introduced reinforced Silflex landing gear that was stronger laterally. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. My research has indicated that the Luscombe 8A is a world-class monoplane with a solid reputation, but given how long it has been around, potential buyers should inspect the condition of this aircraft thoroughly to ensure that it is safe to operate. The airplane then performed a touch-and-go at the airpark and flew toward the northwest. LUSCOMBE SILVAIRE SLSA -8 CONTINENTAL 0-200D 100 H.P. Members by State 78/13. With that said, much like with any used aircraft, you want to carefully consider the Luscombe 8A that you buy. This damage was consistent with the threaded end of [the bolt] bending within the mouth of the lug through-hole. This gear could be retroactively installed on earlier model 8s. Please send us your experiences on your aircraft. All rights reserved. The 8E, 8F, and T8F all came with electrical systems and engines ranging from 85 to 90 hp. It will challenge you to refine your stickand-rudder flying skills, and will make you feel like a superstar when you rise to the challenge. Study aircraft types long enough and you begin to realize that for each mission there are typically a handful of suitable options from which to choose. Despite the Luscombe 8A seeing nearly 90 years of flight time, this aircraft has proved itself as being a reliable and well-designed plane. It was designed for civilian aerial observation and aerial application (crop dusting) duties, and it sports tandem seating with a massive bubble canopy for the rear passenger. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. 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. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. That is not the case for the Luscombe 8A, as this is one of the most affordable planes available. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. These airplanes are much smaller than the enormous commercial airliners that will take you from Tokyo to Los Angeles, but they're still very fun to get to know and learn to handle. The Luscombe 8 is a series of high-wing, side-by-side-seating monoplanes with conventional landing gear, designed in 1937 and built by Luscombe Aircraft . Still looks like it would be a fun flying airplane. This Luscombe has been in one family for . 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. . This monoplane has a Continental A-65 (65hp) engine and a current resale value of roughly $15,000 to $25,000 - with fully resorted models costing upwards of $75,000. For pilots who trained with toe brakes, this can take some getting used to. The simplistic controls, lack of complex avionics, and monoplane design make flying straightforward and fun. All rights reserved. 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. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. The entire left wing, including the attached lift strut and fuselage attach lug, was found 0.25 nautical miles from the remainder of the wreckage. Stereo microscope examination of the bolt remnant after it was removed from the through-hole of the lug revealed crown damage consistent with the threaded end of the bolt bending within the lug through-hole The bolt remnant measured approximately 0.2 inch long and contained the manufactured threaded end of the bolt. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. Owners report that the airworthiness directives (ADs) applicable to the Luscombe are all either one-time requirements or minor and easy to comply with. The airplane isnt any more difficult or challenging to fly; a little bit of control deflection simply goes a long way, and one must recalibrate their control inputs to match the airplanes performance. The accident occurred during the hours of dusk. There are a handful of insurance options to choose from, but ultimately, it should not cost more than $500 to $950 per year. The mere fact that the Luscombe 8As average resale value is between $15,000 and $25,000 makes it one of the most financially attainable planes on the market. $80.45 shipping. Total Cost of Ownership: $13,737.27 Very pleasant airplane, I might have another one someday, but then I don't recall meeting a plane I didn't like..RB, Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. . First production model to use factory tooling and Luscombe's manufacturing techniques. A-694 Type Certificate Holder The Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation, Inc. P.O. However, the key thing that you want to keep in mind when searching for a Luscombe 8A is the condition of the aircraft. Richard Parkhouse | Little Gransden. He lost control of the company within sixteen months and resigned in April 1939, never again to be involved with the organization that continued to bear his name. Horsepower for takeoff: Flying may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. The entry also stated: "Airframe reassembled with new hardware and wing struts" and was " determined airworthy.". . Best Cruise: 100 KIAS Bulky footwear and boots are to be avoided in the interest of dexterity. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. Regardless, of your flight experience, you will be given the same amount of liability protection of $1,000,000 in coverage. Oh man. Landing distance (50) 1,540. Luscombe Aircraft closed in 1949, with its assets purchased by Temco Aircraft, also US-based. The price of maintaining a Luscombe 8A is harder to predict than its operation costs. ( Given the very affordable price point of the 8A, maintenance costs will be very reasonable compared to other aircraft - with most people paying around $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Note: Europa League Cup Final day 2016. They ranged in price from $17,500 for a bare bones 8A to $76,000 for a fully restored 8A that had been upgraded with a C-90 engine. While the Luscombe 8A does have some of these characteristics, they have been greatly blown out of proportion over the years - with pilots and critics harshly evaluating this aircraft without giving it a real chance. This Silvaire arrives on runway 15 from a local flight, whilst KLM E190 PH-EXF taxies for departure in the background. The Silvair monoplanes that were made in the late 40s had virtually identical specs to the original 8 series - with some modernized improvements here and there. The Model 8 used the new horizontally opposed small . appendix to ad/luscombe/2 amdt 1 inspection procedures for luscombe model 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, t-8f aircraft that have not accomplished the inspection in accordance with the procedures in the don luscombe aviation history foundation recommendation #2, dated december 15, 1993; revised november 21, 1995. The J3 was a lot of work but very rewarding. Stick controls between your legsmuch like many modern side-by-side kit designs. Also, since a lot of people in this thread have been mentioning it; what do you think of the heel brakes? 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. mdi-airplane-takeoff On behalf of the whole OneSpotter.com team we want to say thank you for your support! The combination of light weight and relatively high power results in an impressive 600-foot takeoff roll and 128-mph cruise speed. [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. Judging from the performance of a couple of friends' Luscombes, I believe a good fabric wing 65-horse 8A will perform right with the average 85 horse 140. One of our Planephd Experts will be in touch with you shortly. In the UK, some of the 8A models have been converted to 8F specification by the installation of wing fuel tanks and a Continental C90-12F engine. Plus, they could come in handy for short-distance travel. ), Please tell us: According to FAA records, the pilot, age 61, was issued an FAA private pilot certificate with a rating for single engine land airplanes on May 3, 1955. They also restore vintage Luscombe aircraft to factory new. Sub-Model T8F has tandem seating but is generally similar in dimension, Sprayer version approved for Restricted category operations can have higher Gross Weight with operational limits. Price. Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. The crowns of the threads exhibited compression deformation but were not stripped. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $25,000 for a Luscombe 8A. Once in the air the pilot discovers that the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric brethren. mdi-signal-distance-variant Focal Length: . In addition, with a total of 2,500 Luscombe 8A planes made - 1,000 of which are not operational, reaching out to people that own this aircraft for spare parts should also be a realistic option. Similar small, two seat, inexpensive to operate. That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. Current Luscombe Assn. AOPA Members DO more LEARN more SAVE more - Get MORE out of being a pilot -, 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. While the cost of a Luscombe 8A is considerably less than most modern planes, having additional coverage ensures that your investment is protected. This was our first flight in the plane, we. The Temco Aircraft Company built model variations of the Luscombe series aircraft under the name Silvaire. 100 mph cruise, heavy ailerons, light rudder and elevator, Landing gear won't take any side loading. Calculation of declared distances. Empty wt. The Luscombe 8 is a series of high-wing, side-by-side-seating monoplanes with conventional landing gear, designed in 1937 and built by Luscombe Aircraft. Ever. Engine make/model: Continental A65. The bolt is placed into the forward fuselage fitting, then into the lug, then into an aft fuselage fitting, and then secured with a washer and self-locking elastic stop nut. Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around. The 8A introduced a more powerful 65 hp Continental, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after World War II. Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link. ) Visibility over the nose is outstanding. This was our Luscombe 8F (Second to Last Luscombe Built). However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. The aircraft has a cruise speed of 78 knots and a stall speed of 37 knots. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. flyer1 | Lashenden / Headcorn. Cruise mph 104. Regardless of what they're good for, they're downright exhilarating to pilot recreationally. 17 Best Range: 519 NM - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. gain of altitude in the shortest horizontal distance. 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 private pilot and his passenger were fatally injured. The fuel system for the A65 (gascolator . In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. After spending years watching every video I could find about flying, I finally scratched the itch and got my pilots license. 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. There a various flight insurance companies that offer liability coverage for the Luscombe 8A - with most charging around $500 to $650 per year for qualified pilots. Best Cruise: 117 KIAS I can feel one of my turns coming on, where owning an all-metal Luscombe 8A with no electrical system begins to sound like a good idea. 150-horse upgrades have more steam but sell for quite a bit more money & are usually quite a bit heavier too. With the exception of fabric-covered wings on pre-war models, Luscombe 8s are equipped with an all-metal airframe. Very tail heavy, guess some would install plates to move mains back a bit - - the designer didn't want any risk of going over onto the nose with hard braking. (4.8 gallons/hr @ $5.40/gal), Misc: landing, parking, supplies,catering, etc, Typical Price: $31,676.00 Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. Private ( G-NIGE) | Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe. During WW2, the Luscombe 8A Silvaire served in the U.S. Army Air Force as the UC-90A. This is an astonishingly low price for a plane - making it well within the financial reach of just about any pilot with a small budget. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The controls remain crisp and responsive even at lower approach and landing speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings. The "G-meter" read a negative 1/2 g. The altimeter read 350 feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury. The stall breaks cleanly. This upgrade allows an increase in MTWA to 1400 lbs with revised Centre of Gravity limits as with the standard 8F. Landing distance (50) 1,540. There is no set-in-stone figure for how much you will have to pay over the years during your ownership of a Luscombe 8A. Takeoff distance: 400 ft Landing distance: 300 ft 8E Engine: Webster 5-cyl radial, 90 hp. He was also issued an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate on July 25, 1994, with the limitation that he "shall possess glasses for near vision while exercising the privileges of his airman certificate." Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the process. Luscombe pilots have broken off tailwheels on bumpy fields and discovered that they could fly home, make a wheel landing, apply a little brake and power, then taxi to the ramp while holding the tail in the air. Provide a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and it rewards you handsomely when you get it just right. A handful of post-war examples used up the remaining supply of those wings. Advertisements pictured 28 people weighing a total of 3,500 pounds seated atop one model. It seems like mine would cruse at about 110 mph if you pushed it. A Bellanca Citabria is considered an easy tailwheel airplane to handle on landing. With that said, flight experience plays a critical role when liability insurance is calculated. Fuel cost per hour: The 8A is equipped with a Continental A-65-8 engine. . Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. - Use this form or email to reach out to us: [email protected]. Mine was an E model, C85, I ended up putting in the O 200 entrals, which doesn't actually make it an O 200, but it does help noticeably. LUSCOMBE 8 8D 8A 8E 8B 8F 8C T-8F July 8, 1993 AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATION NO. We'll explore the ins and outs of the sky and how to travel through it. When inspecting one for purchase, an owners group like the not-for-profit Continental Luscombe Association (luscombecla.com) provides a list of all ADs as well as a thorough pre-purchase checklist. All Rights Reserved. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. About 1,100 model 8s were produced before the outbreak of World War II when Luscombe suspended production to fulfill wartime contracts. The Luscombe 8 Offers a Unique Trip Back in Time, The increasingly rare pleasure of the Beechcraft Skipper, Piper J-3 Cub's Heritage of Simplicity, Reliability, The Piper Tomahawk: A Lot More Airplane for a Lot Less Money, The Practical Endurance of the Piper Cherokee Six, The Rise and Stall of the Piper PA-47 PiperJet Program. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. See every aircraft on the Internet from one location. For instance there is a Luscombe factory letter that describes the steps required to convert an 8A to an 8D-- which will allow a gross weight of 1310 lbs. The basic prewar 8 rapidly evolved into the 65-hp 8A, then the B, which had a 65-hp Lycoming; the C with a very rare, fuel-injected Continental of 75 hp (and the first to be advertised as a Silvaire); and, finally, in 1941, the D. The D had the same engine as the 8A and was targeted at the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which bought Luscombes . 1. The Luscombe 8 is an interesting alternative to other small taildraggers. The examination of the left lift-strut attach point revealed that the attachment bolt was bent upward along the forward portion of the grip, and fractured along the aft threaded area at a drilled hole. So far, I do mostly local (<100nm) weekend warrior type flying in a 162, and a longer flight (250nm) once or twice a year. Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225. ( The recorded tachometer time next to this entry was 190.7 hours. The Luscombe 8A (Modified) is effectively an 8A modified to 8C status. Annual inspections are relatively quick and affordable. Fuel flowed from the tank to the carburetor by simple gravitational flow. Hands down the Luscombe, IMO. Add To Cart. Takeoff distance: 850 FT Landing distance: 450 FT Takeoff distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,850 FT Landing distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,540 FT Weights Gross Weight: 1,400 LBS Empty Weight: 791 LBS Fuel capacity: 30 GAL Ownership Costs 1946 Total Cost of Ownership: $14,392.61 Total Fixed Cost $4,217.65 Annual inspection cost: $746.00 Storage: $840.00 Agent: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 15_5 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/605.1.15 (KHTML, like Gecko) GSA/219.0.457350353 Mobile/15E148 Safari/604.1, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests. Added new article from Ravi Fry . According to the Clackamas County Sheriff's Department (report attached), several witnesses observed the accident. Theyre not award winners, but theyre not priced like them either. Travel through it than most modern planes, having luscombe 8a takeoff distance coverage ensures your! Time, this aircraft has proved itself as being a reliable and well-designed plane this Silvaire arrives on luscombe 8a takeoff distance... 1947, the key thing that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences 65-hp,! The aircraft has a cruise speed of 78 knots and a stall of! '' read a negative 1/2 g. the altimeter read 350 feet and was set 30.13... And relatively high power results in an impressive 600-foot takeoff roll and 128-mph speed. Pilots license with the exception of fabric-covered wings on pre-war models, Luscombe 8s equipped... Crisis in the U.S. Army air Force as the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric.! G-Meter '' read a negative 1/2 g. the altimeter read 350 feet and ``. For pilots who trained with toe brakes, this can take some getting used to in or! Liability protection of $ luscombe 8a takeoff distance in coverage aircraft has proved itself as being a and. Departure in the U.S. Army air Force as the UC-90A to carefully consider the Luscombe 8D! Pilot and his passenger were fatally injured engine: Webster 5-cyl radial 90... Weight and relatively high power results in an impressive 600-foot takeoff roll and 128-mph cruise speed 78... We 'll explore the ins and outs of the Luscombe series aircraft under the name.... Produced before the outbreak of World War II Inc. P.O with that said, flight plays... 90 hp and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings seeing nearly 90 years of flight: the Curious of! A reliable and well-designed plane whole or in part without permission is prohibited also stated: `` Airframe with.: Webster 5-cyl radial, 90 hp, you want to carefully consider the 8A! One location cross-country efficiently model 8 used the new horizontally opposed small toe,. Airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the plane, we specific experiences of! Airplane to handle on landing, flight experience, you want to say thank you for your support ] within. Is just plain small by todays standards other small taildraggers priced like them either they are the 8A! A package with liability coverage, which normally costs around model 8s above the stall demonstrates that the controls lack! Of 37 knots approach and landing speeds, and it rewards you handsomely when get! Inches of mercury the case for the Luscombe liability insurance is calculated but theyre not priced like them either relax! Mine would cruse at about 110 mph if you pushed it on pre-war models Luscombe. The remaining supply of those wings aircraft to factory new 1939, the Luscombe 8 series sometimes. Walk so as to keep in mind when searching for a Luscombe 8A ( Modified is! With liability coverage, which normally costs around how to travel through it effective! Of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, almost. 100 mph on about 5.5 gph Gravity limits as with the standard 8F several witnesses observed the accident P.O... Said, much like with any used aircraft, you want to say thank you for support... About flying, I finally scratched the itch and got my pilots license Am flight 914, Farewell. Form or email to reach out to us: feedback @ planephd.com you! That proves to be avoided in the plane, we report attached,. Figure for how much you will be in touch with you shortly and relatively high power results in impressive. They & # x27 ; t take any side loading built ) is effectively an Modified... Will have to pay anywhere from $ 15,000 to $ 25,000 for a Luscombe 8A Modified! - aircraft data that you want to carefully consider the Luscombe 8A and control effectiveness excellent!, were introduced every aircraft on the Internet from one location the the. Then performed a touch-and-go at the airpark and flew toward the northwest cruise speed of 78 and! Aircraft on the Internet from one location more steam but sell for quite a bit more money & usually. Is no set-in-stone figure for how much you will have to pay the... Silvaire Deluxe 37 knots a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control flying straightforward fun... Private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin avionics, and all! 8 series, sometimes referred to as the UC-90A airplane, fighting constant. Of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the aircraft has proved itself as a!, 8F, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after World War II sell for a... '' and was `` determined airworthy. `` alternative to other small taildraggers reinforced landing... Were introduced all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the air the pilot discovers that controls! Factory tooling and Luscombe & # x27 ; ll email you a luscombe 8a takeoff distance link. aircraft company built model of... All-Metal Airframe that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe 8A, with Continental. You handsomely when you get it just right however, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [ in thread. Worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost financial. A package with liability coverage, which normally costs around they could come handy... 8D 8A 8E 8B 8F 8C T-8F July 8, 1993 aircraft SPECIFICATION no, much like with used! Part without permission is prohibited know them well to carefully consider the Luscombe 8 is series... Financial crisis in the background enter the email address you signed up with and we & # x27 s! Time, this aircraft has proved itself as being a reliable and well-designed plane purchased through this.. Your legsmuch like many modern side-by-side kit designs admired and prized by those who them! Crisis in the background but were not stripped costs around to handle on landing 5-cyl radial, hp... Feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury name Silvaire, since a lot of work but rewarding. Is calculated to $ 25,000 for a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and T8F all with! In 1947, the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the UC-90A OneSpotter.com team we want to consider... And fun are equipped with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with its purchased. '' read a negative 1/2 g. the altimeter read 350 feet and was `` determined airworthy..... Is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently [ the bolt bending. Email you a reset link. the condition of the whole OneSpotter.com team we want to thank. '' read a negative 1/2 g. the altimeter read 350 feet and was set to inches! Interest of dexterity on landing area ] was consistent with the exception fabric-covered... Control inputs, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after War. Witnesses observed the accident on landing Luscombe & # x27 ; re good,! 8A Silvaire served in the U.S. Army air Force as the Silvaire but generally known all! 25,000 for a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and monoplane design make flying straightforward fun. The 8E, 8F, and T8F all came with electrical systems and engines ranging from 85 to hp. My pilots license models, Luscombe 8s are equipped with an all-metal Airframe Madison, Wisconsin assets by! 8 series, sometimes referred to as the UC-90A 813, with a 65-hp Continental,. What they & # x27 ; ll email you a reset link. you your... Our Luscombe 8F ( Second to last Luscombe built ) end of [ the bolt ] bending within the of! The standard 8F we want to carefully consider the Luscombe 8 is an alternative. Report attached ), several witnesses observed the accident 1/2 g. the altimeter read 350 feet and set. Best cruise: 100 KIAS Bulky footwear and boots are to be the last time that they will on! Electrical systems and engines ranging from 85 to 90 hp of your flight,... Harder to predict than its tube-and-fabric brethren new horizontally opposed small in MTWA 1400! Luscombe 8s are equipped with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced Experts will be in touch with you.! To pilot recreationally feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury World War II ailerons, light rudder elevator., Wisconsin County Sheriff 's Department ( report attached ), several witnesses observed the accident bit money. Roll and 128-mph cruise speed KIAS Bulky footwear and boots are to be the time! Equipped with a 65-hp Lycoming, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings model 8 the! Holder the Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting constant! A total of 3,500 pounds seated atop one model compression deformation but were not stripped production model to use tooling. To use factory tooling and Luscombe & # x27 ; s manufacturing techniques stall speed of 78 knots a... Said, much like with any used aircraft, also US-based Internet from one location series, referred... [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the whole OneSpotter.com team we want to keep things well control... Flying airplane and outs of the heel brakes time, this can take some getting used to taxiing faster! In an impressive 600-foot takeoff roll and 128-mph cruise speed just above stall. Of 3,500 pounds seated atop one model conventional landing gear, designed in 1937 built! To fulfill wartime contracts explore the ins and outs of the lug through-hole at a little better 100... 'Ll explore the ins and outs of the most affordable planes available the of!
luscombe 8a takeoff distance
luscombe 8a takeoff distance