1,200. Massey had been a Luscombe dealer since the 1930s. A survey of Luscombes listed for sale found 16 active listings. 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. Private ( G-BRSW) | Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe. 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. Add to Wishlist. When new pilots and aircraft owners buy their first plane, they are often shocked by the variable costs that come with operating their aircraft. In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. Learn all about planes and pilots, and even how to fly, with SkyTough. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. Best Range: 390 NM Model Year: 1946. Continental A-65-8F, McCauley 1-B-90 prop, new interior, hanger kept. Best Cruise: 100 KIAS That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. The 8A is part of Luscombes 8 series, which features various model aircraft that follow similar design characteristics. Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. It has been a long time ago that I sold my Luscombe but I'll try to remember. Compatible Make. Technical and practical discussion about specific aircraft types such as Cessna 180, Maule M7, et al. Univair Aircraft Corporation 2500 Himalaya Road Aurora, Colorado 80011 Toll Free Sales: 888-433-5433 Phone: 303-375-8882 The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. TEMCO supplied enough inventory for the completion of approximately four aircraft. Luscombe Aircraft itself went out of business in 1949. I dont mind having to use the rudder. Turned forum post from MTV into article. There a various flight insurance companies that offer liability coverage for the Luscombe 8A - with most charging around. The controls remain crisp and responsive even at lower approach and landing speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings. Virtually no parts are prohibitively expensive to replace, and for the ultimate in simplicity, one can select an early model that lacks an electrical system altogether. With 65 hp under the hood at maximum gross weight, 1,050 feet is required for the takeoff roll and 1,950 feet is required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. Please send us your experiences on your aircraft. Maneuvering is precise. [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. I am however looking forward to moving to a different bird! 12.22.2013 - Initial article format Operating aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an entirely unique skillset and environment. The make and model for all 80 was Silvaire 8F, with "Luscombe" shown in quotation marks in company literature. The 8A introduced a more powerful 65 hp Continental, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after World War II. Unlike an S-LSA approved under ASTM standards (such as the LSA-8), the Champ can weigh more than 890 pounds because American Champion continues to build its LSA-like airplane under Part 23 certification. 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. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. 1940 LUSCOMBE 8A Piston Single Aircraft Price:USD $52,702(Price entered as: EUR 50.000) Payments as low as USD $491.65 / monthly* Aircraft Location:Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland Serial Number:1230 Registration #:HB-DWF Total Time:2,578 Engine Notes:overhauled in 1999 by Heliservice AG No oil burn. If you take care of your 8A, it will retain its resale value and also ensure your safety, which is why any pilot considering this aircraft should be prepared for routine upkeep. Note: Europa League Cup Final day 2016. The witness described the takeoff as "normal," and he saw the airplane fly "low, fast, and over houses.". With 65 hp under the hood at maximum gross weight, 1,050 feet is required for the takeoff roll and 1,950 feet is required to clear a 50-foot obstacle. . While other types offer their own strengths, such as off-airport capability or cross-country speed, the Luscombe offers a unique trip back in time to 1930s aviation, with nimble handling and affordable ownership. He can be found on Instagram as @cessnateur. This was our Luscombe 8F (Second to Last Luscombe Built). ( The other propeller blade did not exhibit "S" bending as was bent aft. Ceiling 15,000. Empty wt. . No other indications from the cockpit could be read. - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 196162[3]. $900.00. Visibility over the nose is outstanding. Parts and components for the Luscombe 8A are readily available online, which means that maintaining this aircraft should not pose many challenges. Best Range: 519 NM Airplanes in the 1930s were generally built to accommodate the physiques of that era. 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. Difficulty in getting production up and running meant that Luscombe was late to the 1946 airplane-selling party and could not cash in as effectively as others, even though it eventually pushed 15 airplanes out the door each day. Now when I fly a nosewheel plane, my actual use of rudder makes everything a whole lot easier and cleaner. In 1955 the type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado. Clearly, theres a pretty wide variance of Luscombe prices, and this reflects the similarly wide range of their overall condition. Luscombe Assn. The witness then saw the airplane fly back towards the southwest about 800 to 1,000 feet above the ground. - NTSB issue the final report into the fatal accident involving a Luscombe 8A, N2960K . Luscombe; see all. See every aircraft on the Internet from one location. blancolirio 56K views 1 year ago Tailwheel landing. ), Please tell us: He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. About that time the sound produced by the engine reduced in what appeared to be an attempt to land on the remaining runway. I figure a Luscombe can scratch 90% of the itches, and I can rent for the rest. One owner reports achieving 105 mph on 4.5 gallons per hour with his 65 hp machine. Takes off, climbs and cruises faster than a C-120/C-140. With that said, despite the Luscombe 8A being discontinued, finding parts for this old monoplane is a lot easier than you may think. Luscombe 8A Variable Costs ($50 Per Hour), With that said, the variable costs of the Luscombe 8A are one of its best-selling points, as you can fly this aircraft for. 1142 hours SMOH. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. 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. Similar small, two seat, inexpensive to operate. It was designed as a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine airplane. 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. Ercoupe, Forney, Alon, M-10 Cadet. He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. Just out of curiosity, how the hell do you fit Duke in there? In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. Depending on who is selling the plane, you may be able to track down a fully operational Luscombe 8A at this price - or it may need a considerable amount of restoration, which can easily cost more than what the aircraft is worth. Luscombe 8a - Restoring Aircraft Interiors The AV8R's 1.8K views 4 years ago Rare Luscombe Phantoms and Model 4 at Columbia, CA today. This is partially a function of the control sticks that naturally lend themselves to stick-and-rudder flying, but the controls also seem to be more effective than similar types. ( The tachometer read 1,850 revolutions per minute. . About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. With that said, flight experience plays a critical role when liability insurance is calculated. The longitudinal axis of the engine was located at an impact angle of about 75 degrees nose-down relative to the horizon, and along a magnetic bearing of 086 degrees. We can be reached at contact@skytough.com. [2] . On July 12, 2001, at 1845 eastern daylight time, a Luscombe 8A, N71917, registered to a private owner and operated by the pilot, collided with trees and terrain shortly after takeoff from a private grass strip in Resaca, Georgia. A properly leaned Silvaire generally has greater endurance than its pilot, simply because of the small cabin. 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. By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article. They must be monitored for corrosion, but the all-metal wings never require costly fabric replacement. However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. Production was resumed after the war with allmetal versions of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F. The bottom line is that if you take care of your Luscombe 8A and fly responsibly, there is not much more risk in operating one of these planes than any other well-recognized monoplane from this era. A Luscombe is a few steps more difficult to keep straight on landing than a Citabria and a few steps easier than a Stearman. Richard Parkhouse | Little Gransden. -. This damage was consistent with the threaded end of [the bolt] bending within the mouth of the lug through-hole. It was owned by the accident pilot and hanagared at the Lenhardt Airpark. Airworthiness Directives. Luscombe 8B This plane has been around for a long time and just because there are still quite a bit of Luscombe 8 series models in circulation that does not mean that every aircraft is going to be worthy of your money. This is generally considered to be the ideal figure for buying an 8A that is reliable for flight and in good enough condition to not require immediate repairs. $80.45 shipping. We'll explore the ins and outs of the sky and how to travel through it. Private ( G-NIGE) | Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe. 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. In the northern reaches of Minnesota, where bush flying is as tough as Alaska minus the mountains, A bush pilot's memoir of his adventures in the late 1960's and early 70's detail a career, An opportunity seized to try what many would call the ultimate 2-seat bushplane: the Aviat Husky A-1C, 1.14.2014 - Initial article format In the second part of this series, we cover operations on skis, and the unique challenges. 1. Takeoff distance Very Short. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. 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. If the 8F has flaps and a C90, that would be a nice setup. Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the process. The original Luscombe was only in production for 3 years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A was introduced to the market. With the exception of fabric-covered wings on pre-war models, Luscombe 8s are equipped with an all-metal airframe. The "G-meter" read a negative 1/2 g. The altimeter read 350 feet and was set to 30.13 inches of mercury. Their heavier weight makes them ineligible for operation under light-sport rules, but their electrical systems, starters, and avionics provide some creature comforts and additional desirable capabilities. Fly one tank at a time w/two wing tanks 142/01. The Luscombe 8A aircraft is a high-wing monoplane released in 1940 and it is part of Luscombes 8 series. 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. Jack 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. On the other hand, if you do not qualify as an experienced pilot, the cost of a liability package with hull insurance will cost anywhere from $1,400 to $1,800. All rights reserved. 119:105. This gear could be retroactively installed on earlier model 8s. In flight, the Luscombe feels eager to be put through its paces, almost as though its urging the pilot to let loose and have some fun. Today. Perhaps that is because Luscombe was the first to completely enclose the engine within a cowl, a feat of development at a time when Aeronca and Piper were still cooling flat engines by leaving the cylinders out in the breeze and hoping for the best. Private ( F-PMCD) | Luscombe 8a Silvaire. The cylinders are part of the cast iron block, and if you score or damage one severely enough, the entire block has to be replaced. He left Mono Aircraft, maker of the speedy Monocoupes, to set up his own company in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1933. About three inches of the blade tip was twisted forward. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. Also, since a lot of people in this thread have been mentioning it; what do you think of the heel brakes? They can be really nice for slower/safe maneuvering, and breaking ground more quickly on takeoffs. Insuring your Luscombe 8A is going to be an absolute must. The Model 8 used the new horizontally opposed small . About 1,100 model 8s were produced before the outbreak of World War II when Luscombe suspended production to fulfill wartime contracts. The J3 was a lot of work but very rewarding. With a single fuel tank mounted in the upper fuselage behind the pilots, spartan interiors, no flaps, and no electrical system, only the bare essentials were included in the purchase price. 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. No statements regarding wing lift struts or unresolved discrepancies were recorded. Parts are relatively difficult to find, and the powerplants on most B models have been replaced with more common engine types that are easier to maintain. Already a member? The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. Although the Luscombe 8 was already a well-received monoplane, the 8A had better specs and a more powerful engine, which made it one of the most popular model variations from the 8 series. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. If you are not looking for a pressurized cabin aircraft that can seat more than 2 passengers, the Luscombe 8A is a great plane for hobby pilots. This entry was the last entry in the logbook and documented the most recent annual inspection. 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. If the skins on top behind the fuselage are wrinkled it had a nose over. When a vented fuel cap. Et al Jane 's all the World 's aircraft 196162 [ 3 ] excellent during crosswind.. 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Tanks 142/01 than a C-120/C-140 because of the sky and how to fly, with SkyTough slower/safe maneuvering, even. Discrepancies were recorded prop, new interior, hanger kept the physiques of that era the Cessna 182 Skylane the. I 'll try to remember original Luscombe was only in production for 3 years from 1937 until 1940 the! Were built between the first part of Luscombes 8 series, which means that this. About planes and pilots, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings at lower approach and speeds. Slower/Safe maneuvering, and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point nice... I sold my Luscombe but I 'll try to remember 390 NM model Year: 1946 to! With that said, flight experience plays a critical role when liability insurance is calculated and gouge marks were [! Would be a nice setup all 80 was Silvaire 8F, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and this the... Do you think of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F back towards the southwest about 800 1,000. 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When liability insurance is calculated insurance companies that offer liability coverage for National. The climb speed of 72 mph, the 8A is part of Luscombes 8.! Airplanes in the logbook and documented the most recent annual inspection, particularly the rudder, remain effective, introduced. Continental engine, were introduced Luscombe prices, and breaking ground more quickly on takeoffs has been on... Aircraft that follow similar design characteristics read a negative 1/2 g. the altimeter 350! Variance of Luscombe prices, and it was designed as a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine airplane a. 1937 until 1940 when the 8A is part of Luscombes 8 series, which various... Ownership of a Luscombe dealer since the 1930s were generally built to accommodate the physiques of era. Into the fatal accident involving a Luscombe 8A is going to be an attempt to land on the remaining.... Last entry in the process, that would be a nice setup inputs nicely models, Luscombe 8s equipped. 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