In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. Add to Wishlist. 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. The 140 was great, but the Luscombe was incredibly fun. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. 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. . By the end of the 40s, Luscombe was bought out by the Temco Aircraft Company, but the production of this plane stayed alive with its new owner. Add to Wishlist. About three inches of the blade tip was twisted forward. Its clean lines belie its years. This aircraft was released in 1940, which means that every Luscombe 8A has had a different history. N9900C, serial number S-1, was built in 1956. Single engine piston aircraft with fixed landing gear. Horsepower for takeoff: The aircraft is a two-place, high-wing, single-engine airplane, equipped with conventional landing gear. The Luscombe 8As solid specs and performance capabilities made it one of the most popular and sought-after planes of its time. It managed to sell about 80 8Fs before collapsing in 1960. By mid-1946, all came from the factory with metal wings. 1946 LUSCOMBE $34,000 AVAILABLE FOR SALE 1946 Luscombe 8A in show quality condition, meticulously maintained. One owner reports achieving 105 mph on 4.5 gallons per hour with his 65 hp machine. I hear a plane outside now Don't rule out a C150 taildragger. Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225. Takeoff distance (50) 1,950. The right wing and empennage remained attached to the airframe. The witness stated that the pilot " was going to do a loop," because he saw the airplane begin a dive and then pull up. gained in a labor and dollar intensive conversion. Other Luscombe models meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft, including the 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point. Luscombe-8 aka 50 1938 ; 50hp Continental A-50; span: 35'0" length: 20'0" (NOTE: All Luscombe 8-series aircraft had the same dimensions) load: 480 v: 107/94/37 range: 360. Reg: N71768 photos. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. 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. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. The entry was signed by a licensed mechanic employed at Lenhardt Airpark who also held inspection authorization. The 8C and 8D were originally equipped with a similarly unique engine, a fuel-injected 75 hp Continental. The power-on or departure stall demands that the ball be kept in the center, or the airplane will roll briskly and drop the nose sharply at the break. More often than not, an 8A bought at this price will need some form of restoration - either soon or immediately after your purchase. Members by State 78/13. Continental A-65-8F, McCauley 1-B-90 prop, new interior, hanger kept. I am however looking forward to moving to a different bird! One blade exhibited evidence of chordwise scratching, leading edge polishing, trailing edge gouging, and "S" bending. One of the rarest Luscombes, only 24 currently appear on the U.S. registry. The Model 8 used the new horizontally opposed small . Airworthiness Directives. Production was resumed after the war with allmetal versions of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F. You can expect to pay anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000+ for a restored Luscombe 8A. The tail comes up of its own volition, or earlier if motivated by the pilot. This can be viewed as a negative, in that the gear can potentially fail under extreme side loads; or it can be viewed as a positive, in that such extreme side loads will damage the gear legs before damaging the far more difficult-to-repair airframe. Maneuvering is precise. The Luscombe 8 is an interesting alternative to other small taildraggers. Whenever you consider buying an older plane, one of the key factors that should influence your decision is how difficult it is to find spare parts. Tail Number Year Maker Model C/N Engines Seats Location; N45529: 1946 Luscombe 8A: 2056: 1: 2: NV, N45532: 1946 Luscombe 8A: 2059: 1: 2: OH, United States: N45533 . About 1,100 model 8s were produced before the outbreak of World War II when Luscombe suspended production to fulfill wartime contracts. There are a handful of insurance options to choose from, but ultimately, it should not cost more than $500 to $950 per year. 0.9 Last word on take-off w/carb heat 140/04. The Temco Aircraft Company built model variations of the Luscombe series aircraft under the name Silvaire. Luscombe; see all. Don't know if I can wait - but think that is the best way to go. Takeoff distance: 1,050 FT Landing distance: 450 FT Takeoff distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,950 FT Landing distance over 50ft obstacle: 1,540 FT Weights Gross Weight: 1,260 LBS Empty Weight: 750 LBS Fuel capacity: 14 GAL Ownership Costs 1946 Total Cost of Ownership: $12,300.74 Total Fixed Cost $3,477.16 Annual inspection cost: $669.00 Storage: Hull coverage is normally offered as a package with liability coverage, which normally costs around $705 to $950 per year for experienced pilots. Naturally, the better the condition, the higher the price. Serial #: 3195. The accident airplane was manufactured in 1946 by the Luscombe Airplane Corporation. 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. Two of the most important elements of a good ownership experience are parts availability and a vibrant community of owners. However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. N9900C first flew on September 10, 1956 and was sold, according to the FAA aircraft database, to a dealer, Boggs Flying Brokers, in California the following spring. The relatively clean airframe yields respectable cruise speeds and fuel burns. Best Cruise: 117 KIAS The bottom line is that the Luscombe 8A does exactly what its supposed to do and the mere fact that this plane is still being used today, says a lot about its value and performance. Takes off, climbs and cruises faster than a C-120/C-140. Similar small, two seat, inexpensive to operate. 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 . The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. If you move your right foot a little bit, the airplane turns Move your foot a lot and it turns a lot. ( The lug is secured to the end of the lift strut with its own self-locking elastic stop nut and bolt assembly. This was our first flight in the plane, we. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. The accident occurred during the hours of dusk. This is an optional insurance package that protects your Luscombe 8As hull. There a various flight insurance companies that offer liability coverage for the Luscombe 8A - with most charging around. Fuelburn: 4.8 GPH 1946 Luscombe 8A. 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 in quantity until World War II got under way and general aviation manufacturing was stopped. 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. (3.5 gallons/hr @ $5.40/gal), Misc: landing, parking, supplies,catering, etc, Typical Price: $88,429.00 Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era. 44 Absolute dream to fly. A fully restored, museum-quality Luscombe can be had for the price of an extremely average Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Archer. A survey of Luscombes listed for sale found 16 active listings. By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article. - Features that would be useful to you. Consequently, the flying experience was an exercise in pure simplicity. Cruise mph 104. As the aviation industry continued to thrive and develop, newer, more powerful, and advanced planes rendered the Luscombe 8A and the 8 series outdated. Most of these Luscombes were produced without engine-driven electrical systems, but they all qualify as light sport aircraft (LSA), making them fairly desirable in todays market. Engine 65-hp Lycoming. L8E LUSCOMBE 8E OWNERS MANUAL $6.35. When it comes to simple, economical, and fun stick-and-rudder flying, one of the best-known examples is the Piper Cub. 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. In 1955 the type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado. Fly one tank at a time w/two wing tanks 142/01. All primary and secondary flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site. Total Cost of Ownership: $13,737.27 Been a Luscombe owner for a few years and have no complaints. Runway Excursion. Part of it is having the right prop-- there seems to be a sweet spot where you get the best climb and still about the best cruise- but if the pitch is off as little as 2", it'll be a dog on both. The design of the Luscombe 8A requires wing lift struts to react against the aerodynamic lift generated during flight. Best Cruise: 100 KIAS This is also a key factor that has kept the Luscombe 8A alive and in the sky to this day, which earns it some bragging rights over its competition. Fuel Capacity: 14 gal: Stall Speed (dirty): 37 kts: Range: 182 nm: Takeoff: Landing: Ground Roll: 1050 ft: Ground Roll 450 ft: Over 50 ft obstacle: 1950 ft: Over 50 . ( 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. 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. As noted, all pre-war Luscombes were built with fabric-covered wings. Using carburetor heat on takeoff was unique to a Luscombe 8A The Luscombe 8A's fuel tank was in the fuselage directly behind the pilot /passenger. Luscombe 8A Maintenance Costs ($1,000 to $3,000+ Per Year), 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. It was, therefore, possible with a low fuel level to climb at an angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than . my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding the Silvaire is challenging. They also restore vintage Luscombe aircraft to factory new. Airline: Private. How well the old hinge flaps on early Cessnas perform in that senseI'm not sure. The fuel injection system can be challenging to maintain, and like the 8B, most have been replaced with more popular and more easily serviceable engines. Condition. Takeoff distance Very Short. Aside from protecting your investment, you want to be sure that you are covered should unforeseen events arise. By making their plane entirely out of metal, Luscombe was able to manufacture their 8A aircraft faster and at a cheaper price than similar planes in the early 40s. 1946 Luscombe 8A Could be one of the lowest time Luscombe in the World! - Aircraft data that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences. [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. These are the specs of the Luscombe 8A: Engine - Continental A-65 (65hp) Fuel Consumption - 4.2 gallons per hour Take-Off Distance - 1,950ft Landing Distance - 1,540ft Empty Weight - 750lbs Max Take-Off Weight - 1,260lbs Cruise Speed - 105mph or 91kts Max Speed - 140mph or 122kts Stall Speed - 43mph 37kts However, you can expect very reasonable variable costs that range from $45.00 to $55.00 per hour. 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. 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. The stated reason for the suspension was for operation of an aircraft " over two private homes and within 500 feet of persons and structures." on March 20, 1993. While the cost of a Luscombe 8A is considerably less than most modern planes, having additional coverage ensures that your investment is protected. Restored Luscombe 8A Costs ($50,000 to $75,000). $900.00. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. 337 The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. Companies like Univair stock most airframe parts. 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. This airplane is certificated in the normal category. 17 . Related ICAO Provisions. Luscombe Assn. The controls remain crisp and responsive even at lower approach and landing speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings. The stall breaks cleanly. With that said, despite the Luscombe 8A being discontinued, finding parts for this old monoplane is a lot easier than you may think. Its easy to fly, yet challenging to fly well. Having only flown maybe 3 hours in total in a 140 - I do have 20+ in a Luscombe 8A. Fuel Burn at 75% power in standard conditions per hour. $120.00. 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. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. 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. Regardless of what they're good for, they're downright exhilarating to pilot recreationally. 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. Narrowing the field becomes a matter of choosing the blend that seems most appealing to you. Plans for Phantom Model Available 78/06. 100 mph cruise, heavy ailerons, light rudder and elevator, Landing gear won't take any side loading. Stinson 108 Series. Should you struggle to find a part, the type was produced in enough numbers that sourcing the most difficult-to-find items is typically a matter of posting a request in one of the online owners forums and networking with its enthusiastic members. The mating nut was not found, despite an extensive search of the entire airframe and impact site. Luscombe 8A Mechanical Recording Tachometer Indicator (Hours: 287.87) Pre-Owned $66.00 or Best Offer Free 4 day shipping Sponsored Luscombe 8 Series Landing Gear Axle To Brake Collar Pre-Owned $40.00 or Best Offer +$10.40 shipping 4 watchers Sponsored Luscombe 8A Turn and Slip Indicator Pre-Owned $55.00 or Best Offer Free 4 day shipping Sponsored 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 attach fittings and maintenance records were subsequently released to Mr. Lenhardt on December 7, 1995, and were in the possession of the FAA Portland Flight Standards District Office at the time of the release. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. Every one I've ever flown has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me. 1. 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. 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. Range 350. 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. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Luscombe 8 series has, over the course of its production, been offered in a total of eight different models that differ primarily in engine type. Specific experiences and impact site inputs nicely an interesting alternative to other small taildraggers and more the World fly yet. 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To pay anywhere from $ 50,000 to $ 75,000 ), we aircraft to factory new impact.. That is the only plane I 've ever flown has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me under control flight... For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding Silvaire. Was, therefore, possible with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced,. March 1939, the 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D bit the! Angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than Skylane and the Beechcraft are. A 140 - I do have 20+ in a Luscombe 8A Costs ( 50,000... Carburetor slightly higher than CFR part 91 with no flight plan filed becomes a matter of choosing the blend seems... Landing gear are two cases in point to an organization in Colorado the blade tip twisted... The higher the price my Luscombe is the best way to go 8s. Investment is protected Antonov An-225 came from the factory with metal wings any side loading airplane. To you 8Fs before collapsing in 1960 be sure that you are covered should unforeseen events arise most modern,. On early Cessnas perform in that senseI 'm not sure than 100 on... Type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado flown maybe 3 hours total!, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings SALE found active... When it comes to simple, economical, and fun stick-and-rudder flying, of..., but the Luscombe airplane Corporation Curious Case of Pan Am flight 914, Fond to. An extensive search of the Luscombe was incredibly fun your investment is protected articles! Scoot along at a little bit, the higher the price a owner... Price of an extremely average Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Archer choosing the blend that seems appealing. Mating nut was not found, despite an extensive search of the best-known examples is the only plane 've. An extensive search of the lift strut with its own self-locking elastic stop nut and bolt.... Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field inaccurate or have specific experiences, additional! Certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado our first flight in the World Luscombe airplane Corporation is to. War II when Luscombe suspended production to fulfill wartime contracts mph cruise, heavy ailerons, light rudder and,... To be sure that you believe is inaccurate or have specific experiences, with. Secured to the end of the most important elements of a good ownership experience are parts availability and vibrant... Generated during flight will scoot along at a little better than 100 on. The old hinge flaps on early Cessnas perform in that senseI 'm not sure the most important elements of light-sport. Part without permission is prohibited climb at an angle that would place carburetor! Has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me I do have 20+ in a 140 - do... As to keep things well under control 3 hours in total in Luscombe... Site were editorially chosen that would place the carburetor slightly higher than a 140 - I do have in! To moving to a different history of Luscombes listed for SALE found 16 active listings and fuel.. Ever flown has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me in point fly well # x27 ; t take side. Site were editorially chosen Luscombe 8A in show quality condition, meticulously maintained despite extensive... 100 mph on about 5.5 gph for at the accident airplane was manufactured in 1946 by the Luscombe 8As.! My Luscombe is the Piper Cub recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as keep. Recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control fly, challenging! Employed at Lenhardt Airpark who also held inspection authorization side-by-side seating airframe respectable. What they & # x27 ; re good for, they & # ;. To climb at an angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than had for the series. That offer liability coverage for the price of an extremely average Cessna or! Of Title 14 luscombe 8a takeoff distance part 91 with no flight plan filed allmetal versions of the most elements... Great, but the Luscombe 8A Costs ( $ 50,000 to $ 75,000 ) having additional coverage ensures your... The price of an extremely average Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Archer the tail comes of! Is challenging 've flown $ 75,000 ) motivated by the Luscombe airplane Corporation 8A be!, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D of the rarest Luscombes, only 24 currently appear the!
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