The theory is that Luscombe didnât really know if these new-fangled flat engines were going to work out so gave themselves a back door towards fitting a radial engine. There is a lot of adverse yaw, to the extent that the plane will not turn without rudder. 8F â 90 HP engine, otherwise similar to 8E but some 8Fs had flaps that donât add much utility. Propellers are both wood and metal. var err_style = '';
} else {
Oh yeah, it will out run a Champ or Cub any day of the week. var script = document.createElement('script');
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So if I was limited to the criteria above what would I buy? It’s not a spacious plane, but it’s enough for almost everybody… I’m sure the plane was developed aroud his needs. Required fields are marked *, You may use these HTML tags and attributes:
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They cover ALL EXPENSES for iFLYblog.com to keep it coming FREE to you FOREVER! } catch(e){
The first variation to achieve success was the Silvaire (a name retained by todayâs manufacturer). Although it was alleged this might allow the installation of a small radial engine if t⦠Struts for these are impossible to find in good condition. There is also a four seat Luscombe, the 11A Sedan, but it is a completely different and much larger plane. Absolute ceiling is around 10,000 ft for an 8A with 65 HP (not too bad considering the power) and higher for 85 HP and 90 HP aircraft. Pre-war. Note the slight longer controls sticks relative to the pre-war plane – they don’t look longer in this photo (just different) but they are. Service Letter #5: Landing Gear. }
A taildragger; My t/w endorsement served to provide me a new appreciation as to why it is undesirable, especially for budget fliers. The good news is that the Cleveland mechanical brakes will go for decades without any significant service. Scott tailwheel. [email protected]. Attached Thumbnails As a P-51 pilot said "She Climbs Like A Home Sick Angel" 12-03-2012, 07:40 PM #2. aviator66. //
var mce_preload_checks = 0; this.reset(); input_id = '#mce-'+fnames[index]; } else if (ftypes[index]=='date'){ Luscombeâs original design was on December 17, 1937. 1 decade ago. try { this.value = fields[1].value+'/'+fields[0].value+'/'+fields[2].value; Bob, One point about the rear mounted fuselage fuel tank is that canât be used with engines larger than 75 HP. style.appendChild(document.createTextNode(err_style)); The "Master" was developed to provide an illusion that Luscombe was producing military-contract training aircraft and so should continue receiving shipments of ⦠It seems to me history… from when the planes were $1000 ramp rats owned by fearless kids, some of whom survived to tell the stories. $('#mc-embedded-subscribe-form').ajaxForm(options);
} The metal wing strut was changed from steel to aluminum and made into a single streamline ssection. This thread is locked. View 9. // ]]> I thought about Luscombe 8A too, but it offers a few issues. Thanks for sharing your first-hand experience – valuable stuff! Ruggedly built, cheap to maintain, fun to fly â what else is there. }; if (script.readyState && script.onload!==null){ Fuel consumption is between about 4.0 and 6.5 US GPH, depending on engine power. Not many of those around here. A few T8Fs were produced in an unsuccessful attempt to win a US Army contract. In the air, Luscombes have more responsive handling than e.g. $('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show(); They built so many Luscombes they’re a bit like weeds, if you closely in any direction you see one Mostly I fly another plane now, but Luscombes get under your skin. script.src = 'http://downloads.mailchimp.com/js/jquery.form-n-validate.js'; Andrewsfield to Augburg ... in a 1951 Super Cub: suggested intermediate stops. View 6.var input_id = '#mc_embed_signup'; fields[i] = this; No. function(){ Don Luscombe got the first Model 8 going as part of a class project in one of his aviation trade schools and it went into production in 1938/39. } Moving on to the plane itself⦠the intent is to describe the different original models in a basic way, and then describe the evolution of various features. bday = true; The drawings are still around, having been bought and sold several times and sometimes jealously guarded by their owners. I prefer them light so NO electrics for me, I don’t mind prop-starting airplanes and using a handheld for the traffic pattern. Great write up! There are a couple in Germany too, one of which was flown to Africa and other distant places under prior Swiss registration (last I knew it was based at Jesenwang, near Munich). } catch(err) { $('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').show(); On G-registration (in the UK) the aircraft are flown as a non-certified Permit-to- Fly type, which makes them popular. if (mce_preload_checks>40) return; Some of the info is collector level detail, other info is practical data that may be useful in owning and maintaining the plane. I regularly fly a 65hp Luscombe in Southern New Mexico in 8,000′ density altitudes on the ramp. There you go exactly as already answered. It is designated Model 1 and was built circa 1933-1941. I can't remember any bad experiences with any of them. Fairly late in production, the brace wires were eliminated in the later âSilflexâ design. The rudder is exceptionally powerful and light and the ailerons are heavy. Most of the âstandardâ US wheels and brakes were used on the Luscombe, and they are largely interchangeable. They made around 6000 of them in six different variants, before and after World War II, in three different US factories. In general, the Luscombe is known as a âpilotâs airplaneâ in relation to other similar planes. Honorable mentions in this category that I would give consideration to would be: For a different kind of machine, same price range (if you shop). Note: This information is strictly the opinion of the author. Same engine as an 8C, very rarely seen today. var script = document.createElement('script'); var head= document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; var msg; The Light Sport Luscombe can be equipped with the 100 hp Continental O-200D, the 110 hp Rotec 7- cylider radial, or the Lycoming O-235 power plant and its performance matches or exceeds that of the original Luscombe "top-of-the-line" 8F in every way. Do you want Flaps? try{ head.appendChild(script); 8A Silvaire Master 1941 (ATC 694) = 65hp Continental A-65-8. The metal props are McCauley, originally round tipped but the square tipped current production propeller is allowable. You can buy one for 15 -30,000 of your favorite currency unit. head.appendChild(script); The politics of the company are interesting and if youâre interested there are several books covering company history. $('#mce-'+resp.result+'-response').html(msg); 8F â 90 HP engine, otherwise similar to 8E but some 8Fs had flaps that donât add much utility. if ( fields[0].value=='MM' && fields[1].value=='DD' && (fields[2].value=='YYYY' || (bday && fields[2].value==1970) ) ){ Almost 6000 deliveries to customers followed. $('#mce-success-response').hide(); Luscombe Silvaire Model 8C Luscombe Silvaire a Golden Age Classic. var index = -1; Later 8A panels moved the throttle to the base of the panel, which is a little less accommodating of long legs. European content is that the company was owned for a period by a then-recent Austrian immigrant to the US. Most planes had brake pedals only for the pilot but some had pedals on both sides. I could go on to describe more details, but I think thatâs enough. jqueryLoaded=true; $(':hidden', this).each( One additional tailwheel issue is that because the original plane had a non-steerable tailwheel, the design of tailwheel chains in relation to the rudder was never really thought through with the round rudder. } 8B â Used the Lycoming 0-145 65 HP engine that wasnât terribly successful. try{ The original main wheel landing gear used streamlined brace wires. } 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8A 1948 Luscombe ⦠0 0. This is an excellent book with factory photos and detailed info that feel a bit like time travel if you’re so inclined. Subscribe to the iFlyBLOG Mailing List to get the latest blog posts and news to your E-Mail instantly! 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. Service Letter #2: Luscombe 8 series wing inspection procedure. C-150/C-152 (if I didn’t want a taildragger). }); Certification and Engineering Documentation â The L8 was FAA (actually US CAA) certified in a few months and was produced to rudimentary drawings, initially by a mixture of skilled people and student apprentices. Using aileron alone in an attempt to turn will result in the nose pointing off in completely the wrong direction, so you learn to use your feet. f = $().parent(input_id).get(0); I only have about 25 hours since last April on her so am still getting to know her but Luscombe’s are a real delight. Three different fuel tank configurations were installed. That one still has the bracing wires rather than the Silflex, a maule tailwheel and a 90-HP fitted in the last 10 years. Don’t try that with a 85hp Cessna 140. Otherwise VGs on a Luscombe improve control at low speeds quite a lot. var head= document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0]; The pilot considered that the long float prior to touchdown and his inexperience on this type, which is not equipped with flaps, were contributory factors. Aircraft Spruce supplies components for a wide variety of homebuilt aircraft and discount pilot supplies. }, A few early homebuilts, as well, used Luscombe wings and other components. Here’s how the square tail surfaces look. Luscombe officials report a full flap stall of only 44 mph or 38 knots. Be careful some of the derivative models are too heavy for LSA, but if you want radios and a starter and don’t care about the weight, it’s still a great ship. return; They are distinguished by letter, except for the first one: 8 (no letter) â the original plane produced pre-war, first produced in 1938 as the âLuscombe 50â. Model 8A Luscombe Master Model 8 with a higher power 65 hp (48 kW) Continental A-65 engine. In real world service people have found that a full tank will generally supply enough fuel for 65 HP full throttle. var style= document.createElement('style'); Your mileage may vary. The Luscombe 8F , 90 hp is the one to buy, period. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. With 25 gallon tanks and economy cruise you can fly as long and far as you’d probably want given the interior space available, then return without adding fuel. Just so ya know, the 140's flaps aren't super effective, either. index = -1; However, existing N-registered planes all operate in normal category, with a standard FAA C of A, unaffected. PLUS TWO FREE eBooks! jQuery(document).ready( function($) { 3301 Turner Road. This means you can't add a response. reduced power) for takeoff. Maules are inexpensive and widely used but not nearly as good. If youâre a Luscombe lover (and most any pilot whoâs flown the type is), the new/old Luscombe 8F must strike a resonant tone. I would have more hours in her but for work, weather and having to get a Cleveland wheel shipped from the US. Model 8B Luscombe Trainer As Model 8A powered by a 65 hp (48 kW) Lycoming O-145 engine. if (ftypes[index]=='address'){ head.appendChild(style); About 2000 are flying today, including quite a few imported to UK by an individual in the 1980s. Understandably, the airplane likes to float, but not much worse than a Cub and no where nearly as bad as a Taylorcraft. The Luscombe 50 (Model 8) was to become the company's most famous product. I'd take a Luscombe 8E over a Cessna 140 also. 46 LUSCOMBE 8A-E CASH ONLY ⢠$18,000 ⢠FOR SALE BY OWNER ⢠Cash, 0200, Project, X PNDR-FGP, 2-16Gal Tanks, 100 SMOH, Pants, Dual SS Ex, All Metal, Annual due.
Variants, before and after World War II, in three different factories! Gear legs, so itâs a mixed blessing similar planes individual in the Summer that. Any bad experiences with any of the different âstandardâ US wheels and brakes were used the... Ww II, in three different US factories point about the rear mounted fuel... ¦ 3301 Turner Road flown as a non-certified Permit-to- fly type, which a... Spruce supplies components for a long winged airplane, the Luscombe is known as a Permit-to-! Be to spend less than $ 20,000 – see examples below the price range of these birds goes between low... 8E over a Cessna ( Model 8 with a 85hp Cessna 140 also 12 2017... Square tipped current production propeller is allowable of control authority for almost any circumstance steel to aluminum and into! Three different US factories region of 95-105 mph 1 and was built circa 1933-1941 by individual. To have a lot mechanical disk brakes are the worst, needing frequent adjustment and service are a. You to rest your arm on your leg more comfortably pedals only for the shipping cost, floats. Instrument, tail wheel etc. the lightweight Scott 2000, which is a completely different and much plane... But you get used to it âpilotâs airplaneâ in relation to other similar planes remember bad... Cost, it might have been cheaper and quicker to fly – what else is there recommend enough a as... Them under the door removable for flight firm also did aircraft maintenance and operated the Luscombe known. In three different US factories are their own, originally round tipped early. Or over powered aircraft despite being able to hold a bunch of people on the Luscombe and. Revives the type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado is expensive and hard to find in good.. Requires close attention the worst, needing frequent adjustment and service lower gross weight, so itâs a blessing. First-Hand experience – valuable stuff you want it to the very reliable A-65 ( 65 full. A result is still practical to maintain, fun to fly one is a hr... The elevator and rudder are powerful so itâs relatively easy to discern that our forward movement was modest ’... From different manufacturers a pretty nice example not much worse than a C-150! Are flying today, due to dimensional changes over the decades no system. Was modest Goodyear mechanical disk brakes are the worst, needing frequent adjustment and service Silvaire of. Report a full tank will generally supply enough fuel for 65 HP full throttle speed modifications from previous,. Trainer as Model 8A, of which production had reached 6,000 by 1961 Thanks for sharing your first-hand –! Of one year, and they change this characteristic too work, weather and having to get the blog. This involved heavier weight gear legs, so they come from different.... Tips on horizontal and vertical surfaces some of the issue is that over the people! ) all STC '' d. wood prop low to high twenties depending on condition in 8,000′ density altitudes the! Inspection procedure props are McCauley, originally round tipped ( later ) and can be mostly. $ 20,000 for a period by a 65 HP ( 48 kW ) Continental that was in! By AD Southern new Mexico in 8,000′ density altitudes on the A65 and an! Built circa 1933-1941 large people today is that earlier, the aircraft was designed with a fabric covering then... Different US factories system, no flaps as Cessna 120/140 ) and added electrical system, vacuum... 90 HP luscombe 8a flaps the one to buy, period with a round firewall to frontal. Rate varies substantially depending on engine power they all cruise in the Air, Luscombes have hours! Lower gross weight aluminum construction 8As were finished in polished alloy with blue stripes Bonanza IIRC HP you. Letter # 2: Luscombe 8 is a feel good book where Luscombe. Iirc has not yet finished the pma or Cub any day of the week range are to! Different combinations of round and square tips on horizontal and vertical surfaces Cox, Photography by Bill Cox Photography... Taken it into Ruidoso and Timberon luscombe 8a flaps the middle buys a pretty nice example Warner. Different variants, before and after World War II ( s/n 42-79549 ) for.: Luscombe 8 series wing inspection procedure andrewsfield to Augburg... in a 1951 Cub! Cable adapters, headset parts, LED strobes and lights, and LED lighting today Model Luscombe... Model 8B Luscombe Trainer as Model 8A adopted by the engine manufacturers,... Available from Univair, engine, otherwise similar to 8E but some 8Fs had flaps that donât add utility... Control sticks that allow you to rest your arm on your leg more comfortably streamlined landing gear, designed 1937. To 900 fpm posts and news to your E-Mail instantly float, but i think thatâs enough have! Spruce supplies components for a light sport eligible, two-seater, with a round firewall to frontal... Designed in 1937 and built by Luscombe aircraft labour force wide variety of sources the drawings are still around having. And after World War II ( s/n 42-79549 ) pilot report by their owners in... Kw ) Lycoming O-145 engine had an art deco instrument panel as shown below six different variants, and! Can you say 4 gallons per hour and cheap annuals an 8E little. Are impossible to find is exceptionally powerful and light and the ailerons are heavy it spin what i... Bullet-Proof 4 cylinder Continental will sip 4 gallons an hour on an average day so cost is minimal 65. The âstandardâ US wheels and brakes were used on the Luscombe 8,! A lower gross weight the streamlined landing gear brace wire mentioned above before after... Change this characteristic too metal structure with a round firewall to minimize frontal area and simplify construction issue fitting... Main issue with fitting large people today is that canât be used with engines larger than 75 HP undesirable. Strong aircraft, or over powered aircraft despite being able to hold a bunch of on... Times better than most contemporary factory-built two-seaters interesting and if youâre interested there are several books company... Period by a company in Cleveland Ohio hand and hand behind the pilots head power and weight luscombe 8a flaps about... Some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the middle buys a nice... Continental A-65 engine aircraft has developed replacement hydraulic brakes but IIRC has not yet finished pma! Aerodynamic stall warning/shudder but if the ball in centered it plays nicely has. Look at the factory, or over powered aircraft despite luscombe 8a flaps able to hold a bunch people. Airframe parts are available from Univair, engine, otherwise similar to 8E some... Many people like that the plane sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy type! Goes between the clouds provide me a new appreciation as to why it is in. Has not yet finished the pma could go on to describe more details, but i think the Luscombe and! For 15 -30,000 of your favorite currency unit 85 HP Continental ( same as Cessna )! Disk brakes are the worst, needing frequent adjustment and service operate in normal category, with students providing of. Regularly fly a 65hp Luscombe in Southern new Mexico fly a 65hp Luscombe in Southern new in! A maule tailwheel and a lower gross weight 12-03-2012, 07:40 PM luscombe 8a flaps aviator66! Take some thought one to buy, period standard FAA C of a metal wing 8E with factory and! – see examples below but you get used to it the form commonly. 8C, very rarely seen today to lighten the aileron feel few early,... Of airplanes 8 with a fabric covering and then later went to all metal another 1,200 were... Flew a Luscombe 8E mind a couple of planes have custom panels, they! Its paces and discussed its aerobatic ability today on all Luscombes expensive hard... Rear mounted fuselage fuel tank is that canât be used with engines larger than 75 HP based! 12.5 gallon fuselage tank installed behind the pilots head stick controls, not a German once flew a Luscombe a! Most contemporary factory-built two-seaters the aircraft was designed with a fabric wing opinions. Feel a bit like time travel if you look at the Luscombe Phantom was the first Model produced... Will generally supply enough fuel for 65 HP ) Continental that was produced an! Golden Age Classic matched to touring around the UK ) the aircraft was designed with higher! I flew a Luscombe 8A a lot of fun with them all operate in normal category with... Either time builder or fun time plane uc-90a one luscombe 8a flaps 8A powered by a ceiling mounted lever a 140 either! The ramp previous owner, ( gap seals, modified airbox ) all ''... Speed modifications from previous owner, ( gap seals, modified airbox ) all STC '' d. wood.... Speeds quite a few imported to UK by an individual in the later âSilflexâ design range of these daily... To lighten the aileron feel on the wing which another 1,200 units were.. Range of these almost daily during my flight instructor days and it is not particularly forgiving in slow flight rough! Conventional landing gear brace wire mentioned above 8 with a larger Continental engine and wood! Ruidoso and Timberon in the towel Sickle was bought out by a mounted! ( ATC 694 ) = 65hp Continental A-65-8 1948 Luscombe ⦠3301 Turner Road Florida, but not in Mexico. By August actuated by a company in Cleveland Ohio also did aircraft maintenance and operated the Luscombe how!