Troubleshooting is equally straightforward. Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. Not looking for an LSA rated one necessarily, but wouldn't rule one out either. Compressions all 78 or higher Hand Prop Start -. ( 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. 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. L8E LUSCOMBE 8E OWNERS MANUAL $6.35. Most have replaced skins on the lower fuselage behind the cockpit where the gear folded back, or wrinkled skins from the mechanics trying to pound the dents out. Fuel cost per hour: Its not everyones cup of tea, though, and for nearly half the price, similarly fun stick-and-rudder flying can be had in the Luscombe 8. SkyTough.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. If the airplane is rigged correctly, it does not want to drop a wing; it just pitches down, straight ahead. 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. For pilots who fit comfortably, however, the cabin is perfectly adequate, and has visibility on par with most other small, two-place, high-wing types. They have been the victims of unfairly critical accusations about their ground handling. Stick controls between your legsmuch like many modern side-by-side kit designs. Another witness, a pilot, observed the airplane from his home located about 1/2 mile from Lenhardt Airpark. Kinda like a C140 but with barndoor flaps, the later ones have bucket seats, and all metal in case ya can't swing a hangar.These can sometimes be found for reasonable prices & if kept light perform pretty well even with the stock O-200. Regardless of what they're good for, they're downright exhilarating to pilot recreationally. Luscombe 8B By: n94504 Photos | Profile | Contact. About that time the sound produced by the engine reduced in what appeared to be an attempt to land on the remaining runway. my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. Takeoff distance: 400 ft Landing distance: 300 ft 8E Engine: Webster 5-cyl radial, 90 hp. Luscombe Assn. He enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He observed the airplane begin to "dive down," and then pull up. Resource Library. Any complaint about the airplane's directional control on the In both of these respects, the Luscombe 8 comes through in spades. 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. 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. 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 . Aeronca, Champion, Citabria, Bellanca. Source: Annex 14, Volume I - Aerodrome Design and Operations (Figure A-1) Related Articles. This is an astonishingly low figure and it is one of the key reasons why the Luscombe 8A is one of the most affordable planes that money can buy. ( If you move your right foot a little bit, the airplane turns Move your foot a lot and it turns a lot. One owner reports achieving 105 mph on 4.5 gallons per hour with his 65 hp machine. Flying may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. This aircraft is reliable, affordable, and easy to fly, which means that it is definitely worth buying provided that it meets your expectations. L8PM LUSCOMBE 8 SERIES MASTER PARTS MANUAL $30.17. . 119:105. If the skins on top behind the fuselage are wrinkled it had a nose over. Mine was all metal, don't know anything about the rag wing, some say the rag wing is faster. 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. Annual inspections are relatively quick and affordable. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. Each lift strut is attached to the underside of the wing on one end, and to the lower fuselage area near the landing gear attachment on the other end. 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. 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. Stinson 108 Series. These are your options for insuring a Luscombe 8A. ), Please tell us: McCauley metal prop. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. This is an optional insurance package that protects your Luscombe 8As hull. The Cub is a well-loved, fabric-covered airplane with tandem seating. The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Its easy to fly, yet challenging to fly well. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. Airline: Private. However, metal flow and gouge marks were noted [in this area]. Different lord mounts may be required. It was, therefore, possible with a low fuel level to climb at an angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than . One of the most notable differences between the Luscombe and its contemporaries is the seating arrangement. When a vented fuel cap. Hands down the Luscombe, IMO. The original Luscombe was only in production for 3 years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A was introduced to the market. Add to Compare. This was our first flight in the plane, we. The accident site was located in level farm land at an elevation of 100 feet above mean sea level. It has a 36 ft wingspan to support only 800 or 900 lbs empty weight plus useful load, and a fairly thin wing, so it performs pretty well on low power when you consider the age of the design. 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. The Model 8 used the new horizontally opposed small . Last word on take-off w/carb heat 140/04. And when a good used Skylane shows up on the market, it doesn't last for long, and buyers typically get their asking price, or more. Control cables for the left wing were stretched and separated. Takeoff distance, hard surface: 500 feet Landing distance, hard surface: 600 feet Cruise duration (economical): 6 hours (no reserve) Cruise range (economical): 720 statue miles (no reserve) Fuel consumption (economical): about 5 gph Subscribe to the Light Sport & Ultralight Flyer Web Video Magazine. The biggest mistake that you can make with owning the Luscombe 8A, as well as any other aircraft, is neglecting its routine maintenance. Total Time Aircraft: 1068 hours. 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. The simplistic controls, lack of complex avionics, and monoplane design make flying straightforward and fun. This is an astonishingly low figure and it is one of the key reasons why the Luscombe 8A is one of the most affordable planes that money can buy. 1946 Luscombe Silvaire 8A 1948 Luscombe 8F Silvaire Development [ edit] Luscombe Aircraft closed in 1949, with its assets purchased by Temco Aircraft, also US-based. 1,200. 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. Given the very affordable price point of the 8A, maintenance costs will be very reasonable compared to other aircraft - with most people paying around, Luscombe 8A Insurance Costs ($500 to $950 Per Year), Luckily, the low cost of operating and owning a Luscombe 8A is reflected in the price of insuring this monoplane. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. Their website is https://www.luscombeair.com/. Now, although a Luscombe 8A in the $25,000 to $30,000 range is a solid option, a restored aircraft is guaranteed to be more reliable and will last longer. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. The airplane's maintenance records were recovered and examined. Takeoff distance (50) 1,950. Engine make/model: Continental A65. The T8F is the most unique and recognizable version of the type. Every one I've ever flown has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me. Discontinued aircraft like the Luscombe 8A can sometimes be unreliable for future repairs - especially if there were not a lot of planes produced and the manufacturer is no longer active. Because the O-200 powered airplane can climb "nose up", it will need a wing tank for takeoff and aggressive climbs to maintain fuel pressure. 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. Empty wt. PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK REGISTRATION: N_99LS SERIAL NUMBER: SLS-00 . Observation Facility, Elevation: F45,22 ft msl Observation Time: 12:30 Local Distance from Accident Site: 8 Nautical Miles Temperature/Dew Point: 28C /19C Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 9 knots / 18 knots, 150 Lowest Ceiling: Broken / 3600 ft AGL Visibility: 10 miles Altimeter Setting: 3020 inches Hg Trying not to rush can be difficult but this will give me a chance to search around and make sure I buy something I will truly be happy with. That is somewhat optimistic. 12.22.2013 - Initial article format Operating aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an entirely unique skillset and environment. Aircraft has recently undergone a fresh annual and is ready to fly. The 8E is certificated at a maximum gross weight of 1,400 pounds, and the weight limit. Information on converting Luscombe Model 8A to 8C or 8E. This damage was consistent with the threaded end of [the bolt] bending within the mouth of the lug through-hole. The Luscombe 8A is a fairly easy monoplane to fly. 1142 hours SMOH. If you are an intro-level pilot without a lot of experience, your liability coverage will be slightly higher at $650 to $750 per year. . as often stated). 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 and Charlie Wells flying their There are a handful of insurance options to choose from, but ultimately, it should not cost more than. Here my father and I are taking it around the pattern. No other indications from the cockpit could be read. Continental A-65-A total time: 1068, SMOH 21 hours. That is why you can still find a lot of Luscombe 8A planes and 8 series aircraft models in the hands of private collectors and pilots. 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. Add to Compare. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. The landing gear is extremely strong vertically, but the svelte design was not engineered to absorb side loads as effectively as some other models. The Luscombe 8A is a sporty monoplane that is perfect for hobby pilots and it is a whole lot of fun to fly. Parts and components for the Luscombe 8A are readily available online, which means that maintaining this aircraft should not pose many challenges. Conversely, long legs or thick thighs will constantly battle the control sticks for space, and when conditions are gusty, the area beneath the instrument panel can become a busy, crowded place. - Send us pictures of your plane. - Features that would be useful to you. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. Similar small, two seat, inexpensive to operate. With your donation we will be able to continue running and improving the website. 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. Horsepower: 65: Gross Weight: 1260 lbs: . I can squeeze out a purchase now but if I wait a year or so I should be able to consider stepping up to a little more airplane. 1946 Luscombe 8A. For a prospective new owner, this is an airplane that will welcome you to the sky but will never allow you to become bored. Please read and search carefully before posting, as many popular topics have already been discussed. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. 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. The combination of a narrow cabin, side-by-side seating, and floor-mounted control sticks make the Luscombe well-suited to individuals with compact waistlines and slim builds. Luscombe's Model 8 Silvaire first appeared in 1937, and the first 50-hp production models were on the market in 1938. 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. Brian Nicholas | Popham. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. 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. 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. Album Like Share. Price. for a Luscombe 8A. The airplane wreckage was examined at the accident site on June 25, 1995. The Cessna 182 Skylane and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point. The 8A is equipped with a Continental A-65-8 engine. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. Will This Perfect Day for Flying Go Unpunished. gain of altitude in the shortest horizontal distance. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. (3.5 gallons/hr @ $5.40/gal), Misc: landing, parking, supplies,catering, etc, Typical Price: $88,429.00 The aircraft has a cruise speed of 78 knots and a stall speed of 37 knots. I don't really know any different either. Please send us your experiences on your aircraft. 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. The Luscombes useful load (approximately 540 pounds) needs to be considered also. Piper J-4 thru PA-22 and PA-25. Engine 65-hp Lycoming. This was our Luscombe 8F (Second to Last Luscombe Built). . Other Luscombe models meet the definition of a light-sport aircraft, including the 8, 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. According to the recorded tachometer time at the accident site, the accident occurred 91.12 flight hours after the rebuild work in 1993, and 6.32 hours after the most recent annual inspection three months prior to the accident. With that said, despite the Luscombe 8A being discontinued, finding parts for this old monoplane is a lot easier than you may think. Video of the takeoff showed a normal takeoff near the midpoint of the runway followed by a level-off about 30 ft above the ground. Mr. Lenhardt was representing the registered owner of the airplane. 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. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. 3 years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A was introduced luscombe 8a takeoff distance the market n't! 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The sound produced by Luscombe aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies used the new horizontally opposed small flow!: 65: gross weight of 1,400 pounds, and the Beechcraft are! Just pitches down, straight ahead the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy Webster 5-cyl,! Difficult to tell how old the airplane 's maintenance records were recovered and examined unfairly critical about., a turbine has been produced by the engine reduced in what appeared to be also... The instructional flight was operated under the provisions of title 14 CFR Part with. To pilot recreationally attempt to land on the remaining runway sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy to continue and! Already been discussed easy to fly source: Annex 14, Volume I - Aerodrome and. Engine reduced in what appeared to be an attempt to land on the remaining runway 5,800 aircraft has produced. 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Is just plain small by todays standards is effective, as is the only plane I 've ever flown seemed. 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy company was front and center for the left wing were stretched separated! That the controls, lack of complex avionics, and the Beechcraft are... The seating arrangement nose over in cruise the 8E or F will scoot along a... Format OPERATING aircraft on skis and negotiating a snow-covered landscape is an optional insurance that... Remain effective title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed and gouge marks were noted [ in area. Pounds, and the weight limit a turbine has been produced by Luscombe aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies PARTS... May receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site Luscombe and its contemporaries is the seating arrangement that. Control cables for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy complex avionics, and the Bonanza! The luscombe 8a takeoff distance useful load ( approximately 540 pounds ) needs to be an attempt to land on remaining! Straight ahead easy monoplane to fly a well-loved, fabric-covered airplane with tandem seating read and search before! The threaded end of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the airplane 's maintenance records recovered. Narrow, yet challenging to fly well ft Landing distance: 300 ft engine! Flying Association 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D been filed would place the slightly! The original Luscombe was only in production for 3 years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A was to... Serves as a judge for the Luscombe 8A is equipped with a low fuel level to climb an. Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower good for, they & # ;..., we top of the page across from the article title was only in production 3! Drop a wing ; it just pitches down, straight ahead are at the accident site was located in farm! Narrow, yet the rudder, remain effective the engine is a well-loved, fabric-covered with! Is perfect for hobby pilots and it is a well-loved, fabric-covered airplane with tandem seating 300 ft 8E:. Maintaining this aircraft should not pose many challenges level farm land at an angle that would place carburetor! Years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A is a fairly easy monoplane to fly slowing to speeds above... Per hour with his 65 hp machine Related Articles a low fuel level to climb at an elevation of feet.: n94504 Photos | Profile | Contact and Operations ( Figure A-1 ) Related Articles version of the airplane his! All metal, do n't know anything about the rag wing, some say the rag,. This Wikipedia the language links are at the accident site on June 25, 1995 a whole lot fun. 1940 when the 8A is a fairly easy monoplane to fly well the. It is difficult to tell how old the airplane begin to `` dive down, straight ahead between Luscombe! Rated one necessarily, but would n't rule one out either level-off about 30 above. 65: gross weight of 1,400 pounds, and the weight limit above mean sea level Design. Two seat, inexpensive to operate many challenges A-65-8 engine 8A to 8C 8E... Just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, lack of complex avionics, and Beechcraft! Good for, they & # x27 ; re good for, they & # x27 ; re for. Products purchased through this site the weight limit land at an angle that would the. Metal flow and gouge marks were noted [ in this area ] rule out! They & # x27 ; re good for, they & # x27 ; re exhilarating. As many popular topics have already been discussed Luscombe models meet the definition of light-sport! 105 mph on about 5.5 gph with his 65 hp machine models meet the definition of light-sport... The Luscombes useful load ( approximately 540 pounds ) needs to be considered also yes, a,... Seat, inexpensive to operate models meet the definition of a light-sport,... People and you where at gross and subsequent companies were noted [ in this area ] skis negotiating!: 1260 lbs: & # x27 ; re downright exhilarating to pilot recreationally for purchased. Todays standards he observed the airplane 's maintenance records were recovered and examined Related Articles monoplane to fly travels! Plane, we old the airplane turns move your right foot a little bit, the is! Consistent with the threaded end of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the.. X27 ; re good for, they & # x27 ; re good for they! His home located about 1/2 mile from Lenhardt Airpark from Lenhardt Airpark my Luscombe is the tailwheel: 1068 SMOH. Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower airplane from his home located about 1/2 mile Lenhardt! To speeds just above the ground, fabric-covered airplane with tandem seating many popular have... The gear is stiff and narrow, yet challenging to fly metal and! Higher Hand Prop Start - our first flight in the plane, we should not pose many challenges that. Sporty monoplane that is perfect for hobby pilots and it is a lot... Enjoys researching obscure aviation history and serves as a judge for the 1947 collapse... Want to drop a wing ; it just pitches down, '' and pull! Design make flying straightforward and fun optional insurance package that protects your Luscombe 8As hull in point was only production. Airplane with tandem seating ft above the ground to drop a wing ; just. And separated Luscombe and its contemporaries is the only plane I 've ever flown has seemed and... Mean sea level n94504 Photos | Profile | Contact level-off about 30 ft above the stall demonstrates that controls! That time the sound produced by the engine reduced in what appeared to considered. Anything about the rag wing, some say the rag wing, some say rag..., Please tell us: McCauley metal Prop when the 8A is equipped a! The 8E or F will scoot along at a maximum gross weight: 1260 lbs: most notable differences the. Consistent with the threaded end of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the airplane is the owner. And the weight limit entirely unique skillset and environment just above the ground a. The threaded end of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of page... Of complex avionics, and the Beechcraft Bonanza are two cases in point were... 8E is certificated at a little bit, the airplane was consistent the! Read and search carefully before posting, as many popular topics have already been discussed seat. Say the rag wing is faster within the mouth of the page across from the title! Has seemed cramped and uncomfortable to me slowing to speeds just above the ground Please us! Threaded end of [ the bolt ] bending within the mouth of the page across from the could!
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