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So I saw a relatively inexpensive ($17,500) 85hp champ today. I know it's no Taylorcraft, but I can't seem to find a 85-100hp tcart that cheap. So I thought I might make a low ball offer. That would leave me with plenty of money for some 29" akbw airstreaks. Then I could swap the motors and tires with Miss T (65hp) next year, and sell the Champ. I would like to do some Moose or Caribou hunting with it, and was wondering if it could make the cut. I know everyone here is biased and so am I. But most of the higher hp tcarts are just a tad out of my price range at the moment. Any thoughts are appreciated.
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Last edited by akndrifter; 12-22-2010, 13:24.Catch the fish, to make the money, to buy the bread, to gather the strength, to catch the fish... -
Re: C-85 Champ performance
The Champ is a great airplane... in its own ways.. just at the Tcraft is great in its own ways. It would be hard to find a better hunting airplane. I have a lot of Champ time, both 7AC 65hp and 7EC 90hp. Very forgiving and safe to fly. Doesn't float like a Tcraft, but will lift a lot and has decent climb/cruise performance. With the 85 and the right prop should make a good short field plane.Terry Bowden, formerly TF # 351
CERTIFIED AERONAUTICAL PRODUCTS, LLC
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Re: C-85 Champ performance
By all means! An 85 champ...with a mccauley metal prop is a great airplane. I had one and wish I had kept it. Easy to fly, got off well, excellent visability. Good all round aircraft. Mine was in very nice cond. , 9 inside and out with a starter, nice transceiver and transponder. Sold it for 33000.00. He promptly wrecked it. JCComment
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Re: C-85 Champ performance
What are the main things to look out for?Catch the fish, to make the money, to buy the bread, to gather the strength, to catch the fish...Comment
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Re: C-85 Champ performance
Same as any tube and fabric. Mine had a low time engine, good logs that could be checked, milinium cylinders, nice glass, etc. Flying it is a hoot. Lands, takes off very easily and LOTS of visibility. Easy to see over the cowl. Mine had the no bounce gear. Almost impossible to screw up a landing! The 85hp is the one. Mainly ,I sold mine as it only had the 12 gallon tank, no wing tanks and I got stuck at several airports that were either closed or you had to have a gas card. If it had had wing tanks, I'd still own it! Nice airplane! I'm 6 ft. so the front seat was comfortable for me. I bought it from an airline Captain who took great care of it. While it isn't a citabria 150, its a good performer. The prop was a McCauley 90 series in very nice condition..I THINK it was a 72-44. ALSO....MUCH easier to get in and out of than a T-Craft, especially with hunting clothes on! JCComment
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Re: C-85 Champ performance
Oleo struts can be a source of problems... but... not to fear... there's a guy on THIS forum who is well known for rebuilding themTerry Bowden, formerly TF # 351
CERTIFIED AERONAUTICAL PRODUCTS, LLC
Consultant D.E.R. Powerplant inst'l & Engines
Vintage D.E.R. Structures, Electrical, & Mechanical Systems
BC12D, s/n 7898, N95598
weblog: Barnstmr's Random Aeronautics
[email protected]Comment
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