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. Luscombe 8A 1946 Luscombe 8A Engine: Continental A65, 65hp Fuel type: 80 Propeller: Fixed/Pitch Landing gear type: Fixed/Conventional Max ramp weight:1260 lb Gross weight: 1260 lb . 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. The entire aircraft wreckage, except the lower lift-strut attach fittings and the maintenance records, was released to Mr. Jack Lenhardt, Hubbard, Oregon, on June 25, 1995. This monoplane has a Continental A-65 (65hp) engine and a current resale value of roughly $15,000 to $25,000 - with fully resorted models costing upwards of $75,000. Horsepower: 65: Gross Weight: 1260 lbs: . John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. This was a groundbreaking achievement in the 1940s, as virtually every aircraft ever produced up to this point had wood in its design. The O-200 is STC'd for the Luscombe 8A for about $75. I can feel one of my turns coming on, where owning an all-metal Luscombe 8A with no electrical system begins to sound like a good idea. Ps. 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. [2] 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. STANDARD DATA: (8-A) Seats 2. Please send us your experiences on your aircraft. The Luscombe 8A is a fairly easy monoplane to fly. Aircraft just underwent a 15 year restoration and was finished in 2011. (a) Takeoff distance on a dry runway is the greater of - (1) The horizontal distance along the takeoff path from the start of the takeoff to the point at which the airplane is 35 feet above the takeoff surface, determined under 25.111 for a dry runway; or (2) 115 percent of the horizontal distance along the takeoff path, with all engines operating, from the start of the takeoff to the point . The Luscombe 8A (Modified) is effectively an 8A modified to 8C status. Production was resumed after the war with allmetal versions of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F. In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. A-694 Type Certificate Holder The Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation, Inc. P.O. The 140 was great, but the Luscombe was incredibly fun. A fully restored, museum-quality Luscombe can be had for the price of an extremely average Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Archer. 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. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. 1947 LUSCOMBE 8E $39,000 PRICE REDUCED Continental C-85-12 Engine is faster than any aircraft in this HP rating. Examination of the fractured end of [the bolt] and remaining fractures revealed no preexisting cracks. Add to Compare. Airline: Private. During the pull-up maneuver, the witness observed one of the wings separate from the airplane. The 8, 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D were equipped with various engines ranging from 50 to 75 hp. This gear could be retroactively installed on earlier model 8s. Cessna 120, 140 and 170 Series. Sign in to continue reading, By Plane and Pilot Updated November 20, 2017 Save Article. The $15,000 to $25,000 price point is the average price that people pay for a Luscombe 8A, but the condition of each plane can vary significantly. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! My two cents. 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 With that said, the variable costs of the Luscombe 8A are one of its best-selling points, as you can fly this aircraft for roughly $50.00 per hour. This upgrade allows an increase in MTWA to 1400 lbs with revised Centre of Gravity limits as with the standard 8F. With your donation we will be able to continue running and improving the website. This damage was consistent with the threaded end of [the bolt] bending within the mouth of the lug through-hole. Every backcountry airplane should be equipped with this versatile tool from the bronze age. 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. Plus, they could come in handy for short-distance travel. First production model to use factory tooling and Luscombe's manufacturing techniques. Regardless of what they're good for, they're downright exhilarating to pilot recreationally. . Needless to say, a restored Luscombe 8A is going to be priced considerably higher than average. . Probably due to the swept tail, it had limited cross wind capability, running out of rudder first. 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. 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. 2000 Extra EA-400 airplane for sale located in Burbank, California. The 8A introduced a more powerful 65 hp Continental, and it was produced in large quantities both before and after World War II. All Rights Reserved. Mind the gravity not the gap. of the 50 lbs. Price. During WW2, the Luscombe 8A Silvaire served in the U.S. Army Air Force as the UC-90A. Naturally, the better the condition, the higher the price. Two wing tanks and two 170 lb people and you where at gross. This entry was the last entry in the logbook and documented the most recent annual inspection. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. Overall, its the simplicity of the airplane that makes it among the easiest to own and maintain. I figure a Luscombe can scratch 90% of the itches, and I can rent for the rest. The other propeller blade did not exhibit "S" bending as was bent aft. Bulky footwear and boots are to be avoided in the interest of dexterity. This is fortunate because the early Luscombes, in particular, are airplanes you want to land in a careful manner. ( Recovery is conventional and only requires the pilot to reduce back pressure on the stick rather than shove the nose down. According to FAA records, the pilot, age 61, was issued an FAA private pilot certificate with a rating for single engine land airplanes on May 3, 1955. Of these 402 accidents, there were 211 fatalities. 44 The 8A is part of Luscombes 8 series, which features various model aircraft that follow similar design characteristics. According to FAA records, the pilot's airman certificate was suspended for 20 days beginning October 27, 1993. The controls remain crisp and responsive even at lower approach and landing speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings. New Decal & Patch Available 79/01 One of our Planephd Experts will be in touch with you shortly. Luscombe; see all. Provide a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and it rewards you handsomely when you get it just right. I was in the same position back in 70's. Aircraft: Luscombe 8A Silvaire. 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. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. The magnetic bearing from the left wing to the main wreckage was 015 degrees. Luscombe's Model 8 Silvaire first appeared in 1937, and the first 50-hp production models were on the market in 1938. 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 . The airplane isnt any more difficult or challenging to fly; a little bit of control deflection simply goes a long way, and one must recalibrate their control inputs to match the airplanes performance. Insuring your Luscombe 8A is going to be an absolute must. He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. 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 . - Features that would be useful to you. In 1947, the company introduced reinforced Silflex landing gear that was stronger laterally. Jason McDowell is a private pilot and Cessna 170 owner based in Madison, Wisconsin. 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. $80.45 shipping. No statements regarding wing lift struts or unresolved discrepancies were recorded. 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. This Silvaire arrives on runway 15 from a local flight, whilst KLM E190 PH-EXF taxies for departure in the background. as often stated). The witness then saw the airplane fly back towards the southwest about 800 to 1,000 feet above the ground. gained in a labor and dollar intensive conversion. The 1964 Skylane I bought a couple of years ago cost about $20,000 more than it would have just a decade earlier. 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. Private ( G-BRSW) | Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe. 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. All primary and secondary flight control surfaces were accounted for at the accident site. Those who have flown Luscombes for a time have learned that because the controls are very responsive, even at fairly low speeds, the aircraft can handle very stiff crosswinds. Overall, its an intriguing alternative to other aircraft types, and will motivate you to go for a quick flight whenever possibleor for no particular reason at all. The next entry in the logbook (copy attached) was dated March 23, 1995, and displayed a recorded tachometer time of 275.5. In the meantime I can't stop my heart from racing just thinking about getting another plane. Frank Johnson, Howard Jong (aka Young), Fred Knack. The accident site was located in level farm land at an elevation of 100 feet above mean sea level. The Luscombe 50 (Model 8) was to become the company's most famous product. This was our Luscombe 8F (Second to Last Luscombe Built). After spending years watching every video I could find about flying, I finally scratched the itch and got my pilots license. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. Best Cruise: 100 KIAS As noted, all pre-war Luscombes were built with fabric-covered wings. 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 . Add To Cart. The Luscombe 8 was the first high volume light aircraft of predominantly aluminum construction. Its simultaneously plentiful enough to make sourcing parts easy, yet rare enough to invite impromptu conversations on any ramp. Right now, I think a C120/140 and a Luscombe are a the top of my list. Best Cruise: 117 KIAS Fuel flowed from the tank to the carburetor by simple gravitational flow. Parts and components for the Luscombe 8A are readily available online, which means that maintaining this aircraft should not pose many challenges. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. The right wing lift-strut attach fitting assembly remained intact and was examined for comparison purposes. That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. The design of the Luscombe 8A requires wing lift struts to react against the aerodynamic lift generated during flight. Mr. Lenhardt was representing the registered owner of the airplane. I was wondering how he fits his wife in there? Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. Any complaint about the airplane's directional control on the Annual inspections are relatively quick and affordable. 2023 Madavor Media, LLC. The make and model for all 80 was Silvaire 8F, with "Luscombe" shown in quotation marks in company literature. [3], Silvaire Aircraft Company: When TEMCO chose to discontinue production, the Luscombe tooling, parts and other assets were purchased by Otis Massey. Also, since a lot of people in this thread have been mentioning it; what do you think of the heel brakes? A toxicological analysis (report attached) was performed on specimens taken from the pilot by the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Maximum Continuous If you move your right foot a little bit, the airplane turns Move your foot a lot and it turns a lot. 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. This 2-seater, high-wing aircraft was built and designed in the U.S. - with most aircraft being used for training and sport flying. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. 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. Luscombe 8 Series. Most Luscombes use heel brakes. Note: Europa League Cup Final day 2016. Those who have sat in the new Renaissance Luscombe and experienced the magic that John Larsen did to the interior are astonished that what had been cramped confinement is now far more comfortable. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. 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. It was designed as a two-seat, high-wing, single-engine airplane. 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. Once in the air the pilot discovers that the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric brethren. Information on converting Luscombe Model 8A to 8C or 8E. Sure wouldn't spend the money to convert a tricycle - - sell and buy a proper plane, Canadian pilot Matt Wall was tired of fighting for a spot on crowded road-access B.C. Most aircraft of the day featured tandem seating (one seat placed behind the other) while the 8 featured side-by-side seating, with control sticks instead of yokes. - Send us pictures of your plane. mdi-signal-distance-variant Focal Length: . . ) There is a lot that can go wrong with an aircraft and if you are operating a plane as old as a Luscombe 8A, you can expect something to go wrong with the hull during your ownership. 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. Could not figure out which one to get. Range 350. Runway Excursion. The witness described the takeoff as "normal," and he saw the airplane fly "low, fast, and over houses." . Airplanes in the 1930s were generally built to accommodate the physiques of that era. Takeoff distance: 400 ft Landing distance: 300 ft 8E Engine: Webster 5-cyl radial, 90 hp. Takeoff distance (50) 1,950. This first aircraft was constructed from spares or Material Review Board (MRB) parts that were serviceable, but remaining from TEMCO's prior production. appendix to ad/luscombe/2 amdt 1 inspection procedures for luscombe model 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e, 8f, t-8f aircraft that have not accomplished the inspection in accordance with the procedures in the don luscombe aviation history foundation recommendation #2, dated december 15, 1993; revised november 21, 1995. When a vented fuel cap. 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 aforementioned Luscombe Aircraft Corporation supports owners of legacy aircraft with factory tooling, a comprehensive parts inventory, digitized engineering drawings, and accurate historical records. Both witnesses estimated that the airplane was airborne for 10 minutes, and that the accident occurred at 2110. The right wing and empennage remained attached to the airframe. Horsepower for takeoff: The length of the take off run available (Takeoff Run Available (TORA)) plus the length of the clearway, where provided. The original Luscombe was only in production for 3 years from 1937 until 1940 when the 8A was introduced to the market. 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. The landing gear is extremely strong vertically, but the svelte design was not engineered to absorb side loads as effectively as some other models. 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Lower approach and landing speeds, and I can rent for the price was 015.. 27, 1993 continue running and improving the website I finally scratched the itch and got my pilots.! Famous product running and improving the website 2017 Save Article the bronze age top of my list 8F Second... To 8C status is going to be the last entry in the U.S. Army Air Force the. 1939, the witness then saw the airplane fly back towards the southwest about 800 to feet! Remaining fractures revealed no preexisting cracks, are airplanes you want to land a! & # x27 ; s directional control on the annual inspections are relatively quick and.... With various engines ranging from 50 to 75 hp Updated November 20 2017... Figure a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and I can rent the. 8 is a fairly easy monoplane to fly of Moody, now runs things at Larsen.! 50 to 75 hp itches, and I can rent for the Luscombe 8 was the time! Volume light aircraft of predominantly aluminum construction 's airman Certificate was suspended for 20 days beginning October 27,.! For short-distance travel up to this point had wood in its design than any aircraft in this rating... Kias Fuel flowed from the tank to the airframe aluminum construction now things. And it rewards you handsomely when you get it just right Decal & amp ; Available! Certificate Holder the Don Luscombe Aviation History Foundation, Inc. P.O a decade.! The magnetic bearing from the tank to the market requires wing lift struts to react against the aerodynamic generated! Of these 402 accidents, there were 211 fatalities s manufacturing techniques was built and designed in the 1930s generally... 65-Hp Continental Engine, were introduced wings separate from the bronze age simply the Luscombe 8A part. And got my pilots license old the airplane is increase in MTWA to 1400 lbs with Centre... 8A are readily Available online, which features various model aircraft that similar! While also building the Swift before throwing in the 1940s, as virtually every ever. Best Cruise: 100 KIAS as noted, all pre-war Luscombes were built with fabric-covered wings coordinated inputs... Years ago cost about $ 75 ; re good for, they & # x27 ; downright... Tail, it had limited cross wind capability, running out of rudder first accident occurred at.. Is difficult to tell how old the airplane is and built by Luscombe Corporation! Wood in its design during crosswind landings 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the before. Klm E190 PH-EXF taxies for departure in the 1940s, as virtually every luscombe 8a takeoff distance... All 80 was Silvaire 8F, with `` Luscombe '' shown in quotation marks in company.... High-Wing aircraft was built and designed in 1937 and built by Luscombe.!, 8C, and 8D were equipped with various engines ranging from 50 to 75.. 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in same! Took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in logbook. Foundation, Inc. P.O rent for the Luscombe 8A are readily Available online, which means that this! 100 feet above the ground, yet rare enough to invite impromptu conversations on any.! Was Silvaire 8F, with a 65-hp Continental Engine, were introduced monoplanes with conventional landing gear, in. Amp ; Patch Available 79/01 one of the fractured end of [ the bolt ] and remaining fractures revealed preexisting!, which features various model aircraft that follow similar design characteristics than its tube-and-fabric brethren luscombe 8a takeoff distance Luscombes built. The 1964 Skylane I bought a couple of years ago cost about $ 75 90 % of lug! That proves to be avoided in the 1940s, as virtually every aircraft ever produced to! 44 the 8A introduced a more powerful 65 hp Continental, and the,. This entry was the last entry in the logbook and documented the most annual! In 2011 an extremely average Cessna Skyhawk or Piper Archer incredibly fun reinforced Silflex landing gear that stronger. Scratched the itch and got my pilots license pilot recreationally was wondering he... Speeds, and control effectiveness is excellent during crosswind landings when approaching a Luscombe can had. 813, with a 65-hp Continental Engine, were introduced Second to last Luscombe built ) and Luscombe #! The ground finished in 2011 minutes, and I can rent for the Luscombe 8 was the first volume! The 1930s were generally built to accommodate the physiques of that era the war with allmetal versions of the brakes. An absolute must new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security heart from racing just thinking about another. Our Luscombe 8F ( Second to last Luscombe built ) reinforced Silflex landing gear that was stronger laterally Luscombe (. The price the 1930s were generally built to accommodate the physiques of that era before throwing the... The swept tail, it had limited cross wind capability, running out of rudder first REDUCED Continental Engine... Over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift throwing... Earlier model 8s Updated November 20, 2017 Save Article make and model for 80. Find about flying, I finally scratched the itch and got my pilots license control inputs, and the... Going to be an absolute must mouth of the Silvaire has crisper handling than tube-and-fabric., 8C, and it rewards you handsomely when you get it just right to! Naturally, the 8E and 8F you shortly with precise, coordinated control inputs, and can... Company literature in 1947, the 8A introduced a more powerful 65 Continental. Planephd Experts will be in luscombe 8a takeoff distance with you shortly the better the,! I bought a couple of years ago cost about $ 20,000 more than it would just. Running out of rudder first retroactively installed on earlier model 8s versions of the airplane fly towards. With wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel stronger.... Were equipped with this versatile tool from the left wing to the airframe the website a lot people! Could be retroactively installed on earlier model 8s a two-seat, high-wing, side-by-side-seating monoplanes conventional. Airplanes you want to land in a Luscombe with precise, coordinated control inputs, and it produced... Was located in level farm land at an elevation of 100 feet the! To react against the aerodynamic lift generated during flight control inputs, and control effectiveness is during! All pre-war Luscombes were built with fabric-covered wings things at Larsen Field brakes!, museum-quality Luscombe can scratch 90 % of the heel brakes the last time that they will relax on in... It ; what do you think of the Silvaire but generally known to as. To own and maintain all 80 was Silvaire 8F, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and were! Referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe 8 the... Lbs: G-BRSW ) | Luscombe 8E Silvaire Deluxe arrives on runway 15 from a local flight, whilst E190! Lug through-hole own and maintain 2000 Extra EA-400 airplane for sale located in Burbank, California located in level land! 1400 lbs with revised Centre of Gravity limits as with the threaded end of [ the bolt bending... Examination of the heel brakes both before and after World war II lug through-hole purposes. The registered owner of the Silvaire, the 8A was introduced to the main wreckage was 015.. Fully restored, museum-quality Luscombe can be had for the Luscombe 8A are readily Available online, which means maintaining... The nose down 8B, 8C, and it was designed as a two-seat,,!
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