1) What's a typical useful load? There's not much left for anything. I can carry 40 gallons of fuel, so by the time I get in, get another 200 pound passenger, then 20 pounds of stuff in the back, I'm right at gross. However, with the extra horsepower ,(150), I can still get 1000+ fpm climb. This morning I flew up to 13,500 feet just for fun. So, With mine, if you can get it in the doors, you can take it with you. Legally, perhaps not. But, you'd be amazed at the performance.
2) What's a typical fuel burn/hour at say, 2,550 rpms and 3500' agl? I don't have a fuel flow gauge, but I'm consistently getting between 8 and 8.5 gph and I don't push too hard, about 2500-2550.
3) Realistic cruise speed at 2,550 rpms and 3000' agl? Not pushing it too hard, mostly around 25 inches MP, I see a steady 105kts. I can go up to 135 mph but I'm burning a bunch of gas to do it.
4) Take off/ landing distances over the infamous 50' object? Less than 700 feet, guaranteed. When the winds are really up here, I like to take off with 20 degrees of flaps, full throttle before releasing the brakes. Push the yoke forward until the tail comes up then pull it back down just I see the airspeed come alive, and weeeeeee, I'm off the ground. Shortest distance so far has been 150 feet.
5) Annual insurance premium for aTexas Tailwheel? 1106 through AIG.
The ground handling, takeoffs and landings are manageable, learnable, and lotsa fun. I learned it. I'm convinced anyone can. I made friends with mine pretty quick. And, as for the stories from Texas...Well, they're not just stories, partner!
I intend to take a video of a windy day takeoff using the 20 degree flap method. Expect to be impressed.
If you go the Texas Taildragger route, I'd also look for one that has the long range tanks. I've flown both standard tanks and long range tanks. You don't notice that you're carrying the extra fuel, but it crimps my style to have to land all the time for fuel. Standard tanks limits your legs to about 2:15 with a 30 minute reserve.
When I first got my insurance quote, I had 6 hours tailwheel, all in a super cub. None in type, and 1300 total time with multi, commercial, instrument, and rotorcraft-helicopter. My first quote was nearly 1500 dollars/year. I decided to take the chance and fly it without insurance until I got some time. Now, I have 35+ hours in the 150/150 TD, and I'm insured now for 1106/year. Saved me about 400 dollars/year. Get some time in one first. You'll make back the money you spent. And then you have something to show for it.
Good luck with finding one.
