Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Aerobatic 150/150 Aerobat on ebay

Unfortunately, neither of the existing nor any of the preceding STC's for the 150/150 engine conversion are aerobatic approved. Again, this aircraft is no longer approved (per FAA Reg's) for aerobatic manuevers. I own an Aerobat, and looked at several 150/150 conversions before I bought my "standard" Aerobat. I spoke with both current STC holders for the 150/150 conversion, and both stated that the 150/150 conversion had not been approved for aerobatic flight. In essence, the aircraft lose that certification due to: the battery being moved to aft of the firewall (150/150's are not approved for spins), and that none of the STC originators were willing to spend the money for the testing. I know of a school that bought a 150/150 to teach aerobatics. They asked an aerobatic instructor to do instructing for them. He read the STC, called the STC holder, and informed the school that they no longer had an aerobatic airplane. As you might imagine, they did not intially accept his word and did extensive research themselves. They even looked at 're-STC'ing" the plane as a potential solution. After substantial effort, they came to the same conclusion - they had a nice 150/150 crusier. I know whoever owns the 150/150 Aerobat may not like this post. However, I wanted to help the group with the results of my research. If the seller asserts that the aircraft is still certificated for aerobatic flight, I would have him send a copy of the STC portion that states that the aircraft still has that certification. By the way, the Aerobat is fun, and if flown correctly, does not need the 150 conversion to complete any Sportsman program.

There is ample documentation that the A150K does, indeed, retain it's aerobatic certification. That is the only model 150 that does. While it may not make sense, it is well documented.

Again, I would request the documentation (copy of the STC/337) from the aircraft seller that states, clearly, that the aerobatic limits were not compromised in the conversion, and that the aircraft retains the certification. Neither of the current STC owners that I spoke with at length mentioned that the 150K retained it's aerobatic certification after conversion to a 150/150, and I questioned them with regard to any 150/150 I might find. I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but I do want to provide information that might prevent someone from buying an aircraft which is not certificated for their intended use.

If you were able to speak to either of the Williams at length, you're one of the few that were able to. I'm all for correct disclosure of factual data. Perhaps one of the aerobat owners here will scan that particular section of their STC for open debate.

I believe Royson's Aerobat retained its acro certification. I would check with him but I believe it was a one time sign off from the FSDO where the conversion was completed.

I appreciate that comment. I should have indicated that any aircraft that received an individual sign-off from the FSDO may be compliant. I would insure that any such sign-off still holds, as the FAA has recently refused to accept some "local" approvals (witness Alaskan Mods, etc.) and severly restricted the local FSDO's from new approvals. I do hope that someone can find documentation that permits retention of the aerobatic certification. I probably would not convert mine (an A150M, I wanted the 6" larger rudder), but if ever I sold it, I would be able to state that it was convertible to the 150 engine. Perhaps a member can find the permitting language in their documentation.

I just viewed the ad on ebay (I apologize, I should have done so before), but stand by what I was told by the current STC owner. I did not ask specifically about the 1970 model, but certainly would call the STC owner (after having the seller send me a copy of the documentation) to confirm all is correct. Don't get me wrong, I would love more power for climb/aerobatics here in the Central Plains summers. I just don't want to be a test pilot of what could be an unapproved aircraft (remember Catherine's comments at Clinton this year), nor have my insurance company deny a claim (I've had two engine failures/crashes this past year, both paid) if something were to happen to the aircraft. Besides, although it may be blasphemy, for $50m plus you can get a Decathlon which is a much better performing aerobatic aircraft. Now I'll hear it!

You bet you'll hear it. What do you mean: A Decathlon is a better aerobatic aircraft???????????? GRRRR

Just kidding, Mike.



I'm more interested now in the two engine failures/crashes comment now. Care to start a separate thread in piloting, or have you already, and describe the events. Undoubtedly, there are some things you did right that we all can learn from.

I think the choice between a Decathlon and a Cessna Aerobat would be close, even despite the performance gains of the Decathlon, due to the difference in construction. The Cessna being all metal versus the maintenance and impending re-cover of the Decathlon. But dang...who wouldn't want to fly around with a full inverted system? A Decathlon, full inverted systems, 150hp...that would be exciting.

For $50 Million it had better be

That's OK, I deserve it. Although remember, I did buy/fly an Aerobat. I'm not here to justify a Decathlon. The 150 horse (180 in Super Decath form) is a far more capable bird for the task. I spoke at length with Catherine at Clinton this year about trining in/for an Aerobat. The synopsis was to get training in an Aerobat if you intend to fly one due to the limited power and rudder, and lower roll rate. You could them transition to a more authoritative aerobatic aircraft fairly easily. If you learn in a more powerful, quicker performing aerobatic aircraft (Decathlon, etc.), it would be much harder to transition to the Aerobat. The Aerobat does teach managing energy (especially with only 100 hp) better than a ship with 150 hp or more. I love my bird (it is also a taildragger), and don't see moving to a Decathlon/Pitts/Extra anytime soon. Besides, I'd miss you guys.