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Already chatted with Beau. Nice fellow and sounds like a great airplane...BUT...standard tanks in the West and about $6500 to convert...well, not convinced I want to go that route. Also, I am getting quoted for insurance on a taildragger. It is NOT pretty at all for a zero time flyer. Almost would pay to rent a TD for a year then insure.

Thanks for the point out.

Same problemo I just discovered with the Glastar, however. Taildragger and insurance.

Cant the GlaStar be either or?

If built as a convertible....depends.

I think that the Sportsman 2+2 is convertible trike/taildragger. What a nice plane with generous payload, like a Volvo wagon. I'd look at a Bearcat too.

I've considered building but with a 150 in the hangar I can't see myself in a garage with a rivet gun for 5 years instead of flying around in 24F. Maybe I'll change my tune when I retire but I'll never REALLY retire. As a musician there's always work out there that's fun. Next up is the touring Broadway production of Chicago. The band is on stage and I'm told that I sit just behind the chorus line. Talk about best seats in the house.

But I digress.......

Bearhawk? A Bearcat is a warbird...

The Sportsman 2+2 is a GREAT airplane! You could easily build one in about 3 months using the factory assistance program (2 or 3 weeks with your airplane at the factory will have everything done except avionics, interior, paint, etc.). BUT...I figure you're looking at about $120-150k to build a nicely equipped bird that way. OUCH!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I'm kinda partial to the Murphy Rebel myself.

Bengie

Well, I'm now back in the neighborhood and just came across your post. I think I understand where you are coming from, Jeff. Presently, I am wondering what my and Justina's flying future is going to be. With nearly 900 hours on the engine, surely that will be needing some expensive attention soon. Then there is hanger rent. Insurance. Other maintenance. The cost of fuel is constantly on the rise. Along with the Feds constantly adding new regulations and restrictions. Where is the breaking point? As much as I have dreamed of, and love to, fly, I am beginning to wonder.

As you know, I have been looking to possibly going to a Sparrowhawk. If it performs as well as I think it should, it would definitely be some added safety margin with the way we like to fly. But, a different plane will bring it's own unknowns with it. Especially those unknow expenses. Add that to the above, well, I think we'll just stick with 72G for the time being. She has proven reliable and has done well in what we have asked of her. We did just receive the replacement prop this week, so I will be looking forward to seeing what effect that has on the performance.

Even so, it is sad to contemplate, but I can see a future without an airplane. At least not a certified production aircraft. The kits are way too expensive. To build one's own truely useable two place airplane would cost a minimum of $40,000. Can't afford that. Maybe just an ultralight to putt putt around in now and then?

Well, with all things considered, I think we will just keep 72G for the time being and see what the future brings. We'll just not take any drastic steps and see where the trail leads.

But, anyways, good luck with what ever you decide, Jeff. Please be consoled that you are not the only one doing some hard thinking about flying in the future.