Author Topic: Not model aviation - general aviation: Globe Swift (Read 19303 times)

Robert Zambelli · « **on:** January 21, 2016, 09:18:57 AM »

There is a Globe Swift in my near future.

Anyone had experience with this little gem?

Bob Z.

john ohnimus · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2016, 09:21:52 AM »

Pretty airplane.... I heard it was a handful on the ground.

Fred Cronenwett · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2016, 10:37:51 AM »

Any taildragger can be tricky on the full size, but with CL scale it usually not a problem, throttle up slowly, tail comes up and climb out.

Great looking plane, it has flaps and retracts. drop in 2.4 Ghz, electric retracts and flaps and you have a great combo. What is also nice the gear retracts straight inboard without any special angles like on a spitfire. Get the 85 degree gear

Fred

Mike Scholtes · « **Reply #3 on:** January 21, 2016, 10:58:54 AM »

The first aileron roll I ever did was in a Swift. This was a long time ago but I don't recall any particular ground handling problems. Some variants are regarded as underpowered. You are talking about a full-scale Swift, right?

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #4 on:** January 21, 2016, 11:02:36 AM »

Burt Brokaw, the National CL Carrier champion in most classes owned one in the past and speaks very highly of it. Burt is a retired airline captain with a lot of stick time in a lot of different aircraft so one must consider that he could probably fly anything with wings with no problems.

My personal experience with one was owned by a friend, now passed to the great flying runways in the here after. I had the opportunity to fly the Swift in the late 1980s and while not a fledging pilot at that time I was not exactly a High Time Guy with a lot of different aircraft experience either.

I found that the Swift took a lot of concentration on the ground and on the approach to call it an easy or fun airplane to fly. In the air with the gear up it handled very well and was a very comfortable and easy plane to control. When I told Burt this He simply smiled and I'm sure thought "another Rookie pilot" Which of course I was.

Anyway my experience was that it ain't for low time guys that aren't serious about airplanes!

I'm sure Burt would just smile and shake his head!

Randy Cuberly
PS: If you contact Burt I'm sure he would give you lots of info about the type and details about the one he owned. He is not often on this forum but is a member!

Avaiojet · « **Reply #5 on:** January 21, 2016, 12:18:07 PM »

Quote from: Robert Zambelli on January 21, 2016, 09:18:57 AM

There is a Globe Swift in my near future.
Anyone had experience with this little gem?

Bob Z.

Bob,

I'll bet I can talk you out of it.

Don Hutchinson AMA5402 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2016, 12:50:19 PM »

The Globe Swift airplanes were built a short ways down the road from my home. Lots of interesting stuff made around here, they print US paper money right across the road from me!

Avaiojet · « **Reply #7 on:** January 21, 2016, 01:13:16 PM »

Quote from: Don Hutchinson AMA5402 on January 21, 2016, 12:50:19 PM

The Globe Swift airplanes were built a short ways down the road from my home. Lots of interesting stuff made around here, they print US paper money right across the road from me!

How far would you have to tunnel?

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #8 on:** January 21, 2016, 02:02:52 PM »

I asked my Dad about the Globe Swift, if he'd ever flown one. Apparently, I came across a picture of one and found it attractive (duh!).
His reply was that it was the only airplane he ever flew that took off at 125 mph, cruised at 125 mph, landed at 125 mph and stalled at 125 mph. I'm sure he was exaggerating to some extent.

Steve

john e. holliday · « **Reply #9 on:** January 21, 2016, 02:08:12 PM »

Steve, like model planes, it depends on how it is trimmed.

De Hill · « **Reply #10 on:** January 21, 2016, 02:19:24 PM »

Hi Bob,

What engine does your Swift have?

That makes a big difference.

Stew Robinson · « **Reply #11 on:** January 21, 2016, 02:43:33 PM »

Anybody remember Pedro, the little airplane that had to fly the mail over the Andes because his Papa was too sick to do it? I think he was a Globe Swift

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #12 on:** January 21, 2016, 03:08:49 PM »

Quote from: Avaiojet on January 21, 2016, 12:18:07 PM

Bob,

I'll bet I can talk you out of it.

Why would you want to do that?

11290 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 21, 2016, 03:18:20 PM »

RZ:

Interesting read about flying the Globe Swift here: http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepSwift.html

peabody · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2016, 03:42:30 PM »

There was an airport in Boston Heights, Ohio (southeast of Cleveland) that was the home of quite a few Swifts.....

My first ex-wife's family had a "farm" just south of the airport and almost annually one would "drop in" for some reason or another....

My father was a fighter pilot in WWII and took me for a ride in one with a bigger engine and constant speed prop....he said that it was too much of a handful as the gear was manual and that things "got interesting" in a hurry.

They are way cool though....

Have fun!

Dane Martin · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2016, 03:54:09 PM »

Quote from: 11290 on January 21, 2016, 03:18:20 PM

RZ:

Interesting read about flying the Globe Swift here: http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepSwift.html

That was a great read. Thank you

Avaiojet · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2016, 03:56:09 PM »

Quote from: Robert Zambelli on January 21, 2016, 03:08:49 PM

Why would you want to do that?

Bob,

PM me.

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2016, 04:28:17 PM »

Quote from: Avaiojet on January 21, 2016, 03:56:09 PM

Bob,

PM me.

Nope - state your case here.

Bob Z.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2016, 04:31:40 PM »

Bob,

It's a great choice, enjoy the aircraft.

Art Jessup · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2016, 04:46:56 PM »

My WWll vet brother-in-law had one briefly back in the early '50s. Sure was pretty but I couldn't get a ride in it because the airstrip was only 1500' and it only had the 85 hp engine. His comment was it needed more horsepower. It sure was sexy though!!
Art

Mike Scholtes · « **Reply #20 on:** January 21, 2016, 05:05:13 PM »

There is some useful info at saginawwings.com/monty_answerman/fly.htm article "Flying the Swift"

It may be a dash between "monty" and "answerman" rather than underscore.

RandySmith · « **Reply #21 on:** January 21, 2016, 06:30:37 PM »

Bob beautiful airplane great lines, I would recommend flying one 5 to 10 times in different conditions, should be no trouble, but some have found it a handful
There is a gorgeous polished one here in N GA.

Randy

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #22 on:** January 21, 2016, 07:14:36 PM »

Hey, Guys - thanks for all the replies and useful information.

The plane belongs to a friend of mine - he has two: one is the Swift I plan to buy and the other is the Super Swift.
The Super has an O-360 with constant speed prop and sticks.
The one I will buy has been upgraded to the 150 HP Continental six with fixed pitch prop.
Also, it has a completely new panel with all modern gages, modern radio and transponder.

First I must sell one of my planes - anyone want to buy a really nice Cessna 120?

Bob Z.

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #23 on:** January 21, 2016, 08:16:58 PM »

Let us see a side shot of the 120! I couldn't afford a full size airplane if you gave it to me, but not really sure just what model I would buy if possible. Partial to the old Aeroncas and Cessnas. A nice Bird Dog would be cool, something to look for my lost free flight models with!
The Swift is a beauty also. I have some pics of several of them lined up at Oshkosh. I say if you like it, buy it! That's all that matters.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Chris McMillin · « **Reply #24 on:** January 21, 2016, 09:48:16 PM »

It's like any other airplane, Bob.
Continental 360 with a fixed pitch should be okay. Light and simple. Cleveland wheels and brakes would be the best equipment installed. They run out of rudder in a strong cross wind with it's short tail moment, a good set of brakes is nice to have to stop that swing on roll out.
What are the details on the 120?
Chris...

Chris McMillin · « **Reply #25 on:** January 21, 2016, 10:16:18 PM »

Quote from: Chris McMillin on January 21, 2016, 09:48:16 PM

It's like any other airplane, Bob.
Continental 360 with a fixed pitch should be okay. Is that what you meant or is it an O-300 still? Light and simple either way. Cleveland wheels and brakes would be the best equipment installed. They run out of rudder in a strong cross wind with it's short tail moment, a good set of brakes is nice to have to stop that swing on roll out.
What are the details on the 120?
Chris...

Russ Popel · « **Reply #26 on:** January 21, 2016, 10:36:25 PM »

Robert, a couple years ago, I travelled around looking at swifts for sale. I wanted the 210 hp continental IO 360 with CS prop,as I do long cross countries. I found that most of them had many mods,brakes ,cockpit arrangements,different canopies,faired over wing slots,p51 style gear doors and so on. A lot of these mods lacked paper work which might not be important to you, but for importation into Canada,it was to me. I would suggest talking to swift "gurus"about the pros and cons of some of these mods, but be objective, don't get caught up in their enthusiasm .you can do that after you are one of them! Chris Cox let me fly his Rv7 and I bought a 6,great fuel economy and speed. Big cross winds and short strips are a non event. After your 120, I don't think a swift would be hard to handle for you . But still the swift does have a certain appeal__________Good luck and fly safe.

TigreST · « **Reply #27 on:** January 21, 2016, 10:54:20 PM »

What's not to like about the Swift?

Russ Popel · « **Reply #28 on:** January 21, 2016, 11:51:05 PM »

High maintenance costs, very high.

keith sandberg · « **Reply #29 on:** January 22, 2016, 01:30:28 PM »

Bob, I've flown 3 and by no means am I an expert, but here goes. GREAT handling planes gear up at cruise with no really bad habits. On the ground they tend to swing a lot because of the wide gear and with the small tailwheel quite a bit less visibility over the nose then your 120. I've flown those too and the larger stock tailwheel makes a big difference. I've flown 2 constant speeds, both 360's, a Lycoming and a continental, and an 0300 fixed pitch. On t/o the big motors needed almost all of the rudder to keep to nose straight and on landing the rudder was kinda marginal when you got slow with a decent xwind. But you look really cool taxing up to the pancake breakfast and and you'll get more chicks then I can with my Tiger. If you get the chance buy the plane. Next to the Navion probably the most modified certified plane out there. Keith Sandberg

Chuck_Smith · « **Reply #30 on:** January 22, 2016, 02:40:47 PM »

Bob, great little planes. I flew one a few times. It was not the handful on the ground that people make it out to be. Anyone who can handle a Luscombe would find it tame. I do remember the the rate of climb was somewhat lackluster, which surprised me because it has a decent engine. I seem to remember about 600fpm. It seemed to like the "regulation" 3000' runway. It's a nice sunny day flyer but I wouldn't want to have to do anything more than VFR on Top with it. I don't know how strong the spar is but they always looked to me like what they really wanted was an AEIO360 with a header tank and smoke, a bubble canopy, center the controls ...

I know nothing about AD's or maintenance headaches on them. Annuals on a complex are always fun. I'd check for TBO on the prop besides the engine.

john e. holliday · « **Reply #31 on:** January 22, 2016, 04:15:39 PM »

Robert, when you get it, are you going to take the old DOC for a ride?

Avaiojet · « **Reply #32 on:** January 22, 2016, 05:13:27 PM »

Quote from: Chuck_Smith on January 22, 2016, 02:40:47 PM

Anyone who can handle a Luscombe would find it tame.

Chuck,

I learned on a Luscombe back in late 1964. I entertained buying a Swift, but that was over 30 years ago.

I purchased a Piper Cherokee 180 instead of the Swift. Best decision I ever made, at least for what I decided I needed the airplane for, which was for cross country trips and I wanted an airplane that sat four.

Hershey bar wings and 124 knots.

Has it's quirks like all aircraft, but the Piper 180 is really a nice airplane.

I checked on line. $40K to $55K. Still not a bad price.

Al Rabe · « **Reply #33 on:** January 25, 2016, 07:49:41 PM »

Bob,

About a half century ago, I bought a couple of Swift wrecks, got an airplane assembled, got it licensed and with about an hour and half on the rebuild and its salvaged Continental 125 engine, I flew it from Lexington Ky. to Fredericksburg Virginia at night to begin a new job. I kept the airplane for several years and really liked it very much. Those were interesting times. I traded time in the Swift for Use of an AT-6 in those good old days when nobody had insurance, nor apparently needing it. After a couple of years, I finally traded the Swift for a four place Franklin powered Bellanca. Which needed a major (which I did) and all new fabric cover (which I did) and painted it much like my Swift. I loved my Swift and traded it only when Linda and I would fly with daughter Sharon on my lap and son Billy on hers until she ran out of lap. It was fast enough and climbed well enough with the Continental and its Aeromatic prop. I had no interest in using it for acrobatics; in fact, I don't remember ever getting it inverted in a loop or roll. It was a honey to fly. In fact my Globe Swift flew better than several Temco Swifts I had the chance to fly. Mine had noticeably nicer stalling characteristics and its air oleo gears were much softer than the spring Adel type typically found on Temco Swifts. Landings were a thing of beauty to see and appreciate. I don't ever recall finding fault with any of the airplane's handling characteristics. If it weren't for the FAA, lawyers and insurance, I'd still like to have another, and the stock 125 was both reliable and economical. Looking back from 64 years as a pilot and 26,500 hours it was a happy time.

The pilot report earlier in this post was a good read and sounded like a fair evaluation except for the author's liking for Adel gears.

I also threw in a couple photos of the Bellanca and my Cessna 150, which I also had painted to my design. It was also equipped and flown hard IFR using a six pack, 2 coms, ILS w/glide slope, and ADF which was enough for the times while the kids got their ratings.

Al

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #34 on:** January 26, 2016, 06:11:43 PM »

Hi, Gents - THANKS for all the great information.
I will probably get to fly the Swift in a few weeks.
I was wrong earlier when I stated that it had a 150 HP Continental.
It's powered by a C-145 (This particular engine was later upgraded and designated as the O-300)
Mine does not have a vacuum pump - just a venturi. It's not a problem really, as my Cessna is similarly equipped.
In any case, thanks again and I will post info and pictures when available.

Someone wanted to see a side view of the Cessna - here it is.

Bob Z.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #35 on:** January 27, 2016, 05:59:50 AM »

Bob,

Will you have redundancy for IFR in your panel?

Charles

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #36 on:** January 27, 2016, 09:04:34 AM »

I will not be doing any IFR in the Swift - the panel is basic VFR.
When I fly IFR, I use the Warrior which is completely IFR certified.

The Swift is equipped with the C-145 engine which has no vacuum pump mount.
Vacuum is by just the venturi.
Also, no pitot heat.
I don't no much about the certification regulations but can a venturi equipped aircraft be IFR certified with that type of vacuum system?

Bob Z.

Mike Scholtes · « **Reply #37 on:** January 27, 2016, 10:12:49 AM »

Hi Bob - Is your 120 a ragwing, as all good 120s should be, or is it metalized? Such a pretty airplane, always brings a smile to see one, or a 140 for that matter.

There was a guy at Palo Alto airport (San Francisco area) where I was based who flew his 120 to Alaska and back, with a friend on board. He said the romance was gone from the big adventure around Santa Rosa, 100 miles north of Palo Alto.

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #38 on:** January 27, 2016, 10:20:07 AM »

Hi, Mike.
My 120 is metallized.
It's also equipped with a Val radio, Bendix transponder, nav lights and belly strobe.
Last year I upgraded the "shopping cart" tailwheel to a Maule inflatable. What a difference in ground handling!

Bob Z.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #39 on:** January 27, 2016, 10:49:39 AM »

The O-300 didn't strike me as having epic power, at least as employed in a T-41

Avaiojet · « **Reply #40 on:** January 27, 2016, 12:01:36 PM »

Bob,

Ever consider purchasing an airplane that can land on water?

You already have airplanes that can land on the ground.

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #41 on:** January 27, 2016, 06:03:25 PM »

Quote from: Steve Fitton on January 27, 2016, 10:49:39 AM

The O-300 didn't strike me as having epic power, at least as employed in a T-41

Steve: Good point but keep in mind that the T-41 grosses at around 2300 lbs while the Swift is around 1710.
Although mine is the GC-1B, originally equipped with a C-125, it has been upgraded to the C-145.
So, the difference in weigh plus the fact that the Swift is much cleaner than the T-41, there would be a fast difference in performance.

Charles: I like the idea of being able to keep my aircraft in my backyard hanger on my own airport (Actually, I share it with three other people) and, there is no place nearby to keep a floatplane, I'll have to keep them on wheels.

Bob Z.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #42 on:** January 27, 2016, 06:42:42 PM »

Quote from: Robert Zambelli on January 27, 2016, 06:03:25 PM

Steve: Good point but keep in mind that the T-41 grosses at around 2300 lbs while the Swift is around 1710.
Although mine is the GC-1B, originally equipped with a C-125, it has been upgraded to the C-145.
So, the difference in weigh plus the fact that the Swift is much cleaner than the T-41, there would be a fast difference in performance.

Charles: I like the idea of being able to keep my aircraft in my backyard hanger on my own airport (Actually, I share it with three other people) and, there is no place nearby to keep a floatplane, I'll have to keep them on wheels.

Bob Z.

Bob,

Amphibian aircraft have retractable landing gear.

My last airplane was a Lake LA-4 200T. These are not float planes. Cost probably around the same as the Swift, but a much newer airplane for the cost!

Give it a google!

Charles

Ara Dedekian · « **Reply #43 on:** January 28, 2016, 03:37:38 PM »

Charles

Spent an hour watching the Lake Aircraft videos on YouTube as you suggested. They're a definite, 'If I won the lottery....' item. I learned they were made here in Maine for many years at Sanford Airport. Sanford Airport, now Southern Maine Regional Airport was the site of the past three State of Maine Model Expo events. I set up the control line part of the show and learned today that our control line circles at the Expo were on the site of the buildings where the Lakes were manufactured. That bit of news was told to me by the local hobby shop owner, who flew Lakes as a flight instructor at Sanford in a former life. He instructed Lake owners for their insurance ratings.

If I understood correctly, Lake Aircraft is still in business in Laconia, N.H. making parts only.

Ara

Chuck_Smith · « **Reply #44 on:** January 29, 2016, 05:58:11 AM »

A 180 on Edo Aire's will go anywhere.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #45 on:** January 29, 2016, 06:35:52 AM »

Quote from: Ara Dedekian on January 28, 2016, 03:37:38 PM

Charles

Spent an hour watching the Lake Aircraft videos on YouTube as you suggested. They're a definite, 'If I won the lottery....' item. I learned they were made here in Maine for many years at Sanford Airport. Sanford Airport, now Southern Maine Regional Airport was the site of the past three State of Maine Model Expo events. I set up the control line part of the show and learned today that our control line circles at the Expo were on the site of the buildings where the Lakes were manufactured. That bit of news was told to me by the local hobby shop owner, who flew Lakes as a flight instructor at Sanford in a former life. He instructed Lake owners for their insurance ratings.

If I understood correctly, Lake Aircraft is still in business in Laconia, N.H. making parts only.

Ara

Ara,

The Lake is a great aircraft, actually STOL. I was fortunate, blessed actually, to have owned one. I had mine for almost six years.

Yes, insurance, a good thing.

Charles

Yes, insurance, a good thing actually. I don't remember how many hours were required for the Lake at the time I owned mine. 50 maybe?

Robert Zambelli · « **Reply #46 on:** January 30, 2016, 05:47:27 AM »

A friend of mine has a Lake, and he loves it - except when it's in for service, which is often.
Interesting aircraft to say the least but way too complicated for me.
Also, very expensive to fly, insure and maintain compared to the simple aircraft I own.
Another factor is the size. With three cars, a boat, two planes and my machine shop, the Piper is as big as I want to go. There would simply be no room for another plane.
The Swift is small, nimble, aerobatic and fun to fly. Also, very easy to move around.
Bob Z.

Mike Scholtes · « **Reply #47 on:** January 30, 2016, 10:46:57 AM »

Bob, you have your own airport! You need more and bigger planes to fill it up with! How about a Martin Mars flying boat for the watery side of flying?

Mike Lauerman · « **Reply #48 on:** January 30, 2016, 01:17:00 PM »

Good one, Mike. 'Mars: Out of this world!'

Elwyn Aud · « **Reply #49 on:** January 30, 2016, 03:07:59 PM »

A decade or so ago there was a plan to manufacture a somewhat modernized version of the Swift. I guess it never worked out. It was the LoPresti Swiftfury or something like that.