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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Robert Zambelli on January 21, 2016, 09:18:57 AM
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There is a Globe Swift in my near future. #^ #^
Anyone had experience with this little gem? ???
Bob Z.
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Pretty airplane.... I heard it was a handful on the ground.
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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
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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?
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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! LL~ LL~ LL~
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!
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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.
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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!
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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?
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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. D>K Steve
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Steve, like model planes, it depends on how it is trimmed.
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Hi Bob,
What engine does your Swift have?
That makes a big difference.
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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 ;D
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Bob,
I'll bet I can talk you out of it.
Why would you want to do that?
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RZ:
Interesting read about flying the Globe Swift here: http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepSwift.html
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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!
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RZ:
Interesting read about flying the Globe Swift here: http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepSwift.html
That was a great read. Thank you
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Why would you want to do that?
Bob,
PM me.
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Bob,
PM me.
Nope - state your case here.
Bob Z.
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Bob,
It's a great choice, enjoy the aircraft.
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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
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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.
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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
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Hey, Guys - thanks for all the replies and useful information. y1
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.
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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
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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...
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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...
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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.
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What's not to like about the Swift?
(http://assets.rollingstone.com/assets/2015/article/taylor-swift-talks-feminism-misogyny-in-maxim-20150519/196590/large_rect/1432037700/1401x788-473897728.jpg)
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High maintenance costs, very high.
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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
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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.
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Robert, when you get it, are you going to take the old DOC for a ride? H^^
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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. ;D
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.
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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
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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.
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Bob,
Will you have redundancy for IFR in your panel?
Charles
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The O-300 didn't strike me as having epic power, at least as employed in a T-41
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Bob,
Ever consider purchasing an airplane that can land on water?
You already have airplanes that can land on the ground.
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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.
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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
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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
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A 180 on Edo Aire's will go anywhere.
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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?
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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.
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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?
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Good one, Mike. 'Mars: Out of this world!'
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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.
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Hi, Mike & Mike!
Nah, I sold my Mars! :'(
Couldn't afford $50,000 for the annual inspection. LL~ LL~ LL~
Bob Z.
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?
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The Swift is small, nimble, aerobatic and fun to fly. Also, very easy to move around.
Bob Z.
Bob,
I believe the Lake has the same wingspan as the Swift? 29'
I could be wrong.
Sell everything and buy the Lake. LL~
Charles
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I fell in love with the swift fury at Sun N Fun If I remember correctly the swift type certificate was somehow tangled up in the Piper Bankruptcy. Myself I would build a brand new Van's RV-6 for the same money and have the freedom of an experimental with a good track record. There have been a couple Swifts pass through the field, nobody seems to keep them for long, I think it's something a lot of people keep till they get it out of their system. Neat little plane though. T.J.
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Bob,
I haven't flown a Swift, but it looks like a fun airplane. Your likes is what is important. You certainly don't need a amphibian if you don't want one. I certainly would not want to fly any aerobatics in a Lake.
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Bob,
I haven't flown a Swift, but it looks like a fun airplane. Your likes is what is important. You certainly don't need a amphibian if you don't want one. I certainly would not want to fly any aerobatics on a Lake.
Tom,
I flew a Swift, many in fact, I shopped for one. Well, 30 years ago. Does that still count? ;D
Anyone who would even think of flying aerobatics in a Lake would have to reexamine their thinking.
Didn't know you were a pilot. What ratings do you have? How many hours in the left seat? What have you got time in?
Every pilot should fly a Lake if possible. A great STOL aircraft. And for those who are not pilots, they should try to get a ride in one.
A fun airplane but you have to be responsible, as any good pilot would.
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;) My thoughts exactly, Tom. Hope all is well with you my friend. Any plans for a VSC visit this year?
Chris...
Bob,
I haven't flown a Swift, but it looks like a fun airplane. Your likes is what is important. You certainly don't need a amphibian if you don't want one. I certainly would not want to fly any aerobatics on a Lake.
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Charles,
Commercial, Multi engine, Instrument, Flight Instructor + A&P. Have not flown Gliders, or Sea planes. Been inactive for about 20 years, and really miss it. Too expensive when I was no longer being paid to fly. Family came first. Being in the aerospace industry I was always close
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Charles,
Commercial, Multi engine, Instrument, Flight Instructor + A&P. Have not flown Gliders, or Sea planes. Been inactive for about 20 years, and really miss it. Too expensive when I was no longer being paid to fly. Family came first. Being in the aerospace industry I was always close
Tom,
Congratulations on your efforts in GA.
I'm not an instructor or an A&P.
I've been inactive also for 20 years, how about that.
I don't miss it a bit. Honestly, because I have models. ;D
I sold the Lake in late 95. I had that Lake for just over five years and never really had an expensive issue with it.
Lost the vacuum pump once, and the voltage regular. The vacuum pump gave out flying into Sun n Fun.
I actually replaced the Vacuum pump at Sun n Fun. Lost the voltage regulator on the trip home.
To this day, I'm thankful that I changed that vacuum pump instead of taking in Sun n Fun.
Imagine being IFR at night with no vacuum pump then losing the voltage regulator.
Charles
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. . . and the beat goes on.
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. . . and the beat goes on.
...and still the only individual to make my "ignore" list.
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I never had a Toyota Corolla, but rented one once, in the early '70's. The transmission was a 4 speed, and a very slick shifting one, too. y1
LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ LL~ Steve
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I spent last weekend in Des Moines, but I didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express. x:
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I guess 2016 is going to be a good year for trolls. LL~ LL~ LL~
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Sparky is going to like this. VD~
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I guess 2016 is going to be a good year for trolls. LL~ LL~ LL~
Yes and you are performing quite well in that capacity!
Your buddy,
Dan McEntee
PS: Sorry Sparky, but he made me do it!
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Yes and you are performing quite well in that capacity!
Your buddy,
Dan McEntee
PS: Sorry Sparky, but he made me do it!
Dan,
I didn't make you do anything, you have complete control of your planned and thought out trolling words.
Here's your trolling Post.
This is a perfect example of a Chuck Aviojet thread hijack and turning it all around to be about him. The thread started out about the Globe Swift. Lots of positive response and good information about the Swift, ( I was enjoying it!) then it gets drifted into the virtues of a completely different and less than classic airplane. Like comparing a vintage 50's Corvette to a Toyota Corolla! Then the epic adventure to Sun N Fun and breaking down twice on the trip. Probably due to lack of maintenance and inspection. And he missed Sun N Fun because it took him all day to change a vacuum pump? Unbelievable!
I'm gonna watch Cool Hand Luke eat 50 eggs!
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
You have been one of my most frequent trolls/bullies for many years.
It's a shame you have to muddy up this guys Thread. Maybe he doesn't care because you may be friends?
I'm trying to put reasoning in his choice of aircraft, possibly save his life. You guys are pushing him off the cliff.
Looks to me, I'm the only one with Swift time. Lake time also.
Dan, how many ratings do you have? Are you even a pilot?
I'm not going to use a lame excuse that you made me write this.
I know exactly what I wrote and I shouldn't be so polite.
You are a troll and everyone knows it.
BTW Dan. It's never about me. If I wanted attention about my abilities in modeling, I could have sent in articles to magazines years ago. You see none. I'm not on U-Tube. I don't show off.
About GA. If your not a pilot, you don't have a clue because you know nothing about the responsibility.
You just think you do.
Do you know how important a vacuum pump is and what it's about? Same with losing a voltage regulator. Do you know what that's all about?
Here, I'll give you a hint, instrument panel.
If you are not a pilot, you have missed something special. And it shows.
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Hey, guys, let's give it a rest.
This post is about the GLOBE SWIFT - PERIOD
I am NOT interested in a Lake (In my opinion, a bloated pig with wings). LL~
I don't need a constant speed prop or a flying boat nor do I need my arm twisted into buying one. n1
My needs and wants are simple, as seen in what I own: A 1977 Piper PA 28-151 and a 1946 Cessna 120.
The Swift would just be another toy. I'll probably keep the Cessna anyhow.
The suggestion that I sell everything and buy a Lake make about as much sense as selling my Ferrari and buying a motorhome. n~ n~
Just ain't gonna happen.
So, let's stick with the original topic and be nice. y1
And by the way, thanks to everyone who posted the neat things about the Swift. H^^
Bob Z.
ps - Can someone explain this to me? "I'm trying to put reasoning in his choice of aircraft, possibly save his life. You guys are pushing him off the cliff."
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its because we are supporting your individual decision instead of telling you how much we know about how wrong you are,, that's why we are pushing you H^^ ;Doff a cliff,,
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THANKS, Mark - you really clarified that for me. n~ ~> ~^
I'm a better man for it.
I think I'll stay away from cliffs for a while!
Bob Z.
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THANKS, Mark - you really clarified that for me. n~ ~> ~^
I'm a better man for it.
I think I'll stay away from cliffs for a while!
Bob Z.
just trying to help,, lol,,
depite what certain members say about me, I only post critique when I see someone being pointed the wrong direction,, but hey, I dont know paint, or building,, so I should just go back to my finishing column and leave it alone,, right
be well Bob
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Hey Charlie,
Dan was my Crew Chief when I raced at the 1999 Reno National Air Races. He didn't need to fly because I was doing that part. I needed a great mechanic/inspector/fabricator. So I chose Dan.
I'm curious about that vacuum pump you stated that you changed on that certified airplane and your not being an A&P. Are you simply overstating the case when you say you did the work yourself or did a mechanic do the actual work? That can cause the decertification of the airplane if you did it, so I certainly hope not.
Now, about the claim you make here about you being the only one on this thread with Swift time. Let me direct you to Al Rabe (who provided pictures of his he rebuilt), Mike Scholtes, Randy Cuberly, De Hill, Keith Sandberg, Chuck Smith and myself as having flown Swifts. That info is found by reading this thread, in response to Bob Z's question about Swifts.
Don't send me PM's, Charlie. Just post on the thread where you have a question or think you need to comment. I'm perfectly able to comment or debate on the membership site provided here for all to see.
Chris...
P.S. L1011, B767/757, B727, DC-9, BU-2000, ATP, FET, SE Comm, Inst, CFI, about 25,000 hours or so... around 100 types flown. I'm 57 years, current, and fly the line for the worlds largest airline.
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Chris - you are DEFINITELY my hero! #^ #^
I could only wish I had your aviation credentials.
Tell me, of all the aircraft you've flown, what was your favorite (besides the Swift, of course)
Bob Z.
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Chris,
Just stop trolling me.
Simple as that.
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Chris - Ever fly the Canadair Global Express??
Bob Z.
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Hey, Guys - thanks for all the replies and useful information. y1
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.
Hi Bob, how many hours on your 120?
Norm
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Hi, Norm.
These numbers are approximate.
TTAF - 4200
TSMOH - 300
New Continental C-90-12F installed January, 1953 per Aircraft Spec A-768
Cleveland wheels & brakes, L/G extensions, metalized wings, lots more.
Bob Z.
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Hi Bob,
Ha! Lots of guys on here have flown better, and way more varied typres than me. But to answer your questions;
I flew a bunch of airplanes as a kid with my dad, we had interest in a flight school and flew all of them before I was 12. Aeronca 7AC, 7ECA, 7KCAB, 8KCAB, Beech 35, Beech 17, Cessna 150, 172, 182, 210, 310, Riley Rocket, Waco Minerva, Cherokee Six, Bell 47's, then Dad soloed me in our 11AC and D-17S on my 16th. I had a music career going in my teen years so i was a slight impediment to my flying prep, so I flew around on a solo certificate or two for 4 years until I got my Private, Commercial and Instrument when I was 18 and 19. Finally seeing I was better off flying than contiuing in 70's rock and roll, I ferried airplanes for some time while pumping gas at Tallmantz Aviation in HS and college checking out in a lot of varied types from Commanders, prototype Aerostar, P Navajo, 421, 414, 401, 340, 320, T210, P210 and pressurized Mooney M22, 201, 231 and then got a job flying a brand new A-36 full time for a construction company. I towed banners with Maules and Scouts, ferried DC-3 and Twin Beeches, and then started flying warbirds for a couple of museums on the B-25, Stearman and T-6. The freight jobs were similar and I flew Twin Beeches for a couple of years for three different outfits and the DC-3 one summer before getting the oppotunity to fly for a new commuter in Phoenix called States West with new Short SD3-60s and i checked out as a Part 121 captain at 26. I was hired to TWA International Division as an L-1011 FE and thats when i met the east coast Stunt crew when i was JFK based. I checked out as FO on the 727 but flew the 1011 again until returning to the 72 when I lived at Windy's flying the Caribbean. Then the move to STL took me to Staggerwing Airshows and Evergreen Air Venture where I flew the Staggerwing, N3N and Bushmaster tri-motor and Stearman and T-6 respectively. In 1997 I was a senior Intl FO on the 76 and bought a very inexpensive O-320 powered S-1C short fuselage Pitts Special and left it in Phoenix. I started acro competition and then in 1998 moved there and raced it at Reno as well as acro comp. I checked out as DC-9 captain at TWA then and bought a new S-1D Pitts Special powered by an HO-360 helicopter engine and Dan McEntee and I upped the racing game returning to the National Air Races winning the first heat and nabbing pole position for the final. But my low racing line got us a low flying penalty with a fine and moved to the back of the field. All my fault, Dan. I married, quit racing and refined the Pitts and moved to Los Angeles but didn't fly it much and sold it at the top of the market in 2007. It races today, all of my mods gaining the 25mph we planned, as the 200 mph Purse Snatcher. Since AA bought TWA, up until last year it was kind of a limbo for us. I was released to be based out of Dallas in March of '15 and so now my position along with the USAir deal giving the pilot wage a big boost there may be another airplane in my future besides the MD-80. I think the Pitts S-2B might be the right fit.
Favorites, Beech Staggerwing, super stable, powerful and impressive it's a great ship I'll always love.
Pitts Special, a mind reader of control input ease, the perfect acro plane for the working man.
Transport favorite is the 757, a great flying airplane that has all of the power one would ever need and slow speed handling that is hard to believe. The perfect airliner.
No, I've never flown a Global Express, in fact i've never flown an executive jet. I was close to buying a Hawker Hunter jet fighter. Twice. and also my brother's Mig 15 but we never got it flying. Right place, right time kind of thing.
Have fun, I think that Swift with a fixed pitch and an O-300 would be a simple and easy ship to have, a lot of bang for the buck in my opinion.
Chris...
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Hey Chris - if you find yourself overnighting in Vancouver sometime, give me a call. We'll fly for pie in the RV-7, and share some war stories. I'll arrange for Russ Popel to join us. A great guy with more Warbird stories than anyone I know.
Bob - buy the Swift if it turns you on. A great little airplane and a joy to fly. Don't sell the Cessna, you will only kick yourself later for doing so.
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My only experience with a swift was to help paint one when I worked in a paint shop.
What is the AD situation? I remember something about AD's for the main spar, bulkheads and a few other things.
The owner bitched because of all the AD's and STC's. But he complained a lot. It was a project airplane, a rough airplane and he spent a lot of money on it. Big engine, Instruments etc...
That one had some corrosion issues that we had to deal with. It did not impress me as an easy airplane to work on.
Not trying to talk you out of it but just wondering.
From my paint shop days:
Question: What is the cheapest thing in an airplane
Answer: The Pilot / owner ;D
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Gee, Chris M. when did you find time for model planes and a wife?? I remember you flying stunt in Topeka contest. H^^
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Not a single comment about the post from someone who actually rebuilt and owned a 125 Globe Swift. Wish I had color photos. Maybe I can cut some big color files down enough to post here.
Al
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Okay Chris, but apart from THAT what are your qualifications to have an opinion about full-scale aircraft?
Your career in aviation is one that the rest of us Walter Mittys can only dream about, even ones with modest actual flying experience.
Bob, I would keep the 120 if you have room for it and don't particularly need to sell it. I miss my old T-craft and sometimes wish I still had it, despite all the bigger and more capable planes that came later (in flying clubs, not owned outright). Plus, you have your own airport and presumably a hanger! Talk about idyllic ... Between you and Chris neither one is getting any sympathy from me! Say, the current owner of my L2M down in Florida has it for sale. Maybe should give him a call.
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Not a single comment about the post from someone who actually rebuilt and owned a 125 Globe Swift. Wish I had color photos. Maybe I can cut some big color files down enough to post here.
Al
I mentioned you ,Al. And your great pictures really are bringing back the good old days of GA. Your Bellanca is cool too, love the Franklin.
I flew my folks Stinson Station Wagon back to SoCal from Florida in spring of '14, fun ride behind the 165 hp Franklin 350. Didn't miss a beat in 22 hours cross country and added 2 qts of oil to keep it at 6 1/2. Love their high revving nature, it was so smooth at 2800 rpm.
Chris...
Dad in front of the Stinson when we arrived at Chino hangar 2014, me in Mom's old MGB.
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Hi Chris, Sounds like fun. Been a long time since we've seen one another. We're due!
Hi Doc, Looks busier than it was, sometimes.
Hi Mike, Just lucky, I guess.
Chris...
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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. D>K Steve
Steve,
Exactly like a Republic Sea Bee...except that pusher mit boat hull did all those things at 80MPH. The Swift was also a lot prettier but didn't float as well.
We had several tied down at my dad's FBO at the Renton airport during a huge Columbus day wind storm. A couple of them took off unencumbered by an air man and ended up upside down, one of which was on the seaplane ramp and ended up in Lake Washington...at least that's what my frequently shorted out memory banks remember.
Ted
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The only contact I ever had with a Globe Swift was the StromBecker solid model, c.1950. Cute little thing.
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I mentioned you ,Al. And your great pictures really are bringing back the good old days of GA. Your Bellanca is cool too, love the Franklin.
I flew my folks Stinson Station Wagon back to SoCal from Florida in spring of '14, fun ride behind the 165 hp Franklin 350. Didn't miss a beat in 22 hours cross country and added 2 qts of oil to keep it at 6 1/2. Love their high revving nature, it was so smooth at 2800 rpm.
Chris...
Dad in front of the Stinson when we arrived at Chino hangar 2014, me in Mom's old MGB.
I have always had a love affair with the Stinson Voyager,, sigh,, I almost bought one here locally while I was rebuiolding crop dusters,, It had fairly new fabric, was hangered its whole life and they had just done an overhaul on the engine,, about 15 hours after the overhaul they discovered a crack in the crank prop flange ( as I recall) and were frustrated,, it had good log books looked good and would have been a steal at 10,000,, I was going go use it to get my private pilots license in,, deal fell through and I have daydreamed about it ever since,,
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My friend's Super Swift.
He just bought it from Oregon, removed the wings and trailered it back to South Carolina.
Continental IO 360, constant speed prop, sticks, sliding canopy, bucket seats, auxiliary tanks, Aspen panel, autopilot.
Bob Z.
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Nice!
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Quite a few years ago I flew with a copilot who bought a Swift. He flew it for a few weeks and then discovered there are some safety pins/locks in the main landing gear system that were missing on his particular plane. I'm not sure of the details, but, he said had he taxied or landed with much of a side load on the gear, the gear could have collapsed.
Something to look into, that is too pretty a plane to make a dent in.
dg
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Are you taking it to Brodaks? I like the looks of it.
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Add me to the list of swift flyers. When I was young I worked for a flying service (crop duster) in Blythe ca as a loader. Maybe 1970. On the field was an 85hp swift. My flight was right seat and I did get to take off on a pretty sandy airstrip. I was thrilled to fly it even as underpowered as it was. Now at times a 1400hp air tractor seems a little shy at times. Just sayin. Enjoy you airplane Bob. There are critics every where.
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Oh yeah! If you don't like that, you don't like corn bread!
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
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I suspect items I, II, and III on the gear door are unlikely to lead to item IV. Can always hope, though. Beautiful plane and probably a heck of a performer with that engine and prop.
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My friend here in Florida has a full size Globe Swift for sale, as he's building an RV-7. I've flown with him inthe Swift, and hope to live long enough to have a hop in the RV-7, for which the target finish date is fall 2017.
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My friend's Super Swift.
He just bought it from Oregon, removed the wings and trailered it back to South Carolina.
Continental IO 360, constant speed prop, sticks, sliding canopy, bucket seats, auxiliary tanks, Aspen panel, autopilot.
Bob Z.
Dig!
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Way cool Z-man! Enjoy it!