His is an original 8A with no electrical system. He dropped progressively larger engines into the tough, diminutive airframes until, by the late 1960s, 150-hp stud brutes were rocketing off of the grass at Larsen Field. A Luscombe is a few steps more difficult to keep straight on landing than a Citabria and a few steps easier than a Stearman. LUSCOMBE 8A - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost if it had been on its back wouldnt the verticle stabilizer be much worse? Now, be-cause they are pushed by ones heels rather than toes, there are those who insist they are a nefarious plot on the part of those who make airframe re-placement parts to ensure a steady flow of business. The journey to restore this would be a busy one, mostly with getting it to comply with the FAA. Phone: 833-587-2662. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. The EAA chapters are a big asset for restorers as well. I have flown in them in the past as one of them belonged to a friend but all the comments about ground handling are true, weight capacity also true, fun to fly TOTALLY but damn it is a small airplane. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. LUSCOMBE 8A Ever. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. If Moody Larsen did his magic and caused a 115- or 150-hp engine to be up front, climb rate can easily exceed 1,000 fpm. WebLuscombe-8C 1940; 75hp Continental A-75-8J with fuel injection; load: 480# v: 118/107/40 range: 340. LUSCOMBE 8A https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkDQBXH02fE. As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. The basic prewar 8 rapidly evolved into the 65-hp 8A, then the B, which had a 65-hp Lycoming; the C with a very rare, fuel-injected Continental of 75 hp (and the first to be advertised as a Silvaire); and, finally, in 1941, the D. The D had the same engine as the 8A and was targeted at the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which bought Luscombes in quantity until World War II got under way and general aviation manufacturing was stopped. Tame compared to a Pitts S-1. The critical next step is to pick out a point beyond the departure end of the runway, straight ahead of the airplane, and resolve to keep the airplane pointed at that spot no matter what happens. Recovery is conventional and only requires the pilot to reduce back pressure on the stick rather than shove the nose down. It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively. With appropriate equipment it is a passable IFR airplane, although range and en-durance can be a little short when trying to reach an alternate. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. Woulda killed me. Luscombe Aircraft Luscombe Aircraft Company created the expensive two-place, radial-engine Phantom, whose ground handling was so awful that more than one buyer canceled the sale after taking his first flight. WebThe airplane has a lot of adverse yaw, when measured by modern standards, but it's about the same as a Champ and easily handled with a little rudder. One of the coolest plane pictures I ever saw was at a small WVA airport. It is sad, but this Luscombe is good for parts or perhaps a static display. Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. I'd love to see more people interested in flying, and rekindle old dreams and ambitions you may have had about becoming a pilot. List of aircraft registered in the United States with the manufacturer and model designation of LUSCOMBE 8A, ordered by tail number. To consider a flight in a Luscombe after being away from them for a time generates equal parts anticipation and trepidation. Well, I guess I asked for it (planes, battleships,etc. Taxiing one in a stiff crosswind is work. They have been the victims of unfairly critical accusations about their ground handling. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. With a full fuel load, the maximum allowable weight in the cabin is only about 400 poundsa motivator, combined with the space available, to keep pilots from becoming too portly. How's that for fuel economy? The cowling opens to allow contemplation of the wonders within. WebLUSCOMBE 8A. The dammage to the vertical stabilizer likely means this has been on its back, perhaps from one of those unforgiving landings. They make it clear that they will not tolerate a milquetoast on the stick and rudder but will reward the pilot who truly knows how to operate those devices. John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. It proved to be faster than its competition, albeit slightly less forgiving on the ground, despite having a much superior landing gear to that of the Phantom or Model 4. The tailwheel is in clear view and should be examined carefully, for tailwheels have been known to break off. Aircraft Inquiry TTAF 2993.9. Total count: 890 aircraft. I got frustrated with how long my restoration was taking on N77885 and did exactly that one calm afternoon. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. By Luscombe aficionados point with pride to the numerous pictures of the airplanes with 16 to 20 people perched atop the wing. Contents 1 Background 1.1 Dallas, Texas 1.2 Chandler, Arizona 1.3 Gilbert, Arizona 1.4 Famous Owners 2 Variants 3 Specifications (Silvaire 8-F) 4 See also 5 References 6 External links The Stinson shouldnt even be considered a taildragger its that forgiving. The basic prewar 8 rapidly evolved into the 65-hp 8A, then the B, which had a 65-hp Lycoming; the C with a very rare, fuel-injected Continental of 75 hp (and the first to be advertised as a Silvaire); and, finally, in 1941, the D. The D had the same engine as the 8A and was targeted at the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which bought Luscombes in quantity until World War II got under way and general aviation manufacturing was stopped. Luscombe was acquired by Temco Aircraft Corp. in 1948, but only some 50 Silvaires were manufactured before the line was suspended for a second time due to military commitments. Oftentimes, the planes that show up on craigslist are worth talking about. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. on board. Shaking a wing during the walkaround inspection reminds one that the Silvaire is remarkably strong. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. Easy fix.bolt a leg to each wing tip and put harbor freight casters on them..Snap! After greasing the airplane onto the runway, they sometimes make the mistake of thinking that they can relax once they are on the ground. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. 8A EASY PROJECT $8,500 We have 3 LUSCOMBE 8 SERIES Aircraft For Sale. Search our listings for used & new airplanes updated daily from 100's of private sellers & dealers. 1 - 3 Login Sell Now Aircraft Parts/Products Engines Real Estate Services Business Aircraft Business Offers Company/Dealer Features Sign up Advertise Contact Us AdvertiseContact UsSign upLog in Beautiful airplane that flies incredibly well. Difficulty in getting production up and running meant that Luscombe was late to the 1946 airplane-selling party and could not cash in as effectively as others, even though it eventually pushed 15 airplanes out the door each day. 650. This will be a monster project but at least its possible if the logs are complete as promised. Not many of them around, compared to a Cessna 140 or a Piper Super Cub. On a small grass strip four miles south of Henry Fords behemoth B-24 plant at Willow Run, Larsen lived, worked, and quietly became the Luscombe doctor. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. The preflight is without surprise or duplicity. WebYear: Not Listed Make/Model: LUSCOMBE 8A Registration #: N71288 Serial #: 2715 Location: Pismo Beach, CA USA $27,000 USD Circle M Aviation CALL (530) 305-4151 I accept the Trade-A-Plane terms of use & service: Send Email Stay safe. Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. Maneuvering is precise. The tail comes up of its own volition, or earlier if motivated by the pilot. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. I knew a guy who converted his Tri-Pacer into a Pacer (dont ask me why). Luscombe Aircraft Otherwise these are great Art Deco pieces of art that look super hanging in your hangers rafterswhere most can be found. Display name: Grum.Man. Perhaps that started the reputation that persists to this day describing Luscombes as a ground loop waiting to happen. WebJack Lane's Luscombe 8A 11 - INT - Mystery Plane.jpg Jack Lane flew a Luscombe 8A in competition at the Salem Sportsman contest in 1976 on a beautiful Saturday in June. Maneuvering is precise. The Mighty Luscombe 8a - Backcountry Pilot WebThe Luscombe 8 was designed by Donald Luscombe and flown for the first time in 1937. WebAircraft for sale. The power-on or departure stall demands that the ball be kept in the center, or the airplane will roll briskly and drop the nose sharply at the break. However, salesmen will be salesmen, and Luscombe soon turned his engineers loose on the idea of wrapping a small, all-metal airplane around this engine. The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. If the pilot is using one of the brakes a great deal, the length of time for a successful crosswind taxi may be limited, as the brake may heat up and fade. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. Rotation speed is about 55 mph. Its clean lines belie its years. Remember, Dave, there are two kinds of pilots who fly taildraggers: those who have ground-looped and those are GOING to. They exist because of the determination of an affable scalawag to create and mass-produce all-metal airplanes. LUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. Links to additional information about Luscombes and other vintage aircraft can be found on AOPA Online. One of my favorites. However, this data alone does not provide the basis for a determination regarding the. At the time, the company president and largest stockholder turned out not to be a U.S. citizen, but an Austrianwhich did not endear the company to the Army in the wake of the Anschluss. The handling of a Luscombe on landing has to be put in perspective. Thanks for including it!!! WebFor something between $15,000 and $21,000 and the willingness to learn to fly the airplane, the Luscombe can be a most enjoyable personal magic carpet. In 1937, Continental Motors approached Luscombe with a new 50-horsepower, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine. WebIt's actually an excellent plane for a low time tail wheel pilot. On a gusty day in a Luscombe with questionable brakes, the sweating occupant of the left seat may be in full agreement. The gear is also narrow. I have flown the J-3 Cub, the Citabria and the Pitts Special and have never ground-looped. WebFlying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane This Old Pilot 148 subscribers Subscribe 4.7K views 1 year ago #tailwheel Flying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. Discussion in 'Hangar Talk' started by Grum.Man, Apr 8, 2017. If Moody Lar-sen did his magic and caused a 115- or 150-hp engine to be up front, climb rate can easily exceed 1,000 fpm. WebLUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. Great aircraft with a rich history. Exterior and Interior 6/10. Finally finished and flew it nearly 2000 hours including three coast to coast trips without a mishap due to a patient and thorough 10 hour check out. The attractive, extremely strong, tailwheel two-place personal airplane came out of the factory for an initial price of $1,895. The pancake engines, as they were called, had a reputation for unreliability, so Luscombe was justifiably skeptical of using one. Franklin did make a 2 cylinder for the 1970s Champs. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. ( minimum altitude, I think) I like the quick disconnect wings. Difficulty in getting production up and running meant that Luscombe was late to the 1946 airplane-selling party and could not cash in as effectively as others, even though it eventually pushed 15 airplanes out the door each day. They landed sideway with a drift and it did not ground loop. Its an interesting alternative to a Cessna of the same era, and in their day, Luscombes were fairly advanced aircraft. Find it here on craigslistfor $4,750 andgo here if the ad is archived. Those who have sat in the new Renaissance Luscombe and experienced the magic that John Larsen did to the interior are astonished that what had been cramped confinement is now far more comfortable. For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding the Silvaire is challenging. Subscribe to Our Site. When Renaissance Aircraft decided to start up the line with a 150-hp version of the 8F, it came to John Larsen and asked him to build the first one. Luscombe pilots have broken off tailwheels on bumpy fields and discovered that they could fly home, make a wheel landing, apply a little brake and power, then taxi to the ramp while holding the tail in the air. Have all logs. Using the original Luscombe jigs, restorations are expertly crafted in our 25,000 square foot hangar at the Jamestown Airport KJHW. LUSCOMBE 11A SEDAN Steep turns are such pleasure that it is difficult to stop. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. Gaze at them and think fond thoughts, for they can be the Achilles heel of a Luscombe. Landing distance (50) 1,540. With a full fuel load, the maximum allowable weight in the cabin is only about 400 poundsa motivator, combined with the space available, to keep pilots from becoming too portly. for approved maneuvers. 1946 Luscombe 8A - Plane & Pilot Magazine This is the 1st of your 3 free articles Become a member for unlimited website access and more. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. No one has been able to explain it to me but a nose-gear naturally wants to move straight forward. Thanks for subscribing! I like the idea of a vintage aircraft as part of any collection of classic automobiles, but dont have the space; if you do, would you consider having this Luscombe 8E in your stable? LUSCOMBE 8A They are admired and prized by those who know them well. The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. Taildragger / Luscombe - BARNSTORMERS.COM Find Aircraft WebThe New Luscombe LSA Model 8 Thoughtfully designed to incorporate modern equipment with the look and feel of the Classic Model 8. Dumbest thing I ever did in aviation, but I got away with it. I'm a believer in life-long learning, and continuing training for pilots. Interesting pproject if capable, and yes flipped two, but buyer had best have all past ownership and flight records for gov, and especially other lower 48 pilots whose clannishness and nose in air is legendary, will gleefully screw you over. For instance in my plane one double entry and three small errors on the previous W&B decreased the useful load by sixteen pounds. constructed to USA CAR 4a standard airworthiness requirements. Just updating the panel will cost most of what this old bird is worth. While that only proves the airplane is able to withstand negative Gs, it is impressive nonetheless. My dad bought a Luscombe 8A a few months ago but I finally got the chance to fly in it today with him when he came to help me work on the Venture. See the airplanes P.O.H. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. on BFs)Nothing to be afraid of? We flew loops, rolls, and spins. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks. Look at this example on trade-a-plane for what 26K will get you. But its going to cost you. As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. Cruise mph 104. 1946 Luscombe 8A Could be one of the lowest time Luscombe in the World! Flew a Luscombe 8A today 1946 Luscombe 8A Continental C-65/75/85. Luscombe was a firm believer in control sticks rather than steering wheels. Its way more fun than Trade-A-Plane! Most pilots adjust fairly quickly to this slightly unusual state of affairs. Speaking of which, the engine could be a Franklin, same outfit that supplied engines to Tucker. Those who have flown Luscombes for a time have learned that because the controls are very responsive, even at fairly low speeds, the aircraft can handle very stiff crosswinds. Sign up for our free daily email and youll never miss another find: Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. 2017-2021 LUSCOMBE AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. Another common problem with small 2 place aircraft of this vintage is weight capacity..2 modern size people cant fly it with full fuel without being over weight. Luscombe 8A Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. Continental, determined to make the engine work, added a second magneto and set of spark plugs, provided for carburetor heat, and made some other changes. 3301 Turner Road. Please post more of them. Taxi of Luscombe 8A, and takeoffs and landings of this vintage taildragger airplane! N1005K (1946) N1013K (1946) N1015K (1946) N1029K (1946) N1034K (1946) N1035K (1946) N1040K (1946) N1042K; N1045K (1946) N1046K (1946) N1057K (1946) N1064K This provided a cheaper and less complex design, and later changes to the vertical and horizontal stabilizers likewise simplified construction and sped production times up. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. Over 6,000 postwar Silvaires were built, and more than 2,000 are currently rated airworthy. For the sake of cost, there are two sticks but only one throttle, located in the center of the panel, so the command stick is held in ones left hand. Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. Continental A-65-A total time: 1068, SMOH 21 hours. Mine is a 8E You will cement your skills with a luscombe and all others will seem like a cake walk. airworthiness of an aircraft or the current aircraft configuration. Hey guys, take a look at yotube about a bad Luscombe landing out on the left coast. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. I read all the accident reports in Flying mags and others. However, this data alone does not provide the basis for a determination regarding the. Flying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane - YouTube Good times, flying old Ever. For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding the Silvaire is challenging. "I was charmed in many ways by the Luscombe - its gleaming, polished-aluminum surface, the great handling, zippy yet economical performance, surprisingly easy landings, and good American hardware.". That's quite a change up from the Venture. It failed miserably in the market; only six were sold. It managed to sell about 80 8Fs before collapsing in 1960. On a gusty day in a Luscombe with questionable brakes, the sweating occupant of the left seat may be in full agreement. The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. Depending on the model, loading (the maximum gross weight of all but the lowest-powered versions is 1,400 pounds), and temperature, acceleration ranges from sedate to brisk. Flying a Luscombe 8A - YouTube It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively.