I have flown the J-3 Cub, the Citabria and the Pitts Special and have never ground-looped. It managed to sell about 80 8Fs before collapsing in 1960. LOW TIME 1940 LUSCOMBE 8A $26,000 ACCEPTING OFFERS UC-90A Paint Scheme N25289, S/N 1195, 2166 TT completely restored starting in 2000, 40 They are cable-actuated and must be adjusted at the brake mechanism itself. That is somewhat optimistic. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. I have been flying tail draggers since 1954. To consider a flight in a Luscombe after being away from them for a time generates equal parts anticipation and trepidation. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. One nice thing about these types is some fall under the Light Sport category letting you start flying cheaper then buying a new LSA,which can run 50K on up. The United States did not buy Luscombes for wartime duty. The stall breaks cleanly. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. For instance in my plane one double entry and three small errors on the previous W&B decreased the useful load by sixteen pounds. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. While it may be nothing but showmanship, the Silvaire can make a good pilot look very good and let the pilot flying it have a ball. Taken during high wind, it was a picture of a J3 Cub flying about 1 foot off the ground at the ends of its tie down ropes. 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. Luscombe developed a four-place, 145-hp tailwheel airplane called the Model 11A Spartan that fought certification difficulties and simple poor timing to come out when there was no market to penetrate. It's a different kind of flying and different challenges and rewards too. The original mechanical disc brakes mostly have been replaced by either Goodyear units that are acceptable but frightfully expensive, or Clevelands, which are very good indeed. Easy fix.bolt a leg to each wing tip and put harbor freight casters on them..Snap! 4.7K members Join group About Discussion More About Discussion About this group Buy, sell, or trade Luscombe Same aircraft.I The flight controls are relatively well harmonized for an airplane designed in the 1930s. 1946 Luscombe 8A - Plane & Pilot Magazine This is the 1st of your 3 free articles Become a member for unlimited website access and more. Almost unique. 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. The gear is stiff and narrow, yet the rudder is effective, as is the tailwheel. 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. If the nose wanders a degree to the left or right, apply the necessary rudder to bring it back and keep it there. Location: Sanford NC. In 1980, an organization in Georgia sought to revive the production line and entered into an agreement with Larsen to buy the type certificate and tooling. We flew loops, rolls, and spins. Steep turns are such pleasure that it is difficult to stop. Im guessing its storm damage. A properly leaned Silvaire generally has greater endurance than its pilot, simply because of the small cabin. STANDARD DATA: (8-A) Seats 2. The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. Phone: 833-587-2662. This upgraded 8A entered production in June 1940, and immediately became a best-seller, was first of the breed to be referred to as Silvaire. Runup takes only moments: Move the stick about to check the ailerons and elevators (after taxiing, the pilot should know if the rudder is properly attached), check the mags and carb heat (on some models the manual recommends landing and taking off with full carburetor heat), scrutinize the engine gauges, set the elevator trim, set such gyros as are installed, and line up with the runway. Climb rate for the 8E and 8F was claimed to be 800 feet per minute. Continental A65-8, 2840 TTSN, No Electrical or All flying now. Total count: 890 aircraft. One of the coolest plane pictures I ever saw was at a small WVA airport. By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article. A Luscombe does not come close to being in that category. Visibility over the nose is outstanding. 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. Perhaps that is because Luscombe was the first to completely enclose the engine within a cowl, a feat of development at a time when Aeronca and Piper were still cooling flat engines by leaving the cylinders out in the breeze and hoping for the best. By 1960 over 5,800 aircraft has been produced by Luscombe Aircraft Corporation and subsequent companies. Slowing to speeds just above the stall demonstrates that the controls, particularly the rudder, remain effective. WebIt's actually an excellent plane for a low time tail wheel pilot. WebThe New Luscombe LSA Model 8 Thoughtfully designed to incorporate modern equipment with the look and feel of the Classic Model 8. LSA were SUPPOSSED to cost 50K. Jamestown, New York 14701 . 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. 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. I love seeing planes, and motorcycles or other oddball barn finds out of the ordinary realm of old cars. As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. Overall, the airplane is most pleasant to fly and travels cross-country efficiently. on BFs)Nothing to be afraid of? While that only proves the airplane is able to withstand negative Gs, it is impressive nonetheless. An 8E like this one would feature the new cockpit design which relocated fuel tanks from the fuselage to the wings. The type certificate and tooling were acquired by Moody Larsen of Belleville, Michigan, in 1964. 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. Subscribe to Our Site. Gross wt. Over 6,000 postwar Silvaires were built, and more than 2,000 are currently rated airworthy. The stall breaks cleanly. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. The EAA chapters are a big asset for restorers as well. TTAF 2993.9. The biggest problem with tail-draggers is landing in a crosswind. A Luscombe is a few steps more difficult to keep straight on landing than a Citabria and a few steps easier than a Stearman. The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkDQBXH02fE. Total Time Aircraft: 1068 hours. The combination of relatively stiff landing gear, fairly narrow gear tread, and effective flight controls means that a pilot who does not position the controls correctly is going to have trouble during landing rollout. Yes, a turbine has been hung on a Luscombe. 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Private aviation leader NetJets is hiring pilots, Sweepstakes Cessna 170 heads to avionics shop, Training and Safety Tip: Be fuel-foolproof. Most Luscombes now have 12.5-gallon fuel tanks in each wing, converting to the style of the later marques and away from the original 14-gallon tank behind the seat. 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. In 1955 the type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado. Or subscribe without commenting. Maneuvering is precise. 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. And you can get an STC for using auto gas for a lot of light a/c. 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. 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. Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. Please post more of them. John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. Landing distance (50) 1,540. Become a member and get exclusive access to articles, contests and more! This freed up some space within the cabin to create a small shelf for storage for the occupants. WebIf you are in the market for a Luscombe aircraft or have one that you would like us to sell for you, contact us here. In January 1935, Luscombe moved his factory to West Trenton, New Jersey, where development started on the Model 90 (to be renamed the Model 4), another radial-engine machine with a lower price tag. The final models of the 8F were produced by Silvaire Aircraft Co. between 1946 and 1960 when their production was discontinued permanently. 1949 Packard Super Deluxe Eight LWB Sedan17 hours$700Bid Now, 1995 Buick Riviera Supercharged3 days$2,000Bid Now, 1963 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible3 days$1,550Bid Now. WebItem specifics 1946 LUSCOMBE 8A TTAF:1068 LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT FOR SALE! 8A EASY PROJECT $8,500 Annual inspection 10/10/2022. Cruise mph 104. 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 I own both a Lotus Esprit and an Europa and they both have a bigger cockpit than this plane. He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. WebThe Luscombe 8 was designed by Donald Luscombe and flown for the first time in 1937. It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively. Recovery is conventional and only requires the pilot to reduce back pressure on the stick rather than shove the nose down. Log books from 1946 including Master Parts list and The attractive, extremely strong, tailwheel two-place personal airplane came out of the factory for an initial price of $1,895. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. The corrugated metal control surfaces are easy to inspect. To view Luscombe and other makes currently available, please check out our Aircraft For Sale for descriptions and photos or PLACE A LISTING of your aircraft for sale. Takeoff distance (50) 1,950. 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. Already a member? For the first several takeoffs in a Silvaire, it is a good idea to use grass runways to take advantage of the drag on the tailwheel. 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. The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. The journey to restore this would be a busy one, mostly with getting it to comply with the FAA. Franklin has a good support group. WebLuscombe-8C 1940; 75hp Continental A-75-8J with fuel injection; load: 480# v: 118/107/40 range: 340. Flying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane. Production was resumed after the war with allmetal versions of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F. The handling of a Luscombe on landing has to be put in perspective. Not many of them around, compared to a Cessna 140 or a Piper Super Cub. A properly leaned Silvaire generally has greater endurance than its pilot, simply because of the small cabin. One of my favorites. 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. RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. on board. He lost control of the company within sixteen months and resigned in April 1939, never again to be involved with the organization that continued to bear his name. how and where, and finding ultralight about as exciting as watching an arthritic aged porcupine cross road gave up on flying,, off the ground anyways. He says that even crosswinds are manageable, thanks to its effective ailerons. 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. Just updating the panel will cost most of what this old bird is worth. Beautiful airplane that flies incredibly well. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. They made money with it, I asked not The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. They landed sideway with a drift and it did not ground loop. He left Mono Aircraft, maker of the speedy Monocoupes, to set up his own company in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1933. The tailwheel is in clear view and should be examined carefully, for tailwheels have been known to break off. They exist because of the determination of an affable scalawag to create and mass-produce all-metal airplanes. The Howard is not an easy aircraft nor is the Gull Wing Stinson. Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding the Silvaire is challenging. FREE TRIAL Available! 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. His is an original 8A with no electrical system. To everyones pleasure, the little powerplant became reliable enough to use on an airplane. 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. 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. The details are the stuff of disagreement even today, but it seems that the type certificate changed hands while money did not, so Larsen kept the tooling. Sometimes a tail-SKID like the real early planes used was better. A Pitts Special is a very difficult airplane to land. My answer is learn to fly the airplane or leave it in the hanger. LUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. 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. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. 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 Get extra lift from AOPA. The engine rebuild alone will set you back about $15,000. 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. Returning to the field for landing, plan on using carburetor heat when the power is reduced, then slow the airplane to about 65 to 70 mph on finalor slower if flying one with flaps. Now, because 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 replacement parts to ensure a steady flow of business. Perhaps that started the reputation that persists to this day describing Luscombes as a ground loop waiting to happen. 1963 V8 Ford Falcon Futura. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. The Luscombe 8A is a wonderful tailwheel airplane to fly, but will demand the utmost performance out of a pilot.#luscombe8a #tailwheel #thisoldpilotWebsite: https://www.thisoldpilot.comThis Old Pilot Disclaimer:This Old Pilot is about sharing and exploring flight and the sheer beauty and freedom it can give aperson who takes to the air. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. 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. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. Thanks for subscribing! In 1955 the type certificate was sold to an organization in Colorado. He lost control of the company within sixteen months and re-signed in April 1939, never again to be involved with the organization that continued to bear his name. 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. John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. Most Luscombes now have 12.5-gallon fuel tanks in each wing, converting to the style of the later marques and away from the original 14-gallon tank behind the seat. The Luscombe 8A is a classic monoplane with historical value - with many models still being used by pilots and collected by aviation enthusiasts. The Luscombe 8A aircraft is a high-wing monoplane released in 1940 and it is part of Luscombes 8 series. Find it here on craigslist for $4,750 and go here if the ad is archived. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. The type certificate and tooling were acquired by Moody Larsen of Belleville, Michigan, in 1964. The 108s had the Franklin 6 cyl. There was the usual painful litigation resolving little, so the Luscombe assembly line continued to lie dormant. Luscombe 8 1944 Luscombe Silvaire Model 8-A Standar 1958 Luscombe Silvaire Model 8-E Oil Capacity 4 quarts 4.5 quarts Performance Do Not Exceed Speed 126 Knots-glide or dive 100 Knots-level 126 Knots-glide or dive 100 Knots-level Max. Structural Cruising Speed N/A N/A 24 more rows No need to do it alone. However, this data In 1937, Continental Motors approached Luscombe with a new 50-horsepower, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine. In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. Great aircraft with a rich history. Read more about avoiding scams and protecting your money. You found out that you have to fly it all the time in any kind of winds. Fuel capacity 14. Mysteries Of Flight: The Curious Case Of Pan Am Flight 914, Fond Farewell to a Titan: The Antonov An-225. Garmin GPS Map 296, MX11 COMM plus back up hand held unit. The 8A wasnt that much more prone to the ground lomcevak than a Cessna 120/140 series. 1,200. 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. They exist because of the determination of an affable scalawag to create and mass-produce all-metal airplanes. $59,900 FOR SALE if it had been on its back wouldnt the verticle stabilizer be much worse? The airplanes met the rather primitive aerobatic certification requirements of the day. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. An attempt to sell the tandem-seat T8F Observer to the Air Force went nowhere. 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. The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. Using the original Luscombe jigs, restorations are expertly crafted in our 25,000 square foot hangar at the Jamestown Airport KJHW. Returning to the field for landing, plan on using carburetor heat when the power is reduced, then slow the airplane to about 65 to 70 mph on finalor slower if flying one with flaps. Then theres the Gull Wing Stinson. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. Continental C-65/75/85. On a gusty day in a Luscombe with questionable brakes, the sweating occupant of the left seat may be in full agreement. Links to additional information about Luscombes and other vintage aircraft can be found on AOPA Online. A Bellanca Citabria is considered an easy tailwheel airplane to handle on landing. ). The best flying Light Sport Aircraft ever designed. He struggled with the landing roll every time, Hope you brought that extra pair of underwear with you. Taxi of Luscombe 8A, and takeoffs and landings of this vintage taildragger airplane! Oftentimes, the planes that show up on craigslist are worth talking about. 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. Woulda killed me. Luscombe 11A Sedan. Last Annual, logs showed 2878 TT and 851 SMOH, Narco 810 Com and Narco AT 150 Transponder/no encoder or ADSB; no other avionics! Continental E-165-2 engine, 40 gallons fuel, 130 MPH. By Its clean lines belie its years. info@luscombeair.com. 1946 LUSCOMBE 8A $34,000 ACCEPTING OFFERS Cecilia is for sale. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. The most daunting thing about a luscombe is the ground handling.they are more prone to ground loops than nearly anything else of there time. The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. Been a Luscombe owner for a few years and have no complaints. My first plane was a Cessna 150 purchased in a like disassembled condition. Display name: Grum.Man. The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. 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. 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. The tail comes up of its own volition, or earlier if motivated by the pilot. I have owned two Luscombes aircraft,Cessnas, pipers,Bellanca and never ground looped one of them. When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. Continental A65-8, 2840 TTSN, No Electrical or Transponder, Its clean lines belie its years. This airplane is certificated in the normal category. Remember, Dave, there are two kinds of pilots who fly taildraggers: those who have ground-looped and those are GOING to. The airplane is powered by a horizontally opposed, four cylinder, direct drive, normally aspirated, air cooled, carburetor equipped engine. See the original article: Lust for a Luscombe No one has been able to explain it to me but a nose-gear naturally wants to move straight forward. View photos, ownership, registration history, and more. Thanks for including it!!! Have all logs. His is an original 8A with no electrical system. Many of the older ones have a free-castering tail-wheel so when you lose your rudder control the crosswind takes over and can put you out of control very fast. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. Start your free trial today! Steep turns are such pleasure that it is difficult to stop. The next day he joined other competitors in flying a local air show; Giles Henderson in his clipped wing cub, Herb Cox flying his Drunk Farmer Stole a Cub routine, Jerry Spear 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. Line up with the center of the runway and stop with the tailwheel straight. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel.

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