His is an original 8A with no electrical system. On a positive note, the current Luscombe Aircraft Company of Las Vegas, Nevada, has upgraded the design and anticipates selling a 185-hp nosewheel version to be called the Model 11E. Total Time Aircraft: 1068 hours. Hey guys, take a look at yotube about a bad Luscombe landing out on the left coast. Base/used Price: $13,000: Engine make/model: Continental A65: Fairly large quantities of fuel in the fuselage tend to give most pilots the heebie-jeebies, so the wing tanks are an im-provement, despite the substantial concern Luscombe showed in 1937 for crashworthiness in designing and protecting the original fuselage tank. WebItem specifics 1946 LUSCOMBE 8A TTAF:1068 LIGHT-SPORT AIRCRAFT FOR SALE! PERFORMANCE: Top mph 110. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. 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 radio should be in a museum. This will be a monster project but at least its possible if the logs are complete as promised. Luscombe Aircraft The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. It is sad, but this Luscombe is good for parts or perhaps a static display. We crafted our line to include packages to I'm a believer in life-long learning, and continuing training for pilots. So, I thought I would toss out some known numbers on this one particular Luscombe 8A with an A-65, Ceconite covered wings and a brand new PMA'd 14 gallon fuel tank. John Larsen, son of Moody, now runs things at Larsen Field. 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. In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. The airplanes met the rather primitive aerobatic certification requirements of the day. Antique-Classic / Luscombe - Barnstormers Nope. But its going to cost you. 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. Because the flare and touchdown are so easy to do well, new Luscombe pilots occasionally experience a false sense of security. The wing tips look OK, left horizontal stabilizer leading edge is banged in addition to the damaged vertical stabilizer so ground loop is out. Here are some of the specific's: Year: 1946 Engine: C-65 with 112 Hours Airframe: 1,400 Wind Generator constructed to USA CAR 4a standard airworthiness requirements. I have time in one of these. 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. I read all the accident reports in Flying mags and others. They landed sideway with a drift and it did not ground loop. Full stall and wheel landings are a little deceptive in a Silvaire. Sign in to continue reading, By Plane and Pilot Updated November 20, 2017 Save Article. Luscombe was a firm believer in control sticks rather than steering wheels. Discussion in 'Hangar Talk' started by Grum.Man, Apr 8, 2017. LUSCOMBE For Sale - Used & New 1 - 6 - Trade-A-Plane The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. Well, I guess I asked for it (planes, battleships,etc. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. 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. Looks like a good project, and a lot of fun to fly around afterwards. For 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. 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. 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. Get new comment updates via email. By 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. 2017-2021 LUSCOMBE AIRCRAFT CORPORATION. LUSCOMBE 8 SERIES For Sale - Used & New 1 - 5 - Trade-A 8A 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 United States did not buy Luscombes for wartime duty. 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 As World War II wound down, Luscombe moved its factory to Garland, Texas, and decided to resurrect the basic 8A. Maneuvering is precise. 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. He never went into production; rather, he overhauled, rebuilt, repaired, modified, obtained STCs for, and upgraded Luscombes from around the world. 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. Continental A-65-A total time: 1068, SMOH 21 hours. 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. FREE TRIAL Available! unless you dont fly regularly. The handling of a Luscombe on landing has to be put in perspective. A Luscombe is a few steps more difficult to keep straight on landing than a Citabria and a few steps easier than a Stearman. Aircraft Inquiry 1946 Luscombe 8A. Luscombe Weight and Balance Luscombe Aircraft Corporation | United States | Jamestown, NY (You must log in or sign up to reply here. LUSCOMBE 8A I watched as one attempted a crosswind landing, it got on the ground ok but before getting off the runway, a wing picked up and it flipped sideways. Even at the climb speed of 72 mph, the airplane answers control inputs nicely. 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. The EAA chapters are a big asset for restorers as well. Same 65 hp, but a bigger wing than Luscombe. 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. Links to additional information about Luscombes and other vintage aircraft can be found on AOPA Online. For 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. Ever. Taxiing one in a stiff crosswind is work. LUSCOMBE 11A SEDAN They exist because of the determination of an affable scalawag to create and mass-produce all-metal airplanes. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Most pilots adjust fairly quickly to this slightly unusual state of affairs. For those pilots taller than about five feet, 10 inches, boarding the Silvaire is challenging. 1946 Luscombe 8A Could be one of the lowest time Luscombe in the World! Taxi of Luscombe 8A, and takeoffs and landings of this vintage taildragger airplane! Gaze at them and think fond thoughts, for they can be the Achilles heel of a Luscombe. The general aviation aircraft is a high-wing, monoplanes with side-by-side seating. LSA were SUPPOSSED to cost 50K. Oftentimes, the planes that show up on craigslist are worth talking about. Cruise mph 104. $59,900 FOR SALE 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. I have owned two Luscombes aircraft,Cessnas, pipers,Bellanca and never ground looped one of them. A Bellanca Citabria is considered an easy tailwheel airplane to handle on landing. The Luscombe 8A aircraft is a high-wing monoplane released in 1940 and it is part of Luscombes 8 series. No need to do it alone. It failed miserably in the market; only six were sold. Most pilots adjust fairly quickly to this slightly unusual state of affairs. Find it here on craigslistfor $4,750 andgo here if the ad is archived. Try 150K for a CTLS. 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. The engine is a Continental Model C85-12 and is rated at 85 horsepower. 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. Continental A65-8, 2840 TTSN, No Electrical or Transponder, View photos, ownership, registration history, and more. Flew a Luscombe 8A today Granted I know nothing about plane crashes (other than they are bad!) That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. Theres a bunch of birds around here that were in a lot worse shape than this one when their restoration was started. Remember, Dave, there are two kinds of pilots who fly taildraggers: those who have ground-looped and those are GOING to. Read more about avoiding scams and protecting your money. Great aircraft with a rich history. To everyones pleasure, the little powerplant became reliable enough to use on an airplane. Luscombe 8A Engine 65-hp Lycoming. How's that for fuel economy? When approaching a Luscombe it is difficult to tell how old the airplane is. 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. John grew up in Luscombes, holds an A&P certificate, and has acquired the breadth of knowledge held by his father, who is now in failing health. Shaking a wing during the walkaround inspection reminds one that the Silvaire is remarkably strong. Sign in to continue reading 1946 Luscombe 8A By Staff Updated February 22, 2016 Save Article Lust for a Luscombe Side-by-side two-seaters, the postwar models used a Continental 90- hp engine and were claimed to be acrobatic. Flying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane - YouTube The 108s had the Franklin 6 cyl. All flying now. Luscombe Aircraft Flying a Luscombe 8A - YouTube Stall mph 37. LUSCOMBE 8A - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost The narrow landing gear make for rather unforgiving landings, but these are a hoot to fly. Taking on an airplane project can be daunting, but there are many aviation enthusiasts that will tell you planes of this era are so blissfully simple that theres nothing to be afraid of. WebLuscombe-8C 1940; 75hp Continental A-75-8J with fuel injection; load: 480# v: 118/107/40 range: 340. 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. We flew loops, rolls, and spins. Wouldnt there be more damage to the prop and cabin area? His had the typical wrinkle in the skin aft of the main gear showing a hard landing or two. airworthiness of an aircraft or the current aircraft configuration. 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. They are admired and prized by those who know them well. 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. Ever. Plane and Pilot expands upon the vast base of knowledge and experience from aviations most reputable influencers to inspire, educate, entertain and inform. I have been flying tail draggers since 1954. Restoration Request Form. The final models of the 8F were produced by Silvaire Aircraft Co. between 1946 and 1960 when their production was discontinued permanently. BARNSTORMERS.COM Taildragger / Luscombe - BARNSTORMERS.COM Find Aircraft Returning to the field for The information contained in this record should be the most current Airworthiness information available in the historical aircraft record. info@luscombeair.com. 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. Good times, flying old This is a simple stick and rudder plane, one of the guys who worked at the repair station I did rebuilt a ground looped one. Its clean lines belie its years. LUSCOMBE 8A It just seems like such a deal ,less then 5K for an airplane, makes you almost think, I could do this, and then reality creeps in and you know it is just the tip of the iceberg of an adventure you probably cant afford! Jamestown, New York 14701 . 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. His is an original 8A with no electrical system. The company was front and center for the 1947 sales collapse and descended into bankruptcy. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. 8A EASY PROJECT $8,500 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. No need to buy avgas ($5.60/gal.) Start your free trial today! Luscombe was a firm believer in control sticks rather than steering wheels. If the airplane is rigged correctly, it does not want to drop a wing; it just pitches down, straight ahead. He says that even crosswinds are manageable, thanks to its effective ailerons. Because more than 50 years have lapsed since most rolled off the assembly line, the idea of aerobatics in the airplane should be approached with extreme caution while contemplating the timeless question: How many times can you bend a tin can? See the airplanes P.O.H. There's quite a difference flying a low wing loading older light plane from a high wing loading one that pretty much punches through the winds and turbulence. 1949 Packard Super Deluxe Eight LWB Sedan, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkDQBXH02fE, https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=LUSCOMBE&model=8E&listing_id=2315544&s-type=aircraft, Upgraded Small-Block V8: 1971 Plymouth Scamp, Everything Included: 1979 Chevrolet Dually Dual Cab, Affordable Alternative? Once in the air the pilot discovers that the Silvaire has crisper handling than its tube-and-fabric brethren. Experienced Luscombe pilots recommend taxiing no faster than a brisk walk so as to keep things well under control. WebThe Luscombe 8 was designed by Donald Luscombe and flown for the first time in 1937. Landing distance (50) 1,540. It is exciting because of its responsiveness in flight, yet it induces a healthy level of heightened alertness for its demands on the ground. The 8A seats up to 1 passengers plus 1 pilot. In cruise the 8E or F will scoot along at a little better than 100 mph on about 5.5 gph. 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. Luscombes Model 8 Silvaire first appeared in 1937, and the first 50-hp production models were on the market in 1938. The rudder has a relatively short throw, so a pilot used to more travel or less responsive rudders may overcontrol a bit at first. On a gusty day in a Luscombe with questionable brakes, the sweating occupant of the left seat may be in full agreement. Tame compared to a Pitts S-1. 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. I got frustrated with how long my restoration was taking on N77885 and did exactly that one calm afternoon. The tail comes up of its own volition, or earlier if motivated by the pilot. 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. All rights reserved. Franklin has a good support group. They are the Luscombe 8 series, sometimes referred to as the Silvaire but generally known to all as simply the Luscombe. Using the original Luscombe jigs, restorations are expertly crafted in our 25,000 square foot hangar at the Jamestown Airport KJHW. 2023 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Avg. After all, the factory employees had received a practical education in crashworthiness be-cause for several years a major portion of the companys income came from re-building wrecked Phantoms. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkDQBXH02fE. Its an interesting alternative to a Cessna of the same era, and in their day, Luscombes were fairly advanced aircraft. 4.7K members Join group About Discussion More About Discussion About this group Buy, sell, or trade Luscombe 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. 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. About 1,000 Silvaires were built between the first part of 1938 and the early months of 1942. The dammage to the vertical stabilizer likely means this has been on its back, perhaps from one of those unforgiving landings. 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. Temco took over Luscombe and produced some 8Fs with wing flaps while also building the Swift before throwing in the towel. The gear is housed in tapered fairings and the shock-absorption mechanism is located inside the airframe, so there is little drag and little to inspect other than the brakes. That is somewhat optimistic. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. 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 handling of a Luscombe on landing has to be put in perspective. I love seeing planes, and motorcycles or other oddball barn finds out of the ordinary realm of old cars. While that only proves the airplane is able to withstand negative Gs, it is impressive nonetheless. 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. Garmin GPS Map 296, MX11 COMM plus back up hand held unit. Production was resumed after the war with allmetal versions of the Silvaire, the 8E and 8F. I know a guy who flies one in NM, based at a field of 4,800 ft elevation. N71881 | 1946 LUSCOMBE 8A on Aircraft.com 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 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. Woulda killed me. 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. 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. The brakes are actuated by independent floor pedals that were a marvel of innovation in their time. This 1947 Luscombe 8E is no different, and its located in Maine after having not known flown since 1977. LUSCOMBE 8A That proves to be the last time that they will relax on landing in a Luscombe. The aircraft is a two-place, high-wing, single-engine airplane, equipped with conventional landing gear. Rick Durden, AOPA 684126 , is an aviation attorney who holds an airline transport pilot certificate and enjoys flying antique and classic aircraft. $2,795; POP: 278. Weight and balance data missing? Continental C-65/75/85. And you can get an STC for using auto gas for a lot of light a/c. my Luscombe is the only plane I've flown. If I was small and wanted a 2 place taildragger, I would prefer a Taylorcraft. LUSCOMBE 8A $27,000 Reg# N71288 TT: Not Listed Luscombe Silvaire 8A, Only 5 hours since Ly-Con Overhaul. Woe may betide the pilot who has an uninformed mechanic who tries to adjust the brakes by pulling on the cables, for that pilot may find nothing when the brakes are most needed. 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. Over 6,000 postwar Silvaires were built, and more than 2,000 are currently rated airworthy. A Luscombe does not come close to being in that category. STANDARD DATA: (8-A) Seats 2. Just updating the panel will cost most of what this old bird is worth. 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. The stall breaks cleanly. Flying a 1945 Luscombe 8A tailwheel airplane. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. ). Have all logs. Knowing the wings that are holding you up at 5000 feet are same ones that were on saw horses in your yard gives you pause to think about the quality of your work. 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. John grew up in Luscombes, holds an A&P certificate, and has acquired the breadth of knowledge held by his father. It also developed the 8E and 8F with electrical systems and 85- and 90-hp Continentals, respectively. Log books from 1946 including Master Parts list and Perhaps that started the reputation that persists to this day describing Luscombes as a ground loop waiting to happen. Bluntly speaking, the cabin is just plain small by todays standards. 3301 Turner Road. He struggled with the landing roll every time, Hope you brought that extra pair of underwear with you. Yes, sadly, it has already crashed. The engine rebuild alone will set you back about $15,000. Plane and Pilot builds on more than 50 years of serving pilots and owners of aircraft with the goal of empowering our readers to improve their knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation. A properly leaned Silvaire generally has greater endurance than its pilot, simply because of the small cabin. One of my airplanes is a Stinson 108-2 that is superior in every way except it is fabric and requires a hanger for storage. You will cement your skills with a luscombe and all others will seem like a cake walk. Franklin did make a 2 cylinder for the 1970s Champs. No more white knuckles. Anybody else notice the 1956 date on the airworthiness certificate. That airplane was in Oshkosh last year and attracted a lot of attention, so there is hope that the proud heritage is not over. The electrical system, with a 12 volt storage battery, is fully protected by thermal-type circuit-breakers and switches. 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. In 1937, Continental Motors approached Luscombe with a new 50-horsepower, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine. the Loop - Mystery Plane - Luscombe 8A In March 1939, the 8A, with a 65-hp Lycoming, and the 813, with a 65-hp Continental engine, were introduced. Don Luscombe worked much of his adult life to develop and market an all-metal airplane, fighting almost constant financial crisis in the process. 1946 Luscombe 8A - Plane & Pilot Magazine