Would like your opinions
 

Hello everyone,
I have come across, what I believe to be a nice find. I found a Phoenix 8 with a Hanno Redhead/tuned pipe, both in pristine shape, on sale for $350. I heard the previous owner (forgot his name) won the Nats with this plane (in the 80's or 90's, sorry for the bad memory), and that the plane won some kind of reward for its workmanship (beautiful paint job). I have pics, but I need to find out how to post them.

I am a newbie at this. This will be my first year flying SPA (not BPA or CPA here). I only plan to fly local and the neighboring states, so I am only talking about a few contests per year.

Now, here is my situation. This plane weighs about 10.5lbs (engine mounted, air retracts installed). While I'm sure this is no problem for the Hanno engine, I think a standard 61 would struggle to fly thru a SPA sequence. I believe it would be fine if I can find a way to shed about 1.5 lbs off of it, but since this is an all composite airframe, I do not know where I can get that much weight reduction.

So, does anyone think I can make this plane SPA competitive?? Before this became available, I was saving up to buy a H9 Phoenix 7

I may buy it anyway, I'm dying to see this plane make several slow rolls down on the deck at 130mph. :)

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Buy It .....Sounds nice if it was here in Sunny South Australia it would be in my Work Shop safe "N" Sound.

Build a Super Kaos and fly this Untill you get the Hang of things, they are easy to build and fly well, they are also easy to repair
if you land hard. Glass Fuses are not easy to replace or repair.

The hanno is a very powerfull engine, it would have no problem
with SPA manovers.

Why do yo want to take the hanno out of the Phoenix 8, and put something else in?

Johnkpap

RE: Would like your opinions
 

SPA rules:
(a)Any side exhaust two-cycle engine up to .61 cubic inches.
(b) Any four-cycle engine up to .91 cubic inches with no air chamber
or super charging of any kind.

Of course, the Hanno is rear exhaust...such a shame tho.

RE: Would like your opinions
 

We are always looking for new area's to have CPA contest and that plane is legal and ready right now.. So how about a contest in your neck of the woods ?

www.classicpatternassociation.com


scott cpa#2

RE: Would like your opinions
 

That is a thought. Currently there only a little interest in SPA in this area, but I did talk to the guy who is spearheading the effort. He does not think CPA will be too successful here (at least not yet). But I will inquire more, you never know...

RE: Would like your opinions
 

The Tulsa Gluedobbers are a small but very enthusiastic group that I'm sure would love to have you compete. They were featutred in the July-August 2010 issue of the SPA newsletter, (see link). Another thing you might consider...we'd love you to maybe pick an SPA contest in the Southeast, and make the trip, (KIND-OF A MINI-VACATION), and meet everone, while flying with us. Those who have traveled a long distance to see what SPA is like have not been disappointed.

As for the P8, it sounds like a great deal if everything is as it should be. It also sounds like you have your heart set on it, so I'd buy it anyway, regardless of SPA. You're right, this plane would not be a good choice for SPA because of the weight, engine, the weight of he retracts, (which would have to remain down).

I'd pick up an Intruder from World Models, or any number of used planes, (maybe ask on the SPA Discussion list who might have a nice beginning plane to sell) that come without the retracts. You can a .61 or .91 FS in that and be in business.

http://www.seniorpattern.com/newsletter/JulAug2010.pdf

Duane

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Update,
After spending a week mulling over this, I decided to buy a H9 P7. Simply put, I needed a SPA legal bird ready to fly this spring. And this bird will allow me to add CPA as an option. Also, the P7 is a very nice plane.

I cannot believe it, I chose function over looks (this is a beautiful bird). Must be getting old.

I even told (not ask) momma that I was buying a new plane. Yes, I am getting the silent treatment, will probably last a week...but maybe my ears will stop ringing. :D

RE: Would like your opinions
 

My uncle used to be a member of the Glue Dobbers. Isn't Bill Cunningham a member there?

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Not sure about Glue Dobbers. I believe he flies at American Turf Flyers...

RE: Would like your opinions
 

That's it. I knew it was one of those clubs. My maiden flight was at one of those clubs (around '82) I remember the flight very well.

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Wildnloose - How about the info where to get this Hanno powered P-8.
Thanks,

Crank

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Yeah at 10.5lb it could be split it in half and it would still make a good boat anchor.

Please, this engine needs to be put into something that weights no more than 8lb's, have mercy on it. Buy a YS 110/115 for the 10.5 lb behemoth. Jeez, a YS 1.70 is used for 11lb planes.....

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Its on consignment, hanging up at my lhs. PM your contact info and I will pass on to the seller.

The paint job is so good on this plane you don't want to do anything to it. You cannot feel any of the seams. I bet the extra 2lbs is from paint alone.

I probably should have bought it, but I did not want to put that much money into flying SPA/CPA just yet. So far we only have SPA in this area, I went to my first contest last summer. If I buy this plane I still would have to buy a SPA capable plane, or find a way to pull 2lbs out of this one (without repainting).

I did buy a H9 P7. I'm going to see if my little Mag 52 is enough for it. Its a really strong motor, it will turn a 10x6 apc at 16k + on a stock muffler. I'm going to see how well it will turn the 11x6/7. If its at least 12k, then I may buy a tuned muff for it.

RE: Would like your opinions
 

you could buy it for collecting and admiring. seems to be the fate of most planes i buy.[:o]

RE: Would like your opinions
 

PM sent.

Crank

RE: Would like your opinions
 

Got ur pm.

If I had any extra money you guys never would have heard of it. ;)