After 20+ years of building and flying I've just about convinced myself to step into jets. I've thought about starting with the JHH F-86 DF, however I've also been looking at the turbine package of the same plane with the 7 pound Wren 44 (attractive price). Has anyone built this combination? There's also the other part of me that's trying to rationalize the JHH F-4 with a Wren 54.

I appreciate your thoughts.

Jim

Jim:

They are awsome flying airplanes the 45 size makes it easyer to step into jets with not *as* much money to see how you will like them. As far as the turbine deal would go personally unless you have been around jets for a long time I would suggest going with the d/f deal again, little more simple, you dont have to worry about getting a waiver for the turbine, etc and it would be a great turbine waiver demo plane for the future. Peter Laing aka MiragePilot lives in Fort Worth and is a JHH rep, he to will probably tell you what I have. They can be great sport jet or super scaled out,either way you want to go.

I was also curious if anyone has had a lot of experience with JHH. I am interested in the BAE Hawk/Wren MW54 combo. Has anyone had experience with this setup? How is JHH to work with?

Thanks,

Mike

Mac,

Thanks for the reply. It does make sense to start with the DF version due to costs and the other things you mentioned. Converting to a turbine once I've gotten passed the jet learning curve, and then using it for the waiver demo also makes good sense.

I appreciate the advice.

Jim

Just my $.02 about JHH. Larry is one very helpful guy and will always stand behind his product! He will also spend time on the phone with you before you buy to fully explain your options and choices.

The JHH F86 is a great plane to fly and Larry has been very good to deal with when I had questions about any of his products! You will be very happy if you go with any of the JHH planes.....

Jim,

That's the setup I started jets with, a JHH F-86 with a K&B 7.5. I switched over to the OS 46VX in the same plane when they came out. Mine doesn't have flaps, but my next Sabre will. It's a nice stable flier. Larry is a big help if you have questions or just not sure of a step.
Good luck,
Ralph

I used to fly a JHH F-86 with an O.S. 65 / Dynamax setup. I cant imagine flying this plane with anything less. It took alot of runway and was slow to get on step, but after that it was a thrill.
I loved it, and the landings were cake. Nice nose high flair landings everytime.

Dont think I have ever seen one that take over 350 feet on pavement, just saw on fly a few weeks ago with a os91 and full ducting, blew the pants off of any bvm I have ever saw, lol

I cut my teeth in jets with the JHH F-86 and the K&B 7.5. It never ceased to amaze me as the take off run began; the little 7.5 screaming it's heart out, the 86 scooting along on the main gear at what seemed about 20 mph, if that much. I finally learned that all I had to do was shove the throttle to it, and just hold full elevator until it rotated. Never a hint of a tip stall on rotation, just a little sluggish transition between static and dynamic thrust, and then very quick acceleration! I would love to see how the 86 flies with the modern OS Max .46 SXDF (? not sure if this is the correct designation), since the K&B 7.5 flew it quite nicely. Landings were a piece of cake, like any pattern plane. Lots to build, but worth it...

Totally agree with Gordito Volador, Larry is so helpful and patient person...

I finally got mine done this last year and have over 30 flights on it with an OS 46vx and Turbax fan. It runs great, never had a dead stick with it. Once I landed and rolled a long way down the runway, when I thought it was slow enough to turn, I did and it flip over on it's back. DOH!! I walked down to get it, fliped it over and taxied it back to the pits. The engine never stopped running.

Just be aware that there are lots of building with this airplane, but can be done. PM me for info about things I've done with it.

Michael

is anyone flying the jhh f86 with turbine power?