I have a well used PA2 with an OS Hanno and pipe. Trike gear with retracts. I don't fly it much because I'm always screwing up getting it slowed down for landing and the pain putting the pipe on and off is, and there is always some type of gear problem that winds up grounding me after a flight or two. Since the airframe isn't worth much, I'm considering making it a Sunday afternoon flyer and practice plane by: 1. Pulling the 60 2 stoke and putting in a Saito 91. 2. Pulling the retracts converting to a taildragger and installing a fixed gear. Am I waisting my time? Anybody familiar with the PA2 and care to comment.

Thanks,
Phil

Phil,

I haven't seen a picture of your PA-2 (Phillips Aircraft fiberglass Aurora) but I can't think of a worse fate for that airframe than to put a heavy four stroke on it. Even though the Aurora's were IMHO one of the best early (1987 ish) turnaround pattern planes, there was still an awful lot of the "ballistic" in them.

Tell ya what, what would you want for the airframe/engine/retracts or just the airframe itself. I really enjoy doing rebuilds on old pattern airframes and this might be one really worth saving.

As for the four stoke/sport plane thing... I don't think so... no matter which engine is in it..unless you go w/flaperons you aren't going to slow it down.

Let me know what you decide to do...

thanks,

Deadstik

Deadstick,
Actually a Saito .91 with muffler is 520 (18.26 oz) grams. I can't find a weight on a Hanno, but a OS61 FX without muffler is 19.4 oz, so the 4 stoke is over an ounce lighter. Since the Hanno has a regulator, I figure is should be at least as heavy as an FX. The PA2 is setup with a trike gear, and isn't in to bad of shape, but does have hanger rash. The hanno runs really good, was rebuilt by the guy I bought the setup from, but there is a tiny fuel leak somewhere, I suspect it's not the engine, but don't know for sure. I'd like to clear $195 for the airplane, tri gear, hanno, quiet pipe, tank, soft mount, wheels and nose servo, and 2 APC props. I'd pull the tru turn spinner, radio, servo's and battery. I think shipping would be the real cost factor, but since I'm also a woodworker, could build a solid shipping crate. If you're interested I can take some digital pictures.

Thanks,
Phil

Phil,

Your offer sounds pretty good and I think your price is fair..Please send me some pictures of her from all angles and I will check on shipping prices.

Thanks.

Dan....aka deadstik