Would a T-6 pilot ever sit in the rear cockpit to fly if he was solo, or would he only sit in front?
Thanks
Scott

He could actually sit in either spot and fly effectively. I don't think the balance would be affected all that much. However, the standard configuration was with the pilot/instructor in front, and the student/gunner in the back. Most times a solo pilot would sit up front. The instrument set in the back was somewhat reduced vs what the pilot in front had.

Cheers,

Juan M. Villaveces

Actually it is solo from the front only. All of the electrical switches and circuit breakers, fuel selector, start switch and radio gear is in the front. Rear pit had almost all of the instrumentation as the front, throttle,prop,mixture,flaps and you could put the gear down in the back. The back is fun to shoot touch and goes as there is no forward visibility in the three point attitude. If you can fly a T-6 from the back seat most fighters are a piece of cake. I owned a T-6 for 9 years so I know it pretty well. Don

Thanks for the correction; that's the difference between reading about a plane and knowing it!

I'm absolutely green with envy!

Juan M. Villaveces

Ditto all of Pittsdriver's comments. I've had a T-6 for 23 years, great airplane to fly, actually pretty cheap to operate, less than a Bonanza, if you can discount the fuel costs. I've had several models of T-6's, Jemco, Bridi, and now have a Midwest which hasn't flown yet. Also have a Bob Holman/Brian Taylor kit unbuilt: it is the only really scale one I've ever found.
If you ever get a chance to fly in one take it; nothing like it.
Old Shep

Shep, I sold mine in 1989 as I needed some money. I bought it for $12000 in 1981 and thought I was cutting a fat hog as I got $35000 for it. I was going to get another one but as you know the prices skyrocketed. I bought a Nanchang CJ6 a couple of years ago and it out performs the T-6 on 14 gph. I can consistantly wax my friend in his T-6 in a dogfight. I can outturn him everytime and I don't even break a sweat as my controls are so light. The T-6 taught me a lot about flying and I enjoyed evry hour I spent in it. Don

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I'll modify the front cockpit for my pilot. The back would have been easier.
Thanks,
Scott

Don:
I've heard that from other CJ owners,,,Yak guys too, but I'm just partial to 1340's and lots of sheet metal around me! Never have done any ACM with Eastern Bloc a/c but have no reason to doubt what you've said.
RE: prices....like the guy said when we bought ours "They aren't makin' any more of these and they will always be in demand." Smartest investment we ever made, except that I just can't bear the thought of selling it!
Old Shep