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Oh man, I wish! All Comanche 250s were in MPH. 171mph is actually very slow. I had just leveled off and took a bunch of pictures real quick because of the sunrise. 181-185 is the norm, so about 160KTS TAS burning 12.5-14gph. This was my trip from Kansas City area to the Annapolis boat show using...

Ain’t that the truth! Plane started its annual yesterday. Damn it!

I really like the Pipistrel company and love the SW Virus taildragger. I always thought it would be a fantastic two place, cross country machine. Just wish it came as a kit so I could get the constant speed prop with 914/915 Rotax.

The Beast, The ‘Manche, The Purple People eater (although she hasn’t “eaten” anybody in her 9200hr life), she has as many pet names as our pets at home.

Wouldn't be much concern except to salvage the props. The Rotax has a slipper clutch that disengages the prop/gearing from the engine in the event of a prop strike. I don't think there's any teardown inspections for Rotax. Pretty cool feature. My Comanche is surely totaled if the prop touches...

Thanks! 160kts, 1000NM range, 1200lbs useful, good looks, what’s not to like? Not bad for a plane designed 65yrs ago.

I wrote my thesis about how diesel aircraft engines were the future in aviation and a solution to the end of 100LL. That was in 2004-2005 and Deltahawk was in my study. Even back then it was “ready for certification next quarter”. When the hell is that company going to sell engines!

I think the “key” to a TBM is $50k....

Yes!! That plane was insanely impressive. How nobody picked up the production on it is beyond me. With that 435hp geared turbo Continental, it put down some crazy numbers including a monster 2200NM range (or something like that)

Right! This might be the unicorn. I’d even take less than that! Instead of 150kts, I’d be happy with 135kts. You could spend half your life and build a plans Cozy 4 around that price. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a composite aircraft (similar building techniques of the Long ez) but in a...

Very cool, land anywhere plane. I like it. Those Russians have some damn cool planes. The BE103 and the SeaBear L65 are some of my favorite seaplane designs.

I’ve heard that as well. Might be something to look out for. If they spruce it up a little more for cross country touring and add ice protection, that would be a cool!

Always thought the Cessna 210 Silver Eagle would be a “near perfect” plane, and checks those boxes. Still certified (if that matters to you), ice protection, six seats with good performance and under $750k.

That already exists. 1979 Gulfstream Tiger will burn 8gph and is close to maintenance free with it’s fixed prop and gear!

That’s a great plane too!

Isn’t that a very near possibility? I thought that was in the works over in Europe! What a great idea. Get a modern engine, great performance and probably a boost in useful load since the 915 weigh under 200lbs

That’s another reason I thought of this post. Seems like there are a lot of people on VAF that would also like that plane. I would certainly be interested in a High wing RV, especially since the price would be substantially lower than the type of plane I suggested.

Hahahaha!

I'll start this off. I have an old plane and love it but also enjoy shopping (dreaming) of my next aircraft. I feel there are gaps in the market with lots of room for improvements. Taking price out of the equation, what is your realistic dream airplane (as in could be kit built or manufactured)...