Looking for a Champ- Anyone Know this Airplane?

[Lucy]

Hi,
I'm currently looking to buy a Champ. If anyone knows of a nice Champ for sale I am open to suggestions. I'm looking for one under $30,000 in good condition (no projects) with an electric starter. I don't need it to be light sport. I did find one that I have been in contact with the owner about and was wondering if any of you were familiar with the airplane. The link to the ad is: http://www.aerotrader.com/find/listing/ ... P-96736115

I welcome any comments you may have about the plane.
Thanks,
Lucy

[Paul Agaliotis]

Lucy,
I don't know anything about this airplane. It's located about 200mi south of me. I don't know your location but if I can be of any help to you please let me know.
Paul

[jc pacquin]

Personally, I would pay Paul to go down there with me to do a prebuy! That is , by appearance, a very nice airplane! The price is reasonable! If it was on the east coast and I had seen it 6-8 months ago, I would have probably bought it! If Paul can go down there, and says its a good buy, I'd grab it! JP

[joea]

Lucy and I have corresponded over this plane for a bit.

We are both a bit curious as the owner does not seem to be very forthcoming with providing copies of the logbooks, and thats a red flag for me. When I got my last airplane the owner had copies of the logs coming my direction within a few days, while this seller seems to be dragging his feet.

Have known Paul A for years and he knows Aeronca's inside and out. No one better to look at the airplane, so if you could coax him into making the trip it would be well worth it.

Joe A

[Lucy]

Thanks everyone! I will be looking into my options. I started looking into this plane again though because I did get copies of some of the paperwork yesterday. Otherwise, I was just going to keep looking.

[MikeB]

According to the N number it's a 7BCM or probably more specifically a L16 (at least orginally). Not a 7EC as according to the sales sheet. Unsure when they started making 7EC's. 1949, I think. I'm sure Joe has checked all this out. Also seems to have a lot longer 'snout' than I remember and it looks like the exhaust is coming out at the pressure cowl lower outlet (not a bad idea but I'm not sure it's an authorized modification). Some of the logs make interesting reading, though. It might be fine and well worth it to have Paul take a look at it.

MikeB

[Dudley]

Lucy,
If you have been looking for a while you are probably aware that there are now between ten and fifteen Champs for sale at Barnstormers, another is listed at controller.com and two more are in the bidding on Ebay. One of those last two was born as an L-16 with an AAF data plate according to the owner.
Dudley

[jc pacquin]

I bought a Cessna 195 from an airline captain who swore it was first class.(1985) He lied. I bought it on his word. It LOOKED great. It was a total dog! MANY problems and expense. Engine it turned out, was shot. By CHANCE a buyer came along who was an AI. He bought it for what I paid for it and took it home. (LUCKY!) So now I trust no one. I would be more worried about WHO rebuilt the aircraft the LAST time, not the logs from the 1940's, 50's etc. The logs from the last rebuild would be my focal point, who did it...I would want to know. How long ago? etc, etc. My current airplane was in a fatal midair collision in western N.Y. State in 1977.(failure to communicate while in pattern!) Fellow in other airplane was killed. It then sat for many years, until it was COMPLETLEY rebuilt starting in 2006, ending in 2008. So the logs from 1946-50-60 really are no use but they are there to behold. So many logs are fairy tales that you really need someone the caliber of PAUL to put the evil eye on it, go over it carefully and then FOLLOW his advise. I became EMOTIONAL over the Cessna 195-HAD to have it! REAL DUMB DECISION! Hope this helps. JP P.S. Airline pilot was early retired shortly after I bought the 195. He was an alcoholic, which I did not know.

[Lucy]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am currently looking into my options about going to see the champ in LA. Going out myself with someone I know from the East coast may be a possibility, but Paul, if you offer to go take a look at it for me I may take you up on that!
-Lucy

[Roger Anderson]

That O-235 (over 100 HP) does give it a mandatory annual complete spar inspection per AD, correct?

[Lucy]

That is my understanding.

[Captgrumps]

Anything over 90hp.

[Paul Agaliotis]

Lucy,
Of course the offer stands. The only thing I would ask is that you give a little time for me to prepare.
Paul

[Roger Anderson]

Years ago I lived in Lancaster while working for the FAA. I flew out of WJF where this is pictured. Unfortunately, I cannot think of a single soul I still know there that knows airplanes and could look at it for you. Shucks. Last time I was out there, again some time ago, Pancho Barnes' son, Bill Barnes was still operating an FBO on the airport. I'll email an old FAA friend and see if he knows anyone still in Lancaster or Palmdale qualified. Roger

[joea]

Any update on this?