Went to the Dark Side! New plane!

[WWhunter]

Well guys, I have ventured to the DARK SIDE! I bought a RANS S-7 yesterday. This plane has 144 hrs. TT and has been siting in a hangar unflown for 11 years. The plane looks like new and the guy that built it was very miticulous. It has the Rotax 912 with higher compression piston supposedly making it 95 hp. I took it up for a flight last night and DANG!!! What a little rocket ship compared to my Champ. Little bugger uses next to no runway and climbs like the pervobial homesick angel. Handles like a dream. I am hoping to put amphibs on it.
Haven't really decided what to do with the Champ yet. May sell it but I need to fly this RANS awhile before I decide.
I still have a soft spot for the Champ but this little plane has surely stolen my heart for the moment.
WW

[schror1]

Dumping the Champ? You'll be sorry there up north. I'll bet that RANS doesn't have a toasty, blast-furnace heater like the Champ does.

Ron
Champ N2488E
Minneapolis Stanton

[rkittine]

And wait to you have to TRY to hand prop it if the battery dies, with the high compression. So strange when you shut those engines down, the prop just STOPS!

Enjoy your new Toy

[Captgrumps]

Wait till it get cold....

[Holcombe]

Keep us posted.
I new set of problems every couple of years keeps a guy sharp, like a fresh young mistress. Of course it may also be the death of you.
Keep flying, and give the Champ another overhaul and bring it back again to new.

[Ed Clark]

Sounds great! I've looked at them too. Great choice, different mission that's all. Enjoy!

[WWhunter]

Actually my Champ is in very good condition and sure doesn't need an overhaul.

The reason for getting this RANS is the fact I wanted to be able to do more work on it without having to deal with legal issues. Also wanted something with better STOL capabilities. This little S-7 is a rocket compared to the Champ on T/O and climb rate, I think the cruise may be a few mph faster also. It can carry around 140 lbs. more stuff than my Champ (legally). Less fuel burn, car gas with up to 10% ethanol can be used, and a nearly new plane are some of the good points to this plane.
As far as heat goes, I have read that an addition heater core box similar to what we all have in our autos is available for these engines and they work great. Even have a fan on them just like our cars so we can "crank up the heat" when it get really cold out.

WW

[peeto]

Congrats Keith...that one is on my short list along with the Savage Cub...hope to get a look at both at Osh this year (1st time attending)...keep us posted if you plan on selling the Champ...I'm sure it would go quickly due to its LSA status (among other fine qualities)..regards, Mark

PS-You going to OSH (seaplane base) this year???

[WWhunter]

Not sure if I will make Oshkosh this year. Been a VERY busy year. Son graduated college, got commisioned, got married and then headed to AF pilot training at Laughlin AFB TX. THEN.....I had to go to DC for my wife's retirement from the US Army after 24 years of service. Next was the packing and moving all the household stuff for moving back to MN. Our shipment is supposed to be here monday or tuesday. SO needless to say my a$$ is wore out. Still hoping to find enough energy to make OShkosh though.
Keith