Chief Cargo Space

[CT.Pilot]

I know these aren't "haulers", but curious - what is the size of the cargo space behind the seats in a Chief? I am looking to buy something fun to fly later this year and I love the looks of the Chiefs. I have been able to sit in one (haven't had a chance to fly in one yet) and was surprised how well I fit despite being 6'2" and 250LBS or so.

I typically fly alone and have access to larger aircraft (172 & Archer) for when I need more capability. I just want something fun to fly, thrifty on fuel, and sweet looking. A few buddies and I like to take our planes camping and that's why I inquire as to baggage space. Really just a 2 person tent, sleeping pads, Coleman stove, a bag of clothes, and a small cooler to two.

Thanks in advance!

[rkittine]

I found that the cargo space in my Chief, was about the same size as the cargo space in my Champ. Not a huge amount, but it held a full size battery, chocks, life vests, spare tie down ropes etc. as well my flight bag and two small back packs and that was without stacking higher than the cavity. What I did like is with the Side x Side seating, there was less to worry about when figuring weight and balance.

Bob

[CT.Pilot]

Thanks,

Would you be able to meet up sometime so I can get a look at yours? I've sat in one up in North Central (SFZ) real quick to be sure I even fit, being a bigger guy. I have bounced back and forth between looking for something like a Chief/Champ/Taylorcraft/Clipper/120-140, etc. or going the Musketeer (we've talked about yours before as well on the Mouse forum)/172/Cherokee and even the 150-152/Tomahawk/Skipper route. Torn between something for pure fun and something practical/IFR capable. However, in reality I am in a club already with an IFR capable Archer (GNS-430 & KX-155 with AP) and slightly less IFR capable (dual KX-155s) 172. Dues are cheap and so is the hourly cost really, so the practical/sensible thing to do is buy the toy that I would be flying for fun 80% of the time (if not more) and stay in the club at the low dues cost for access to the more capable planes if/when I need them.

I will also have access to a Cessna 170, so will have that if I need to have fun hauling a heavier loads and/or traveling a longer distance I want to accomplish in a quicker fashion.

My main mission is really weekend lunch runs/pancake breakfast events, fly-ins, and camping every few weeks. I am flying solo 90% of the time and for camping it would be a 2-person tent/sleeping bag & pad/change of clothes some food and a six pack. I have an old school Coleman 2-burner white-fuel stove, but could probably get away with the similar one burner one. I have an UL backpacking (like the Pocket Rocket) stove as well. My buddy that I do the camping with most often has a Maule, so he hauls in enough for several of us including a normal gas grill, folding table, and larger coolers, etc. (that thing is a truck!!).

So sounds like the Chief could certainly fit the bill, and they are quite reasonable priced. Would prefer one with electrical if possible, or at least the McDowell starter (normally fly with an iPad for navigation anyways, and have a portable radio already). I've heard the Luscombe can be quite a bit more squirrelly (I am a relativelynew/low time to taildgrraggers) and the T-Craft may be too small for my size? I've flown a 140 and enjoyed that and was comfortable enough. The idea of the low fuel burn and purchase price is definitely attractive on these. I realize they are antiques and will have plenty of maintenance/upkeep costs, but - again, the simpler the plane the less there is to break!

[rkittine]

Drew, Give me a call tomorrow. 631-374-9652. I moved from the Chief to a Sedan. I am 6'1" and 190 and when I had the Chief, it reminded me of the MG Midget I had in 1972. It was tight getting in, but once in, fine for me.

Bob