Looking to buy a Champ with C85 or better

[EXFR8DOG]

Hello all,
I'd like to find a nice Champ (LSA eligible) with a C85 or better engine, since I intend to operate out of high elevation airports in NM, preferably a flying aircraft and not a project.
I used to fly for a living and really miss simple stick and rudder flying, with the current prices of the LSA aircraft one really needs to be a very wealthy person to be able to afford any of these new LSA's.
Since I don't fall in the a/m category and really prefer the oldtimers I thought I might find a nice used airplane that won't break the bank somewhere...
Maybe you guys can help.
Cheers!
Rudi

[Mikek]

Hello all,
I'd like to find a nice Champ (LSA eligible) with a C85 or better engine ------Rudi

They come up from time to time with the 85 to 0200 need to check barnstormers, would you take a Chief with 85 or more?

[joea]

Rudi,

Where are you in New Mexico? I used to base out of Ruidoso.

Joe A

[EXFR8DOG]

"They come up from time to time with the 85 to 0200 need to check barnstormers, would you take a Chief with 85 or more?"

Mike,
I tried to sit in a chief but it's a tight fit, never flown in one though.
the champ is no problem and I kinda like the tandem arrangement and the sticks!

Joe,
I'm in the ABQ area, although these last few days it felt more like Siberia!

[joea]

Rudi,

Yep, up there in ABQ you will need the extra power and might even end up putting a climb prop on the plane in the summer months. Density Altitude is a bear up there in summer so you need all the help you can get.

Joe A

[WWhunter]

If you are not in a big hurry I am contemplating selling my Champ with floats. I know you don't need floats there in NM but hey....you never know when you might get a flood. LOL
I have been looking at a different plane and if I can strike a deal with the owner I will be selling my Champ but only after I finalize a deal.
My Champ has an O-235 and several mods. Not a show plane but in decent conditon with some hangar rash. Be forewarned it will not be a cheap plane compared to the average 65 hp models.
Do a search in the photo section and there is a photo of it there with bushwheels and with floats on it.
WW

[Jerry Jackson]

Rudi

There is a C85 Champ for sale in San Antonio. The sale is being managed by Ron O"Dea at r2av8r@yahoo.com and I suggest that you contact
him. I know Ron and the owner and can attest that they are honest and reliable. Tell Ron that I referred you to him.

Jerry Jackson
7ECA
8T8

[jc pacquin]

I operated my 85hp champ, McCauley 72-44 metal prop, new cylinders, out of 2800 feet @ 1000 feet above sea level. It performed well, but not astounding by any means. If I were out there at 5-7000 feet I would have an 0200...., (or more)for SURE! It should sell for around 32-35000, in NICE shape with an 0200, and good traceable history. JP

[rkittine]

WW, If you sell your Champ to the guy looking for the C-85 or better, I would be interested in your Floats, Rigging and Attachment Fittings. Are they 60-1320s or 80-1400s? Pump outs? Condition? Price? Location? - Regards, Robert

[WWhunter]

rkittine,
If I sell the plane it would be with the floats unless I was sure I had a buyer for both. The floats are PK1500's and are rigged for the Champ as I purchased this Champ with the floats. Yes, they have pumpouts. As far as condition....well, I guess that is subjective to everyone. I hate stating conditon and leave that up to the buyer. There are in pretty nice condition as far as I am concerned. They were stripped and painted just before I purchased them.
Located in northern MN. If you look in the photo's section there is a picture of the plane on floats.
Like I previously stated, the selling of the Champ is contingent on me making a deal on a different plane. The owner is a very hard guy to deal with. Still seems to think planes are valued what they were a few years back and his plane has been sitting for several years without being touched so it needs some work to get it flying.
Keith

[CptKelly]

Keith,
You are being very secretive in regard to your new desired purchase. What is it? Maybe a L-19 or Supercub? Enquiring minds want to know...

Mike

[WWhunter]

Mike,
LOL...yes sir still looking at Super Cubs but also have had my eye on a Rans S7. Unfortunately the owner hasn't flown it in 7+ years but it looks like new with only 144 hrs. TT. Sweet little plane though. He has it for sale but still wants what he thinks he would have gotten out of it several years ago. He has started to come down to reality but is still about $10K to high. I think he is started to lose touch with sanity (seriously) as the guy is quite old. One day he says he wants to sell it and the next he says he wants his grandson to get his license and fly it. The grandson is in his 40's and from what I understand has no desire to fly.
The plane is kept in the same hanger as I keep the Champ when it is on floats so I have looked it over and I guess I feel it would be nice to have a "newer" plane.
There is also a very nice WagAero for sale in my area that the owner is giving up flying. I am going to look at it as soon as I get back home.
Keith

[CptKelly]

Keith,
A Supercub is good (I have one). The S7 is also a plane I like, but both are space challenged. I can guarantee you that your Champ is far more comfortable than either. If you would like to try our a Supercub, come on down here and see how you like mine, its a 180hp version Exp. Goes up like a elevator, but is rather comfort challenged. I've never flown a Rans S7, but they look to me like they have about the same room as a Supercub?? If you are looking for pure performance, either will out perform a Champ.

Mike

[WWhunter]

Mike you are 100% correct about the comfort level of the Champ over the Super Cub or the Rans S7. I am not a big guy at 5'6" and 165 lbs so I can still fit in either one although a back issue does make it a little harder to enter/exit them. I guess to be honest I am looking for the performance gain over the Champ. Heck, if I could afford a small helicopter that is what I would have.
I may take you up on the flight if I get down that way. I am with the wife in DC and she retires this summer so I may be down that way before we leave the area.
Thanks for the offer.
Keith

[MikeB]

I have a friend who has a Husky (180 horse) Nice plane, great performance but tough to get into the back seat if you're on the stiff side like.
MikeB