---------------------------------------------------------- Glasair-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 09/04/06: 1 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 08:41 AM - Re: Sportsman 2+2 (Dj Merrill) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 08:41:37 AM PST US Subject: Re: Glasair-List: Sportsman 2+2 From: Dj Merrill --> Glasair-List message posted by: Dj Merrill Kevin Williams wrote: > For example $39,000x3 = $117000. Now go to say Maule's website and > price out what a brand new 180hp or 235hp Maule m7 would go for and it > really isn't much more. And in this case a Sportsman 2+2 compared to a > 180 M7 the factory plane actually wins on alot of fronts. > > I think the kit sellers need to be a bit more cautions about their > pricing and kit buyer need to take a step back and not assume that all > kits regardless of final finish price are going to be cheaper and out > preform factory. I'm forcasting a week interest in the 2+2 as it > doesn't out preform certain factory built aircraft that are only > marginally more expensive. How much is it worth to be able to do all the work and annual condition inspections on your own aircraft, or be able to put any equipment you want in it, and customize it to your hearts content? If someone is just looking for an airplane to fly, they aren't likely to consider Experimentals anyways. It is the passion of being able to get really involved in your airplane that drives people to Experimentals (well, me at least, or that loose screw in my skull *grin*). Performance was not the leading choice for me to select the Sportsman, but having said that, I don't know of any factory certified aircraft that can meet or exceed the Sportsman specs for the same price, even if you went with the Two Weeks to Taxi program at $133k: http://www.glasairaviation.com/sportsmanspecs.html The Maule MX-7-180A Sportplane at $133k is close, but it is 30+ mph slower, climbs about half as fast, and has a slightly longer take-off and landing roll, but it does have about an 8 mph lower stall speed. I don't think the wings fold back, which was an important consideration for me with the Sportsman. I guess it just depends on what you want. There are enough variety of aircraft out there for everyone! :-) -Dj -- Dj Merrill Sportsman 2+2 Builder #7118 http://econ.duke.edu/~deej/sportsman/ "TSA: Totally Screwing Aviation"