Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Are there any structural drawbacks to the 2+2 Thorp for sale on Barnstormers? It looks like the bulkhead behind the front 2 seats is missing, but maybe its been beefed up in other places to account for that. Anyone have any information about that plane? It sure looks interesting. I would ask the seller, but I don't want to bother him. Im sure hes getting enough tire kickers calling.

2 small children or one Trunk Monkey ! A Scott w/o pipes and 2 summer Kilts would fit in the bun hugger seats ! I would assume that area has been "beefed up ?" First I have seen of a Thorp drawing for this configuration ? Lee , the Man might have info on this "Caravan ?'

RB

I included a 3 view of that airplane in a newsletter a few issues back. The airplane has been around since the early-mid seventies. It may not look it, but that airplane is significantly modified, wing included. I agree with you Ryan, I don't like the lack of the frame behind the seat either. I've seen other Thorps that have that frame removed too, you would not catch me removing it nor the rest of us I suspect, it does eem to be keeping the fuselage from splitting down the middle! One might say that the airplane has stood the test of time and its obviously beefy enough, but in the end I feel that's more of a testament to John Thorp having factored in some "extra" in places. And although the drawing has John Thorp's name on it I would put money on him not being actually a part of that. As to flying qualities forum member Rob "Smokey" Ray has experience in that airplane, he can comment on that.

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Lee Walton
Houston, TX
N51863,N118LW
KEFD