Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Just curious, so I thought I would post a poll. Do you fly your Thorp in IMC? Please feel free to qualify your answer.

NOT on purpose , been is some soup though. Not rated

Not with new panel (VFR) - Previously yes, as long as destination was forecast to be VFR.
I used the plane to get my instrument ticket!
If I were to go back to an IFR capable Thorp an autopilot would be a must.

I should add that I dont fly mine in IMC.

Pretty much the same story for me.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

Ditto to Bill and John, I pulled the AN numbered gyros and vacuum pump and saved 20 pounds. Thinking about installing an EFIS with autopilot and working on my ticket.

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Bruce Finney
N18JF T-18C #262
Yelm, WA USA

My Thorp panel is VFR but plan to make it IFR eventually, but I would be very cautious about how much IMC I'd get into

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John Letkeman
N2562K SN.922
Seminole Tx
(KGNC)

I prefer 98% IMC with just a splash of VFR on the side ! BOO YAH !

RB

Don't have to really explain this, but the urge just struck me. There is something really cool about shooting an approach to minimums and all of a sudden there's the runway, right where it's supposed to be... kinda' magical. With my T-18 though, and with my new project, I didn't build 'em for getting somewhere when I absolutely have to be there. I built them because I love to fly and see things like a bird. When I'm tense and increasing my risks it takes some of the relaxing joy out of it. Then there's icing, having to go exactly where you're told to, etc. IMHO, IFR in a Thorp is definitely auto-pilot time. Good skills to have, but if you don't use them often the risks definitely increase. I'm a fair-weather pilot for sure - trips in the Thorp are always an adventure with possible overnights in someplace new. I know that there are a lot of pilots like me, but bless the people who really fly in weather.

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John Evens
Arvada, Colorado
T-18 N71JE (sold)
Kitfox 7 SS N27JE

I had new Ops Limits put on my bird two summers ago (PITA!) for this exact reason. Do I fly approaches to mins? Hell no. I get enough of that in the capable bird. I made my bird IFR specifically to punch through a 3K AGL deck that is 1K thick. Central California valley has those all the time. It posed me off that it was severe clear everywhere but where I needed to be. I have no auto pilot yet. Once that is in and I trust it, I may do some real approaches.
Cubes

I thought you had CAT III auto land in the Tigress ?

RB

SKY GOD of Severe Clear

Did 1 time, would I do it again?......Never!!!! Would I do it with training? Nope!!!! Would rather Grizzley hunt with a stick..........Dan

Not sure how many Grizzly's are in the San Joaquin Valley , but I am pretty sure I saw you fight off a Bo Weevil with a broom ! Nasty little creature !!

RB

Richard that was a big weevil,he thought he would hide under that bottle cap but to no avail, I rooted him out.....Dan

When approaching IFR conditions, find an IFR rated pilot flying in another T-18 near by, tuck yourself in tight to his wing and stay there until out of the soup. This may or may not have happened.......once.......I think.....

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Fraser MacPhee
N926WM
Serial #279-1
Angel Fire, NM (KAXX)