Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Is there a Thorp qualified CFI anywhere near Helena, Montana?? In spite of my time and qualifications, 13,800, ATP, CFI, CFII. MEI, Sea etc the insurance company is insisting on ONE hour dual and ONE Hour solo in my Thorp before I can carry pax.
I have no objection other than I don't think there is another T18 in Montana??
Any ideas, please.
Speedbird 1.

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Hey Speedbird - I'm in KSLC and a CFI - have a little time on my hands - let's chat tomorrow - 801-860-0133

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

I think I would change companies. I was able to get coverage with less than 3000 total time but nearly all of my time was in taildraggers. Their only request was I get an owner checkout in any similar aircraft (Vans, Mustang2...). Instead I opted to fly it 5 hours from a private strip and called them back telling them I am the owner and I checked myself out. My current CFII has qualifications similar to yours but he has never been in a taildragger so I doubt he could get insured in a J3 without dual if he got his endorsement in something else.

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Thorp T18
O-320-B3B (160 HP)
68x74 Sterba Propeller

"The joke in aviation is, 'If you want to make a million, you'd better start with £10m.' " -Bruce Dickinson

Jeff,

Probably easier said than done once you get past the magic 75 age.
The silly thing is that I had a young lad approved to fly the thing home for me and he was acceptable with less time, less types and never having flown a T18 also only a COMM/CFI??
I have spoken with Frazer and I think we can work something out.
Thanks,
Speedbird 1

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming

Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t have a need to make sense. I have known several 75-80 and beyond pilots who could/can fly circles around me. The last I knew, a couple of the younger ones were racing unlimited aircraft at Reno. I am sure there were some in the other classes as well even though I never met them.

You didn’t mention your tailwheel time. It’s a big factor too. Insurance companies, for all of their faults and greed, do understand that “heavy” and Skyhawk time give zero tailwheel experience, let alone Thorp experience. For that matter, I don’t think 10,000 hours of Cub time has much merit when considering a Thorp or similar aircraft. I know I have to be careful when I neglect my Thorp time in favor of the L4.

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Thorp T18
O-320-B3B (160 HP)
68x74 Sterba Propeller

"The joke in aviation is, 'If you want to make a million, you'd better start with £10m.' " -Bruce Dickinson

Jeff,

Plenty of tailwheel time (1500+) and not all in a J3, retired tailwheel examiner etc. so that is not a factor. I sold my DH Chipmunk last year. The strange thing is that the same company cleared a young CFI/COMM to fly it and deliver it without ever flying a T18??

Speedbird 1.

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N872DD
200hp Lycoming