Thorp Air Command - T18.net

Going to look at a 125 HP Thorp next week
and have a couple questions:
1. Is 125hp enough for a 1000ft MSL
Airport?
2. What should it weigh for decent performance?
3. Is there a quick measurement that will
tell me if it has the long gear?
Thanks,
Dave

I fly a 125 HP T-18 out of a 2500 ft long grass strip, 960' MSL.
Even at gross weight, no problem.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Thanks Scott,
What does your weigh?
Dave

Dave, bought mine 14 years ago in Sheridan wy. elevation 5000 ft no problem at all, 930 lbs. had bill mitchell with me for tail wheel endorsement he was about 180 lbs.


lance

I recently did a weight & balance. Empty weight is about 942 if I recall correctly.
But I'm at gross weight 1500 when full fuel, with wife and some 20# baggage.
I have a heavy flight bag
Still, it takes off well with the first notch of flaps applied.

_________________
Scott Emery
EAA Chapter 326
T-18 N18TE

Hi Dave, I have flown the 125 Horse t-18s, they do very well, they dont burn alot of fuel, they can haul some weight, they have a good cruise and such. They will probably offer more bang for the buck spent than alot of the 125 HP rigs out there, and with the fuel situation gettin ugly it dont hurt to have a few options...................Dan

I never felt underpowered with my 0-290. My airport is at about 200 feet. I dont know what measurement to take in order to determine if you have the long or short gear.

There is good reason that an 0 290 Thorp does not feel,underpowered, It was designed for this power plant. As a matter of fact it was designed around this power plant, another touch of simplicity from the designers hand. Dan