Best STOL aircraft

[AlanA]

There is a chance my weekly Utah to California commute "mission" may be changing.  My M20J has been the PERFECT plane for this mission but that may be changing.  I may be looking for a STOL plane.  The new mission may involve frequent landings on a short (1000 ft) gravel runway.  I don't know much about STOL planes.  I could sure use some advice on which planes to consider.  My requirements would include: 2 or 4 seats, cruise speed 150 mph, range 500 miles, price $100,000 +/-.    The only plane I know much about is the Maule.  What other choices are there?  Thanks in advance!

[carusoam]

Check with Bryan for pilot performance where he is using his red M20C....

on the 500 mile trip, do you get to stop for fuel along the way?

Maule and Husky advertise that kind of performance.

best regards,

-a-

Edited September 22, 2015 by carusoam

[1964-M20E]

Glassair sportsman is worth considering.  Not too sure on STOL but I think it fits most of your specs.

 

 

[jrwilson]

A Cessna 180 maybe?  4 seats, 150 +/- cruise, good range, should be fine on 1000' strip depending on weight...

Edited September 22, 2015 by jrwilson

[helitim]

If you could clarify your requirements just a bit, it would be helpful.  Do you need 2 or 4 seats?  Are you comfortable with experimentals or do you require certificated?  IFR capability or VFR only?  Open cockpit or cabin? (This question is prompted by one specific aircraft that may fit your needs)  Are you comfortable in tail wheels or,  do you prefer tricycle gear?

Tim

[BorealOne]

There's an awesome dedicated forum on that topic at: https://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum

 

[AlanA]

To answer Helium's questions:  Either 2 or 4 seats are ok.  Experimental is fine (at one time I was building a Vans 7A - but sold it to buy the Mooney. VFR only is okay.  I don't have any tailwheel time but I'm sure I could get comfortable with some training and practice in a tailwheel. I'd prefer a cabin not an open cockpit. 

Thanks

 

[MB65E]

The Sportsman will get into anything a Husky can get into, and it's 20kts faster!! They run out of elevator if you are on the back side of the power curve.  (kinda like a Cirrus below 80kts) ugg... Long story. 

The Sportsman is not a true 4 place airplane, but I'd rather have one over a husky, super cub, 172, and even a 182. That said the C180 is an amazing airplane. True 4 place, True utility. They will be around for a LONG time. I'd love to have one!! The Super Cubs are cool, pricing is strange because they are expensive for what you get. The guys in Alaska love them because they do carry some weight. Just a bit slow compaired to a 180 or Sportsman. If you need a crazy stol airplane that's just for fun, check out some of the JUST Aircraft on YouTube.  They will be able to land in about 50ft!! 

Might check out some modified Piper Pacers. These will be the most affordable, useful airplane for the price. They will haul 850-900 lbs. Not exactly super cub/husky/just short field, but probably better performance than what you'll need. 

Fun Stuff, you'll really enjoy this type of flying!!

-Matt

Edited September 23, 2015 by MB65E

[Yetti]

On the lottery list

Murphry Moose

Bearhawk

There were a couple of these at the airport the other day.   Taxied out to mid field.  Were off the ground in 40 feet

http://www.flyingmag.com/aircraft/lsasport/just-aircraft-launches-stretched-superstol

[Hank]

I really like the way Just Aircraft leap into the air, even over land freshly cleared with a chainsaw but before the logging trucks arrive, much less the dozers!

But if I ever get a second plane, it will probably have two wings. Check these out:  http://www.airdromeaeroplanes.com/  OK, nothing from WWI is really STOL, but they sure do look like fun! Almost affordable, which means downright cheap for aircraft!

[AndyFromCB]

Any of the older V-Tails with a IO550 and VGs will do it with a ton of room to spare…

[garytex]

And then God created the Cessna 180.