Anyone familiar with a Steen Skybolt?

[helitim]

Hello Flight,

Long time nice I have been on this board but I would like to tap the collective wisdom of anyone who may be familiar with the Skybolt aerobatic plane.  There is a gentleman offering to trade one toward a plane I have for sale but I simply do not know much about them.  This particular plane was built in 1998, has an IO-540 w inverted oil system, basic VFR panel, Firebolt empennage, Hartzell aerobatic prop.  It has been sitting for a few years but from all photographic appearances, it looks to be a solid plane.  I have not yet inspected the plane but we are close to that point in our negotiations.  Other than the basic engine/airframe corrosion, low compressions, dried rubber hoses, tires and generic airplane issues, what would be a deal breaker? Anything particular to the Skybolt to watch out for?

Thank you in advance, Tim

[Shadrach]

I think I recall Clarence @M20Doc mentioning that he had an interest in a Skybolt. Perhaps he’ll chime in.

[N201MKTurbo]

A poor man’s Pitts. 
 

I have been around them. Never flown one.

[takair]

The Skybolt is essentially a scaled up Pitts. Like any homebuilt, mileage will vary depending on the build quality and condition. Wood and fabric require special care. I’m restoring a Pitts right now, it looked ok, but it’s going to be another year or two of daily work before it flies. I find that the Biplane Forum is the place to go. It’s like Mooneyspace for homebuilt biplanes. 

[Guest]

8 hours ago, helitim said:

Hello Flight,

Long time nice I have been on this board but I would like to tap the collective wisdom of anyone who may be familiar with the Skybolt aerobatic plane.  There is a gentleman offering to trade one toward a plane I have for sale but I simply do not know much about them.  This particular plane was built in 1998, has an IO-540 w inverted oil system, basic VFR panel, Firebolt empennage, Hartzell aerobatic prop.  It has been sitting for a few years but from all photographic appearances, it looks to be a solid plane.  I have not yet inspected the plane but we are close to that point in our negotiations.  Other than the basic engine/airframe corrosion, low compressions, dried rubber hoses, tires and generic airplane issues, what would be a deal breaker? Anything particular to the Skybolt to watch out for?

Thank you in advance, Tim

Builder quality and experience are important questions.  Some Bolts were assembled from pre made components.  My best friend owns a 540 powered Bolt, we spent a lot of time correcting system installation errors when he first bought it.  Remember that they’re built and maintained by amateurs.

[takair]

One very serious issue these days is insurance.  Getting any insurance for a biplane is not easy unless you have lots of tailwheel time.  There are a few folks in the country who will check you out, but even then the cost of insurance will almost certainly exceed that of a Mooney.  Many folks end up self insuring.  My plan was to start renting some tail wheel planes to build more time, but even that is turning out difficult.  My option may be to buy something more benign. 
 

long story short….step 1….check with your insurance company.

[Marauder]

My only experience with a Skybolt was the one at my airport in New York. The owner took it out on a nice western NY winter day with 2 feet of snow on the ground.

He came back an hour later in a car. Apparently his Skybolt only had an hour fuel capacity and he flew 1:01. He flipped it in a field. A couple of weeks later he showed up in a bright red Pitts.


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