Wanted: Partnership Or Club. LSA Chicago

Kevlar isn't that heavy!

Obviously I was just trying to bump my post, but I am surprised LSA is so sparse in Chicago. There is Simplyfly at ARR, an LSA Champ at Clow and one in Freeport (90-120 minutes West?) and Cushing field way SW.

Lots of people and airports with no LSA here. Bummer.
 
I had very little interest when I looked around here (Omaha) for the same thing -- guys interested in an LSA partnership or club. The club I belonged to scoffed (literally) at the idea of adding an LSA to the lineup, even though we were losing 2-3 members per year due to medical issues.

A friend bought a Champ -- and almost immediately had enough interest from people to start a club. I bought an RV-12... and quickly had people interested in partnerships. I have one co-owner now; we could probably add another one or two if we chose to. Seems there are people willing to buy in after someone else does the legwork and lays out the cash.
 
@DaleB I've thought a LOT about a Champ. That would be a great outcome for me.

What scares me is, I'm not handy and I don't know tube & rag.

How do I know I'm not buying a hunk of junk? A huge money pit!?
 
Dale B - is your friend here? I'd love to hear how you vet club members etc.

Once I'm $30k in and paying monthly hangar and insurance fees etc., how do I know who is going to be a good tailwheel rag/tube partner?
 
I think the key, as always, would be a prebuy inspection by someone familiar with the type. Know what you’re buying and be prepared for some surprises. I know Jim found some hidden issues with the one he bought, but these things aren’t like the ISS. Fixing them is generally not that complicated.

As for vetting partners or club members, you have to look at their experience, attitude and whether their planned use fits with yours. There’s a dozen different ways to set things up depending on how much flying you want to do and how much you want to spend. In my case, two people split fixed costs evenly and we pay an hourly operating cost. In Jim’s case, it’s now a club plane with, I think, 10 members sharing it. It’s some pretty cheap flying either way.

I looked into a Champ but I have some travel expectations that simply aren’t met by something that slow and devoid of baggage space. My partner and I are thinking, though, that two guys and one plane works well... but three of four guys and two airplanes would be even better. :)
 
When I was in the Fox Flying Club at DPA a few years ago, the club talked about adding another plane. At the time we had two 172s, an Archer, and an Arrow. When I mentioned LSA and/or taildragger, I was laughed out of the meeting. The club president who was a bit of a dick had a bonanza in mind.
 
When I was in the Fox Flying Club at DPA a few years ago, the club talked about adding another plane. At the time we had two 172s, an Archer, and an Arrow. When I mentioned LSA and/or taildragger, I was laughed out of the meeting. The club president who was a bit of a dick had a bonanza in mind.
Uh-huh. "Overpriced kite" was the term used at our meeting. Apparently the only LSA anyone was aware of was a Champ (Danger!! Taildragger!!)) or an S-LSA RV-12 at $125K new. Never mind that an E-LSA could be had for half that, and will walk on past the club's 172 while burning about half the fuel. They had a 172, 182 and an Arrow. They eventually sold the 182 and bought a Bo. I imagine the membership turnover rate has probably not improved much.
 
Uh-huh. "Overpriced kite" was the term used at our meeting. Apparently the only LSA anyone was aware of was a Champ (Danger!! Taildragger!!)) or an S-LSA RV-12 at $125K new. Never mind that an E-LSA could be had for half that, and will walk on past the club's 172 while burning about half the fuel. They had a 172, 182 and an Arrow. They eventually sold the 182 and bought a Bo. I imagine the membership turnover rate has probably not improved much.

I’m certain that it’d get flown by more members and more frequently than the Bo would.
 
I'm interested. I'm new to this site..not sure how to communicate directly

Cool! There's been no interest with a posting on the local board, here and elsewhere.

If you click on my name, you can send me a pm and possibly email.

Are you looking for an LSA? Are you in the NW burbs? I'm a skeptic.
 
Uh-huh. "Overpriced kite" was the term used at our meeting. Apparently the only LSA anyone was aware of was a Champ (Danger!! Taildragger!!)) or an S-LSA RV-12 at $125K new. Never mind that an E-LSA could be had for half that, and will walk on past the club's 172 while burning about half the fuel. They had a 172, 182 and an Arrow. They eventually sold the 182 and bought a Bo. I imagine the membership turnover rate has probably not improved much.
What club is this? Though I'm not interested in a Bo since it has a landing gear I'm sure I'll forget about some day.
 
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