Looking for a reality check on buying a Taylorcraft/L2 grasshopper

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ProjectInfinity1

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Good evening everybody, with Mosaic having arrived I’ve been mulling selling some MG’s and buying an aircraft. Having a soft spot for warbirds, a L2 grasshopper looks very attractive on paper for something to tool around in, while not also breaking the bank.

However I’m wondering if I could get a reality check as I’m sure there’s people that have been flying them longer than I’ve been alive (I’m 26).

I understand that they tend to float on landing, the 65 HP engine struggles to climb with anyone in the rear seat or on moderately hot days, and that for taller people it can be quite cramped.

However I’m wondering are the prices of 25-35k still market for a good condition one?
What’s a healthy ballpark of what should be allotted for an annual costs.
Are the L2M spoilers still required to be wired shut?

Along with any other info that you would for warn a potential prospective owner of one, as there are many questions I’m sure I don’t know to yet ask.

Any guidance would be most appreciated!

With regards,
Mathew
 
My perspective is that you would be well-served by making the assumption that there are no "good deals". Pay now, or pay later. At this end of the market, whatever you budget for the aircraft, double it to account for post-purchase surprises. If you get lucky, then you just have a nice amount of savings set aside. If you get unlucky, you won't be staring at a paperweight.

All that said, a light GA taildragger is about as fun as it gets, in my opinion. You could certainly spend your money in worse ways!
 
ProjectInfinity1 said:
I understand that they tend to float on landing, the 65 HP engine struggles to climb with anyone in the rear seat or on moderately hot days, and that for taller people it can be quite cramped.
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They only float if you carry excess speed…pretty much like any airplane.

Be patient with the climb, and be smart about where/when you fly. I flew one off of a 1500-ft strip with trees and power lines that had to be dealt with before too long, and never scared myself.

I’m 6’, and weighed about 180 when I flew it, and found it reasonably comfortable. I know a guy who’s about 6’4” that owns one…haven’t talked to him about comfort, but he seems to like the airplane.

Somehow the one I flew escaped having the spoilers wired shut…comes down like a brick in a slip with spoilers. Generally speaking, you’re not going to get out of someplace you need spoilers to get into, so I wouldn’t concern myself with whether or not they’re allowed.

Finding yourself a mechanic who’s comfortable with tube and rag airplanes is probably the toughest part.
 
I really liked my T-Craft (my first plane). Mine was a BC-12, not an L-2 which I've never flown but aerodynamically they're pretty much the same except for the slats, if not wired shut. Yeah, they float more than a Cub, so speed control on final is important. Slips will be your friend. I don't remember any particular climb issues on hot days but I'm not a big guy.

MOSAIC should make no difference; an L-2 was SP legal before and after. Though prices may drop as more aircraft become SP legal.

MauleSkinner said:
Somehow the one I flew escaped having the spoilers wired shut…
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What about the swiveling rear seat?
 
If you want a "military" plane to fly, go for it. The view is much, much better than a BC-12, but I'll be honest, the BC-12 flies a bit faster and more efficiently. Also, I've flown I think in three L-2s and none of them are a good ride on the ground - quite bumpy and less shock absorption. Are they fun? Yeah, fun enough. A little more sporty than a Cub / L-4, a bit worse short / soft field performance and worse stall / spin characteristics, which is largely why the USAAF preferred the L-4, but decent to fly if you keep them in the margins.

For the money, I'd rather fly a Luscombe.
 
Have you flown one? Never consider buying an aircraft type you have not flown before.

Also, do you have tailwheel time? I love taildraggers, but they aren't for everyone.
 
My opinion is that the small Continentals are THE drawback to this class of aircraft. Parts are becoming scarce and expensive.
 
ProjectInfinity1 said:
while not also breaking the bank.
...
However I’m wondering are the prices of 25-35k still market for a good condition one?
...
What’s a healthy ballpark of what should be allotted for an annual costs.
Click to expand...
You should absolutely buy an old taildragger. Tons of fun and low opex.

This will be hard to swallow: acquisition cost doesn't matter.

"But I'm 26! Of course acquisition cost matters! How can it NOT matter?"

You're buying an antique. It's not the acquisition cost or even the first annual that will get you; they are mouse farts in the grand scheme of things.

You'll be a new owner, and owning is a different skill set than flying. You don't know what you don't know... yet.

Think of yourself more as a curator and plane ownership as continuous restoration and you won't be far off.

Good luck and post pics...
 
kyleb said:
My opinion is that the small Continentals are THE drawback to this class of aircraft. Parts are becoming scarce and expensive.
Click to expand...

I recently did a complete overhaul on a A75 and had zero problem with parts. As for the expense it was pretty much on par with inflation.
 
Flying an L-2 is kind of like driving a Model T. It isn't comfortable, isn't going to go fast, lacks any creature comforts.

But it looks cool to ride around in one.
 
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