Question RV10 Builder

Hey there, still looking for the right one. There was a nice one in Seattle but the paint was coming off the leading edges and, well, an unpainted airframe in the salty humid air of FL didn't really sound like a nice thing to do to such a nice plane, and we couldn't stomach our new acquisition going right to the paint shop and kept from us for who knows how long...

There is an amazing Lance for sale up the road. Talked to the insurance guys at Falcon and they soft quoted a $10K annual premium for the first year. yikes.

Hi Tim;
Just reaching out to catch up on your progress toward finding "the airplane"

Howz it goin? 

Have you test flown any? 

Gotten a pre purchase on one?

Bought one and couldn't be happier?


Best,
Steve

I think finding the right plane is more the factor than 260 vs 300. Things like condition, what avionics, engine life, paint and interior condition, etc. Both are probably good enough for your purposes. It's been over 30 years since I was flying the 6 and I only flew the 300 hp, not the 260 hp verison. Maybe someone else has an opinion on it? HOWEVER, it's funny you mention the fuel tank situation. I never liked the 4 tanks on the Cherokee 6 and needing to mangage them. So I agree that the newer planes with integrated tanks are nice. Again, you pay for your privilege!

Good stuff Eric, thank you! Did you fly a 300 or 260? I'm fairly certain I like the idea of finding a 1979 or newer C6/300 because they started using the integrated fuel tanks from the lance getting rid of the tip/main/zero fuel weight conundrum that persisted in the earlier models.

For the Piper brand the Cherokee 6 is what you want. Plenty of room for people and bags (front and rear baggage) but pretty simple and rugged. I used to fly charter in one. I also flew the Lance (low tail, normally aspirated). The Lance (and Saratoga) are very nice but prices start high and go higher! I'm not sure the retract gear is worth the cost/weight but of course it's pretty nice. You just pay for the privilege!
Passengers love the rear pax door and it has the extra baggage door in back as well. Any of the PA-32 series is a decent people carrier and for what you describe just about perfect.
The only experience I had with a T-tail Lance was not good. I personally would shy from it but I never flew it enough to get used to it.

Thank you for the heads up! Yes with a family of 6, we pretty much are going to need every one of those seats