Beerlight 0 #1 June 11, 2012 I have a friend that's fallen in love with a 1946 Globe Swift that's for sale. He wants me to go in as co-partner. Anyone, pros/cons on this plane? I know absolutely zilch about them, figure I'd toss a bone here to the forum. It only has 125 hp. thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
funjumper101 15 #2 June 11, 2012 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Globe_Swift is a good place to start. At the bottom of the page is a link to the museum foundation, which is the current holder of the type certificate. They are pretty cool. and pretty, airplanes. I am six feet tall, with a 32 inch inseam, aka, long body, short legs. When I sat in one, the canopy could not close unless I turned my head to the side. Thinner seat cushions might have made up the difference. I don't recall how much baggage space there was. The design started with 65hp. A 125 will make it get up and go just fine. Retractable landing gear = more stuff to break/replace and the possibility of gear up landings should there be a failure in flight. Insurance is much higher for RG aircraft and may not be available at all until hours and experience levels are reached. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lowapproach 0 #3 June 11, 2012 I have never flown one but I asked a buddy who has. He sent me this and it is a good read. Looks like a fun airplane but not necessarily one I would want if getting to the airport and in the air quickly with a significant other were important. http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepSwift.html edited to add that the article linked is from 1969 but he said it is still good info. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
m4250t 0 #4 June 11, 2012 I have owned and flown Swifts for nearly forty years and dearly love the airplanes. That being said, they are not an airplane for pilots without substantial tailwheel/complex aircraft time. Insurance, training and maintenance are serious considerations before you buy. Swifts are nearly sixty years old and finding a maintenance facility with Swift knowledge may be difficult and may require travel to get to a knowledgeable shop. If you are seriously considering a Swift, I encourage you to contact the Swift Museum Foundation in Athens Tn for info. Do not enter into a purchase agreement until you have educated your self on insurance costs and availability of maintenance. There are several maintenance issues, primarily gear related, that require a mechanic with Swift knowledge. Good luck. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #5 June 12, 2012 Much thanks to all. Will definitely look more into it and relay all your replies to him. I'm not enthused at all with only 125 ponies, but my potential partner just loves the airplane. We both have plenty of tailwheel time, but age of aircraft, availability of spare parts, higher insurance, etc., is on my mind. Again, appreciate the advice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
aphid 0 #6 June 12, 2012 Quoteage of aircraft, availability of spare parts, higher insurance, etc., is on my mind. Yes. But damn, they ARE sexy! (This one is owned/flown by the former chief-pilot for my skydive aircraft. Image captured above Okanagan Lake in BC, Canada) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #7 June 12, 2012 QuoteQuoteage of aircraft, availability of spare parts, higher insurance, etc., is on my mind. Yes. But damn, they ARE sexy! (This one is owned/flown by the former chief-pilot for my skydive aircraft. Image captured above Okanagan Lake in BC, Canada) And not a single ripple on the lake in the picture from Ogopogo ... darn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
