On Sat, 09 Apr 2005 22:22:01 -0400, Don Byrer wrote:

Hi Don,

I own a 76 Sundowner and found the following (interjected in your summation
below)

Saw an interesting article in Private Pilot mag about the Sierra.
Roomy & stable....sounds like my kind of plane.
Prices look decent; and the FG Sundowner even cheaper (and more
insurable for a 150-hour pilot than the RG Sierra)

Bought mine right after I got my VFR ticket. Insurance through AOPA was
about $1000.00. After getting my IFR ticket, it dropped to $900.00. I
have it insured for 48K hull value after my engine overhaul.

Looking for something that can handle two large adults + baggage and
maybe the occasional friend or two. IFR capable, tho I don't plan on
a lot of IMC til I get more comfy with it! Something I can take out
for 100-500 mile trips, 2-3 hour legs (because of MY legs )

Mine is IFR capable, and I don't hesitate to go in actual. My last trip
from Ohio back to MS, I flew 2.5 in IMC at night without any problems. I
burn about 10 GPH, and it has a range of about 5 hours, but I usually do 3
hour legs as my bladder don't last much longer then that. I have been to
Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Owensboro KY, Lawrenceville, IL and
Stuebenville OH in the past year in my Sundowner, so I would think it's
great for the long hauls. I am based in Madison, MS (MBO).

PLUSes:
-Roomy
-IFR stable
-Reliable
-Two doors
-Uses a common engine; can get that fixed anywhere.
-Built like a tank

Agree with all the above.

Mine has a Lycoming AK4, which is common, but when it came for overhaul, it
is not the most common Lycoming engine. It is 180 HP. After overhaul, so
far, the only thing done has been my oil changes and analysis. The plane
is built like a tank.

MINUSes (as I hear)
-Not as fast as other a/c with similar horsies???

I plan 110 knots, which has been comparable to a Cessna 172.

-Parts and STC availability not quite as good as a 172 or PA28???

I have not had any problems getting parts (better yet, my A&P has not had
any problems).

-Short field performance not outstanding???

I regularly land on a 2,900 foot runway, so not so sure I would agree with
this. Not sure how short is short to you.

-Mediocre climb performance???

On cold days, I can easily get 1000 fpm climb with four passengers.

-Prone to nose gear damage???

Nope, what I think you are thinking of is the porposing tendancies of a
Sundowner. The CG is very forward, and landing speed is critical. If you
bounce, it will porpoise. Landing struts are built like tanks.

-Not recommended for grass strips???

Can't answer here, though I'd be concerned about any low wing picking up
turf underneath.

-Not as quiet as others???

Very true, compared to other planes I have flown.

Things I don't know
-Operating costs

Highly dependant on your flying. For me, I fly 2 times a week, average 20
hours a month. Other then oil changes at about $200.00, no other major
operating costs (other then fuel). I had a fuel sender gasket compromised
due to cold weather. Other then a 50 cent part, and 1.5 hours labor,
nothing unusual noted.

-Common problems or high failure rate parts

I had a very underused plane, which was not good. My first annual was
close to 5K, but now, it runs about 2K. It took me a year, but I have
every button, knob and switch working. I had to replace the vacuum pump,
and turn coordinator, due to the lack of usage before my ownership. My
plane had only 1960 hours on the airframe before I bought it, and sitting
on the ramp is very bad on parts that require movement for lubrication (I.E
vacuum pump).

-Corrosion problems?

Wing spar is a known corrosion problem to be on the look out. Flaps need
constant lubrication (two times a year) or they will remain in the down
position when checking flaps on runup time. No biggie, as some people let
the prop wash raise them, but I want mine to retract without propwash.

Interested to hear from those who own or have flown them.
What's the real scoop?

I love my Sundowner. It's not a speed demon, but for me, 110 knots is more
then fast enough for me. Very affordable plane, and once you give it some
TLC, it is a very reliable plane. After overhaul, engine starts within 2
turns of the prop.

Hope this helps!

Allen