Tow plane ideas

On Thursday, 27 May 2021 at 03:15:00 UTC+1, wrote:
On Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 7:13:26 PM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
From https://www.ygc.co.uk/info/our-fleet

Our powered fleet of tow planes consists of Two Piper Pawnees, and a Eurofox. The addition of the Eurofox has reduced the cost of aerotows substantially, it uses a much smaller amount of fuel per tow. They're also less polluting, so we're doing our bit for the environment too! We are presently upgrading the Eurofox to a more powerful 120bhp engine, and have begun the process of building a second aircraft in the same configuration to allow them to fulfil even more of the overall towing duties.

I wonder if the Eurofox with the 120bhp engine will be as capable as the Pawnee? Sutton Bank operates in high winds, but the elevation is less than 1000 MSL, and with cool weather they have low density altitudes. It also helps that the field is on top of an escarpment similar to Harris Hill. The UK is getting a lot of experience with the Eurofox. I think there is a similar aircraft sold in the USA with an 'American Sounding' name.

Great example of high wind glider operations at Sutton Bank https://www..youtube.com/watch?v=ZKyaelQmA4U
180hp stc for Supercubs exist for the 4cyl o-360, dunno what the earlier ref to 6 cyl maintenance was about. RV series liable to make a poor towplane, not a lot of wing and FAA boilerplate restrictions do not allow amateur-built aircraft to be used for towing. You could probably get it knocked down but don't expect help from SSA.

I think I flew that Northers!
What has not been said is the engine problems with the Eurofox.
There are no Eurofoxes currently flying at ygc because of engine problems.
Any one interested should contact them, they are very motivated as it has cost a fortune in engines because the engine supplier (not Rotax) is yet to accept liability for several sub 100 hour engines.
Other Rotax based engines are available but the total grunt needed to get a heaver 2 seater in the air safely requires as many HP as you can get.
At the time I had a Duo Discus xlt and a 200lbs partner; with the mk1 smaller engine 'fox we needed the escarpment and the curve of the earth to get to release hight.

You might give some thought to the Citabria 7GCBC - 180 hp with flaps. It's a nice plane with a good power/weight ratio.
Prices on L-19s have gone crazy and they are all +50 years old. Pawnees are OK but you get limited on your ability to train new tow pilots, parts are hard to get, and they all smell bad.
ROY

On Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7:39:32 AM UTC-4, Roy B. wrote:
You might give some thought to the Citabria 7GCBC - 180 hp with flaps. It's a nice plane with a good power/weight ratio.
Prices on L-19s have gone crazy and they are all +50 years old. Pawnees are OK but you get limited on your ability to train new tow pilots, parts are hard to get, and they all smell bad.
ROY

Is that why the motor glider enthusiast say that I stink?

On Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 2:16:08 PM UTC-4, wrote:
On Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 7:39:32 AM UTC-4, Roy B. wrote:
You might give some thought to the Citabria 7GCBC - 180 hp with flaps. It's a nice plane with a good power/weight ratio.
Prices on L-19s have gone crazy and they are all +50 years old. Pawnees are OK but you get limited on your ability to train new tow pilots, parts are hard to get, and they all smell bad.
ROY
Is that why the motor glider enthusiast say that I stink?

All humor aside, I am planning on rebuilding one final and last tow plane. I am buying an original Pawnee 150 model and doing a complete restoration just like my old Yellow Gorilla. No hopper, no spray anything, just a bare bones frame and wings. The powerplant will be the IO390, with DER approval, regular tips and no droops, Tinted windows except for windshield, and a few more goodies that will really make the old girl look good. I think I will name this one KIng Tow Kong! Any ideas on the paint scheme?