Thunderbird vs Cobra

[attaltitude]

I need the input of the forum to make a ''informed '' decision. ANY INPUT WOULD BE HELPFULLL.
I have the choice between a tbird 582 and a 582 cobra with spirit 15 wing and need to make a urgent decision. I have flown both ac and still dont know any coments on the strenght of the ac or how it handles turbulance

[Stephan van Tonder]

Basically what you are asking is 3 axis or weight shift trike. Very hard to quantify.

pros for trike -
possibly lower stall speed
slightly shorter take off/landing roll becuase of that.
won't spin.

pros for 3 axis -
can fly in greater cross wind
slightly more protected from elements
side by side seating.
easier Step up to something bigger/faster/ lsa types.

It's all in personal preference. For some reason I simply like flying 3-axis more and I cannot quantify it. It's partly becuase the controls are the same as bigger airplanes, it requires a bit more skill possibly and I like the way the controls work rather than having to heavy your body around against a bar.

[Wargames]

Basically what you are asking is 3 axis or weight shift trike. Very hard to quantify.

pros for trike -
possibly lower stall speed
slightly shorter take off/landing roll becuase of that.
won't spin.

pros for 3 axis -
can fly in greater cross wind
slightly more protected from elements
side by side seating.
easier Step up to something bigger/faster/ lsa types.

It's all in personal preference. For some reason I simply like flying 3-axis more and I cannot quantify it. It's partly becuase the controls are the same as bigger airplanes, it requires a bit more skill possibly and I like the way the controls work rather than having to heavy your body around against a bar.

Hi Stephan,

Would you mind clarifying the above mentioned comments.

Do you have any hours on a trike (PIC or Pax)??

I have my popcorn ready!!

[Splinter]

it requires a bit more skill possibly and I like the way the controls work rather than having to heavy your body around against a bar.

Try landing a trike at Hippo Pools on a 36 degree day with a 15kt crosswind gusting over the koppie and we will talk again about skill.

Trike flying has its pros and cons! Thermals and wind dont affect you as much in a 3 axis as in a trike, but if you find the correct wing and set it up correctly even the hottest most windy days can be a pleasure to fly in! Trikes are a bit more work to fly if it gets REALLY bad but if that was not the case what would you have to talk about afterwards????? Hit some rain and you get wet! Other than that not much diff!! Ask the guys that have done the long trips in trikes, flying for 9 or 10 hours a day is not a big problem.

Unfortunately this is a debate that can go on for ages and it wont give you the solution! Decide what you want to use the plane for and take it from there. Regular long distance trips for work ect take the 3 axis. Weekend flyer with the mates and a long holiday trip here and there take the trike!

Every person on this forum will have a different opinion about this so GOOD LUCK!!!

[RV4ker (RIP)]

Cobra. I think it can do all the blunderturd can and easily fold and go along with you.

What is your mission?

[Arnulf]

You must decide what you want. I took a colleague for a flight in my trike this morning. He is an airline pilot, and also flies GA aircraft. When we got airborne, his first words were: But this is like riding a motorbike! I doubt he would have said that in a 3 axis aerie. So if you like the motorbike feeling, a trike is for you.
BTW, with the fresh easterly wind this morning, it was quite choppy, but we still had a very enjoyable flight.
I flew again at lunchtime over the cosmos fields. The sweet smell of the cosmos was close to intoxicating. Never smelt the cosmos that strong in the morning.
If you want to be close to the elements, get a trike. If you want airtransport, get a 3 axis.

Regards,
Arnulf

[Stephan van Tonder]

Wargames - yes interestingly I owned a trike first before 3 axis (The first Antares in SA - ZU-CJC) and those are my personal opinions as I mentioned. I didn't say that applies to you or anybody else. Those are what I found myself. I didn't particularly enjoy the whole dressing up - flying in calm weather only affair. When you fly a trike in windy weather/ middle of the day you really get tired as opposed to flying the same weather in a 3 axis. But that is why I said - personal preference..........
I'm definitly not pushing my view off on him. So now I can ask the same - you got any hours pax or pic in a 3 axis....

[Wargames]

Wargames - yes interestingly I owned a trike first before 3 axis (The first Antares in SA - ZU-CJC) and those are my personal opinions as I mentioned. I didn't say that applies to you or anybody else. Those are what I found myself. I didn't particularly enjoy the whole dressing up - flying in calm weather only affair. When you fly a trike in windy weather/ middle of the day you really get tired as opposed to flying the same weather in a 3 axis. But that is why I said - personal preference..........
I'm definitly not pushing my view off on him. So now I can ask the same - you got any hours pax or pic in a 3 axis....

Hi Stephan,

No harm done. As long as they are only opinions, which this topic is all about, it is all fine. Talk to 3 guys and you will have 4 opinions.

Just on the points you made:

can fly in greater cross wind

This is all about the effect of the rudder. Some fixed wings is not that great in a crosswind.

slightly more protected from elements

100% personal choice. I like to feel the elements, as it gives me more response on what the aircraft is doing. a Fixed wing is a fly by numbers. (ie. you need to check the instruments to know what the aircraft is doing.)

side by side seating.

Not quite. A cubby, challenger, shadow etc is all tandem aircraft, but yes, in general most fixed wings is dual seating.

it requires a bit more skill possibly

In calm conditions, both is easy to fly and land. But in turbulent conditions, both gets tough due to windshear and the lot. It is down to pilot ability, and not necesary aircraft type.

So yes, both is very different, and it comes down to what you want. I have to concur with Arnulf on this one. If you want transport, go for a fixed wing. But if you want to fly, go for the trike route. My opinion, and just an opinion.

So now I can ask the same - you got any hours pax or pic in a 3 axis....

I did some time last year on flying and exams, and for my effort caa sent me a brown book, and then some more flying followed...

[slysi]

IMHO it comes down to personal preference and the main purpose of the aerie. If I was in this position I would buy the Cobra without hesitation. The only reasons I have for this choice is I want to fly trikes and the Cobra is an all round great aerie. For some reason flying a blunderturd does not do it for me, not that I have ever been in one mind you.

But then again if I had the money Da Animal may make me change my mind.........

[Bugwar]

But this is like riding a motorbike! I doubt he would have said that in a 3 axis aerie. So if you like the motorbike feeling, a trike is for you....If you want to be close to the elements, get a trike. If you want airtransport, get a 3 axis.

I agree 100%. Years ago I vowed never to sell my bike again. I sold my trike last year and will hopefully buy one again soon and then I WILL NEVER SELL MY TRIKE AGAIN. There are some airline pilots who has/had trikes and they enjoy it for the flying. But as most pilots will agree, it is not to be used for airtransport.

Just glad I do not have to make that choice. GOOD LUCK

[Low Level]

Beware of that question on this forum. There is too much trike pilots here.

[Big-D]

If you have flown both, go with your gut - You probably aleady know which you enjoy more, trike or 3axis - I don't lke flying in turbs so after 180 hours on trikes I started my 3 axis licence as I beleive 3 axis are better in the bumps, it just was not the same to me - I missed the wind in my face, stopped the 3axis thing and now I try and fly my trike when the weather is fair and love every moment -BUT 3 axis are cool, it is a personal thing

A trike is the motorcycle of the sky, if you like riding bikes more than cars then go for a trike and vice versa

D

[Tumbleweed]

Go and do 2 hours formal training on the Thunderbird or similar, it's the only way you'll know. I just find it too formal.

Big D, get your arse in a GT and solve your problems.

[Flightstar]

Hello Morne,

Wanneer kry jy jou T-Bird?

Groete.

Derick.