Looking for Advice: First 50 or 100cc Gas Plane

[Jason_FG]

Hi All,

After doing research and talking to some pilots it sounds like the dual cylinder DA100 is really the way to go because of reduced vibration (much less than a 1 cylinder?). I figured why not go for it - looking at the 35% Aeroworks 100cc YAK. (I'm a proficient pilot; biggest plane I have now is a great planes 25% Extra 300 with OS 1.60 FX).

First question: Are the 2 cylinder gas engines that much better than 1 cylinder?
The real reason for this question leads to the 2nd:

I'm thinking I'm fooling myself here - Don't see how a 100" long plane will fit into a full size chevy shortbed pickup truck... Has anybody sucessfully transported a 35% in a shortbed pickup? Might have to go to a 50cc due to vehicular limitations...

Any advice greatly appreciated! Thanks

Your thoughts?

[dmichael]

The main point is that a bigger plane will fly better. Get the biggest you can accomodate based on price, what you can haul, fit in and out of your house, willing to carry, etc. Twin not automatically better- it depends on the plane and what engine size you need. The current crop of 50-85cc singles are really good performers- some vibe more than others- but don't be afraid to run them.

If you can't fit a 100cc plane, consider an 80cc. If you can't fit an 80, consider a 50cc

[john911]

I HAVE TWO AW YAKS THE 50 AN 100CC THE 50 IS A GOOD PLANE THE BEST SO FAR HAVENT GOT FLY 100 YET.

[Show871]

Dont go bigger than you can comfortably afford to lose/replace, and comfortably haul. A 100cc flys IMAC way better than 50cc. My 50cc sits in the shop cause all I fly is my hundo.

[Show871]

Oh yea, My 35% fits crossways with only the stabbs off in my fullsize shortbox gmc!

[Geno]

Ive owned the AW 50cc and still have the 100cc. The 50cc flys great until you fly the 100cc. Bigger is simply better. To get a 100cc in your truck, with the tailgate down, get a plywood sheet that long enough to fit the plane, screw it down in the box, problem solved. Im working on a AW 42% 260 right now, and it no going to quite fit so im going too add a piece to the tailgate.(I dont need much) but when i have to travel for different events, i just use my trailer. But if you have the funds for a 100cc go that route!!!

[crazyjoe]

Leave the tail gate down and your good to go. 100cc plane is night and day better than a 50. But like Show said the best plane is one you can afford to loose.

[Jason_FG]

Thanks everybody for the feedback. A bit embarrassed that I didn't consider leaving the tailgate down ...

[luv2flyguy]

If you can afford it go for the AW 100cc Yak, I owned the 50cc and it flew like a dream, I now have the AW 75cc Yak/ZDZ Super 80 combo and it flies much better than the 50 did. I am now finishing up my AW Extra 260 (100cc)/DA-100L combo and I think this plane will be awesome! You may even want to consider the AW Extra 260 or the 300, they are awesome flying planes. BTW I can transport my 100cc AW Extra 260 in my Nissan Xtrera with no problem, so if the budget allows, go for it.

[Jason_FG]

All -

Thanks for all the advice! I went ahead and got the 100cc AW YAK and feel that it is money well spent. The 'night and day' comment really made me think about buying the biggest you can afford and are willing to move around the house and haul to the field. And like folks said it does fit in the back of a full size short bed Chevy pickup ('96) with the tailgate down; provided you tie the plane down. Don't have pics of the tie down yet but let me know if interested and I will shoot one. Yeah, the bird is probably worth more than the truck but who cares what your car looks like?

[vlysakowski]

Get a 100cc plane. There is no need to get bigger.

[BOSSIER_ROB]

I hauled an AW 100cc yak in a shortbed for a year. Two things to remember. Tie the tailgate down so it won't bounce and tape the elevator and rudder counterbalances to keep the surfaces from flapping in the breeze.