Back when we were looking at upgrading from our 100HP 150, the Tripacer was rapidly becoming our only option in our price range. The O-300 equipped 172's were within our price range. But were only marginally better in performance then our 150. Lycoming equipped 172's were much too pricy. I really had my eye on the 170. Really liking it's sleek lines. And it would have to be the "B" model with the Fowler Flaps. But that put the 170 well out of our price range also. I even looked at the Aero Commander Darter and Lark. But they apparently lacked the low speed handling characteristics that I was searching for.
So, it was down to the Tripacer. And it would have been a compromise on our part. I was not particularly enamoured with the single door and short wing. Especially with that short wing. Having the reputation of having a glide angle just a wee bit better then a rock. But, it did have the useful load we needed. And lots of room with the back seat removed. Plus, with the "back door" would make for easier loading and unloading. And the option of the back seat if we did choose to fly as more then two. So, I had committed myself to going with the Tripacer.
Then came this email offering Mr. Ed for sale..................
Note: It is my understanding that there are now parts availability issues with the O-290??
