Sadly, with the little wheel on the nosedragger T-28, they're not recommended for grass use. But, the bright side is, replacement engines are in the 30-40k range!!!
Sadly, with the little wheel on the nosedragger T-28, they're not recommended for grass use. But, the bright side is, replacement engines are in the 30-40k range!!!
We have one based here at the Flying N, and I've watched it take off and land. Doesn't seem to have any issues, the nose wheel is fairly large.
Good luck with your hunting. I've flown a T-6 briefly (part of the interview for a T-6 instructor based in Titusville, FL). It is a fun plane to fly. Its hard to see from the back seat as a CFI though. If I didn't have the responsibilities I have now, I'd consider flying for one of those travelling T-6 ride companies.
Did your operating costs include insurance? Commercial insurance on a Citabria I used to own was $4600/yr. I expect a T-6 to be substantially more. Also, don't forget advertising. With something like a T-6, you could probably drawn from the non-pilot population as well.
Dan Serrato, who has the one over in LaGrange, GA, told me that bit of info. He, also, said there was a way to replace the nosewheel with a larger diameter version that would be grass friendly. Either way, I'm not well versed on the subject, just going on what Dan told me. If we ever have the chance to speak with him together, I'll persuade him to tell you his story of when his engine departed the aircraft and chased him across a sod farm in south Florida.
Well I did it today..... I was unable to find an Aerobat in my price range, so I signed a purchase contract on a T6! - It's on the East Coast, and I'm on the West Coast, so I'll get a 17-20hr trip under my belt with my instructor.
Flying the T6 across country is going to be similar to a C150 - Lot's of gas stops! We will do about 135k vs 95-100k in the 150, but we can only fly for 2.8-3.2hr/ leg. The 150 will take on 20g avgas, the T6 will take on 90-95g avgas! 110g tanks, 30gph for flight plan. May see an economical 27gph in cruise.... The plane has a JPI engine monitor, but you don't want to get too lean with the radial.....
Exciting time... Now I'll really be talking to the warbird pilots at OSH
I have 2 weeks for the pre-buy inspection. And will receive copies of the log books on Wednesday... Looking at sending the IA from So Cal back east to examine the plane, since he will be doing the annuals.
I know I could have got a 150 Aerobat for less, but pulling 4g's in a loop, it will be interesting to see if I can do it....
aerobat is to the T-6 what the igloo cooler is to a double wide fridge.
True - but you could fly for alot more hours in the Aerobat and learn the maneuvers before trying them in the Six.
I'll probably still look for an Aerobat - but it will have to wait at least a year, while I recover from sticker shock, and owner shock, after this purchase.
I just enjoy being in the air, watching the coastline, and 6gph is much for economical for that purpose.
But for adrenaline the six will be awesome, and I don't think an overhead break would have the same impact in my old c150.
Hi Gang, Just an update on the new plane purchase. I have my ticket on Jet Blue to fly from LA to Boston on the Redeye - Land in Boston Monday morning and drive to Lawrence airport to get the first in person look at my new baby.
It's becoming reality - the prebuy is over, the cashiers check is made out - I shipped the parachutes and headsets etc over today via UPS 3 day service so they will arrive Friday....
Just yesterday I realized how close Boston is to New York - so I decided to fly down the SFR area for the Hudson River, and circle the Statue of Liberty in the t6, that's going to be cool. Wish I could get some ground shots of us in the plane doing that, but I will have to settle for air shots looking out.
Been using AIRNAV and there fuel price finder, makes a big difference when you consume 30gph going coast to coast.
Here are a couple pics of my new bird. [Linked Image] [Linked Image] I'll upload some I took after I get back next Thursday or Friday. It's hard to sleep thinking about the upcoming trip!!!!! Gary
But, the bright side is, replacement engines are in the 30-40k range!!! 
![[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]](https://www.visitedstatesmap.com/image/AZCOILIAKSMONEOKSDTXUTWIWYsm.jpg)
