Buy a plane and LAND in your BACKYARD...everyone does it, right?!
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- My journey of finding, purchasing and relocating this 1949 Piper PA-16 Clipper. I'm now in the process of planning an engine upgrade, fabric covering and adding other mods. While in the meantime I'll be flying it and sharing my process.
If you like aircraft upgrades or aircraft maintenance, be sure to watch for new uploads.
#blaircraft
#blairmeach
#blairpilot
I think that you said that you weren't that good at making videos. If so, you were wrong. Great video! 👍😊
The dream: have a runway in your backyard and have enough money to fly to work😂
Yes I feel very blessed … Thankful too!
I’ve taken 8 years to build my place about 95% myself though! lol
@@Blaircraft.Engines wow thats crazy. Dude thats commendable to the max. I would love to fly to your place one day
Nice! No ground looping!
Flying the J3 so many years sure helped!
GREAT VIDEO!! Well done/edited. Informative. I'm looking at a PA-16 right now to buy. Going back to the late 70's and early 1980's, there was a Clipper in San Diego that I use to see...and it had been for sale....LOVED the look. Price was $9000...too much for a kid. Wished I had bought it. MIGHT be getting one now, 40+ years later. LOL
The first Clipper there, that was mine. I sold it a few months later. I'll probably regret that sale. Airplanes should be bought not sold.
You'll love the Clipper.😎
Yeah I already am. I imagine I’ll own it awhile…
You’ll be loving your newly build Amazing Cub soon though!
Awesome!
I had never heard of a clipper before today, what draws you to Piper planes over the others? I have not found the draw to Piper crafts (yet), other than price is usually lower than another companies similar build..
How would you compare it to a Sportsman 2+2 (My choice for a STOL/Backcountry as of now) or differences to something more common like a C172? I am thinking the largest difference is going to be cost right off the bat.
Experimentals just seem to hold so much benefit over certified these days, tech has gone way past the FAA Certs and the plane are seemingly just as reliable but generally start out with better performance and you can change a lot more about them.
Please give us a tour of this beauty and tell us more
I will for sure… Thanks for your comment.
The stuff dreams are made of!
Yes... I'm very thankful to have my home strip along with the Clipper. Some major restoration coming later this year, stay tuned!
Great video, so uplifting to watch.
Sitting here in the middle of the north Atlantic in a heavy snowstorm watching your video is so cheering.
Love the Clipper, nice little airplane. Took my TW check on a Clipper, everybody told me it would be difficult in a Clipper.
To my opinion I had less trouble with the TW in the Clipper than in the Cub that I flew later.
Very nice! Thanks.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I totally agree with you about flying the Clipper. I was told the same thing about the short coupled characteristics of them.
After flying the J3 for about 14 years. I can say it’s definitely not any harder and may actually be bit easier like you said.
Stay safe!
Awesome story.
Glad you enjoyed it!
We love our Clipper. It's currently being restored along with many upgrades. Enjoyed your video!
Very nice, Congrats to owning a Clipper! Thanks for the comment.
I’m currently waiting on the FAA before removing my wings and starting the wings restoration/upgrades. Just need to confirm the direction I’m going with it. (Perhaps experimental)
I enjoyed the video very much the plane looked very sharp.
Awesome. Thanks for the feedback! FYI- Keep an eye out for big upgrades on this aircraft in the next few months as well.
So nice.
Beautiful plane! Great video!!
Thanks! I’m enjoying it, ready for warmer weather. Appreciate the comment!
That was super sweet, I’m jealous of your backyard airstrip
Thanks for your comment! I’m very thankful to have my home strip…
Stay tuned.
Next month I’ll be starting a series on restoring the Clipper wings and then a new engine upgrade in the spring.
That's going to be a great plane for you.
It was a pleasure talking with you at Oshkosh this year. Look forward to more content. Best wishes.
Thanks for the comment. It was great to chat with you as well. Big projects ahead late year on this Clipper along with more engine content. Stay safe!
I’ve been looking for one, too lol
There’s a very nice one I’ve recently noticed listed on the market.. it’s in the 50k range though. Shoot me an email at blairpilot@gmail.com if you’d like the listing info.
Looking forward to seeing more back country, and grass field take offs and landings in your new Clipper! I’ve got about 270 hours in my ‘54 Pacer that I call “Obiwan”. Very similar to the Clipper, great plane to fly.
Very nice! 270 hrs in your Pacer too. I’m super excited for the Clipper work coming up this winter as well. Stay safe!
Amazing!
Just found your channel
Great video, i have one as well and an iconic sn to go with it.
Welcome to the caretakers club! Their very capable and sporty flyers
Thanks. I’m really looking forward to starting the engine upgrade this summer.
enjoying the vids, Josh. Have watched a few.
Terry, thanks for your comment.
The Clipper wing restoration will be starting soon, then engine upgrade will follow right after. Stay tuned!
Fellow clipper pilot here! Keep the content coming! UA-cam needs more clippers! Guess I could jump on that too though haha
Awesome. Appreciate the comment! PA-16's are a blast... I'll be uploading the (part 2) of my walkaround very soon. I have a foldable fat tire bike I fit in the back seat area.
Thanks for this. I'm just in the proccess of refurbishing my own Clipper. Great content. Can't wait to see next clip.
Awesome. I’m definitely enjoying it. How long have you had yours? Also, here’s a link to the second video.
Folding Electric Bike, Short Wing Piper PA-16 Clipper
ua-cam.com/video/YTXi3x8N_ME/v-deo.html
@@Blaircraft.Engines been trying to finish it for about 5 years. This will definitely give me a boost. Just in the proccess of redoing interior. Thanks again
Awesome video! I also have a runway in my backyard but I only fly powered parachute and Quicksilvers. Hoping to buy a plane within the next couple years.
I think flying anything from your backyard is awesome. Congrats! Stay safe!
Goshen eh? not far from home.
Beautiful airplane.
Yes, working out of GSH and ANQ now as well! Thanks. It’s a good time flying it.
Hey Joshua great video and story too. I found a KIT FOX 4 hidden in a BARN !! Owner passed away, and daughter sold it to me for $4500 with the trailer too !! Just bought it this year 2022, and Hal Stockman is the Mechanic. This plan was almost ready to fly !! it was passed the first phase, and the engine has only 60 or so hours on it !! I couldn't believe my find. I've been dreaming about this for a couple of years just wishing and hoping, and Now it just landed in my lap, I wasn't even looking. His daughter is a Nurse, and I just happened to over hear her conversation. BAAMMM I jumped it !! I don't even fly !! LOL !!
My wife was PISSED !! LOl !! FLIP IT OR FLY IT ??? thanks Joshua, I hope to meet you !!
Just wow… Good for you! Have you flown much in a smaller plane or even a Kitfox? If Hal says it’s good, you have a winner. Which engine is installed?
If you have a garage, whatever you do make sure your wife can still park inside! 😁
@@Blaircraft.Engines I have NO experience at all. All I know is I own a KIT FOX 4, 912 ULS 80 HP. Bran New engine, just minor body work, and its ready. I don't even fly lol.
thank to Hal, and others I have spoken too.
This is crazy !!
@@calliepieters3446 Congrats again! Shoot me an email at blairpilot@gmail.com
@@calliepieters3446 So what's the latest on the Kit Fox?!?
SOLD IT, out of my reach, I'm so sad
and now I really miss flying in the US :( Can't wait to get back!
Very soon... Good weather is just ahead!
Great weather now in so cal
Love this!!
Congratulations!!
Super exciting trip!
Thanks! Yes trip was smooth, my kind of flying!
Lucky dog!
That is definitely a pretty little airplane.
Thanks! Recently started on restoring the wings. Lots of upgrades before next spring, it’s been a fun plane to fly.
Wow, that's a funky little dog leg you did there on short final. I don't suppose you own those tall trees that need to come down? Ha Ha. Now I see why you want to extend your runway? Anyway, beautiful Clipper you have, as well as beautiful home strip, dog leg and all. Lol... You going to sell the Cub, and do you still have the Tri-Pacer?
Yeah it’s a challenge, every approach you must stay on top of it… No I don’t own those tall trees you mentioned, but I’m going to see I can do about them.
The Cub is still around, a friend of mine purchased it last fall. I actually stored it for the winter in my heated hangar. So I’ll still fly it at times.
Unfortunately the PA-22 had to go after bringing home the Clipper.
Currently getting things around to build up the O-320 off of it though for the Clipper.
I’ll share when I really get into it.
Sweet buddy! Been wondering what you were up to... Beautiful bird, no need for the Blair Switch now. 😂
@Left Seat Adventures, Thanks for watching! I've been beyond busy, several things in the works for the channel. Engine parts are coming in for the O-320 build, runway extension, Clipper TLC and on... + A&P work full time. Yeah the BlairSwitch is history, it just made sense with the PA22 condition... Sure enjoying the Clipper though.
Hey Blair !!
I really enjoy your videos.. I do however have a question about what is the the electric bike that you acquired and.. that fits in your AC..
Cheers!
Norm
Thanks!
The bike is a Rattan fat tire/foldable, I purchased the 750W version.
@@Blaircraft.Engines Thanks for you reply... If you bought one today, would it be the same bike or... ?
From what I'm reading , the Rattan folding bike sounds like a pretty good choice and is also reasonably priced.
Thank you for sharing the video. Beautiful plane for sure. What made you select the clipper? how did you find the last one? that is a barn find. Hope to see more videos. Thank you again.
Thanks for your comment.
I selected the Clipper because it’s has a lighter empty weight than the Pacer, so shorter takeoff roll when (especially with a Pacer engine upgrade), better in crosswinds with full span ailerons.
I found listed online and I purchased the next day.
I’ll for sure be sharing a lot more. There will be detailed walk-a-round soon. I have a few upgrades planned along with a complete O-320 engine overhaul that I’ll be building to install.
flying at night in an airplane that hasn't been flown in a year and a half......Muy cajones !! All it needs is some stick on paint scheme and she a real beaut.
Thanks for watching until the flight home and your comment. The night part of the flight wasn’t planned 😬! Things naturally took longer to get going and I felt pretty good about continuing after dark. Thankfully it all worked out great. I’ll be doing the O-320 engine upgrade coming this spring. Paint scheme… working up something as well 😁
Really enjoyed your video. I am looking to purchase a clipper this summer it will be my first and with any luck I will find a cfi to train me. Lol. So the stc for the o320 allows you to add the wing tank and remove the fuselage tank? or are those to separate stc? Thanks for sharing your video.
Beautiful airplane. I had one back in the 80’s.
Since it was out of annual, did someone else do an annual before you went back to get it? Or, are you A&P and did it?
Great job on the video too!
Thank you. I had the local A&P do the annual inspection prior to bringing it home. Yes I’m an A&P, I don’t have my IA yet which is required for signing off annual inspections. However, it’s on my list to get!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
How long did you have your PA-16? Also, which engine was in it?
@@Blaircraft.Engines I had it 1978-1979. Moved up to it from a Champ. It had an O-235 in it. N6870K Fun airplane!
🙌🏼🙌🏼
Nice Clipper!!! Was there any issues with the engine having been in storage for a long time? What can be checked when making a purchase like this?
The engine seemed pretty good. I put about 40 hrs on it before removing it.
Borescope is helpful, fuel system is super important to check! I’m building a 160hp to install for Oshkosh.
I loved your story. Did you get your plane annualled before you flew it home? Or did you get some kind of permit to get it home and annual it there?
I had the mechanic on the field do the annual a couple weeks before picking it up.
What made you go with a Piper over, let’s say a Cessna 170? I’m curious to why you landed on that plain? I only ask because I’m now going down the same rabbit hole and can’t desire. Cessna 170, piper pa-20, Stinson 180. I can’t decide, I’m looking for a cheap all around 4 seater with reliability in mind that I can take to the backcountry. Any point of view would be appreciated. Love the videos.
After flying J3 for almost 15 years, I like the old Pipers and tube frame. I also really liked that the Clipper had a stick control too like the J3. However, the Clipper is barely a 4 seater. A PA-20 is the higher gross weight. Also for me, the price was right!
I prefer the tube frame options, however the 170 would have more room. I hope that helps??
What were the other airplanes you considered ?
How long is your strip?
4 Clippers total. The 3rd just was covered out. I was set on a PA-16 Clipper.
My strip was 1100' when I first landed. However, I recently purchased a OLD excavator and I'll be taking trees out in starting this spring. I'm going for 2600' total.
@@Blaircraft.Engines can we land there? Send us coordinates!
Awesome thanks!!
I have a 1100’ at a farm that I own in Maine and a PPL that I haven’t used in 9 years
I’d love to fly out of it someday. Maybe with a clipper?
They are called “Bison”
Did you get a ferry permit or have it annualed at it’s home airport?
I had the mechanic there that had been maintaining it do the annual.
I'm curious, on the plane you passed on, what bothered you? Frankly the owner sounds a little shady....not wanting to be videoed...and then I got the impression YOU thought it was sketchy? I owned a Piper Tomahawk and obviously went through the buying process. Since I may be doing that with a local Clipper, I would appreciate your Top 5 or so things ABOUT the PA-16 to pay particular attention to when doing a Decision Inspection??? THANKS.
I would look at the landing gear closely, does it still have the original header tank?
A big one to really check closely on the clipper is the locking mechanism for the front bench seat. Look at the pin/ spring condition along they condition of the metal as it slides on for the airframe and the seat frame.
I’ll think of some more and respond again later, currently still working late nights on my Clipper.
Real quick one big question about overall condition… do you know anyone that is familiar with inspecting to frame along long fabric seems?
Since it’s out of annual, is there anything you legally have to do before you were able to fly it home? Im interested in picking up my first plane here in the next 2 years
Yes. You have to have a ferry permit or the annual inspection completed. I just had a local mechanic do the annual prior to picking up.
Did you get a prebuy before purchasing?
I looked it over well myself as an IA and talked to the IA that worked on it the previous years.
In Chicago did you land in O'Hare or midway
No I stayed clear, first trip just trying get home the quickest. Radio wasn’t the best either. It is now though, I installed a new Garmin.
Did you have to get a ferry permit or did you do the annual to get it home ?
The local IA did the annual and I flew it up until the end of October this year. Now I’m preparing the hangar right now to remove the wings soon. The wings need restoration and fabric. I’m definitely enjoying flying it.
The stuff dreams are made of!