Disclosure of Wittman Tailwind trade

[steen563]

Doug Steen here. Several of you have seen me in a 1949 polished Bonanza, a Cirrus SR 22 or a Silver and red Luscombe 8A. I sold the Bonanza to buy the Cirrus and traded the Luscombe for a flying Wittman W10 Tailwind.

I have flown the Tailwind 35 hours in the two months since trading and love it. It weighs 880 lbs, has basic IFR instrumentation, including a Dynon 10A, 160 hp Lyc. I love the plane and have just two issues to solve, to increase fuel capacity From the current 26 gal and to fix a door latch. It will cruise 200 mph TAS on 8 gph and 150 mph on 5 gph. I was going broke buying gas for the Cirrus, having spent $16k on fuel in the past year. Besides I am on borrowed time at 2150 hrs since new on the Cirrus. The Tailwind will allow deferral of an engine overhaul for the Cirrus and run 200 mph on half the fuel.

[jonfilipa]

Just out of curiosity, what lead you to choose a Tailwind over other models? Was it just cross country capability on low fuel burn & acquisition cost?

Also, does your Tailwind have a constant speed prop?

[steen563]

John,
I was lucky enough to find a Tailwind owner that wanted to fly as a Sport Pilot and wished to trade planes. I knew Steve Wittman, so that was a bonus. I wanted two seat cross country utility in a taildragger and the Tailwind fits the bill. I think it will do Sonerail II speeds on Sonerai fuel flows too.
Doug

[juergen]

Hi Doug,
nice to hear from you. have you really traded the Luscombe? From my visit to you, I have a video with your Luscombe in front of the TuHoler, I think I must finish the video, to send it to you... next days...
I have always a grin in my face, when I think back to this days ;D
with best regards
Juergen

[steen563]

Yes Juergen,
I traded the Luscome and will miss it dearly, especially when the day comes when I will no longer take medicals and will need to fy as a Sort Pilot. till then, I am very fortunate to have an economica sport flyer in the Tailwind. Shen I retire, I will not be able to afford to keep the Cirrus.

What a great time we had when we flew together!
Thanks,
Doug Steen
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