Where has this forum been all my life?? What a wealth of information.
Back in 2003 I acquired an Acrosport II project that was (I was told) 75% complete. 3 years and 1600 building hrs later I flew it for the first time on September 10th 2006. After 120 hrs of flight time the lower longerons developed cracks from a poorly engineeredspring landing gear conversion. The plane was disassembled and the fuselage was moderately redesigned from the forward wing attach fitting (Station 3) to the firewall. While the plane was laid up,I made some other corrections and enhancements to issues I found during the original shakedown. Last month I flew the airplane again and have been quite pleased with the results.
I have read some of the postings on this site attempting to make comparisons between Acro IIs and other planes. I can tell you that an Acrosport II is one fine airplane for 2 reasonably sized folks for a little acro, shorthaul x-country, or landing in the weeds. I could not have selected a better airplane for what I wanted it to do (we all have our own needs). It is what it is. It will never be a Bonanza; butit flies faster than a Cub, it has a 160HP O-320 so vertical penetration is limited (but 7 GPH is nice),and the straight top wing makes snap rolls a bit more challenging. Before LSAs changed the meaning of sport planes, I would have to say that the Acrosport II was the definition of a sport plane.
I have flown about 15 different types of GA and experimental airplanes including a certified Great Lakes. I am an EAA Flight Advisor who is very willing to discuss your flying issues or Acrosport II building questions.
I still can not believe I am just finding this site. What a great resource for folks getting started or anyone needing to ask a question to like-minded folks.
If someone can explain how to set up an album, I'll be happy to post some pictures of N827JA.
John Andre
Chesapeake VA
Back in 2003 I acquired an Acrosport II project that was (I was told) 75% complete. 3 years and 1600 building hrs later I flew it for the first time on September 10th 2006. After 120 hrs of flight time the lower longerons developed cracks from a poorly engineeredspring landing gear conversion. The plane was disassembled and the fuselage was moderately redesigned from the forward wing attach fitting (Station 3) to the firewall. While the plane was laid up,I made some other corrections and enhancements to issues I found during the original shakedown. Last month I flew the airplane again and have been quite pleased with the results.
I have read some of the postings on this site attempting to make comparisons between Acro IIs and other planes. I can tell you that an Acrosport II is one fine airplane for 2 reasonably sized folks for a little acro, shorthaul x-country, or landing in the weeds. I could not have selected a better airplane for what I wanted it to do (we all have our own needs). It is what it is. It will never be a Bonanza; butit flies faster than a Cub, it has a 160HP O-320 so vertical penetration is limited (but 7 GPH is nice),and the straight top wing makes snap rolls a bit more challenging. Before LSAs changed the meaning of sport planes, I would have to say that the Acrosport II was the definition of a sport plane.
I have flown about 15 different types of GA and experimental airplanes including a certified Great Lakes. I am an EAA Flight Advisor who is very willing to discuss your flying issues or Acrosport II building questions.
I still can not believe I am just finding this site. What a great resource for folks getting started or anyone needing to ask a question to like-minded folks.
If someone can explain how to set up an album, I'll be happy to post some pictures of N827JA.
John Andre
Chesapeake VA
