What did the paint job set you back, can I ask? I'm thinking about a Party-Bus to step up from my RV-9, but would want to have it painted it down the track.
AUD40k. But that wasn’t just the paintwork - also included all new screws, the Engineering Order for the black leading edge material ($800 per meter!) and some refurbishment the the inner ribs of to the composite parts (From the spar to the leading edge of each wing is actually composite, not alloy). Plus some Aux fuel tank repair - Aux tanks are located on outer wing notorious for leaking. I like the Party-bus - very versatile aircraft and economical. Ignore the industry comments like the ones I received ….”oh, you like to go slow…”; “Parts Navia”;…”The 2nd engine is only there to take you to the scene of the crash”;…and the most offensive…”It’s the only twin known to have a bird strike from behind” None of that is true. I’ve taken it fully loaded Aux and Mains, Pax and Bags and it performs fine. Great endurance - great load capacity, great visibility with high wing, okay it TAS is 142kts at 9,000ft burning 75ltrs p/hrs. (135kts flogging around low and circuits) Fairly acceptable and better than much more expensive twins near it’s class that I know.
Thanks for the details Jeremy. :) I only tool about at 140KTAS in the RV now - yes it *can* go faster, but I'm paying for fuel. I've always liked the looks of the Party-bus, and like the RV, they aren't the fastest light twin out there, nor can they haul the most, or have the longest legs, but overall, like the RV's they do most everything "well enough" instead of being outstanding at any one aspect. And by not having folding feet means I'll never forget to put the gear down and should enjoy cheaper insurance.
