A TBM Avenger for Mr. HP

Just think of the TBM as a big trainer. A REALLY big trainer.

It isn’t about Frock Factor (whatever that is…quaint, these Brits), it’s about training. During the war pilots would work their way up through training command, going from the primary trainers to advanced trainers, before moving on to fighters. I like the idea of replicating this strategy today.

It’s not hard to fly a Mustang, but when you consider that a Mustang has a faster approach speed than the Vne (sorry, the never exceed speed) of the Tiger Moth then maybe you can begin to understand what I’m getting at. 100 MPH vs. 400 MPH…1500 lbs. vs. 11,500 lbs…retractable gear…constant speed prop…100 hp vs. 1475 hp…

Hi Mark 12

Leave the cold running girls at home !!!

and guys for the female members of the Forum

Regards
John P

Let’s hear it for the TBM

I think it is a great aeroplane.

Used by the Brits, the Yanks and others.

WWII combat machine.

Single and relatively cheap engine and prop.

Availability of spares from the ‘bug sprayers’

A turret.

A torpedo/bomb bay

Bags of room to take the crew, the kit, the volunteers, hot and cold running girls etc.

I like ’em.

Mark

Hi Steve

Dud trigger finger on the upload switch – replaced component – now there.

Regards
John P

John,

You appear to be photo challenged again.

Also, it’s been pointed out by several people that I would fail as an anorak. Apparently the TBM that Courtesy has for sale is not the machine previously owned by my late friend, Ron Maggard.

HP, you should still consider an Avenger, or a Harvard. I seem to remember that Stallion 51 wants 10-20 hours of T-6 time before starting a Mustang checkout. It’s been a few years since I checked on this, but I seem to remember Lee telling me that. In fact, I think they may even have acquired a T-6 for this purpose.

Steve

Hi all

Just a shot of Oscar Ducks verrrrrryyyy nice Avenger here in Brisbane ’cause hes so shy and doesn’t push his own wagon – we are all very happy this and his other aircraft live here – thanks Oscar.

I think the TBM would be a great addition in the UK and displays very well too

Regards
John P

Mr. Patterson,

You have me confused here. I see the ex-Crash bird N337GA for sale and the Skarda Flying Service bird N3967A listed, but not the plane you mention. Isn’t the Cavanaugh plane N86280? If so I don’t see it for sale. Was it listed and is now gone?

Jim

P.S.: For sticker shock on Avengers…Wayne Rudd is selling a flying combat vet for $155K. That is about the price of a nice T-6, eh.

a P51 (and not necessarily a D)

Hmmmm….B/C in RAF markings and with a malcolm hood…… 😀 😀

So….am I going to do it?

No.

Currently looking at one, possibly two minor (in terms of cash!) acquisitions over the next 12 months – a P51 (and not necessarily a D) is the machine of choice when it comes to the ‘biggie’.

Sorry to p@ss on your parade but – whilst representing outstanding value for money, a TBM ain’t for me.

See the Ryan thread a little later on for an update on WIP with my 22 – we have found a few problems with it….

HP

Given Steve’s aversion to putting genuine British craftsmanship under the cowling, might we see a Spit with a radial 😮 To keep the not so British feel, a MkXVI with a Merlin 266 might fit the bill. Still 9 litres short as you put it.

As we’re in to armchair purchases. I recall a pic on the forum a month or so ago, showing the fuselage of a Mk IX spit tucked up the rafters of a hangar in the States.

I suspect not enough litres up front in this one for Steve P (about nine short!) Not sure Mr Middleton is ready to part with it either but you never know.

As we’re in to armchair purchases. I recall a pic on the forum a month or so ago, showing the fuselage of a Mk IX spit tucked up the rafters of a hangar in the States.

As the game seems to be to nominate someone else’s bank account, how about Mr Patterson returning said Spit to the air? :diablo:

So, as HP rung his bankers yet???

OK, time out here folks…

I’m not saying to buy an Avenger INSTEAD of a Mustang or P-40, I’m saying that this is an airplane that he could buy TODAY. RIGHT NOW. It could be at Legends!

Buy it, fly it for a few years, and sell it if you want. It won’t go down in value, and the maintenance on the radial will be a drop in the bucket compared to an inline V-12.

As for fuel burn, well it’s better than a jet. Warbirds are thirsty, period. If you have to worry about the cost of fuel you don’t need to own one.

It’s time for HP to step up and buy some big iron. The TBM, my friends, definately qualifies as BIG IRON!

Can’t argue with any of that….. 🙂

And I have to say at Leg Ends last summer, that relatively high energy display by the Avenger changed my thinking about the Big Bird….. 😀
Impressive……

…if I were in Hairyplanes position, I too would be looking for something along the lines of a P40 or a P51…
But heck, if I had the several million to spare, I guess I’d probably by an Avenger too!

Most of us have long term goals, whether it’s earning a PPL or owning a Mustang. Many of these goals are achieved in steps, such as saving up money or gaining experience. For instance, since I was 10 years old I have wanted to own and fly a Spitfire or Hurricane. OK great, but how to get there?

Well, I need to learn to fly. OK, next.

Need time and experience. OK, spend a decade building time and ratings in GA aeroplanes. Next.

Need Acro and tailwheel? Fly a Decathalon and Pitts (to name a few), plus acro training with a professional. Next.

Need Warbird experience and formation training? Well, start with the T-28 (great first warbird), then the L-39 (for which the T-28 was a great trainer). Next.

Need T-6 time to fly a WW2 fighter (if you don’t believe me just ask any aviation insurance underwriter). OK, buy a T-6. Next.

Buy a Spitfire. Spitfires cost $1.5-$2.0 Million US. Ouch, not quite ready for that without retiring and selling my company. Solution, buy a Sea Fury.

Overly simplistic? Maybe.

Many people say to me “It’s great that you have the money to fly warbirds”. My answer is that I don’t fly warbirds because I have money, I made money to be able to fly warbirds.

Now come on HP, it’s cold outside and you NEED an Avenger. I can tell. You’re ready for a new challenge. Buy the Avenger. You can buy a Mustang next summer.

And as for my Spitfire, well, I wouldn’t bet against me.

Hey HP,

I have to agree with Steve(oh no the world is ending 😀 ) the TBM Tarpon would be a great aircraft to own.

Just think of all the Pacific FAA/RN Schemes that you could use. I have alot of ideas for you if you want to get a going. Go for it I say it would be nice to have a TBM at Leg Dend 😀

Cheers
RER

Firebird, it is indeed great armchair sport spending other peoples cash! 😀

Steve, I agree that the Avenger is great value for money for a Warbird and does qualify as “BIG IRON”.

But I must admit if I were in Hairyplanes position, I too would be looking for something along the lines of a P40 or a P51 or any of the high performance WWII fighters really! 😎 Of course one of the late era fighters such as the LA9 & Sea Fury would be nice but too but it might be a bit tricky operating these from OW!

But heck, if I had the several million to spare, I guess I’d probably by an Avenger too!

Oh well, back to reality.

Cheers

Paul

OK, time out here folks…

I’m not saying to buy an Avenger INSTEAD of a Mustang or P-40, I’m saying that this is an airplane that he could buy TODAY. RIGHT NOW. It could be at Legends!

Buy it, fly it for a few years, and sell it if you want. It won’t go down in value, and the maintenance on the radial will be a drop in the bucket compared to an inline V-12.

As for fuel burn, well it’s better than a jet. Warbirds are thirsty, period. If you have to worry about the cost of fuel you don’t need to own one.

It’s time for HP to step up and buy some big iron. The TBM, my friends, definately qualifies as BIG IRON!

Now a P40…….Theres a thought.

Hmmnnn……theoretically spending other peoples money….now there’s a grand armchair sport…… 😀

Given the set criteria, I have to say it would be the P-40 that would top my list as well…… 🙂

Avenger

The Avenger is a great machine – I had a pole of THT’s last season.

A big, slow flying truck of a thing.

I agree that they represent incredible value for money and I hope to have more goes in it.

Owning one though? Nah…

Now a P40…….Theres a thought.

HP