T 28A

[John Cotter]

I am considering investing in a T-28A. Can someone with experience tell me what to look for, watch out for and in general how well this version of the T28 performed?

Also would it be worthwhile to skip an A model and go for a B-D, considering the extra investment in the others?

Thanks

[Jack Cook]

Me personally would go for the B or C. The R-1300 doesn't have a very goos rep for reliability. The 3 bladed conversion may make a difference.
I've never talked to a B or C guy who hated it and I never talked to a A guy who loved it

[Matt Gunsch]

if it has a 3 blade prop, it is better than the 2 bladed as it is not life limited. Canopies are easier to come by if it still have the tall canopy. The R-1300 never gave me any trouble on the A model I used to work on. If it still has the R-1300 on it, you do not need a LOA to fly it, just a complex high performance sign off.

[Seafury1]

Me personally would go for the B or C. The R-1300 doesn't have a very goos rep for reliability. The 3 bladed conversion may make a difference.
I've never talked to a B or C guy who hated it and I never talked to a A guy who loved it

Well, I can list three people, (me included) that have flown both and prefer the A, The A is more responsive on the controls than the B C & D. The A burns less than the others, with the 3 blade it relieves the vibration band, and without the extra weight it is great to fly. It cruises 10 to 15 knots slower, but still scoots along at 150-160.

And the bonus of being 800hp, and only needing a high perf, and comp sign off helps, but that can get you in trouble if the operating limitations read different.

I would say go with the A. it's a great airplane.

[DB2]

John -

Maybe I'm referring to the one you may be investing in, but about a year ago on ferrari-chat.com there was a very detailed "blog" by a guy in San Antonio I think about searching for and purchasing a T-28A.

IIRC, he made quite a strong case for buying an A model instead of a later one.

EDIT: here is the link:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showth ... p?t=211955

[LadyO2Pilot]

The San Antonio Ferrari guy is our own WIXer snj5 and his beautiful 28 and my black bird stare at each from either end of another WIXer's hangar...................................oh yeah that one with the super secret bunker somewhere .....LOL

I trust snj5 will be along sometime soon to give his opinions on the ABCDs

[snj5]

John -

Maybe I'm referring to the one you may be investing in, but about a year ago on ferrari-chat.com there was a very detailed "blog" by a guy in San Antonio I think about searching for and purchasing a T-28A.

IIRC, he made quite a strong case for buying an A model instead of a later one.

EDIT: here is the link:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showth ... p?t=211955

I think that was me. There are a growing number of us that have A models and do love them, so Mr Cook can happily update his files.

Like many aircraft and engines, if you properly look after them they do well. My little plane will do 170 - 180 kts at 36 - 40 gal/hour. All A models are low time, being generally 3000 hour airframes, so the basic airframes are much straighter than their 13,000 hr B/C/D cousins and much less banged around. It won't climb like a rocket as the 1820s, but I always see over 1000 ft/min generally which is fine with me, and the lower running costs more than make up for lack of climb. I will also agree that the 3 blade prop makes a difference.

There is an excellent Yahoo Group on T-28s which might interest folks. I've also met some terrific folks with respect to parts and support, which has never been a problem or even that expensive - certainly less than a T-6 in some instances. It is a very straightforward airplane to maintain, and I gotta tell you you not needing any special FAA type rating is also a blessing.

But most of all, it is a TERRIFIC flying plane - very easy, safe, docile with beautiful controls. PM me if you want any details.

best
russ

[Jack Cook]

That T-28 is just a nice airplane period Whether it be a A, B, C or D.!! The post in the other forum seem to talk mostly about that a/c in particular and T-28s has a whole.
Admitidly I'm a B, C guy has I grew up at Whiting Field where my step-dad flew with VT-2 & 3. Only only A that was ever around these parts had the prop conversion.
The owner had problem after problem wih it and ended up donating it to the Pearson Air Museum. They had the notion by doing a ride for donation program and asked
JCW to fly it for them. He said pass and just flew the B here in Salem.
http://www.airliners.net/photo/North-American-T-28A/0860083/&sid=b8e4ec94e3e5d8ba119edb81ddcd5294

[snj5]

John - Here is the Budd Davisson Airbum flight report. Like all of his stuff, it is a good quick overview, but don't use it to make any hard and fast opinions, good or bad. Much like dating, jumping in for a free ride and living with are two different things. Just keep talking to current and past owners as you have.
http://www.airbum.com/pireps/PirepT-28A.html

[Jerry O'Neill]

I always liked the look of the A model more than the later versions.
Jerry

[snj5]

Went and found this this weekend. It is one of the easiest airplanes to land ever. FYI - gear speed is 140 kts.
Good luck in your decision!

Also notice that the original pilot's manual shows Ober's above ground hangar complex and the Boerne Stage tower.