If you could choose only one, what would it be.

I wanted to start this thread for aviation and aircraft lovers. Since I was a little boy I've loved planes and living in central Florida right down the road from Sun N Fun I've got to witness and see some very unique aircraft. That love of planes has grown into a passion for flying and now I hold multiple ratings and love the fact that I can just hop in a plane anytime and take to the skies.

So I want to know from ATS, if you can choose one aircraft to own, what would it be? I mean anything....from ultralights to the AN-225 and everything in between. From Balloons to helicopters, to hang gliders....I mean lets cover the whole spectrum here. As well as why would you choose that aircraft...what makes it special over anything else, pros cons and whatever else you would like to add. Lets make this fun and educational. Thanks.
www.warbirds-eaa.org...
For me its tough, I have feel in love with so many types of aircraft that I had a hard time chosen. I have always loved the P-51 and most of us do, she is a beautiful machine, the goddess of the skies and just plain magnificent.

www.ww2remembered.com...

And then there is another WW2 favorite of mine, the Focke Wulf 190, Again a beautiful, remarkable aircraft, and just mean looking. You have to admit that the stance of the FW-190 is ruthless. I bet many of allied pilots and bomber crews were scared to death of this thing.

But If I had to choose a just one aircraft I wouldn't judge her on looks, speed, or anything like that, I would judge her on versatility....for follows function and in this case function is where its at...lol. Even though some of you may not think what I chose is gorgeous I think she as a certain appeal to her...I love the slender body and the nice long legs...I love how fast its able to get of the ground, and how you can slip her into anywhere. My choice is the Slepcev Storch,www.ulm.it... and any replica thats out there. I got to fly a replica of one few years ago and let me tell you what a amazing aircraft. It would take off in 10 feet I swear and land just as short, fly at indicated airspeed at or right above 15mph. It is what gives versatility its name and it is a gem to fly. Thats my choice.

I dont know how to imbed pics so if anyone wants to help go right ahead. Thanks.

Grumman HU-16 Albatross

To me this is a beauty, I would make it my mobile home.

Originally posted by LeTan
Grumman HU-16 Albatross

To me this is a beauty, I would make it my mobile home.

Excellent choice. Float plane, house boat all rolled into one, and she is a beast. Plenty of room as well to do what you want in it.

This is a tough one. I would like to pick to fill a purpose.

If I were going solo, I would pick the A-10 Thunderbolt II. I love the look of it, and it can do wonders. It can dish it out as well as take it.

If I were allowed a crew to keep me company and fully utilize her, I would go with a B-25J Mitchell. I like a small bomber that still packs a punch. I also think she is a thing of beauty.

A tough choice. But my winner would be:

I'm presuming maintenance costs and concerns are waived in this as well?

.... This is really kind of difficult. My knee-jerk reaction is the F-23A as it was conceived as a production airframe. It is a beautiful plane with brilliant aerodynamic and kinematic performance.

However, there is something to be said for the simple joy of flying a biplane low over fields - something you shouldn't really do in a $100M jet aircraft at 300+ knots. You can also pull stunts in those aircraft that no jet could ever do simply because of the mass of jet aircraft.

However, I think I would ultimately choose to go with the F-23A. Failing that - I'd go with the Tomcat 21 (another airframe that never made it off of the drawing board).

I have expensive tastes...

Nice thread, ive wanted to fly for ages but never got round to getting my PPL - maybe its on my list of things to do before Im 40.

I worked on the Eurofighter for 8 years so I have a lot of man love for that plane, I would love to have a blast it, fast and low through the valleys of the lake district would be awesome. Im also into flight simulators having just built one for the A-10C which I am frantically learning all the hotas controlls and EO systems!

But I think if I was to own my own it would have to be some sort of personal flying device, maybe I am cheating because they havnt been invented yet but the ones I would go for:

The puffin:



Martin Jet Pack



Jetman

reply to post by _Del_


Oh yea the Stearman....that was by far one of my most enjoyable experiences growing up, being able to fly in one of those. I remember it to this day. Wow. Memories.

I also love the F-23 and the Tomcat 21, excellent choices.

The personal jetpack or flying device is included in what I was talking about...I said any type of aircraft. Those things look like a blast though, although I would be scared to death to fly that jet pack to 5000 feet....give me a parachute and I'll do it...lol

Originally posted by lspilot6946
I
So I want to know from ATS, if you can choose one aircraft to own, what would it be? I mean anything....from ultralights to the AN-225 and everything in between. From Balloons to helicopters, to hang gliders....I mean lets cover the whole spectrum here. As well as why would you choose that aircraft...what makes it special over anything else, pros cons and whatever else you would like to add. Lets make this fun and educational. Thanks.

747 intercontinental. I'm not a plane geek, so I'm only thinking of the hott parties one could have once you say to your girls "oh yes, come fly away in my 747."

Siemens Schuckert D-IV....or maybe a Sopwith Snipe or Camel - the 1st 2 because they represent the pinnacle of WW1 air fighting, the 2nd because it is the epitome of it

A-10 hands down, any plane that can fly all the way back to home base missing half a wing and with more bullet holes then you can count its an amazing bird.

I'd prefer an F-111D Aardvark.

If I can't have that, then a Mig-25.

A sound proof helicopter.

Of course.


David Grouchy


[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/a9d961e5879d.png[/atsimg]

reply to post by lspilot6946


I know nothing about aircraft but I will take a G6 thanks to the song lol.

(Gulfstream G650)

Im going to jump in here and claim this one before the likes of Waynos nabs it, although no doubt he would then choose some delightfully quirky and obscure design by say Miles or Fairey.

My personal choice would be Concorde which I never had the privilege of seeing. Failing that it would have to be the Boeing 747, which I have had the privilege of both flying on and working on.

LEE.

Personal flying? I would like to have a 2 seat autogyro. Easy to maintain, cheap to run and can take off and land on a small road.

I'd probably toy with the idea of of having a Miles Student, or even of completing and flying the Fairey FC.1 to see if it REALLY was the equal of the equivalent American airliners of the day, but then I'd probably end up choosing the Avro Vulcan B.2 with it's huge, bat-like presence.

Douglas A-4E Skyhawk. I can handle the airframe and powerplant myself and I have a brother-in-law who does avionics. I have rode in a TA-4J, A6-E, S-3B, F-14A and a TA-7.

Funny this question comes up now, as I'm in the process of buying a DC-3

But my choice would be an Avro Lancaster.

Funny this question comes up now, as I'm in the process of buying a DC-3

But my choice would be an Avro Lancaster.