though N reg, this is the “IFR” Waco on my field… been here since March 2020. Garmin 500 glass.
I flew a YMF5 a while back. It was kind of odd doing loops and rolls with an open cockpit. I’d certainly avoid anything that goes negative in it, though I think the engine is good for negative G. I don’t have THAT much faith in the seatbelts!
I can’t remember whether it had gyro instruments. Generally aerobatic planes don’t, because (for old-style mechanical gyros at least) it wears them out very quickly.
Could be. Military sales may also be a factor in keeping them alive, the Peruvian and Mexican air forces have some Zlins.
Silvaire wrote:
It looks like they may be making a few
I’m guessing those went to Sault College in Canada
Zlin (Any built in last few years?)
It looks like they may be making a few
I saw a Vulcanair V1 in the US a few months ago, they must also have built a few.
Waco has gone from being one of the least costly old biplanes you could buy to being chic, current production toys for aviation buffs with cash to spend. IFR fits in with that, especially since the original TC would not be a constraint. IIRC AOPA Pilot had an article on one with modern avionics.
Another IFR single-engine piston airplane that can be bought new is the Waco YMF-5
I discovered this fact at Aero EDNY where some guy sweared it can flew an approach in clouds under freezing levels at night (it has lights and pitot heat)
Updated table:
Manufacturer | Type(s) | Seats | FIKI | Type Certificate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aviat | A-1 Husky | 2 | — | TCDS |
Beechcraft | Bonanza G36 | 6 | Yes | TCDS |
Cessna | 172 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Cessna | 182 | 4 | Retrofittable | TCDS |
Cessna | 206 | 6 | Retrofittable | TCDS |
Cirrus | SR20 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Cirrus | SR22,SR22T | 4 | Yes | TCDS |
Diamond | DA-40 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Diamond | DA-50 | 5 | Yes | TCDS |
Maule | M-7,MX-7 | 5 | — | TCDS |
Piper | PA-28 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Piper | PA-46 (M350) | 6 | Yes | TCDS |
Robin | DR401 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Tecnam | P-Mentor | 2 | — | TCDS |
Tecnam | P2010 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Vulcanair | V1 | 4 | — | TCDS |
Waco | YMF-5 | 3 | — | TCDS |
Zlin | 242L | 2 | — | TCDS |
Zlin | 143 LSi | 4 | — | TCDS |
I had a ride in one in Sedona, Arizona years ago. Lovely aircraft, and I agree, flying in the clouds in an open cockpit must be quite something. Found the EASA type certificate for the YMF-5, and it clearly lists IFR (as well as VFR day and night, of course). Couldn’t find the type certificate for the Great Lakes though. They had one at Aero Expo 2023, so perhaps I just didn’t look hard enough.
Another IFR single-engine piston airplane that can be bought new is the Waco YMF-5: https://www.wacoaircraft.com/ymf-5
That 1920s feeling and radial sound while on an LPV approach in sea fog — that’d be cool.