N3N and PT-17 Flight Instruction in VA/NC?

[Fearless Tower]

Considering selling my 170 and adding a biplane to the stable. Trying to decide between a N3N and a PT-17. Anyone offering dual instruction in the Virginia/North Carolina area? Preferably within 200 nm of Norfolk.

[Russ Blow]

You might try Michael Kuhnert at Bay Aviation I know they do check outs in the PT 19 they have but they might know where to find a Stearman or N3N within a reasonable distance.

http://www.bayaviationonline.com/index. ... &Itemid=16

Also the guys over at the Old Dominion Squadron CAF at Franklin might be of help.

[yakdriver]

The N3N is a Cadillac compared to a Stearman. Robust all metal airframe and is lighter on the controls and around 10mph faster on the stock Wright. I have a lot of time in both Stearman and Ns. Flew my uncles stock N3N for 15 years and have flown a friend's 300 lycoming C/S prop N for the last 5 years. Either airplane really comes alive with the 300 LYC. The 450 powered airplanes are noseheavy and burn way too much gas. Don

[Fearless Tower]

The N3N is a Cadillac compared to a Stearman. Robust all metal airframe and is lighter on the controls and around 10mph faster on the stock Wright. I have a lot of time in both Stearman and Ns. Flew my uncles stock N3N for 15 years and have flown a friend's 300 lycoming C/S prop N for the last 5 years. Either airplane really comes alive with the 300 LYC. The 450 powered airplanes are noseheavy and burn way too much gas. Don

Are there any particular maintenance or parts issues for the N3N?

[Fearless Tower]

You might try Michael Kuhnert at Bay Aviation I know they do check outs in the PT 19 they have but they might know where to find a Stearman or N3N within a reasonable distance.

http://www.bayaviationonline.com/index. ... &Itemid=16

Also the guys over at the Old Dominion Squadron CAF at Franklin might be of help.

Thanks, that reminds me I need to renew my CAF membership and join the Old Dominion guys.

[N3Njeff]

The N3N is a Cadillac compared to a Stearman. Robust all metal airframe and is lighter on the controls and around 10mph faster on the stock Wright. I have a lot of time in both Stearman and Ns. Flew my uncles stock N3N for 15 years and have flown a friend's 300 lycoming C/S prop N for the last 5 years. Either airplane really comes alive with the 300 LYC. The 450 powered airplanes are noseheavy and burn way too much gas. Don

Are there any particular maintenance or parts issues for the N3N?

Once your in the right circle, airframe parts are not a issue. There are a few things to keep tabs on for maintenance when it comes to the N but you can say that with just about any type of aircraft of this age.
The only headaches you will find is if you find one that still has the Wright 760. Parts and overhaul can get pricey as the Waco and new standard boys like them too. The Ham standard prop for the Wright is also getting hard to find full length blades.
If you want a fun airplane, the 300 lyc seems a nice fit.

[JohnB]

Just out of curiosity, is there a major price difference between the N3N and Stearman?

[yakdriver]

Parts are pretty easy to come by for the N3N. Most have either Hayes or Redline brakes. The tailwheel assembly is probably the highest maintenance part of the airplane. If it is set up right in the first place it will be trouble free for quite awhile. Even though the stock Wright powered N is a better performer than the Stearman the 300 LYC really makes it come alive and burns about the same amount of fuel. Prices for N3Ns and Stearmans seem to be around $70-90,000 for a nice flyer. Don

[yakdriver]

There is a nice 300 Lyc N3N on Barnstormers right now for $89000. Don