What would I Buy….Globe Swift
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What would I buy….Globe Swift
This is the third installment in a series of articles based on a hypothetical set of airplane ownership criteria. Note: This information is strictly the opinion of the author. Your mileage may vary. Our previous installments where on LSA category aircraft: #1 here and #2 here for $10,000 and $20,000 respectively.
The goal this time will be to spend $30,000 for a nice certified aircraft (not LSA).
So if I was limited to the criteria above what would I buy?
Like the Kolb I mentioned in the first installment, this again is not an airplane I have ever flown – although I would love to some day! Maybe that is why I chose it?
The Globe Swift oozes cool! It looks like a mini-fighter setting on the ramp, although it’s performance doesn’t exactly match its good looks.
I will warn you right off the bat – this isn’t the most practical airplane you can buy with $30,000.00 especially if you are low time. But remember, this article is intended to showcase what I would buy, so you’ll have to humor me.
I image the insurance companies would have a field day underwriting a retractable gear taildragger for someone without some pretty good flight time under their belt. Also, it has a little bit of a reputation as a pilot-eater if not flown properly. Is that not true of any airplane? Besides I love a challenge! See 1969 article by respected author Budd Davisson on the Swift.
The Globe Swift was designed in 1940 and manufactured from 1946 to 1951 and 1521 units were produced.
They are all metal and most of them have been modified over years. Some of the mods are pretty simple; different seats, instrument panel changes, etc. Other modifications are much more extensive; different powerplants, going from control wheels to a sticks and different cowlings, canopies and fairings.
Based on that, if you endeavor to be unique, you’ll want to do your homework. The good news is there is a lot of support out there among the cult-like followers of the Swift. The other good news is the price. The Swift is pretty cheap. Most examples can be had for around $30,000.00 – see example below that was on Barnstormers.com near the time of this article. All the photos in this article are from that ad!
Stock Specifications (GC-1B)
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Capacity: one passenger
- Length: 20 ft 10 in
- Wingspan: 29 ft 4 in
- Height: 6 ft 2 in
- Wing area: 132 sq ft
- Airfoil: Root NACA 23015, Tip NACA 23009
- Empty weight: 1,370 lb
- Gross weight: 1,710 lb
- Powerplant: 1 × Continental C-125 six cylinder, four-stroke aircraft engine, 125 hp
Performance
- Cruise speed: 122 kts (140 mph)
- Never exceed speed: 161 kts (185 mph)
- Range: 1,000 nm
- Service ceiling: 18,000 ft
- Rate of climb: 700 ft/min
Example of a used Swift
Admitted its high time on the engine, but those motors will often go past TBO and most everyone does overhauls on-condition based on our modern inspection techniques (boroscope, oil analysis, compression check, & oil consumption rates).
SInce this airplane isn’t for everyone so I offer some good airplanes in this price range for the less daring among us. These are all good birds, that I would be proud to own. Plus all of the airplanes below you get 2 more seats – not that you can use them all the time.
In order of “my” preference, your missions and desires may vary:
- Bonanza 35 series (this was my very close 2nd choice and will probably show up next month in the $40K category) – some of these are insanely cheap, but you have to watch maintenance costs closely. You can be buying a serious money-pit. They are all nice fliers though.
- Mooney M20 – older models can sometime be had for around $30K (avoid the wood wing 1960 and earlier models)
- Stinson 108 – I was surprised to see examples in the low $20s. I like these airplanes. Would be another strong contender for my money, depending on the mission.
- Cessna 170 – sturdy old taildragger predecessor of the good old C-172 (sort of).
- Piper Cherokee 140 or 160 – can’t beat these for a great recreational flying machine.
- 1956-1968 Cessna 172 – tried and true. Can’t go wrong here either.
Experimentals, if you are so inclined:
- Sonex
- Thorp T-18
- Wittman Tailwind
- Long-eze
- Pitts S-1 models
- Pulsar
- Mustang II
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I thought the same thing after examining a Swift that one local guy has, but then truth to be told it just does not have the performance. I just came back from looking at a nice B35 listed for $27k. That thing does 135 kts easily with throttle pulled back, 140 kts at higher power. Also, I am afraid to turn into one of them Swift snobs.
Pete,
I know, those V-tails are a steal. I’d love either one.
Brent
Yep, that’s the only bummer about the Swift – it looks a lot faster than it is…
Hey Brent, a friend of mine recently bought a Swift (based at Marrysville) and I had a chance to fly it. Very cool plane. Next time we fly somewhere, I’ll see if he will come out to meet us and take you for a ride.
Dana,
That would be awesome! Maybe we can exchange rides? Plus I need to get you up in the -8.
Brent
I bet that he would love to swap rides. I’m looking forward to a ride in the 8 for sure! Lovin the aerobatic videos.
The mostly stock Swift in this add cruises 135 mph at under 8 gph ~ wide open level will true out at 154 mph. Not bad on 145 hp with fixed pitch prop in an airplane that flys like a fighter and you can be proud to put on the line at any flyin.
Terry,
Nice! I’d love to own it. Maybe some day.
Brent
Brent,
Thanks for making NC3787K the focus of your story. I have owned this airplane for 18 years ~ it has been a total joy to own and fly. I transitioned into the Swift with 200 hours total time, all in a Cessan 150. Insurance required 10 hours dual and 700 uneventful hours later I have upgraded to a big engine Swift. The only reason I have the stocker for sale.
Cheers,
Terry
Terry,
That’s awesome that the airplane in the post is yours! It’s gorgeous! If I had room in the stable, I’d be taking it off your hands. Thanks for the great info, I’m sure the readers will appreciate the first-hand perspective.
Best of luck selling her!
Brent
Brent,
Guess I am an Airplane Whore of sorts as I have owned 19 birds in my flying lifetime which include a B35-N I put over 1000 hrs on. The only airplane I went back and bought a second of is the Swift. The first one was an A model that was underpowered and had been mistreated but, flew great. I often would see 132 mph burning 6 gallons of gas. While it was light and quick on the controls when flown IFR it would wear me out. That was when I bought the Bo and flew everywhere. Prices on V-tails today make it an incredible value. They are easy to fly and will hold a lot of “stuff” for a cross country. About that 2nd, of the same, yes, it is the 210hp Swift with Sticks and most of the mods x-cept for the canopy. It has the gull entry which to me is more sexy. And is it “way cool” you bet. Everytime I fly it I fall in love all over again. Mine has short legs at 35 gals of fuel, but at the cost of gas I hate to put more than $150 in at a time. I only see 152-156 mph at 2450rpm and 24 in of mp but yanking and banking I feel like my hair is on fire.no Bonanza can stay on my six and it climbs like a homesick angel.
John,
That’s a great story! Sounds like you have found the perfect airplane for you!
Brent
I absolutely love the look of the Swift myself.