Luscombe, the Greatest General Aviation Innovator

Don Luscombe dedicated his career to the development of an all-metal aircraft that could be used in the general aviation space. The resulting design of the series 8 Luscombe proved to be an economical cruiser with effective flight controls. Sometimes referred to as the Silvaire, almost 6,000 of these aircraft were produced in the 1930's and 40's and acted as a successful blueprint to succeeding airframes.

Really love this channel and want to help it continue? Become a Patron for as little as $1 per month:

[rcnauman]

I have been retired from commercial flying for almost 18 years now (B737 and several turbo props) my first airplane was a 46 Luscombe 8A that I bought for $600 in the late 60’s. It showed me how to fly with precision and helped me develop skills that probably saved my life on more than one occasion. I enjoyed watching this video very much, brings back a lot of great memories.

[HappyRock]

Personally I love they don't try to compare these planes, rank them, or price them. It is just a big show and tell of someone doing adult show and tell. It's simple, it doesn't need more explanation or mission statement. "Hey here's a plane, the owner is excited about it".

[markdawley]

Wife & I have both been up with our great friend Dan in this Jewel of an airplane; way more advanced than I remember my Dad's '41 J-4 Cub Coupe was.

[cozysouth]

Dakota does a great job with Flying Doodles. Nice

[thejerseyj]

One of the prettiest airplanes I've ever seen. I live near a small rural municipal airport and there is a guy who on summer evenings will fly slow and low circles around the airport. He has some kind of old little airplane and it looks like so much fun.
I'm not a pilot but when I see him I think, what a great way to cool off after a hot summer day.

[luscombe]

Thanks, Dakota- it was so much fun to fly with you. Beautiful job on this video!!

[johnnyhag]

This channel keeps getting better. Thanks, Dakota. ❤️

[tompedersen]

Dakota, you are definitely in your element when you are in the air. You literally glow. Beautiful. While we miss you on Sailing Doodles, I hope you have every success here. You're a natural, and SO easy on the eyes. Thank you for being here.

[williamward]

My first flight was in a Luscombe in Farmington New Mexico, 1957...the pilot worked for Big Chief Drilling Co and used it to fly in and out to the drilling rig where he was a crew member...my step father flew with him...the runway was usually just a strip the bulldozer graded out for him...Later In Bluff Utah the pi;pt and my stepfather had a failed take off due to someone driving a large heavy truck across the strip, leaving deep ruts; the plane bounced in the ruts and landed in a wash...we removed the wings and wheeled it out to our homemade trailer camp where we lived...exciting times...He actually did stunts with the little airplane...seems it would fly anywhere...

[themaverickproject]

I have always loved the way this airplane looks like it has a big smile on his face

[johnwagoner]

I earned my pilots license the summer before my freshman year in college. There was a small private strip outside of town where the owner had an 8a to rent. I put close to 200 hours on the plane in the 4 years I was in school. During this time, I introduced more than 175 students to the joys of seat of the pants flying. I loved that plane and have always wished I could own on but, life had other plans.

[bretfurgason]

Flying scares me to death. But Dakotas interactions with each pilot. Is so enjoyable and informative. Love these videos 😊

[TerryNew]

Such a unique aircraft and so well preserved. It still amazes me that aircraft such as the Luscombe are still flying and doing the job they were designed for nearly 80 years ago. Thanks Dakota and best to Dan as a gracious host. 👍🇦🇺

[johnmccormick]

Thank you for sharing Dan and Dakota, what an awesome plane! Great explanation of the operation of the plane.Great video and always a pleasure to see you Dakota, thanks for sharing and stay safe.

[saca]

I owned a Luscombe 8A in 1977. Paid $3500.00 for it and it was very nice condition. Great airplane loved flying it. Good job here...

[diegovd]

Great episode and video all around. The storytelling about the brand and founder was the icing on the cake! Thank you.

[CDNDave]

Thanks, Dakota. Sure brought back some great memories for me seeing Dan's plane on your channel.

I spent a lot of time flying with my brother-in-law in the sister plane to this one. The main difference was that it was green on white. He had snow skis for his, and we used to land on Lake Simcoe here in Ontario to do some ice fishing. I remember going out one windy day when there was little or no snow on the ice. We couldn't get out of the plane because it would have blown away.
Another Luscombe landed in front of my dads cottage on floats on a glassy, calm day. That little 65 hp engine didn't have enough power to break it free of the water. My dad invited the owner to the cottage with us, where he spent most of the day. Finally, a breeze came up creating some chop, and he was able to take off.

[RaymondLeonard-zm]

Excellent Episode. I really enjoyed the storyline, as well as the instructions on flying this type of aircraft.
Really Well done Dakota. 👏🏽👏🏼👏🏻

[AlanpittsSb]

I have a 47. It was my dad’s and my first ever plane ride when I was five and now I fly it almost daily. I love it. I do have the 100hp engine update now

[MachTuck]

Great video! for sure, he sounds, acts and talks like a great instructor. Just showing what adverse yaw is, thats so basic, and I bet most pilots nowadays flying CRJs and E Jets dont know what adverse yaw is. Had the chance almost 30 years ago to get on a Luscombe for a high speed taxi down the rwy since it was out of anual and we ended up flying the length of it, it was great. Beautiful classic all metal airplane.