What if your mission is futzing?

[valittu]

I'm Marvin and I'm new to aviation. I've been lurking on this site for a while and am fascinated at the depth of knowledge that can be found if one digs enough. After a great deal of soul searching, I've decided I want to become a Sport Pilot. My only goal is to futz around the pattern. That could change, but it will never include travel beyond maybe a 200 mile radius or passengers of any kind. My budget is $30k cash with an operating budget of about $400 monthly. I'm open to tiedown or even partnering in a plane but there's not a lot of LSAs in the area, so I'm thinking along the lines of a Champ, Chief or Ercoupe. I have a "red tape" issue that's not worth the hoops I's have to jump through to get a medical or else a 150 would be on my wish list. Oh, and I'm not afraid of experimentals. I'd be open to one if I could find an A&P who would help me keep it safe. As I understand it, that can be difficult.

I'm all ears.

 

[Jim Logajan]

[...]I've decided I want to become a Sport Pilot.
[...]it will never include travel beyond maybe a 200 mile radius or passengers of any kind. My budget is $30k cash with an operating budget of about $400 monthly.
[...]I'm not afraid of experimentals.

Ultralights would fit those requirements.

 

[Jim Logajan]

Take a look at the Rans S6 or 7.

I'm afraid those are LSA, not ultralight. RANS S2, S3, S4, S5, S14, and S17 are his ultralight designs.

 

[Jim Logajan]

From what I've read, ultralights come in two flavors: Actual airplane and dodgy contraption. Point out the actual airplanes and I'll consider those.

I think any listed on this web page would rate as actual airplanes rather than dodgy contraption:
http://www.ultralightnews.com/top20ssul/top20.html

 

[Jim Logajan]

That Ercoupe is already sold.

Did you snag it?