Porterfield on Trade a plane

[Chris Porter]

Greetings. There has been the same LP65 listed on Trade a plane for well over a year now. NC32366. Listing has it coming with a spare engine all for $25k. Does anyone know anything about this airplane? It’s been listed for sale for so long I have to assume it has a major flaw.

[Chris Porter]

Apologies. I just found the other discussion on this airplane.

[Andy Gelston]

That's T.J. Neff:

PORTERFIELD LP-65 • $24,900 • FOR SALE • A breath-taking total restoration of a classic WWII era primary trainer. Fly solo from the front seat. An absolute hoot to fly. Has a spare overhauled pickled engine. Add $2,500 to price with electric start. 510 hrs A/F TT, 210 hrs SMOH O-145 B-series Lycoming 65HP. No radios. 4 cylinder EGT, Electrical system, Strobes. 8/10 interior & exterior. Annual due 6/21. • Contact Thomas Neff - T. J. NEFF AIRCRAFT SALES , Broker - located Novato, CA United States • Telephone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Very few know what a Porterfield is (shame on us for not promoting them more), so they tend to sit for sale for quite a while, especially when the asking price is north of $20K. Steve Weaver, over in West Virginia, had one for several years, asking $29.5K.  I don't recall who eventually bought her.

Other than the photos in the TAP ad, I've never seen her, so can't vouch for her. I'm curious how he planned to install a starter in her, as well as see the FAA Form 337's and data packs for the electrical system and lower instrument cluster. I don't see a wee propeller hanging from the main gear V, so I'm not sure how he's generating power for the electrical system. The front seat back doesn't have the right upper corner tube exposed, for use as a handle, which is a common upholstery mistake. The Lycoming 65 is a very smooth running engine, but it's hard to find parts for, and mechanics to work on, them, and they produce closer to 55HP, with a head-turning pucketa-pucketa sound, at full throttle, so that's another "objection" for TJ to overcome when trying to sell this old gal.

Are you just curious, looking for a flying Collegiate, or looking for a project?

[Chris Porter]

I am curious but if a nice flying Porterfield came up for sale at the right price I could go for it. There’s lots about the type I need to understand and learn. I’ve only seen two in person other than stuff at WAAAM in OR. You’re in VT? I’m in MA. We messaged a few years back and you were gracious to invite me up for a look if I ever had the time. Well, two kids later I think I NEED the time. Please let me know if you want to impart some Porterfield knowledge on a potential future skinny bird owner.

[Andy Gelston]

When you went to WAAAM, you should have visited with Tim Talen at his wee strip on Jasper Ridge, just outside of Springfield.  He's a member of the Club and helped me out with my Collegiate.  

Yes, I can answer your questions, if I know the answers. We probably have several members looking to sell their flying Collegiates or Flyabouts to a fellow club member, but haven’t let it be known to the membership yet. Anybody thinking that it might be time to pass your old girl along to a new caretaker? Let Chris know, or at least let it be known here on the Forum.