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STINSON 108

STINSON 108 – The Stinson 108 is a series of light aircraft produced by the Stinson Aircraft Company, first introduced in 1946. The Stinson 108 is a tailwheel (taildragger) design, which was a popular configuration for general aviation aircraft during the post-World War II era. It was designed as a four-seat, single-engine aircraft with a focus on reliability, utility, and comfort, making it suitable for a variety of roles, including private flying, flight training, and light commercial use.

The Stinson 108 is often considered a classic aircraft, known for its rugged design and good performance. It shares some design elements with earlier Stinson models, but it was more refined and capable, thanks to the Lycoming engine and improved features.

Key Features of the Stinson 108:

Engine:

  • The Stinson 108 is powered by a Lycoming O-435 engine (for the early 108 models), producing around 190 horsepower. Later variants, such as the 108-3, were upgraded to the more powerful Lycoming O-540 engine, which produces 235 horsepower.

Capacity:

  • The Stinson 108 typically seats 4 passengers in a side-by-side seating configuration. This made it a popular aircraft for private owners and families due to its ability to carry multiple people comfortably.

Cruising Speed:

  • The cruising speed for the Stinson 108 varies between 90-110 knots (104-127 mph or 167-204 km/h), depending on the model and engine configuration.

Range:

  • The aircraft has a range of about 500 to 600 nautical miles (926-1,111 km), which is suitable for short to medium cross-country flights.

Wingspan:

  • 10.8 meters (35 feet 5 inches).

Length:

  • 8.4 meters (27 feet 7 inches).

Height:

  • 2.7 meters (8 feet 10 inches).

Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW):

  • The typical MTOW is around 2,200-2,400 pounds (998-1,089 kg), depending on the specific variant.

Service Ceiling:

  • The Stinson 108 has a service ceiling of about 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).

Design and Performance:

  • Taildragger Configuration: Like many light aircraft of its time, the Stinson 108 features a taildragger landing gear configuration, which gives it excellent handling on rough or unpaved airstrips. While less common today, the taildragger configuration is still favored by some pilots for its stability on less developed runways.
  • Handling: The Stinson 108 is known for its stable flight characteristics and easy handling. Its relatively large wing and low stall speed make it forgiving and ideal for pilots who are still gaining experience with taildragger aircraft. The aircraft’s lightweight construction and efficient design make it easy to control during low-speed operations, such as takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
  • Versatility: The Stinson 108 is considered a versatile aircraft capable of performing a variety of tasks, from private flying to light commercial work. Its good range, reliable engine, and ability to handle short fields made it an attractive option for flight schools, agricultural work, and scenic flights.
  • Comfort: The aircraft offers a spacious cabin with side-by-side seating that can accommodate up to four passengers in comfort. The large windows and well-designed cockpit provide excellent visibility for both passengers and pilots.

Variants of the Stinson 108:

  • Stinson 108: The original version of the aircraft, featuring the Lycoming O-435 engine (190 horsepower), suitable for personal travel and light commercial use.
  • Stinson 108-1: An upgraded version of the original, with improved avionics and slightly better performance.
  • Stinson 108-2: A more refined version with added features for commercial use, including additional cargo capacity.
  • Stinson 108-3: The most powerful version of the Stinson 108, equipped with the Lycoming O-540 engine (235 horsepower). This version offered better performance, increased range, and greater payload capacity, making it the most popular variant.
  • Stinson 108-5: A further upgraded version of the Stinson 108-3 with improved avionics and design refinements.

Operational Uses:

The Stinson 108 has been used in a variety of roles, including:

  • Private Aviation: The Stinson 108 was and still is popular among private owners who wanted a reliable and affordable aircraft for personal travel and family flights. Its ability to carry up to four passengers and its comfortable cabin made it a great option for general aviation enthusiasts.
  • Flight Training: Many flight schools used the Stinson 108 for training new pilots, especially those interested in learning to fly taildragger aircraft. The aircraft’s stable flight characteristics and easy handling made it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate pilots.
  • Agricultural Work: The Stinson 108 has been used in agricultural operations, such as aerial spraying and crop dusting, due to its ability to operate from short fields and carry a decent payload.
  • Commercial Use: Some Stinson 108s were used for light commercial operations, such as charter flights or survey work. Its relatively large cabin space and versatility made it a good option for small business or cargo transport.
  • Recreational Use: Due to its affordability and capability for short trips, the Stinson 108 has been popular with recreational pilots, flying for pleasure trips, scenic flights, and weekend getaways.

Legacy and Popularity:

The Stinson 108 is considered a classic aircraft in the general aviation community. Its affordability, reliability, and versatility made it a popular choice for private owners, flight schools, and small commercial operators during its production. Although production ceased in 1959, the Stinson 108 remains a beloved aircraft among aviation enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate vintage aircraft.

Many Stinson 108s are still in use today, often restored and maintained by private owners and collectors. Its rugged design, simple construction, and long-lasting engine continue to make it a popular vintage aircraft for recreational pilots and those looking to fly a piece of aviation history.

Notable Characteristics:

  • Taildragger Design: The taildragger configuration gives the Stinson 108 a unique appearance and ground handling advantages, especially on rough or unimproved airstrips.
  • Simple, Reliable Engine: The Lycoming O-435 and O-540 engines are known for their reliability, making the Stinson 108 an easy aircraft to maintain.
  • Comfortable Cabin: The side-by-side seating in the spacious cabin makes the aircraft ideal for family trips or flying with passengers in comfort.
  • Versatility: The Stinson 108 is capable of aerial work, light cargo transport, flight training, and private flying, making it a versatile aircraft for a variety of roles.

Conclusion:

The Stinson 108 is a classic, versatile aircraft that has stood the test of time. Known for its rugged design, affordability, and reliable performance, it remains a favorite among vintage aircraft enthusiasts and pilots who appreciate the simplicity and charm of taildragger airplanes. Whether used for private flying, flight training, or agricultural work, the Stinson 108 continues to be a beloved part of aviation history, with many still flying today thanks to its durability and easy maintenance.