Riley Super Skyrockets
 

I know very few of these were made, and see a couple for sale out there at a fraction of what they cost ($560K) originally. Anybody have the scoop on these? I've heard stories of them never making it to TBO, engine mount problems, high rear engine temps because of the big 520 eng., etc.

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Riley Super Skyrockets
 

Thanks Herb. I've read those articles and back in the day when they were written the conversions were fairly new and of course the magazines were putting a nice friendly spin on them. Now that 15-20 years have passed on these Super Skyrocket conversions, time is the true teller of their success. I've spoken to a few people here and there and the feedback hasn't been very positive. The Super Skyrocket seems like a Skymaster enthusiasts dream plane, especially where they're priced right now, but the one's for sale just sit and sit. I was hoping someone on here had some experience with them or knew somebody that did, and could offer a first (or second) hand opinion.

Jim

I do know one person and I will see if I can have him contact you.

The reason these highly modified airplanes don't sell too often is price for the equipment. People that are going to spend the money for a pressurized twin want to enter in the rear and walk up the aisle. For the money there are a lot better choices out there unless you are really passionate for a Skymaster. If you have the mission that requires the qualities of the Skymaster and money is not an object then it's more of a novelty rather than a practical cabin class twin. Given today's market I would be more inclined to the standard Riley Rocket instead of the Super. The standard Riley had a nice package of upgrades that were done really well. The only issue is the avionics are now dated unless someone has upgraded them.

Riley Super Skyrockets
 

That certainly makes sense. I did a little more research and discovered that their payload is considerably less than a standard Skymaster, which is surprising for a plane that climbs at 2500fpm. Also, they burn 10-12 more gph at cruise for only a 30kt gain in performance. When you add in the cost of eng overhauls on Cont 520's and three bladed props, all those numbers don't add up to a very useful aircraft. Thanks again for you input.

On a different note, are there many SOAPA members heading to Sun and Fun this year?

Jim

I am not sure about the Sun N Fun attendance. I know that are a few that go every year. Last year we had the SOAPA gathering down there but it was the second week of April, a little later for SNF. We had a great time but the attendance for SOAPA event was down a little.
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