Any questions, suggestions or complaints? Leave them here in the comments and I’ll repost as a Q&A! And don’t hesitate to check out this video on this mind-boggling airplane. Don’t let its weird shape fool you, this flying egg is crazy fast! th-cam.com/video/VfkmvqXSwW4/w-d-xo.html
I love your production style. Awesome channel my friend! Subscribed. I do have one suggestion: you did a lot of movement through time talking about these aircraft and their changes,but didn't give us any idea of what general year/decade each new model was released. Also super curious what year or decade they were first available in the United States for civilian use. Just some friendly input. You really do make great videos bro. Aloha from Maui 😎🤙🏽
I owned an SF-260 Warrior which I puchased through an agent from the Irish Air Corps. It was number 222, which you see in a few videos and alot of photos. It was the best aircraft I ever owned. It was an awesome cross country and aerobatic aircraft. I spent many hours happily flying accross Arizona and the southwest. What a great aircraft! Thank you for your video.
i owned for 15 years a beautiful SF260W in military brown/green camouflage initially I-SMAB then HB-EZZ. that I Flew around twi thirds of Africa on several trips. After 15 years I bought another., this time an SF260D formerly I-LELFnow again HB-EZZ. It was the tail number 1 of the aerobatic team BREITLING DEVILS. I fly it from Locarno LSZL on the Lago Maggiore (same lake on which the Company SIAI-Marchetti has built them all. Have been flying a lot of single engines and also taildraggers but this is the plane I love above all
There are about 90 SF-260s registered in the US alone, so there are many more than that in the world flying. The previous owner of my Marchetti told me, "I've flown them all, the Mustang, the Spitfire...the Marchetti is the best flying plane I've ever flown." Thanks for the video!
I flew the SF260M as a primary trainer in the Air Force. It was an exhilarating experience. I tried my best to ‘break ‘ it in the most daring aerobatic manoeuvring but it never missed a beat. I shot 68mm rockets, dropped small bombs and fired 7,62 mm gunpods and learned the basics of aerial combat. I learned tight formation flights and developped great flying skills that became the foundation of a successful aviation career.
I enjoyed the video. I've owned a D version for nearly ten years. It now has a three-bladed prop that gives over 2000 fpm climb and is somewhat smoother and quieter than the two-blade prop. There is no autopilot, but the skinny wings cut through rough air for a smooth flight. It's a smooth instrument platform. It's also excellent in gusty and crosswind conditions. I live in a place that often has a bit of weather, and it has proved itself. With the power right back, I still get 155 knots at less than fifty L/hr. Can't complain.
Thank You so much showing it! It is really a very detailed and qualified report! A friend of mine had a wonderful T6 Texan, which he used at several airshows. Now he ownes a Marchetti SF-260, which he preferes totally even to his former warbird. To fly this wonderful plane seems to be the center of his life, besides his wife...
FYI, the Falco was a factory-built aircraft in Italy in the 50s. It was offered as a homebuilt in the US by Sequoia aircraft in the 70s through at least the 90. There were kits of parts and even some parts being premade.
you're totally right, I really flubbed that part up when working on the script. That said, I suppose part of the reason the Falco didn't sell in huge numbers was the hand-built technique.
Srilankan Air Force had several sf 260s including 260tp s which made their core of attacking capability in late 80 s and early 90’s. They were used as the main ground attack aircraft in the early phases of the civil war and made a significant contribution to the war effort. There were several hull losses and pilot losses due to enemy AA & mechanical failures. Remaining aircrafts were soon transferred to training & supersonic fighters like F7’s and IAI Kafir’s replaced them. There are several hulls used as exhibits in SLAF museum.
I fly a F.8L falco with an 160HP IO-320. Had it up to 216MPH (GS) in level flight at altitude and is so slick that it's hard to slow down. Best plane I've ever flown.
Took one of these out at air combat USA did the air-to-air near Catalina Island, what a great time. Did not need to trim it up it did what you wanted it to, a great time.
Nice video. Just a point tho - when i was flying all speeds were in knots, not miles per hour. Knots also tie closely into navigation and are the international standard for all aircraft flying internationally so as to avoid confusion and errors.
I'm aware of that (am a pilot myself), but video speaks to an audience to whom 90% think a "knot" is used to tie their shoes 😂. Makes it bit more relatable to the general public who might be curious about the plane.
F8L Falco is Ferrari of the sky’s. It’s a 1950’s ITALIAN design. Wooden aircraft. And it’s based on the marchetti. My father in law built own in the 90’s and it’s still flying today. Won grand champion at Oshkosh.
Good informative video. As much as I love the RV8 for its prowess, capabilities and design at a very good price. This airplane downright makes RV8 look clunky and pedestrian while meeting and/or exceeding the most of the capability and performance. I wish a kit manufacturer can pick-up the design and sell it again with the new MOSAIC rules looming.
I remember when Plane & Pilot had the cover story on one. I loved rereading that article and gazing at the photos. Love your avatar! My favorite "Mad Max" character!
You didn’t mention the Furio. A New Zealand built kit made entirely from Carbon fibre. It is a modern take on the Falco with the same looks and wing but larger engines offering more performance.
I spent about 3 months flying one of these back in the 80s. It's a good two-person airplane that can do everything from hard IFR to moderate aerobatics. The only thing I can't speak on is the maintenance. One of the easiest most fun airplanes I have flown.
The F8 Falco was originally built as a factory built aircraft, by Aviamilano, then Aeromere then Laverda. Less than 100 were built by all these companies - I'd guess they didn't sell many as they were too expensive. Hence they stopped making them and later (1980?) sold the design to be marketed as a kit by Sequoia Aircraft in the USA
If I'd have my own plane, this is one of my choices. Our air force uses it both as a trainer and light attack aircraft, it's pretty agile and it's got two seats to bring someone in for a ride.
Thanks for showcasing these extremely beautiful and performant aicraft. It is not true, however, that you had to build a Falco yourself. If you check the Wikipedia entry on the Falco you will find that 85 were built by Aviamilano, Aeromere and Laverda in the 1950's and 1960's. The "Sequoia Falco" kit came a couple of years later in 80's and factory-built Falcos were available - if not frequently - as used planes even then. I'd also disagree with the notion that the Falco was the first sports airplane. It might be the most beautiful and is on top with speed per hp but even pre-war a lot of airplanes of that type were built, e.g. the Me 108.
I know, I was kicking myself on that part about being homebuilt. I was mixing it up with the Sequoia homebuilt version. Agree also on not being the very sportsplane (the Culver Cadet might earn that distinction). Less hyperbole next time, lol. We can agree it’s beautiful though.
I had the pleasure of getting my hands on G-MACH as a teenager used to Cessna's and Beagle Pups. Will keep this brief ... IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST !! spectacular, more fun than a Pitts that I encountered later. I would call this a Ducati of the skies rather than a Ferrari.
I know about the SF. 260 it has been serving the Philippine Air Force since 1976 with the most recent version being the FH where delivered in 2010s with 18 units (Now down to ~16) after looses in accidents, though I feel it’s time to find a replacement for them as they will be 20 years old by the end of the decade!
Considering current prices of SF260’s … one could have an Extra, Harmon Rocket, or a large number of very groovy aircraft that will be either faster or more aerobatic … I really wish the popularity of this airframe wasn’t commanding such ridiculous prices
I’ve flown this aircraft both the piston engine and the turbo prop version; it’s very good. It’s forgiving; with basic handling skills, you can throw it around and do anything without a sweat. It’s very reliable and tough as a nail. I can vouch for it as a good choice for general flying, training and advanced flying.
Amazing! An oldtimer is better than any new plane - comparable with a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera with modern cars. It is at least 3 Superplanes unified in one.
Dean, I thought you loved the Meyers 200D and Flying Eyes while flying. Hey, I got a couple hours in an SF260 and yes it flies beautifully. I did an air combat in Fullerton in an SF260 about 30 years ago, lots of fun and yes its a great flying bird similar to a P-51 and a V35B Bonanza and I have flown both, an hour in a 51 and 1,500 hours in Barons and Bonanzas of which I still own and fly a V35B. The SF260 and Bo fly very similarly, smooth, balanced and intuitive controls. In the video at about 8 minutes in was a picture of a Siai Marchetti S.208, not designed by Frati, but by Alexander Brena which was also imported in parts by WACO and assembled in the U.S. in the late 60s. In S.W. Utah on a private dirt strip is an S.208 in that doubles as a cow pasture which has been damaged from cows using it as a scratching post. It has a Franklin and hasn't flown in perhaps 15 years. I took lots of pictures of it. Sad. From a distance it looks like a Piper Cherokee.
Nice video. Although I wouldn't equate it to a Ferrari, it is a very good all-around airplane. Good at cross country, and if you get bored, good at aerobatics. It's an excellent formation platform. Most of my 1000 hours in them was flying aerobatics and formation with a good bit of TV/Movie flying.
I used to maintain one of these and we did an engine swap on it to a Lycoming IO-540 and the inverted oil system from a Christen Eagle. Nice machine. Weird with the right hand PIC config though.
There is a company Air Combat USA (still there?) out of Fullerton Ca. You can be a fighter pilot and engage in dogfights, shooting lasers, on their SF260.
Funny you mentioned Waco, who imported three airplanes to the USA, but left out Frank Strickler and Fox 51, the worldwide distributor for SIAI Marchetti and the SF 260. Frank imported over 100 airplanes to the US. Tom Bradshaw should have had a shout out, too. Without him, no one in the USA would have been able to insure their 260.
It's not easy to fly indeed safe to fly and its capabilities if you are talented let it shine in fluid elegant maneuvers as few airplane can do. On the other hand if you are average or less you'll fight his characteristics struggling to make it fly. A great highlighter of fighter pilots, so a great military basic trainer which could not be a to much forgiving one as requested for civilian counterpart
@jamessmith-ie7ym You win a prize I give up after few lessons on this SF260 and Grob 120. I listened a lot to what the pilots said on the airplanes and my very short experience: Grob is easy to fly forgiving my inattitude instead SF260 give you a lot of workload like trying to walk without using your knee, but istructor let it fly effortlessly as from takeoff to landing is a flawless single maneuver. Both are trainers but one help you, the other mercilessly shows your piloting limits (or talent if you have it)
Cruising at 175kt, aerobatics, good range, IFR, best esthetic, etc. Not so many planes that have all these skills. If you don’t like it, you probably haven’t flown one. Happy to be on your video cover ;) Cheers @yann.bergair
The name for the Waco aircraft company (in both incarnations) started as an acronym for Weaver Aircraft Co of Ohio, and has always been pronounced "Wah-co", not "Way-co" like the Texas town.
You are absolutely right, and I'm kicking myself for that oversight. 😜 (I'm still distraught that I said Tecumseh was in Wisconsin, not Michigan, on the Meyers 200 video)
I know, I mentioned it the first time when they bought the company, but it takes forever to say "SIAI" and most people I've spoken to shorten it to Marchetti.
Philippine Air Force also have them, it is my childhood plane, since I was born, I always saw the SF-260 flying around the base until now, this is why the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 is my favorite plane.
I grew up seeing the SF-260 then worked on their engines and flew in them for many years. Seeing them fire rockets and machine guns took it to another level 😎
Nice video. Aviamilano Aeromere and Laverda did produce 4 versions of the Falco, they were not originally homebuilt planes. Sequoia came out with the homebuilt plans until the 1980s.
Ah, dangit that's right. I knew the Falco was not easy to produce but you're right the Sequoia was the home-built version. 🤦. (I expect to see more comments on that soon, lol)
the Indonesian Air Force own the SF after granted by the Singapore's in the early 2000s. sadly they were fastly flushed from operation and never released for sale to the public
@@aircraftadventures-vids I was an air scout at Jakarta's Halim AFB in 2009 when I saw those planes just sitting on the apron under the sun. it does hurts, especially when I couldn't do anything to help it in my teenage 🥲
I got my training as a future airline pilot on this aircraft in 1967. It was a beauty to fly. However it took the live of one of my colleges. Flying in european winterconditions solo was a demanding task. In poor meteo conditions carburettor Icing got his engine stopped with a resulting crash. I got a lot of photos of this aircraft. If anyone is interested, give a call.
Don't know if that incident was a factor, but I have a carb ice temp gauge in my SF260D. It has a yellow arc and, if necessary, you can fly with partial carb heat. I did a two hour flight in UK winter met a couple of weeks ago. No autopilot, but it handles the turbulence really well.
Not all true information! at the beginning, It was the company Aviamilano that built it Falco. After that, there was Aeromere that made some modifications to the design and also built them. Lastly, the company Sequoia made kits to build the Falco . Nice video tho!!!
Read up on it first, from what I hear, building that one-piece wooden wing is a real bear. I wonder how it could be redesigned as a composite design. There's usually one or two at OSHKOSH every year.
@@aircraftadventures-vidsI’m mechanic in Aermacchi factory and I had build the Sf260TP for Zambia airforces. I also carried out all the revisions for the Italian Air Force flight school
It's been hard to find exact figures, 900 built was one figure and I'd rather underestimate. Also, I don't believe there's many more than 100 total left flying, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong and know there's a lot more!
Part of the reason of the low figure is that Libya had owned more than 240 of these planes and lost many of them in the NATO ‘intervention’ in 2011, while no, they didn’t lose all 250ish of these planes, they did abandon a lot of them because of their inability to maintain them and you can see them covered in sand on military runways on google maps. Only 42-5 of these planes are still working and used. (Source: I’m Libyan and have went to these airbases and the military pilot training facilities)
According to many comments this airplane is just a POS or, at best, overrated. They forgot that the first prototype flew in 1964, probably before the detractors were even born and that its success has been confirmed also by many military air forces around the world for many years. I don’t see any Yak or else with the same amount of appreciation about the 260 characteristics. So, relax…
Yeah was not expecting so much negative comments but I think the "Ferrari" comparison triggered a lot of responses, everyone wants their own plane to be a Ferrari. Mind you it's just the opinion mirrored by owners and pilots I spoke to. Note that Meyers 200 owners also feel like they own a Ferrari . 😂
F.8L was serially produced by Aviamilano, Laverda and Aeromere. Only after the production ended, an US company Sequoia took over the model and offered it as a kit or plans build. Some more research would be in place. Because of mistakes like this it is very easy to doubt everything that is said. BTW, the ''last one'' didn't roll from production lines, yet. It is still in production. Not a mass production, but still. Research, man. Credibility lost...
Sure a Ferrari with wings. “Imagine you’re flying through the air in your aircraft Ferrari when suddenly, and with no apparent reason, your oil pressure warning light turns on along with 3 other warnings, the aircraft’s power is abruptly reduced to limp mode and the flaps lock in take off position...”. No thanks.
Yes. I had that in a Ferrari 550 that was just off its service. The damn thing kept breaking down. That car had way too many problems. Or, my 355 would suddenly lose its ability to propel itself, giving me a sore back. I could go on. Never had such issues with the SF260, and it let me fly a very nice flight radar Christmas tree in freezing conditions...
What a laugh. This is no Ferrari in the sky. Its a 3 seat trainer, that can do 170-180kts, which is fast, but many GA planes are faster. Its range is also mediocre, 800nm. The Velocity is the champion in non-turbine powered GA speedsters. The XL-RG can cruise at 225kts and full speed over 250kts. Seats 4, and has a range of 1100 plus nm.
Have to agree. I've flown the Marchetti a number of times and it's very tame as an aerobatic airplane. High wing loading, fairly heavy and moderate power. Does gentleman aerobatics fine but not much more.
********************************************************************** I’m pinning your comment here, not to make this into a virtual whipping post, but rather to deliver a PSA about my content and channel goals for some clarity. First off, I think I speak on behalf of all when I say RELAX DUDE. My goal with this channel is to bring pilots, non-pilots, owners and enthusiasts together for their love and appreciation of aviation. Regardless of what plane might be in the spotlight at the moment. This is the bond that brings us together and the cause of hours of “hangar talk” when we meet up. Secondly, the opinions expressed on the SF-260 are mirrored from the owners / pilots who I personally spoke to (and not some ai-driven content or random article found online). While I support their enthusiasm, I don’t own or never even flew the plane (though I would jump at the opportunity if given!). This is the same for pretty much any other aircraft I’ve produced a video on, in fact Meyers 200 owners feel THEIR plane is a Ferrari too! And I LOVE the Velocity, in fact their factory is a couple hours north of me and I’ve been meaning to give them a visit. Shoot, I might even do a video on that one too (I can call it “Lambo” of the skies if you like) But WHY badmouth one plane in favor of another? If I wanted to I could dig up a handful of planes that would whip the Velocity into submission, and maybe it would get some views, but why would I do that?? I’m not deleting any comments, it’s all 1st Ammendment on my channel, but let’s just take a moment rethink what sets us apart as airplane enthusiasts and avgeeks. Build bridges, don’t burn em! Happy Friday, and enjoy a cold one on me.
![[LIVE] : ONE ลุมพินี 87 วันนี้!! คู่เอก "ก้องชัย vs โชคปรีชา"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YN6e7HVnekw/mqdefault.jpg)
![เปิด อาณาจักร หมื่นล้าน "สาระตั้ม" l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3XE0nPF4YkQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Any questions, suggestions or complaints? Leave them here in the comments and I’ll repost as a Q&A!
And don’t hesitate to check out this video on this mind-boggling airplane. Don’t let its weird shape fool you, this flying egg is crazy fast! th-cam.com/video/VfkmvqXSwW4/w-d-xo.html
I love your production style. Awesome channel my friend! Subscribed.
I do have one suggestion: you did a lot of movement through time talking about these aircraft and their changes,but didn't give us any idea of what general year/decade each new model was released. Also super curious what year or decade they were first available in the United States for civilian use. Just some friendly input. You really do make great videos bro. Aloha from Maui 😎🤙🏽
I owned an SF-260 Warrior which I puchased through an agent from the Irish Air Corps. It was number 222, which you see in a few videos and alot of photos. It was the best aircraft I ever owned. It was an awesome cross country and aerobatic aircraft. I spent many hours happily flying accross Arizona and the southwest. What a great aircraft! Thank you for your video.
Thanks for sharing!
Yup. I flew this plane.. sweet flying machine for sure!
I have a model of 1 of these in Irish Air Corps markings
You Lucky Guy!
i owned for 15 years a beautiful SF260W in military brown/green camouflage initially I-SMAB then HB-EZZ. that I Flew around twi thirds of Africa on several trips. After 15 years I bought another., this time an SF260D formerly I-LELFnow again HB-EZZ. It was the tail number 1 of the aerobatic team BREITLING DEVILS. I fly it from Locarno LSZL on the Lago Maggiore (same lake on which the Company SIAI-Marchetti has built them all. Have been flying a lot of single engines and also taildraggers but this is the plane I love above all
Thanks for sharing that!
There are about 90 SF-260s registered in the US alone, so there are many more than that in the world flying. The previous owner of my Marchetti told me, "I've flown them all, the Mustang, the Spitfire...the Marchetti is the best flying plane I've ever flown." Thanks for the video!
I saw so many figures, I’d rather round way under, than way over.
I flew the SF260M as a primary trainer in the Air Force. It was an exhilarating experience. I tried my best to ‘break ‘ it in the most daring aerobatic manoeuvring but it never missed a beat. I shot 68mm rockets, dropped small bombs and fired 7,62 mm gunpods and learned the basics of aerial combat. I learned tight formation flights and developped great flying skills that became the foundation of a successful aviation career.
I enjoyed the video. I've owned a D version for nearly ten years. It now has a three-bladed prop that gives over 2000 fpm climb and is somewhat smoother and quieter than the two-blade prop. There is no autopilot, but the skinny wings cut through rough air for a smooth flight. It's a smooth instrument platform. It's also excellent in gusty and crosswind conditions. I live in a place that often has a bit of weather, and it has proved itself. With the power right back, I still get 155 knots at less than fifty L/hr. Can't complain.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the 260!
Thank You so much showing it! It is really a very detailed and qualified report! A friend of mine had a wonderful T6 Texan, which he used at several airshows. Now he ownes a Marchetti SF-260, which he preferes totally even to his former warbird. To fly this wonderful plane seems to be the center of his life, besides his wife...
Thanks for the feedback, glad you enjoyed it
A very well written article on one of my favourite aircraft ! Well done! Liked! Subscribed!
Glad you enjoyed it!
For a plane that old its amazing, i love it.
FYI, the Falco was a factory-built aircraft in Italy in the 50s. It was offered as a homebuilt in the US by Sequoia aircraft in the 70s through at least the 90. There were kits of parts and even some parts being premade.
you're totally right, I really flubbed that part up when working on the script. That said, I suppose part of the reason the Falco didn't sell in huge numbers was the hand-built technique.
Srilankan Air Force had several sf 260s including 260tp s which made their core of attacking capability in late 80 s and early 90’s. They were used as the main ground attack aircraft in the early phases of the civil war and made a significant contribution to the war effort. There were several hull losses and pilot losses due to enemy AA & mechanical failures. Remaining aircrafts were soon transferred to training & supersonic fighters like F7’s and IAI Kafir’s replaced them. There are several hulls used as exhibits in SLAF museum.
Thanks for that info!
Super Cool story' and Edits. Also Great Chill Narration' and Cadence' + your audio is perfect for this kind of focused subject! Thank you!🖖🛩️
I fly a F.8L falco with an 160HP IO-320. Had it up to 216MPH (GS) in level flight at altitude and is so slick that it's hard to slow down. Best plane I've ever flown.
Took one of these out at air combat USA did the air-to-air near Catalina Island, what a great time. Did not need to trim it up it did what you wanted it to, a great time.
I also flew the sf260 in air combat usa, back in 2016 …best experience ever with Mike the rocket
Nice video. Just a point tho - when i was flying all speeds were in knots, not miles per hour. Knots also tie closely into navigation and are the international standard for all aircraft flying internationally so as to avoid confusion and errors.
I'm aware of that (am a pilot myself), but video speaks to an audience to whom 90% think a "knot" is used to tie their shoes 😂. Makes it bit more relatable to the general public who might be curious about the plane.
F8L Falco is Ferrari of the sky’s. It’s a 1950’s ITALIAN design. Wooden aircraft. And it’s based on the marchetti. My father in law built own in the 90’s and it’s still flying today. Won grand champion at Oshkosh.
I remember seeing it at OSH, it's beautiful.
It seems that the stumbling block for most builders is building that massive one-piece wing.
Good informative video. As much as I love the RV8 for its prowess, capabilities and design at a very good price. This airplane downright makes RV8 look clunky and pedestrian while meeting and/or exceeding the most of the capability and performance. I wish a kit manufacturer can pick-up the design and sell it again with the new MOSAIC rules looming.
I remember when Plane & Pilot had the cover story on one. I loved rereading that article and gazing at the photos.
Love your avatar! My favorite "Mad Max" character!
Yup, that guy's my favorite aviation character in any movie
There is an exact SF-260 built by 3rd-part in X-Plane, and that’s one of the best GA aircrafts on the X-Plane platform. 100% worth to try!
You didn’t mention the Furio. A New Zealand built kit made entirely from Carbon fibre. It is a modern take on the Falco with the same looks and wing but larger engines offering more performance.
Didn't know that one, will have to look it up
I spent about 3 months flying one of these back in the 80s. It's a good two-person airplane that can do everything from hard IFR to moderate aerobatics. The only thing I can't speak on is the maintenance. One of the easiest most fun airplanes I have flown.
The F8 Falco was originally built as a factory built aircraft, by Aviamilano, then Aeromere then Laverda. Less than 100 were built by all these companies - I'd guess they didn't sell many as they were too expensive. Hence they stopped making them and later (1980?) sold the design to be marketed as a kit by Sequoia Aircraft in the USA
If I'd have my own plane, this is one of my choices. Our air force uses it both as a trainer and light attack aircraft, it's pretty agile and it's got two seats to bring someone in for a ride.
Thanks for showcasing these extremely beautiful and performant aicraft. It is not true, however, that you had to build a Falco yourself. If you check the Wikipedia entry on the Falco you will find that 85 were built by Aviamilano, Aeromere and Laverda in the 1950's and 1960's. The "Sequoia Falco" kit came a couple of years later in 80's and factory-built Falcos were available - if not frequently - as used planes even then. I'd also disagree with the notion that the Falco was the first sports airplane. It might be the most beautiful and is on top with speed per hp but even pre-war a lot of airplanes of that type were built, e.g. the Me 108.
I know, I was kicking myself on that part about being homebuilt. I was mixing it up with the Sequoia homebuilt version. Agree also on not being the very sportsplane (the Culver Cadet might earn that distinction). Less hyperbole next time, lol. We can agree it’s beautiful though.
I think it would be a fun machine. Planes are like cars or whiskey or anything else. You get what fits your taste. Some people are rude.
I had the pleasure of getting my hands on G-MACH as a teenager used to Cessna's and Beagle Pups.
Will keep this brief ... IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE BLAST !! spectacular, more fun than a Pitts that I encountered later. I would call this a Ducati of the skies rather than a Ferrari.
I like that! Ducati is a bike I'd love to own, I've been contemplating the Multistrada as my next bike.
My uncle owned the Waco Meteor version and it was the first plane I flew in. He chose it because of its sports car like performance.
good choice!
Remember these flying around in the late seventies in RhAF service in the late seventies, it was called the Genet. 👍🏻
I know about the SF. 260 it has been serving the Philippine Air Force since 1976 with the most recent version being the FH where delivered in 2010s with 18 units (Now down to ~16) after looses in accidents, though I feel it’s time to find a replacement for them as they will be 20 years old by the end of the decade!
20 years is nothing, especially if well maintained.
Considering current prices of SF260’s … one could have an Extra, Harmon Rocket, or a large number of very groovy aircraft that will be either faster or more aerobatic … I really wish the popularity of this airframe wasn’t commanding such ridiculous prices
I’ve flown this aircraft both the piston engine and the turbo prop version; it’s very good. It’s forgiving; with basic handling skills, you can throw it around and do anything without a sweat. It’s very reliable and tough as a nail. I can vouch for it as a good choice for general flying, training and advanced flying.
What was turbo prop version like? Crazy climb rate I bet. What’s the speed limitation?
Amazing! An oldtimer is better than any new plane - comparable with a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera with modern cars. It is at least 3 Superplanes unified in one.
I've got tons of hours in these great planes! They're so much fun to fly!
Thanks for the idea behind the video, Dean!
Where do you fly them out of?
Dean, I thought you loved the Meyers 200D and Flying Eyes while flying. Hey, I got a couple hours in an SF260 and yes it flies beautifully. I did an air combat in Fullerton in an SF260 about 30 years ago, lots of fun and yes its a great flying bird similar to a P-51 and a V35B Bonanza and I have flown both, an hour in a 51 and 1,500 hours in Barons and Bonanzas of which I still own and fly a V35B. The SF260 and Bo fly very similarly, smooth, balanced and intuitive controls. In the video at about 8 minutes in was a picture of a Siai Marchetti S.208, not designed by Frati, but by Alexander Brena which was also imported in parts by WACO and assembled in the U.S. in the late 60s. In S.W. Utah on a private dirt strip is an S.208 in that doubles as a cow pasture which has been damaged from cows using it as a scratching post. It has a Franklin and hasn't flown in perhaps 15 years. I took lots of pictures of it. Sad. From a distance it looks like a Piper Cherokee.
it's one of the few side by side planes with left hand throttle, thats pretty neat.
Nice video. Although I wouldn't equate it to a Ferrari, it is a very good all-around airplane. Good at cross country, and if you get bored, good at aerobatics. It's an excellent formation platform. Most of my 1000 hours in them was flying aerobatics and formation with a good bit of TV/Movie flying.
That's what I get from the plane. The "Ferrari" analogy is coming from those who owned / flown it. (I've owned neither Marchetti nor Ferrari, lol)
I used to maintain one of these and we did an engine swap on it to a Lycoming IO-540 and the inverted oil system from a Christen Eagle. Nice machine. Weird with the right hand PIC config though.
I have a D version. It takes very little time to get used to the right-hand seat. You just don't think about it.
I enjoyed this a lot. You can bet I will watch this over and over again. Thank you.
Thank you! (I can't say the same, can't stand my voice lol)
There is a company Air Combat USA (still there?) out of Fullerton Ca. You can be a fighter pilot and engage in dogfights, shooting lasers, on their SF260.
Funny you mentioned Waco, who imported three airplanes to the USA, but left out Frank Strickler and Fox 51, the worldwide distributor for SIAI Marchetti and the SF 260. Frank imported over 100 airplanes to the US. Tom Bradshaw should have had a shout out, too. Without him, no one in the USA would have been able to insure their 260.
It's not easy to fly indeed safe to fly and its capabilities if you are talented let it shine in fluid elegant maneuvers as few airplane can do. On the other hand if you are average or less you'll fight his characteristics struggling to make it fly.
A great highlighter of fighter pilots, so a great military basic trainer which could not be a to much forgiving one as requested for civilian counterpart
@jamessmith-ie7ym
You win a prize I give up after few lessons on this SF260 and Grob 120. I listened a lot to what the pilots said on the airplanes and my very short experience:
Grob is easy to fly forgiving my inattitude instead SF260 give you a lot of workload like trying to walk without using your knee, but istructor let it fly effortlessly as from takeoff to landing is a flawless single maneuver.
Both are trainers but one help you, the other mercilessly shows your piloting limits (or talent if you have it)
Not quite rated for unlimited aerobatics, but an excellent aircraft for sure!
Thank you for a fantastic video on a great airplane.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Aviomilano produced and certified the f8l. It wasn't a homebuilt airplane initially.
Correct, I got it mixed up with the Sequoia version that came later. Oops
Cruising at 175kt, aerobatics, good range, IFR, best esthetic, etc. Not so many planes that have all these skills. If you don’t like it, you probably haven’t flown one. Happy to be on your video cover ;)
Cheers @yann.bergair
Hey, it IS a sweet plane. Happy to feature it, and thanks for checking out the video!
Outstanding
I flew those in the late 80s for Air Combat USA just before GWI.
That's a one spicy little meatball, bellissimo!
Terrific video.
Now I neeeeeed one of these. D'oh! Interesting story - thanks.
You bet!
The name for the Waco aircraft company (in both incarnations) started as an acronym for Weaver Aircraft Co of Ohio, and has always been pronounced "Wah-co", not "Way-co" like the Texas town.
You are absolutely right, and I'm kicking myself for that oversight. 😜 (I'm still distraught that I said Tecumseh was in Wisconsin, not Michigan, on the Meyers 200 video)
In Texas we pronounce the town Wacko
Fine vid!
Thank you! Bob Marley said it himself, lol
The correct name was SIAI Marchetti, not only Marchetti. SF was of course for Stelio Frati.
I know, I mentioned it the first time when they bought the company, but it takes forever to say "SIAI" and most people I've spoken to shorten it to Marchetti.
@@aircraftadventures-vids just roll through the acronym, one word, SeeUhee, that's how us Italians always called the company!
Wonderful machine designed by Master Engineer Stellio FRATTI.
Yes indeed, one of my favorite designers.
Just a minor correction. He is Stelio Frati. With one ''l'' and one ''t''.
My dad flew one for an evaluation in his post USAF career. He loved it.
There are at least 3 training squads of that and 1 squad for recon and attack.
Philippine Air Force also have them, it is my childhood plane, since I was born, I always saw the SF-260 flying around the base until now, this is why the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 is my favorite plane.
Bet that nice to be around them
SEEMS what the SG 260 needs a loving resurrection by a billionaire builder. Who will return it to production and to that good old fashion greatness...
Looks exactly like a Meyers 200D, one of the fastest 4 place GA planes.
And I have a video on that one too!
@@aircraftadventures-vids Already watched it. ;) I looked at your other videos.
I grew up seeing the SF-260 then worked on their engines and flew in them for many years. Seeing them fire rockets and machine guns took it to another level 😎
For sure my favorite plane
I thought this was going to be about a Columbia 400TT.
Nice video. Aviamilano Aeromere and Laverda did produce 4 versions of the Falco, they were not originally homebuilt planes. Sequoia came out with the homebuilt plans until the 1980s.
Ah, dangit that's right. I knew the Falco was not easy to produce but you're right the Sequoia was the home-built version. 🤦. (I expect to see more comments on that soon, lol)
The Lancair 360MKII and Legacy are the Ferrari of the Sky.
Beautiful! Thanks!
Glad you like it!
@@aircraftadventures-vids Yeah! Your vids are just a perfect source of some aerospace related inspiration for me! keep it up and cheers!
@@trabi601enjoyer thanks!!
Belgium here. Have been using them for ages now as trainers for the AF.
the Indonesian Air Force own the SF after granted by the Singapore's in the early 2000s. sadly they were fastly flushed from operation and never released for sale to the public
That pains me to hear that!
@@aircraftadventures-vids I was an air scout at Jakarta's Halim AFB in 2009 when I saw those planes just sitting on the apron under the sun.
it does hurts, especially when I couldn't do anything to help it in my teenage 🥲
I got my training as a future airline pilot on this aircraft in 1967. It was a beauty to fly. However it took the live of one of my colleges. Flying in european winterconditions solo was a demanding task. In poor meteo conditions carburettor Icing got his engine stopped with a resulting crash. I got a lot of photos of this aircraft. If anyone is interested, give a call.
Don't know if that incident was a factor, but I have a carb ice temp gauge in my SF260D. It has a yellow arc and, if necessary, you can fly with partial carb heat. I did a two hour flight in UK winter met a couple of weeks ago. No autopilot, but it handles the turbulence really well.
Not all true information! at the beginning, It was the company Aviamilano that built it Falco. After that, there was Aeromere that made some modifications to the design and also built them. Lastly, the company Sequoia made kits to build the Falco . Nice video tho!!!
Yes, correct, I messed up there. The Falco was originally a production plane, and only later was offered as a homebuilt. 😜
Turkish airforce used them for many years for fighter pilot training.
I would love to build the wooden aircraft. Can you still get the plans?
Read up on it first, from what I hear, building that one-piece wooden wing is a real bear. I wonder how it could be redesigned as a composite design.
There's usually one or two at OSHKOSH every year.
So true 🤩🤩🤩
So is this a maintenance queen like a real Ferrari?
As far as I know, no. And the engine is one of the most reliable for it's size and displacement.
“Turns perfect corners”. I’ve flown over 40 years and never “cornered” a plane.
Lancair Turbulence is Ferrari with wings!
The 260 is nice. The Super Tucano just a little nicer. Just an opinion
shitttt. The Ferrari of the skies is any Mooney...
200 MPH out of a 100 CC engine? Somehow I doubt that.
He might be reffering to the original engine, in cubic inches. The American ones had 300 cu/in lycomings or so.
The best plane 🤙🏻
It's on top of my list for sure!
@@aircraftadventures-vidsI’m mechanic in Aermacchi factory and I had build the Sf260TP for Zambia airforces. I also carried out all the revisions for the Italian Air Force flight school
That's awesome! Keep them flying, my friend 👍@@mariotomasini3573
And… just like a Ferrari, it cost a fortune to maintain.
900 built and 100 left? That doesn't sound right
It's been hard to find exact figures, 900 built was one figure and I'd rather underestimate. Also, I don't believe there's many more than 100 total left flying, but I'd be happy to be proven wrong and know there's a lot more!
Part of the reason of the low figure is that Libya had owned more than 240 of these planes and lost many of them in the NATO ‘intervention’ in 2011, while no, they didn’t lose all 250ish of these planes, they did abandon a lot of them because of their inability to maintain them and you can see them covered in sand on military runways on google maps.
Only 42-5 of these planes are still working and used.
(Source: I’m Libyan and have went to these airbases and the military pilot training facilities)
Glassair has several models that outrun it with the same engines
4:33 that sheet having a pack of rockets in wing tips conteiners
I think Waco Aircraft was pronounced "wah-co".
I know, I got it mixed up with the city 😩
The only attribute it shares with a Ferrari is the fact that it's Italian.
According to many comments this airplane is just a POS or, at best, overrated. They forgot that the first prototype flew in 1964, probably before the detractors were even born and that its success has been confirmed also by many military air forces around the world for many years. I don’t see any Yak or else with the same amount of appreciation about the 260 characteristics. So, relax…
Yeah was not expecting so much negative comments but I think the "Ferrari" comparison triggered a lot of responses, everyone wants their own plane to be a Ferrari. Mind you it's just the opinion mirrored by owners and pilots I spoke to. Note that Meyers 200 owners also feel like they own a Ferrari . 😂
Whoever calls it a POS has never flown one.
IL CAPOLAVORO (( MASTERPIECE !!))> DI GRANDISSIMO GENI DESIGNER> S T E L I O F R A TT I !!!// DURANTE 60 TIES !!!!+++
This video meanders like a lost cow trying to deliver a fluff-filled eulogy.
That was poetic 😂
like Finnish made Redigo...:)
🔥🔥🔥🔥👏🏻
🤘🤘🤘🤘
F.8L was serially produced by Aviamilano, Laverda and Aeromere. Only after the production ended, an US company Sequoia took over the model and offered it as a kit or plans build.
Some more research would be in place. Because of mistakes like this it is very easy to doubt everything that is said.
BTW, the ''last one'' didn't roll from production lines, yet. It is still in production. Not a mass production, but still. Research, man. Credibility lost...
Sure a Ferrari with wings. “Imagine you’re flying through the air in your aircraft Ferrari when suddenly, and with no apparent reason, your oil pressure warning light turns on along with 3 other warnings, the aircraft’s power is abruptly reduced to limp mode and the flaps lock in take off position...”. No thanks.
😂. I live in South Florida, and I saw an 80s vintage Ferrari on fire on the side of the road (owner was outside just dumbfounded, staring at it)
Yes. I had that in a Ferrari 550 that was just off its service. The damn thing kept breaking down. That car had way too many problems. Or, my 355 would suddenly lose its ability to propel itself, giving me a sore back. I could go on. Never had such issues with the SF260, and it let me fly a very nice flight radar Christmas tree in freezing conditions...
That's why I don't like the Ferrari comparison myself, the 260 is a heck of a lot more reliable!
S F= 260
100 cc horse power 😂😂
Where does it say that?
@@aircraftadventures-vids go back to more or less the beginning, were you describe the engine's power out put
Ah, 160 HP. (not 100 cc) My cold might be at fault there... @@Dezzy-e8b
@@aircraftadventures-vids it's all good everyone makes mistakes 👍
Get a billion subs and pay cash for any ferrari you want, man!
Damn right! Working on that now, only 985M subs to go!
Won’t beat a Lear 25…🤣🤣
sure will! In economy, cost, maintenance, etc.
@@aircraftadventures-vids and if you fly to a fly in breakfast in that and a P-51 lands and park’s next to you…you will become invisible….🤣🤣
Swift with an O360 is faster.
SF260, with a three-bladed prop and bigger engine, is faster too, but it doesn't need it.
What a laugh. This is no Ferrari in the sky. Its a 3 seat trainer, that can do 170-180kts, which is fast, but many GA planes are faster. Its range is also mediocre, 800nm. The Velocity is the champion in non-turbine powered GA speedsters. The XL-RG can cruise at 225kts and full speed over 250kts. Seats 4, and has a range of 1100 plus nm.
Have to agree. I've flown the Marchetti a number of times and it's very tame as an aerobatic airplane. High wing loading, fairly heavy and moderate power. Does gentleman aerobatics fine but not much more.
**********************************************************************
I’m pinning your comment here, not to make this into a virtual whipping post, but rather to deliver a PSA about my content and channel goals for some clarity.
First off, I think I speak on behalf of all when I say RELAX DUDE. My goal with this channel is to bring pilots, non-pilots, owners and enthusiasts together for their love and appreciation of aviation. Regardless of what plane might be in the spotlight at the moment. This is the bond that brings us together and the cause of hours of “hangar talk” when we meet up.
Secondly, the opinions expressed on the SF-260 are mirrored from the owners / pilots who I personally spoke to (and not some ai-driven content or random article found online). While I support their enthusiasm, I don’t own or never even flew the plane (though I would jump at the opportunity if given!). This is the same for pretty much any other aircraft I’ve produced a video on, in fact Meyers 200 owners feel THEIR plane is a Ferrari too! And I LOVE the Velocity, in fact their factory is a couple hours north of me and I’ve been meaning to give them a visit. Shoot, I might even do a video on that one too (I can call it “Lambo” of the skies if you like) But WHY badmouth one plane in favor of another? If I wanted to I could dig up a handful of planes that would whip the Velocity into submission, and maybe it would get some views, but why would I do that??
I’m not deleting any comments, it’s all 1st Ammendment on my channel, but let’s just take a moment rethink what sets us apart as airplane enthusiasts and avgeeks. Build bridges, don’t burn em! Happy Friday, and enjoy a cold one on me.
A Lancair Legacy can cruise at 240 knots and has a max speed of 256 knots.
@@PistonAvatarGuy So what, they are not made anymore. Velocity is shipping 30 kits a year.
@@speedomars The SF-260 isn't in production anymore either.
Just a bonanza copy in wood ;)
Super Falco wurde zuerst von Laverda gebaut.