Bolkow BO208C Junior

[vandereydt]

Good morning all
Bolkow BO208C Junior
Does anybody have some experience with this little plane.
I know one for sale, am interested. What are the things to look out for.
What about flying this little plane, things I should know, please share your experiences
Thanks and have a great day
Ronny

[Maoraigh1]

I'm 5/6 owner of a Bolkow Bò208C Junior. I haven't flown it since yesterday. A very simple aircraft, and should be cheap to operate if in good condition. My one was stripped to bare metal, proofed, and repainted in 2019.
First look for corrosion. Then controls. Then flap motor assembly. I had a new stabilator bearing and flap motor rubber connection fitted.. Nothing much since then.
The O200 engine is common so easily evaluated. The metal prop should be checked.
My one is on an LAA Permit, and their website has useful information on the type.
​​I spent about the same as the purchase price on basic upgrade after buying. There were no unexpected expenses.
There are manuals online.
Handling is pleasant and good. Performance as stated in manual. Seats are not adjustable - use cushions.
The brake is tricky to lock on. Beware of weight limitations - check what you could carry. Crosswind demonstrated is 20 kts. No wind limit for opening canopy and getting out is mentioned - I'm wary about this.

[BoeingBoy]

I did my initial training in a Junior and remember it with great fondness. You get a lot of performance for your money but as they are now ageing aircraft you will need a thorough pre-buy inspection by an experienced engineer.

As you seem to be based in Belgium I presume you're buying one that will operate under an EASA CofA rather than the UK's LAA Permit scheme so bear in mind that replacing or making parts will need certification and associated costs.

On the positive side handling is excellent with the only caution being the limited tail clearance that can lead to flat landings if you're not careful. Otherwise a trial flight should sell you the idea of having a unique and very nice little aircraft.
Good Luck.

[Maoraigh1]

The spinner backplate had a crack. Posted on another forum, was given a German email address, contacted it on Monday evening and the part was in the UK that week. Earlier I had got a flap motor link, a stabilator bearing, and a tach cable. Spares seem OK.
Plans are available if structural bits need replacing.
My one is one of the few not an EASA aircraft as a result of being abandoned on an F reg many years ago.
The baggage box comes out allowing easy fuselage inspection.
An inspection by YOUR engineer is essential before any aircraft purchase.
PS BB - was your initial training by any chance at Laarbruch?