Thunderbolt

Sbach 342

Serial #1 — The Experimental Prototype

After flying Russian Thunder for a few years, I became enamored with the sleek lines of the Sbach 342. I wanted a plane with two seats like I had before, but with a much higher cruise speed. And I decided I had had enough of the Vedeneyev M-14 engine. No more radials for a bit. Time for a Lycoming.

I bought the aircraft from Kevin Eldredge, pilot of the famous Reno racer "Relentless." I met him in San Luis Obispo and took a good look, then made the deal.

The Sbach was my first taste of what an all composite construction offered in an aerobatic airplane. Light weight, incredible stiffness, and graceful curves everywhere.

I've been fortunate to fly a lot of great aircraft. The Sbach 342 series is still one of my favorites. I think it is the prettiest aerobatic aircraft ever designed, and I think the two seat version is much prettier than the single seat version.

This particular aircraft went through some hard times with some damage during shipping and then an unfortunate landing accident on a ferry flight. I'm not sure who has it now, but I understand it is still flying.

A beautiful graceful aircraft with amazing performance and pleasant handling. Miles above anything I had flown before.