Grob G109 vs G109B

 Abstract:  I was wondering what the difference is between the
109A and 109B. Did they make any significant changes?

Subject: 109 vs 109B
From: Ray
Date: 5/16/08 7:08 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Thanks Dick,

I was wondering what the difference is between the
109A and 109B.  Did they make any significant changes?

I did notice the the different canopy but apart from
the A canopy being a bit more fragile, I think I like
it better anyway due to the unobstructed panoramic
view.

Anyone have comments on any areas of the 109A that
need more attention.

I know there are a bunch of AD's for various things
that apply to both models so it looks like they did
not take care of those things in the B version design.

What vices does a 109 have?

Ray

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] 109 vs 109B
From: "Nils Rostedt" <sailor
Date: 5/16/08 12:53 PM
To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

Hi
I flew the 109B to get my first license, and now have a share in a 109.

Apart from what's been already mentioned, the 109B has dual throttle levers (the one on the left side possibly optional?) and also has a detent to keep the spoilers in half-open position. The detent gives the pilot the option to land "cessna-style" with the spoilers emulating flaps and using throttle for glidepath control, while the 109 is landed glider-style. ( I never used the detent on the 109B, however). The second throttle allows flying with the right hand on the stick for the whole flight.

Regarding "vices" on the 109, in my opinion the most significant one is that the spoilers are VERY effective when fully extended. I was taught to only open them 2-3 inches (about 1/3 of full travel) during a normal final approach, whereas on the 109B one could often keep the spoilers fully open all the way to touchdown. But like all the other things mentioned, it's just a matter of practice. The 109B is slightly more refined on this point, and perhaps quicker to learn, but also more expensive. I also felt the longer wings on the 109B made it more difficult to track straight during landing and takeoff roll, but that might also be because my lack of experience at the time.

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: 109 vs 109B
From: Bill Knoll
Date: 5/16/08 8:02 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

There is one other major difference between the two
models. The 109B has much thinner wings; and as such
has different characteristics as a glider. I have
heard from some that the 109(A) is a better glider.
That said, I don't care for the brakes on the 109, and
I'm glad the 109B has an improved system with
toe-brakes. I wonder if they can be retro-fit to the
109?
--- lchapa77 <lchapa@XylZ9lM-Xh_DAiMTCMbN2KHL2XFHemKmDMYsMlSE7m6UtieKOAyRkAS5OJe2ZeomndQp_Ou_qw.yahoo.invalid> wrote:

Well, I just purchased a 109B few months ago, and
get my training on
a 109A and there are major differences beyond the
canopy.

Here are the ones that came out to me right now :

-Individual Toe brakes on the 109B, a nice option on
a taildragger
and long wings. (this is probably one of the most
important
differences)
The 109A has only brakes at the end of the spoiler
handle, both
activated at the same time.

-More HP on the 109B

-Windows on the lower part of the cockpit

-Wings fold on the 109B

-109B is around 35% more expensive (not a nice
difference)

Subject: Re: 109 vs 109B
From: "williamberson" <whodunit@0SQ_P4OVrkaskGpJltawKIAOI2Lo5ZKb9_kGn4riC8J6L8Tqlg9LbWYNvL_PPkyzYgi55AKdg-WbLZnU.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 5/16/08 11:50 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

The G109 has right and left brakes that are operated with the rudder pedals. Braking
comes after full rudder is pushed. The system works just fine in my opinion, it is just a
little different. Brakes for both wheels are activated with the spoiler handle or the parking
lever.

G109 is correct, G109A does not exist. Sorry to be exact here, but the FAA will insist that
G109 be used on all paper forms.

G109 problems:
Gelcoat cracks.... Gelcoat needs to be replaced with paint.
Engine needs to run weekly or valves will corrode.
Climb is good first 2000 feet (about 4- 500 feet per minute) then with a hot engine the
climb rate will go down. I usually start my cruise at 2000 feet so the engine will run
cooler.

Grob Systems Inc. in Ohio has always provided good service. I called them first before
buying and was glad I did.

I will sell my G109 for $28,000 as is, including trailer.
Bill Berson A&P
whodunit
360-379-5608
Port Townsend WA
G109 owner since 1994

Subject: Re: 109 vs 109B
From: "lchapa77" <lchapa@rzX_ASX70hMg4bsFFEqB41xOgJ7pBeI69sbPAI4Gkklpl4tHvBsvS1QLsIfCyfOw64b6NViriHgi92pN.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 5/16/08 8:13 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

You are right, wings are different, 109A has slight better L/D than
the B model.
Also as I understand, B is made out of carbon fibre/fiber glass spar
and A is a pure fiberglass.

so, if you fly a 109A and feel comfortable on the brakes with
crosswinds and taxi (you should get used to I believe) and do not
need the wing folding option and dont need the extra HP , you can
save considerably by buying the A model.

I recommend on flying both and get conclusions based on that.

good luck

Subject: Re: 109 vs 109B
From: "lchapa77" <lchapa@rzX_ASX70hO_JT1iWqmy4i70-JglEYOGvL9paShTU6EU_PLFlTRfs0ikuKhcv4MSb_1wwCSdn_331j7Y.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 5/16/08 7:29 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Well, I just purchased a 109B few months ago, and get my training on
a 109A and there are major differences beyond the canopy.

Here are the ones that came out to me right now :

-Individual Toe brakes on the 109B, a nice option on a taildragger
and long wings. (this is probably one of the most important
differences)
The 109A has only brakes at the end of the spoiler handle, both
activated at the same time.

-More HP on the 109B

-Windows on the lower part of the cockpit

-Wings fold on the 109B

-109B is around 35% more expensive (not a nice difference)