Ed Anderson wrote:

Hi Paul,

    I finally got back into the air today after 10 months of this and that
type of problem.  Just flew a short 37 minute hop and came back to check
under the cowl for any leaks, etc.  Anyhow, here are very preliminary
numbers from this first short flight.

    Takeoff roll was noticeably quicker and lift off sooner, but no exact
number comparisons.  Take off weight (full tanks)  was 1600 lbs and ROC at
110 IAS was 1200 fpm (VSI indication) going through 4000 MSL.(need to check
what it is at 2000 MSL).   Leveled off at 4500 ft and let the speed/rpm
build up.  Today IAS was 176 MPH giving me a CAS of 173 MPH, engine rpm 6150
with Manifold pressure of 25".  With an OAT of 54F and MSL of 4200 the TAS
comes out to 173 Kts or 199 MPH!  Good, but alas - short of the 200 mph to
win the coveted "Rotary Speed Prize" {:<(.

  Best the old engine
ever did was 186 MPH TAS, so considerably improvement here.
I noticed that since having painted and upholstered the aircraft that my
clean stall speed has risen from  60 mph to 62 mph IAS. So clearly the
additional weight tells.

   Static rpm on take off roll was around 5700 rpm which is 600-700 rpm
better than old 86 engine.  However, I noticed that the rpm did not appear
to increase significantly on climb out  as I picked up speed.  This tends to
make me wonder if indeed a part of the prop is "stalled" at static.

   These numbers are just a snap shot and will need to be verified over the
next few hours of flying, but I am pleased with the initial indicators of
improved performance.

  Jim Mosur is passing through on way to Florida and is bringing his prop
which has more pitch so I can try it out.

Best Regards

Ed Anderson

 
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