| Author | Message | ||
     Tom R. Hutchison (Tomhutch) |
Ed Bernard has been doing some R&D on elevator effectiveness and vortex generators on his CT Express. He has posted a lot of information on a web site http://id.mind.net/~ebernard/ Very interesting results! Tom | ||
| llacy |
Tom I just had my inspection from a DAR He found about 4 bolts too short and said everything else was ok. I included in a letter to him that I was going to follow Advisory Circular 90-89a for test flying. This circular has some really good information and can be downloaded. Anyone getting ready for test flying could get some useful information from this paper. Lou Lacy llacy@netease.net | ||
| Tom R. Hutchison (Tomhutch) |
I see I mucked up the earlier postings on "Test Flying" so I'll put up the URL again to the FAA's download library for AD 90-89A. Go to: http://afs600.faa.gov/data/advisorycircular/ac90-89a.pdf Since this document is in PDF format, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded for free at: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html Tom | ||
| Terry Sack (Terrair) |
With a number of Express' flying has there been any further study of whether the Continental IO-550 is detrimental to elevator authority in the CT style compared to a CT with a Continental IO-360? The 550 weighs 100# more than the 360. I'm getting ready to make the commitment and am still torn. Would like to hear from a few of you veterans now flying the CT. Terry Sack | ||
| Phil & Margie Hodge (N410mp) |
Terry - I'm in Olympia right now, with my maiden flight for my CT with an IO-550 scheduled for Wednesday. I'll probably have a little more to say after then (once the excitement wears off enough for me to type!) Phil | ||
| LOUIE LACY (Llacy) |
Terry I have an IO540 on my Express don't know how much more it weighs than IO360 but would guess the comparison would be close the the IO550. I guess I am prejudice but I think my airplane flies better than the ones with IO360 not as much back pressure for lift off etc.Suggest battery aft of aft bulkhead which I'm sure you will do Lou | ||
| Terry Sack (Terrair) |
Phil and Louie, thanks to you both for posting your notes. The Continental IO-550N weighs 412# dry weight. I don't know how that compares to the Lycoming IO-540. Would you each mind sharing your flight characteristics in the pattern configured for landing? First off, what size prop and pitch are you using; what flap settings do you use for normal and short field landings; does the nose wheel touch down shortly after the mains; and, what field length do you use? Is there enough elevator authority? Do you need to keep power up to keep the elevators effective? On takeoff, do you use flaps? I would suppose there would be plenty of elevator with the engine at takeoff power. Any info you have to share, especially data, would be helpful. Terry | ||
| LOUIE LACY (Llacy) |
Terry I found out about the same thing Ed Bernard reported when he checked the vortex generators. If you put the battery behind bulkhead you will porbably have an Mac over 25 which is a little aft There is no problem in the pattern. I run out of elevator trim at about 100MPH but the pressure on the stick is not great after that. I can easily land and takeoff in 1500 ft. probably shorter if it was necessary.There is no need to keep power up for elevator effectiveness. I can hold the nose wheel off for a short time after touching down until airspeed is about 60 then it touches I normally use 10 degrees of flap for takeoff but have made several with no flaps .The airplane really flies a lot different with people in rear seats. A lot less elevator needed in pattern. | ||
| Tom PItt |
I've got beautifully completed (closed) wings (two tanks in each) and a hull bottom. I'd either like to sell out or buy the upper fuselage, etc. Anybody on this list with info either way please respond. Thanks. "e" me or toll free 877-291-4925, between 7-9 PM Eastern Time. | ||
| Phil & Margie Hodge (N410mp) |
SHE FLIES !!!!! The sham-paign flowed in Olympia this afternoon after Larry completed Dora's maiden flight. N410MP is now officially and actually an airplane. Wheeler wings, EDI fuselage with cruciform tail, most of the other EA mods, IO550 engine with 4 blade MT prop, and she flies FANTASTIC! Even with the battery under the cowl the weight and balance came out great at 1900# empty with only 430# on the nose gear. Terry - the MT prop is a lot lighter than the 3 blade Hartzell, which seems to more than make up for the heavier engine. If you want big power, that is the route I recommend. If you want efficiency, stay with a 360. But in case you haven't guessed, I'm smiling this evening with my choices! Phil |