Maximizing range on an IO-540

[pierre smith]

Jenny and I want to fly to Bermuda, from Charleston, S.C almost a direct route. I have the standard 60 gallon tanks but at my usual power settings, yields an 800 mile range. Bermuda is 765 miles offshore.

I seem to recall when flying with Don at Airflow that at 8,000' he turned my RPMs down to 2100 and WOT, I was burning close to 10 GPH at 160 MPH true, and if memory serves, the Dynon showed a 1200 miles range. That would work with adequate fuel reserves.

How do some of you IO-540 drivers increase range?

Thanks,

[Mike S]

Originally Posted by pierre smith

I seem to recall when flying with Don at Airflow that at 8,000' he turned my RPMs down to 2100 and WOT, I was burning close to 10 GPH at 160 MPH true, and if memory serves, the Dynon showed a 1200 miles range.

Yep.

Here is what we did a few years back, 2300 rpm, 9.5 gph, 13.5 altitude. Note the range, and half tanks left.

[bkthomps]

i think you should consider the flight back to be the bigger challenge, as you will almost certainly have a headwind

an Aux tank would be a requirement for me if I were doing that flight.

I have a 19.5gallon fuel cell/bladder you are welcome to borrow if you want to plumb it up for this excursion, it has never been used before. I'd sell it too if you wanted to go that route, I believe I paid around $450 for it, to use with my RV-4 that I have since sold

[jrs14855]

Skyvector shows Jet A only in Bermuda. Better get one of those diesel conversions.

[chazking]

I have SafeAir1 ER Tanks .. gives an extra hour or so ... might be a bit on the edge .. for the installation cost, you might be able to find aux tanks with extra capacity - like 15 a side - talk to Jesse Saint.

Otherwise, fly to Vero, fuel & make the jump.

[turbo]

All I can say is you got #alls to fly that RV to Bermuda. Don't go during winter or close to that time frame. Been thru there many times in a sailboat. Keep us posted on your plans.

[aturner]

Pierre, Unless the headwinds are significant, a flight of that distance should be no problem in an RV-10 with 60 gal. fuel. If possible, fly high, and if not, drop down low and use moderate cruise power. Here is a screen shot from our recent trip from Yellowstone back home to Pennsylvania, crossing Lake Erie at 13,500'.



Note that the MPG shown on the Garmin is statue miles and based on ground speed. True airspeed, of course, is knots. I've repeatedly verified the true airspeed with four way GPS runs, and find that it reads about 1.5 mph slow at 8000'. :-)

[jrs14855]

This is not directed at Pierre, but at all the subsequent posts.
From Skyvector.com:
TXKF(Bermuda)
Fuel: jet A
Transient: none
Storage (blank), this to me means no hangar, no tiedowns, no GA parking for small aircraft.

REPEAT: THERE IS NO AVGAS AVAILABLE IN BERMUDA
Bermuda has a reputation of not accommodating GA aircraft unless it is Mr Blumenthals Boeing 727

[aturner]

I believe Pierre is the only one here thinking of a flight to Bermuda, but thanks for the information anyway.

Originally Posted by jrs14855

This is not directed at Pierre, but at all the subsequent posts.
From Skyvector.com:
TXKF(Bermuda)
Fuel: jet A
Transient: none
Storage (blank), this to me means no hangar, no tiedowns, no GA parking for small aircraft.

REPEAT: THERE IS NO AVGAS AVAILABLE IN BERMUDA
Bermuda has a reputation of not accommodating GA aircraft unless it is Mr Blumenthals Boeing 727

[humptybump]

If the airplane can function on zero-ethanol gas, there may be the option either on land or from a marina. Pre-planning diligence and all of that.