David-aviator
Well Known Member
There are planned flight tests to prove a point and there are unplanned every day events that do the same.
Flew out for lunch today. Two other airplanes did same, we met at Jeff City MO for usual fine local fried chicken, really tastes good now and then. (bad as it is for heart and all)
On return trip to St Louis, generally agreed to fly at 7500', would put us on top of most scattered clouds.
The Lancair IO390 with CS prop took off first. Then about 2 minutes later the RV-10 took off, it had a CS prop with Lycoming 6 cylinder
Took off last in RV-8, 180 HP, FP Catto. Usual 2150 rpm static but it gets off ok. Climb speed 120 KIAS, prop is up to 2350, WOT.
Reported level at 7500' on 122.75.
Much to my surprise, both airplanes ahead were still climbing. I beat them to 7500' taking off after they did!
Conclusion, the Catto is very ok considering its cost and simplicity. I am having serious thoughts about spending money, adding weight for CS, just to have better take off performance.
The event today proved a simple light weight airplane (1029lbs) is not an embarrassment in performance. It can hold its own in every day operations.
With a dynamic balance, sometimes feels like a turbine. The airplane is so satisfying to fly, why mess with it? (...keep asking myself...)
Flew out for lunch today. Two other airplanes did same, we met at Jeff City MO for usual fine local fried chicken, really tastes good now and then. (bad as it is for heart and all)
On return trip to St Louis, generally agreed to fly at 7500', would put us on top of most scattered clouds.
The Lancair IO390 with CS prop took off first. Then about 2 minutes later the RV-10 took off, it had a CS prop with Lycoming 6 cylinder
Took off last in RV-8, 180 HP, FP Catto. Usual 2150 rpm static but it gets off ok. Climb speed 120 KIAS, prop is up to 2350, WOT.
Reported level at 7500' on 122.75.
Much to my surprise, both airplanes ahead were still climbing. I beat them to 7500' taking off after they did!
Conclusion, the Catto is very ok considering its cost and simplicity. I am having serious thoughts about spending money, adding weight for CS, just to have better take off performance.
The event today proved a simple light weight airplane (1029lbs) is not an embarrassment in performance. It can hold its own in every day operations.
With a dynamic balance, sometimes feels like a turbine. The airplane is so satisfying to fly, why mess with it? (...keep asking myself...)
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