Return-Path: Received: from sphmgaac.compuserve.com ([149.174.177.148]) by ns1.olsusa.com (Post.Office MTA v3.5.3 release 223 ID# 0-64832U3500L350S0V35) with ESMTP id com for ; Fri, 8 Sep 2000 10:56:51 -0400 Received: (from mailgate@localhost) by sphmgaac.compuserve.com (8.9.3/8.9.3/SUN-1.9) id LAA28621 for lancair.list@olsusa.com; Fri, 8 Sep 2000 11:03:36 -0400 (EDT) Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 11:03:14 -0400 From: James Frantz Subject: Alternate Sender: James Frantz To: "INTERNET:lancair.list@olsusa.com" Message-ID: <200009081103_MC2-B2A5-91CA@compuserve.com> X-Mailing-List: lancair.list@olsusa.com Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com Mime-Version: 1.0 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> >My calculations indicate that the standard fuel capacity (header tank, wing tanks, no extended tanks) should give about 500 miles, with an alternate 100 miles from the destination, allowing for 45 minutes of fuel remaining. Is this in the ballpark?< Assuming a Lancair 320/360, 200 knot cruise, 11GPH burn, 44 gallons of fuel on departure, I get 550 nautical miles or 630 statute miles to the destination. Of course, you could slow down to 170 knots or run leaner and go considerably further. The FAA's "normal cruise" fuel consumption only applies to the 45 minute reserve. Also, an alternate 100 miles away is a bit unusual. I can usually find one within 50. Another point is that an aircraft with a 100 knot cruise will only go 75 miles on the reserve while a Lancair 320/360 will go 150 miles. As a result, I don't mind pushing the legal reserves in this fast machine. Also an alternate is only required when the weather at the destination is less than the 1/2/3 rule. Your conclusion is very conservative but in the ballpark. Three hours continuous flying to the destination is enough for me. My bladder would really be hurting if I actually had to go to the alternate. If you can stand to sit longer and are willing to restrict payload, then more fuel could be useful but not in my case. This is a personal decision. Jim Frantz >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>