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Greg,
Don’t know what you’d define “high
altitude” as but I have a 320 with a stock IO-320-D1B 160hp and 2-blade
Hartzell and fly regularly at 13-15,000’. I’ve had it to
17,500’ on a hot summer day (19,900’ density alt) and it was
quite sluggish there. My flights at 15,000’ are typically around
1650-1700lb gross (1163lb empty, just me at 200lb, about 50-80lb of baggage
and full 44gal of fuel). Wouldn’t want to go much higher at this
weight because it is getting pretty anemic in climb.
The economy can’t be beat at these altitudes. At
14,000’ I typically true 184kts (212mph) and burn 6.2gph which
translates to 34mpg. Better than my car!
Even in the summer, the engine runs nice and cool and is
not being stressed very hard – only about 55% power. Cylinders
are in the 320-345 range. Oil tends to run too cool at 165, so I am in the
process of installing a butterfly flapper controlled from the cockpit to
restrict airflow to the oil cooler.
For Oxygen I have the Mountain High pulse demand system
with the CFF-480 cylinder (515 liters) which will deliver 15 man hours at
15,000’. I use this anytime I’m above 10,000.
For this higher altitude flying I do wish I had the
extended wing tips. I feel that the extra span would really help at
above 15,000’ as I notice a real increase in AOA (induced drag)
starting at about 15,000’.
Hope this info helps…
Dan Olsen
N320DK
Fort Collins, CO
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From:
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kneaded pleasures
<kneadedpleasures@sbcglobal.net>
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Sender:
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<marv@lancaironline.net>
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Subject:
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360s at high altitudes
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Date:
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Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:55:11 -0500
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To:
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lml@lancaironline.net
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For those of you who have 360s, have you flown at
high altitudes? How often? What special equipment do you have
on your planes to handle thin air, cooler temperatures, etc.? How
much oxygen capacity? What flow rates? Is it worthwhile to even
go to those high altitudes? What advantages have you actually
realized (besides bragging rights)?
I have an extended wing, low compression, LNC2
with 3-blade composite prop and room for oxygen. Don't use plane for
business but often fly long cross-country legs to visit family and
friends. Maybe high altitudes are not for me but I can think of
several nights I've spent in hotels 'cause I couldn't go higher
to avoid icing, wx and winds. Greg Nelson
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