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Hey Mark;
Thanks for the positive report on the 20B. I am
hopefully within about 3-4 weeks of doing my static run-ups. Waiting for
the ECU, the prop, and the welder, then it's light-it time. Are you
turboed? I am doing the turbo, and the inflatable cockpit seal,
it's on order, so I hope the noise will be tolerable, but if not, oh well.
What are you using for sound proofing? I am at just the right stage to
install something, but I don't want to add too much weight. Again, thanks
for the input.
Greg Ward
Lancair 20B RG in progress
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:27
PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Request (for
those already flying...)
Doug,
Well, I thought that someone with much more
rotary experience than myself would respond, but I guess they're all out
flying, or maybe they're on their way to SNF. So, I'll tell a little
about my limited experience flying a 3-rotor Lancair ES. I currently
have 33.9 hours on the airframe, and another 40 hours of ground running.
First thing you'll notice is that the engine starts with very little
fuss. From my limited experience flying behind Lycosarus, when starting
a Lycosarus, you are really wondering IF it will start, and you're always
relieved that it does, especially if it is a hot start. When starting
the rotary, I give it about 1/2" throttle, turn on the Main & Aux busses,
the EC-2, the fuel pumps, injectors, prop, and EFIS. Finally, I turn
mixture knob to full rich, touch the Program button once for a bit of primer
(if it is a cold start) and hit the starter and she starts right now.
After a few seconds of running, I start leaning little by little. No
jerking and shaking, just the sweet purr of the rotary. The sound is
much different, sorta like the difference between a tractor and a
Ferrari. Not to be overly critical of the Lycoming, but the rotary
is idling close to where the Lyco normally cruises.
Takeoffs are
a real thrill if you're used to driving a family sedan. By that I mean
that the normal operating rpm you see with a rotary are way above what most
drivers will ever see in any family car. On my takeoff roll, I usually see
around 7200-7300 for a second or two until the prop bites, then it drops down
into the upper 6's, but I'm flying a C/S prop, so others experience may
vary. Applying throttle slower helps to keep the R's below 7k. I'm
used to flying behind 100hp, so when I pour the coal to the 20B, it is very
exciting for this pilot. You feel every inch of throttle, even the last
one. I'm accelerating down the runway and am off and climbing in a few
seconds. I usually climb at about 105-110 kts (cruise speed for a 152)
at around 1300 fpm. My biggest headache has been the exhaust
noise. I just ordered a new Lightspeed headset and finished installing
soundproofing material. I had measured the sound to be 105db in
cruise. I'm sure it was more than that during climb. After
installing the soundproofing mat, the sound level dropped down to 98db.
Not exactly "quiet", but a big improvement. Once I get the rest of the
upholstery installed, it should drop even more. So, pay attention to the
exhaust system. Your ears will thank you.
Do people
notice that you're flying a rotary? Absolutely! I have people tell
me all the time that they heard me flying over their house on some particular
day. The call me the flying chainsaw because the engine sounds like a
chainsaw, at least to them. I'm not sure if that's a compliment or
not. Anyway, it definitely has a different sound.
Its late, so
I'll stop. Will try to add more later. Now come on Al, ED, Tracy,
Dennis, Dave, etc. Let's hear your war stories.
Mark
S.
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