Rob,
I have NOT made the CA – HI trip in our 320. I have, however, built some
tanks into the pax footwell and seat that I can install or remove in less than
an hour. So far, the longest nonstop flight was 19 hours, 2.900 nm, Indianapolis
– Miami – DelRio, TX – 100 miles short of Indy (the expected tailwinds never
materialized leaving me a bit short on gas). This was an official attempt at the
World Record for aircraft efficiency, Class C1b. I was unsuccessful in this
attempt but gained a bit of experience in extremely long distance flights in the
320. I believe that CA – HI is doable with the proper tanks, testing and
experience (and an HF radio). I’ll have the tanks in for a nonstop flight from
Fredericksburg, VA to Flabob (Riverside, CA) on the 19th or 20th of this month.
Returning, also nonstop, on the 21st. If you’re going to be in Southern CA or
Virginia stop by and take a look if you’d like.
Bill Harrelson
N5ZQ 320 1,950 hrs
N6ZQ IV under construction
Sent: Sunday, August 07, 2011 10:56 AM
Subject: [LML] Trans Pacific in a Lancair 360
I'm running the numbers for a ferry tank to take my Lancair 360 from
California (probably Watsonville) to Hawaii. My back-of-the-envelope
calculations suggest that I can do this with a GTOW of 2000 or 2100 pounds and
have the range for 2100 nmi with a 30 kt headwind (no reserves).
Has anyone made this trip before in a 320 or a 360? I know a few IVs
have done it.
Needless to say, the shakedown flights will be the other way -- California
to Boston, or something like that.
- Rob Wolf