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Craig,
Thanks for the opportunity to brag. Your mission is perfect for a IV-P. Attached is a photo of fairly typical performance for my Lancair IV-P, Continental TSIO-550E. I usually run 2400 - 2500 rpm, MAP - 31.5, lean of peak with FF - 18 gal/hr. I make that about 70% power setting. The photo shows an early flight while still in primer. Probably running closer to 75% power LOP. I'm currently comfortable at 65% power cruise using 17 gal/hr. TAS runs 270-276 at that setting at FL190 - FL240. I don't have anti-ice other than a hot prop. Therm-X is said to take about 3-5 knots. Range with IFR reserves is close to 950 nm. (89 gal. usable. in my aircraft.) I fly KTOL (Toledo) to KORL (Orlando), 800 nm., in 3 hours, no wind.
The only 2 negatives I can think of in your mission are size and turbulence. How big are you and how big is your passenger? Two big people can really fill up the front cabin. I'm 5'10", 200lbs, my wife is 5'4" and 135lbs. (Have I said too much?) We fit very well. Two 240 pound line backers will find it "close." Over 6 foot may need to find an aircraft built for or build to allow for legroom. I understand it can be done.
I may be wrong, but my impression is that the IV-P is considerably stiffer than your current aluminum. It's not a huge difference, but turbulence penetration at IAS 205 is sometimes abrupt, even though the wing loading is high. You may want to take a ride in your neighborhood where turbulence is common.
You will also need to evaluate the cost of insurance which is considerable. My insurance premium for
my IV-P is 4 times what I pay for a Cessna twin. There is also the cost of biannual condition inspections by Lancair. My view of the inspection requirement: PIA and worth the money. It must be considered in the cost of maintenance. On the plus side is a fantastic owner organization, LOBO, that is very well organized and provides a deep resource of knowledge, advice, activities and social events. Check out the website, www.lancairowners.com.
Of course, your experience(s) may differ.
Barry Knotts
On 3/2/2011 9:31 PM, Craig Jimenez wrote:
If this is posted elsewhere, please point me to the data.
The Lancair site says a piston IV-P will do 330 mph (~286 KTAS) at FL240.
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