From: Fredmoreno@aol.com
Message-ID: <1c32085e.24b59387@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 01:39:19 EDT
Subject: Long range tanks in Lancair IV
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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	Alex Shenk and Gary Burns from near Brisbane, Australia flew their 
LIV around the world last year.  They carried about 120 gallons in the wings 
(with winglets) and another 120 (if I recall correctly) in a fuel bladder.  
Their story can be found at the Lancair.com web site by searching around a 
bit.  I suggest contacting Gary directly at   gkburns@bigpond.com  for 
details on how they did it, and how they built their tanks.  Be aware that 
filling the wing completely (filling the aft most bays occupied by aileron 
push rods) moves the CG aft a bit.  
	I believe the TSIO 550 Continental is in the same category as other 
high performance, high power turbo engines: highly unlikely that they will 
make TBO unless run very conservatively (below 65% power, fairly rich to keep 
exhaust temperatures down).  Manufacturers have pushed power output and 
exhaust temperatures up, but the basic design and metallurgy remain 
unchanged.  I flew a TurboSkylane RG for 19 years with an 0-540 Lycoming 
putting out a modest 235 HP.  Operating at the top of the green on power 
settings resulted in burned exhaust valves on three cylinders at about 1000 
hours.  And this is with exhaust temperatures below 1500F. 
	 I think the reality is that high power turbo air cooled engines 
operate with narrow margins and can be expected to consume significant 
maintenance dollars, particularly if flown high and fast most of the time.  
Problems begin toshow up at 600-800 hours.  Earlier specific problems 
associated with the 550 Continental (premature ring wear, in particular) seem 
to be under control now that the factory has made modifications.  For the 
inside scoop on aircraft engines I suggest you subscribe to TBO Advisor, 
written by Kas Thomas.  Kas can be reached at http://home.earthlink.net/~tbo. 
 He can provide some opinions based on continued research about problems with 
various high performance engines, and he writes an excellent, well researched 
engine magazine.
	The Lancair IV with dual turbo 550 Continental engine is an ultrahigh 
performance airplane.  Performance costs money.  Plan to spend some.

Fred Moreno
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LML homepage:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html