----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 7:16
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] BBQ Run
Since I've passed the 100 hr mark on my n/a 20B Lancair ES with no
significant issues, I'm feeling more comfortable with its reliability and
performance. So, I thought I would pass this story on for the benefit of
those still building, and those that are contemplating using a rotary in their
project.
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Sunday
was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky. So, the wife and I decided
to fly to Llano, Tx from Lockhart, TX (78 NM) to have
some BBQ. We were accompanied by another buddy in
his RV-7A, also from Lockhart. His has a very nice RV-7A (powered
by a custom-built Lycoming IO-360). He always flys at wide-open
throttle, flying on ahead and landing ahead of the rest in the group.
Well, I thought that two could play that game, and so once
I leveled off at cruise altitude (4500msl), I didn't pull back on
the throttle but kept the power in. I was cruising along about 192 mph
(I usually cruise at 170-175) and I looked off the left wing and there he was,
sneaking up on me. So, I opened the RAM AIR, tweaked the mixture
for full-power, and re-set the M/T constant speed prop to bring the RPM's up
from "economy cruise" to "racing speed". I picked up about 18 mph,
which brought my TAS to 210 (according to the EM-2) and sure enough, when
I looked to my left, my buddy was nowhere to be seen. The 20B rotary was
purring along at 6000 rpm and could have done it all day long (or until I ran
out of gas). Shortly thereafter, he got on the radio and
started quizzing me about my groundspeed, TAS, IAS, engine
rpm, etc. Needless to say, I landed first. Man, that felt
good!
I really showed him... fuel burn went from 11 gph to 15.8
gph, but since mogas is half the price of 100LL, it's no big
deal. However, I doubt he will make wise cracks about the
rotary engine any time soon. I think there's a P-port 3-rotor in my
future.
Mark S.
Still wearing the rotary grin. ;->)