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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. ;->)