Vortec Alternators Revisited

[Yellow Duck]

We had spoken on this subject some time ago.

Has anyone actually installed them ? And if so, how do they work ? Slower approach speed ? How slow ? Better climb ? If so , how much better ?

These are my two major concerns, Can I climb a little better, and can I come in a little slower.

Would like to install the 85 hp with the 0-200 crank. That should certainly get me out quicker. Or purchaser another aircraft with a larger engine and still be in the "Sport Pilot". Either a T-Craft or Aeronica ?

[Jim Herpst]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

Lee, Bruce Bixler has been working with these. Are you in the Taylorcraft club? He has been mentioning them in the news letter. Any way you may try e-mailing him and asking.

Best regards,
Jim

[flathorn]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

Lee - I installed the VG's last fall, and they do pretty much what the company states.
I have the F19 with 0-200, so performance may vary for you.
Stall was reduced ~3-4 mph.
It became more solid and effective close to stall speed. When it lifts off now, it is solidly flying with little sinking or mushing.
Non-intuitively, angle of attack on landing is lessened. I come in more three-point now (don't have to crank the nose way up). That makes it much better for coming in on my strip, where I have to watch some trees on short final, and landing gravel bars, so you know what's directly down in front of you. The T can be a real bear for visibility on sand bars, which is why I put plexiglas on the lower door panel. I used to let whoever I was flying with land first, to scope out the landing spot (actually that's a good idea anyway, if you're flying with another plane! I just had a good excuse with my visibility problems )
My honest feeling is they are unbeatable if you need to increase the low-end performance of your plane, but are not really needed for airport to airport.
I like them primarily because they increased my margin of safety, and save wear and tear on my landing gear. A lot of places to land are in the 1000' and less range, and are sort of rough, so the slower stall helps you into those more safely, and also gets you off quicker, saving the landing gear from that extra pounding. In the winter on skis, it also helped me get up out of the snow quicker , which is half the battle on ski take-offs.
For those reasons, I'm thrilled with them, but to be honest if I was just flying in and out of town every day, I can't say I'd be able to justify them on a practical basis.
BUT, do you really need a justification? Sometimes you just want to do it! That's what Christmas lists are for...

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

I don't have the gravel bars, but I do have a short runway with very large oak tree at each end. Therefore, would like to get off and up as aoon and as high as I can.

I also go into lot of small grass strips, very seldon into towns or public airports. So if anyone has the 65 and the Vortec's installed, I would love to hear from them.

I do belong to the Taylorcraft Club also, and have seen the info, but have not spoken with anyone that has them installed on their aircraft. (T-Craft)

[flathorn]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

I believe a short strip with an oak tree at the end equals a scenario that definitely benefits from Vortex Generators. Any situation like that needs an extra margin of safety, especially with a 65, which is what the VG's give you. It's cheap insurance.
I've heard the negative feedback on them from time to time ('they didn't do a thing', 'a waste of money'), but find it a little puzzling, as the performance should be the same. I've come to believe correct installation is crucial, and may bear a large part in not achieving product specs. I've seen VG's on planes I know *have* to be incorrect (the line slowly wanders forward going outboard - the measurement was taken off the incorrect point outboard), and those may indeed, not do a thing - I don't know. They are easy to install incorrectly (my first placement was incorrect).
I'v flown a PA12 pre- and post-VG installation and it too, achieved what the specs call for.

If you can't find someone who's installed it on a 65 hp, I recommend emailing Microaerodynamics, and asking how it performs on your configuration. You will more than likely get a reply from the owner, as I did. He was quite helpful and the information he gave me turned out to be accurate. He also mentioned someone in my area who purchased some, so I was able to talk to the owner.

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

Thanks, think I will do that (call the company). Don't know of anyone installing them here.

Flew yesterday, kinna cool. down in the low 90's high humidity. Over the trees ,but I choose a path that put me between two more or less. On landing, wheel landing to kill the float. In both cases I use all available runway, with no room for errors. Sure hope that little 65 don't cough.

[Dick Smith]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

Lee, here is a link to the outfit that makes the Vortex Generators for the Taylorcraft. http://microaero.com/pages/k_taylorcraft.html (click on the little computer screen to the left of the section that pertains to the model of Taylorcraft you have, to access more info).
I would suggest you call Stoddard's Aircraft Parts Center in Anchorage, Alaska. (907) 272-2327) and ask for a quote. They were selling them at a discount, last year. The kit weighs very little, so having them mailed from Alaska (parcel post) shouldn't be very expensive. People often think that you have to use airmail to get stuff up here...you don't. Dick

[Yellow Duck]

Re: Vortec Alternators Revisited

Thanks Dick, will call now.