Metal prop performance

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Metal prop performance

Dano,
Sounds you're only carrying about 3 gallons of fuel! Actually I agree with your numbers. I fly in and out of 1400 feet all the time at FULL gross with trees on each end....and it's no sweat at all, even on hot days.
I have a McCauly 7445 and get close to 100mph cruise if I get all trimmed out up around 6K (you DO have to get it on the step as Mike says....not sure what that means, but you'll feel it when it gets there).

v

On step is where the Taylorcraft is at minimum drag and the tail rides quite a bit higher than loafing around at 90-95. It adds 5-10mph indicated and is not as sluggish feeling in the controls. If you can get it there you can outrun Luscombes. Trust me when I tell ya it pisses them off to see a Taylorcraft pass them.

[lfries]

Re: Metal prop performance

On Step. Climb above desired altitude then descend to altitude
just keeping pwr out of red line.???????????????????

[tabranch]

Re: Metal prop performance

MYTH #4: An airplane will cruise faster when it is “on the step.” To get “on the step,” climb to a slightly higher altitude and then descend back down to your cruising altitude. This will set up an aerodynamic effect which makes the airflow more efficient, increasing lift and reducing drag.
REALITY: There is no truth to this whatsoever. While your cruising airspeed will initially be a little bit faster following a descent, it will quickly stabilize back to normal. The airflow over, under and around a wing is a constant and instantaneous phenomenon. It has absolutely nothing to do with the airflow pattern which existed five or ten or thirty minutes ago.
An easy way to disprove this is with a demonstration. First, descend to 3,000 feet and level off. Wait five minutes and then note your airspeed. Now descend to 2,000 feet, climb back up to 3,000 feet and level off once more. Wait five minutes and then note your airspeed again. It will be the same assuming all the other conditions (airplane weight, center of gravity, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, power setting etc.) are the same as they were before.

[dedrekon]

Re: Metal prop performance

There's a lot of "lore" and black magic vodoo legends in the airplane world, especially the OLD airplane world, but I don't believe Mike was suggesting that you could actually get an airplane up on the step, like you can a boat (or floats).

I believe he was referring to getting it trimmed out at the proper attitude and power setting to obtain maximum performance. In fact, he described just the attitude required.....slightly tail high to minimize drag. I DO know that I can squeeze more speed out of my TCraft than others who occasionally fly it.


cheers,
V

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Metal prop performance

Not a myth. It requires the right set of circumstances and the right taylorcraft. Don;t expect it to happen with a 65hp and a wood prop. I have have built close to a dozen Taylorcrafts over the last 20 years and not would do it. There is a point when the tail is high enough, it is like the tail is in the draft of the wing which reduces drag similar to following a semi real close. If you get it out of that spot then it falls off. You can get the feel of it in thermals but can be accomplished in smooth air.

Mike