New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

[Levi]

I have searched the forum and can not find a thread on vg's, there must be one I am just missing it most likely. I am wondering if they are worth the money, will truly do what they claim for slow flight, and if they will destroy my wing covers this winter.

-Levi

[M Towsley]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

Levi,

Look at the bottom of this thread. They always list some past topics that have been discussed and, in this case, several threads on vg's.

Also, I sent you a private message earlier. Could you get back with me on that? Thanks.

[cvavon]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

Levi I to am about to invest in VG's as i use a hanger the wing covers aren't an issue but the supper cub gang say they are the best bang for a buck you can do to a cub and I have talked to a couple twin owners and they say they are grate so that is the info i have and it's from both ends of the spectrum and it's all positive chuck

[Levi]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

Thanks guys, For some reason I couldn't find those threads before. I think I want to install a set of VG's from Micro, hopefully they won't get knocked off this winter when I am cleaning the wings off. I am really interested in seeing if they do shorted the take off and landing roll. That is what I am looking for.

-Levi

[senior]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

On VGs.
A fellow had his plane for sale last yr & when I looked at it, it had VGs, so I e-mailed him to get an opinion as I was thinking about adding a set to my bird.
Here is the reply I received.

Hi Randy,
I think that VG,s give the biggest bang for the buck, it's like having 10 more
hp. with lots of slow speed stability. Some airplanes don't show a great
difference in short field take offs and landings but we noticed
it on our BC12D, my son and I both weigh over 220 lbs. All 100 + of them have
stayed on. Power on stalls
are almost impossible she just hangs there no tendency to drop a wing.

Love them,
PS the stall speed gets to around 32-35 solo just like a prewar
Cub.
Bruce Bixler

[swoeric]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

our take off and landing distances are determined by speed....speed is determined by angle of attack......we are limited by our short landing gears in stock configuration....if you slow down that slow with power on you will tail strike every time.......they do come into play as a safety consideration....when we come in slow and gusty situations you will maintain aileron control....also slow and low you will gain safety there.......to step up to really short landings you can come in under power nose high and get bushwheels so you can push over hard just before tail hits ....the 8.50s are great for smoothing out pastures and floating you a bit better in mud and sand....



what are the chances 4inch gear legs would be noticed in a ramp check......they could even be antiqued

[Levi]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

Bush wheels and gear extensions and you would give cubdrivers a run for their money. I like it.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

I was thinking last night about the question on using a wing cover with VGs. My plane doesn't have VGs and I have a hangar so I never considered it before, but why not get some of those $1 "swimming pool noodles" (the floating foam tubes kids beat each other senseless with at the pool) and tie them together about 4" apart with a cord to hook them over and under the wing to the aileron hinges or trailing edge so they are on either side of the row of VGs? The cover could then be put on over the noodles and not push on the VGs.
Hank

[Levi]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

That might work, but I can barely get wing covers on by myself when the wind isn't blowing, I would never be able to get noodles to stay on top of the wing.

-Levi

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

I was thinking the noodles would be tied at each end so you could tie the cord to the aileron hinge and throw the loose end of the cord over the LE. You pull the cord around and set one noodle in front and the other in back of the VGs (the cords hold them the right distance from the TE to be an inch or so in front and back of the VGs. You now pull the loose end of the cord to the TE where you hook it again to the aileron hinge fitting. Should only take a couple of minutes a side more and when you pull the covers on you don't damage the VGs. An added advantage might be that the airfoil shape is spoiled a little, but I am not sure the increased camber wouldn't make that negligible.
I saw one set of wing covers that had pockets for noodles on top that stuck up like spoilers and the guy said they kept the wing from lifting in the wind. He just slipped them in from the open end after the covers were on. Didn't see the plane in high wind so I don't know how well it worked.
Hank

[waltermrich]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

I use those foam noodles, but i bought them at the local building supply store as pipe insulators to protect the wing ends from damage when i enter and exit my hangar, it has saved my wings many a time from a ding. Im sure they would be usefull the way you describe it.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

The black pipe insulators are great for trailing edges to keep from splitting your skull. If you forget to remove them they will blow off (SHAME ON YOU if that happens for the rotten pre-flight). We used to put them on the TE of Navy jets. We had to walk around them in the dark and if you think the TE of a Taylorcraft hurts you haven't lived (or DIED!) till you walk into the sharp TE on a jet! Even with the insulators it knocks you off your feet and lays you out, but at least you don't get blood on the plane.
With the tail up on my 41 the TE is right at eye level and I have walked into the TE quite a few times. Towels clipped to the TE works well too. Plus you always have one handy to wipe your hands.
Hank

[astjp2]

Re: New 8.50's on, Thinking about VG's.

I have them, I went from 46 knot stall to 42, the biggest difference was the feel at slow speeds. I did my testing at 2500' msl, square pattern with gps and airspeed checks. I had a friend that flew with them on one wing only, the wing without them stalled before the one that had them. You will rip the fabric off before the VG's pull off if you dope is in good shape.