Around the pattern 2

Flying around the pattern in a '52 Beech Bonanza at Watsonville CA.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Flying
• Bonanza
• landing
• aviation
• airplane
• N1844D

[denrainwater]

Thanks for all the detail in outlining what you're doing, and what switches are for what. So informative! I am a guy who DREAMS of owning a V-tail one day. Too many other responsibilities right now, but one day... In the meantime, I assuage my thirst for flight with FSX (currently about 1600 hrs and over 2800 ldgs...) -- mostly in either an F33A or V35B. I noticed you adjust the RPM quickly upon takeoff -- what RPM do you use for climbout? How high before you start adjusting mixture? THX!!!

[fly44d]

@denrainwater The old E225 engine in this plane has a 5 minute limit at redline RPM. I use less simply because I have to make it last and it is quieter for the neighborhood to drop to 2300 which is max continuous. Climbout is full throttle, 2300, full rich, 140 mph, 250fpm cowl flaps closed. That keeps the engine cool. Otherwise the #2 or #4 cylinders will overheat. I don't usually touch the mixture until I get to cruise altitude which is usually only 5 or 6 thousand feet. Keep the dream!

[denrainwater]

@fly44d Thanks again! Now I understand the RPM dump... Does full rich mixture up to 5 or 6 K cost you in power as you ascend? In simulator, I need to start leaning around 3K or I'll notice a little drop-off in power -- wondering if that's a realistic effect... Also, you climb with cowl flaps CLOSED?? I understand your shallow climb angle and higher speed -- but it just flies in the face of such a fundamental principle I thought I KNEW to climb with cowl closed... Thanks for informing me! :-)

[fly44d]

@denrainwater It does cost some power not to lean as you climb, but it is more important to keep the cylinder heads cool. Even if you lean as you climb, the manifold pressure will start to drop at some point, that is a function of density altitude. The cowl flaps make a lot of drag, I can't climb with them open at 140 mph. At 140, unless it is really hot outside, its cool enough. 440degF is the max continuous temp. They are open from start to after gear up. I only have 225hp at takeoff.

[mav9000]

Nice. My first time up in a Beech was this video. I used to know a guy who flew P-38 Lightnings in WW2. He was later the local sales rep for Beechcraft. I took care of his horses one time while he was away on vacation. I would not accept pay for it so he offered a plane ride. That was in a Cessna 150 Commuter.

[fly44d]

@mav9000 I hope you get to go up in a Bonanza for real someday. If you're in the Watsonville area some weekend send me a note here and see if it is still airworthy... annual inspection is coming up next month. :-(

[therabbit0]

This has an E225 I see. I flew a Navion that had the same engine. Love the classics!

[19211926]

That's awesome. If you ever get to San Diego let me know and I'll buy your fuel for a flight.

kb3skm. Yes I do. I have 12 more years flying for a living and that should be about another 10,000 when I retire. It's be great.

[KB3SKM]

@19211926 Wow do you really have 25,000 hours?

[fly44d]

@19211926 You're welcome. This plane is a pleasure to fly. This plane was my Grandfather's from 62 to 2005 when I bought it. He'd throw the yoke over to me also and tell me to hold a heading and attitude since I couldn't really see over the panel at first. He turned 100 this year and I can still get him in the front seat for a ride.