FL200 with my Piper Turbo Arrow IV

It has been my dream to push my Piper Turbo Arrow IV to its maximum of 20000 ft. After a bit of preparation I did it on a flight from EDXQ (Rotenburg/Wümme, Germany) to EGKB (Biggin Hill, England). What should I say? It was absolutely no problem. My plane was climbing to FL200 in the same manner as it climbs to FL100. There was no reduction in performance whatsoever.

However, I have to say that my Arrow is equipped with pressurized magnetos, Merlin BlackMagic Wastegate Controller (to use the same power setting with low RPM all the way up to FL200), and GAMIinjectors (to use Lean-of-Peak).

I have the EDS O2D2 oxygen controller and did use a mask above FL180. On the way back I figured out that I could still use the cannula above FL180 (which makes com much less painful) if I use the "Fn" mode on the EDS. The "Fn" mode provides level oxygen +5000 ft. Works fine.

If you plan to go up to FL200 I highly recommend to use an oxymeter and continuously check your oxygen enrichment of your blood. You don't have much time if it goes below threshold. Keep that in mind.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• FL200
• Piper Turbo Arrow IV
• IFR
• EDXQ
• EGKB

[micahmx85]

What was your GS at that altitude?

[muelli]

@micahmx85 Ground speed includes wind. It is displayed on top of the speed strip left on the PFD. Important is TAS which was between 150 and 160 kts depending on lean mode.

[berndl]

Great clip , would be even better with some more gentle camera movement and longer rest on some instruments, but still great.

I understand you do climbs with RoP and cruise sometimes RoP and sometimes LoP (depending on preference of speed or fuel flow).

What autopilot do you use?

Is there room for any improvements in this Arrow? I don't think so!

[muelli]

@berndl The A/P is a STec 55. Flipping between ROP and LOP was just to demo the different settings and to show the outcomes just for this clip. I usually fly LOP with 65%. The plane is currently in Straubing where a new TurboPlus intercooler and an EDM 830 is being installed. But you're right. That's it with improvements for now (what you don't see: it has also all the LoPresti speed mods!). ;-)

[berndl]

@muelli: Great Arrow, hard to beat! You even have the new cowling from LoPrestI (youtube.com/watch?v=RPQxZmohG­io) ?

Suppose, your engine is the Continental TSIO-360-FB1B6 cylinder?

[muelli]

@berndl Not the cowling but the speed mods. The cowling does not have an EASA STC. And yes, that's the engine.

[n2091m]

Sweet panel!  I wish mine had all that in it

[DiamondPilotDan]

this video is amazing and very well done!! i love it!:) I'd love to see more like it

[SJP1504]

Actually you're not allowed to film, flying over holland... But what a great vid!! Miss the Turbo Arrow! especially when making a t&g to feel the kick of the turbo :)

[proagmex]

Excelente capitán! Saludos de México.