Hi Altitude Performance Report (winter)

[Ed Cesnalis]

I did my last 100 winter flights cruising at 13,000' approximately.

With a wide open throttle and a flattish pitch on my prop I averaged 125kts true airspeed.  I'm not flat enough to cruise above 5,350 at this altitude so there is another knot or two available.

I've had zero issues this last year. I did lose power momentarily after a prolonged period of slipping to keep my wing up and out of the photo shoot.

I do usually fly under max gross. 

[FlyingMonkey]

Great performance.  Very close to the TAS I see at lower altitudes (I usually see about 127kt in 5300-5400rpm cruise).  And you have Tundra gear too, correct?  I think your airplane must be setup up very close to optimally.

[Ed Cesnalis]

5,500RPM @ WOT is best continuous permissible speed.  I have always targeted that and have always had a fast CT.

Temps as low as -20F sure helped.

[JLang]

1 hour ago, Ed Cesnalis said:

I did my last 100 winter flights cruising at 13,000' approximately.

Wait, what?  My brain is jarred by that statement, on several levels.  The implication is that you've had more than 100 flights this past winter (you are only commenting on the "last 100").  Here in almost-always overcast, windy, generally crappy Michigan, that's inconceivable.  On top of that, you fly around some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and have the photographic skill to document it.

 

I think I need a hug...

[Ed Cesnalis]

Some of my flights are as short as 40 minutes.  I was out 3+ times a week since October.

The best flying in the world is in the Sierra Nevada in the winter time.