pmaxpmax(at)hotmail.com Guest
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Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 3:01 am Post subject: Flying Report: Phil Maxson's 601XL/Corvair |
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Several of you have been asking about the flying qualities of my plane.
Here is a detailed report.
Let me say first, I love my plane. I wouldn't change anything about my
choice of kit, building order, engine, or finishing the plane in William
Wynne's hangar.
I have flown my plane for about 12 hours since it has been here in New
Jersey. It handles like a typical 601XL. It is very docile and easy to
learn to fly and land. Very simple to land. It takes some getting used to
if you are used to flying heavy planes (such as a 152/172/Cherokee).
Specs:
Kit: Standard Kit
Options: Lights
Engine: Corvair 2700 cc, Built in William's Hangar 2 years ago, Nitrided
Crank
Prop: Warp Drive, 2 Blade, 67 inch, set at 8.5 degrees
Empty Weight: 777 lbs
Performance:
Time on Airframe: 73 hours
Top Speed: 125 mph
Power off Stall Speed: Don't know - Registers below lower end airspeed
indicator (40 mph) and didn't check GPS
Max Sustainable Climb: 1200 fpm
Take off distance: Approximately 500 feet (pilot, full tanks)
Landing Distance: Approximately 300 feet
The XL is a very comfortable, easy cruising plane. It is more sensitive and
bumpy than heavier planes I've flown, but it is not too difficult for a low
time pilot to manage. Many pilots mention a heavy left wing, but my plane
doesn't seem to exhibit this. I burn the fuel in the left tank first to
keep things balanced, and also I put the landing light out on the right
wing. I don't know if that makes a difference.
I've had no problems with the engine or airframe. I don't have wheel pants,
step fairings, leg fairings, or any other enhancements. I suspect I can get
another 8 mph out of those things. Also, I could possibly change the pitch
of my prop. I don't want to do that, since I like having such good climb
performance at my short field (with obstacles).
I'll post more later.
Phil Maxson
601XL/Corvair
Northwest New Jersey
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