BeechTalk - BT - PA-32 301 Saratoga FG performance

Username Protected · **Posted:** 28 Apr 2019, 21:36

When I was shopping for planes, I found that there were not many specific posts detailing the real world performance for fixed gear NA Saratogas--they are a bit of a unicorn that nobody tends to brag about--so here's a set from an EDM-930 if anyone cares...

Lycoming IO-540K1G5 engine, normally aspirated
Altitude 10,500'
OAT 42F
MP: 20.1" (WOT)
RPM: 2220
HP%: 55% (this is right in line with the book numbers)
EGT: 1300F +/- (100F ROP--I don't have GAMI's and it's rougher than I want LOP with the stock setup)
CHT: 335F +/-
Fuel flow: 13.4 GPH (book says 11.9--which would put it right at peak EGT)
TAS: 131 kts

It's not the fastest bird, but it ends up at about 10-12 mpg depending on wind. My Tacoma on the freeway gets 19 mpg, but I'm only going 70 and not 150mph.

I'm also finding that when I have nowhere to be quickly, I can fly it down low at 20" and 2200rpm leaned to about 10.5 gph and still be 50-100 ROP as book suggests. It's about 110 ktas at that setting.

Thanks to everybody here on BT. I've learned a great deal from you all in the last few months.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2019, 07:28

In a T Lance, I’ll get 145kts LOP TAS on 14gph at 10k. At 10gph, I better be descending or I will be very shortly.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 29 Apr 2019, 15:50

I would not agree that it is a unicorn plane by any stretch the imagination. There are usually only a couple of them for sale for good reason. People tend to keep them. They are great utility planes that are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain. I have had mine for 10 years. I typically cruise at 7 to 10,000 feet and shoot for 65% power. That usually yields right about 16 gallons per hour rich of peak, and I flight plan for 140 kn. Except on a very extended climb on a hot day, I never see any of my CHT’s go much above 345 or so, with the hottest in cruise typically being around 300. With a useful load of over 1400 pounds, it is an honest six place aircraft or four place with all the luggage you can stuff in.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Apr 2019, 12:21

Username Protected wrote:

I would not agree that it is a unicorn plane by any stretch the imagination. There are usually only a couple of them for sale for good reason. People tend to keep them. They are great utility planes that are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain. I have had mine for 10 years. I typically cruise at 7 to 10,000 feet and shoot for 65% power. That usually yields right about 16 gallons per hour rich of peak, and I flight plan for 140 kn. Except on a very extended climb on a hot day, I never see any of my CHT’s go much above 345 or so, with the hottest in cruise typically being around 300. With a useful load of over 1400 pounds, it is an honest six place aircraft or four place with all the luggage you can stuff in.

You should talk to GAMI about that fuel flow. You should be closer to 12gph. That’s about $20/hr savings.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Apr 2019, 12:35

Username Protected wrote:

I would not agree that it is a unicorn plane by any stretch the imagination. There are usually only a couple of them for sale for good reason. People tend to keep them. They are great utility planes that are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain. I have had mine for 10 years. I typically cruise at 7 to 10,000 feet and shoot for 65% power. That usually yields right about 16 gallons per hour rich of peak, and I flight plan for 140 kn. Except on a very extended climb on a hot day, I never see any of my CHT’s go much above 345 or so, with the hottest in cruise typically being around 300. With a useful load of over 1400 pounds, it is an honest six place aircraft or four place with all the luggage you can stuff in.

You should talk to GAMI about that fuel flow. You should be closer to 12gph. That’s about $20/hr savings.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 30 Apr 2019, 14:02

Username Protected wrote:

I would not agree that it is a unicorn plane by any stretch the imagination. There are usually only a couple of them for sale for good reason. People tend to keep them. They are great utility planes that are relatively simple and inexpensive to maintain. I have had mine for 10 years. I typically cruise at 7 to 10,000 feet and shoot for 65% power. That usually yields right about 16 gallons per hour rich of peak, and I flight plan for 140 kn. Except on a very extended climb on a hot day, I never see any of my CHT’s go much above 345 or so, with the hottest in cruise typically being around 300. With a useful load of over 1400 pounds, it is an honest six place aircraft or four place with all the luggage you can stuff in.

You should talk to GAMI about that fuel flow. You should be closer to 12gph. That’s about $20/hr savings.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 01 May 2019, 09:49

Our 1978 Cherokee Six (Fixed gear PA32-300) runs great LOP. 65% power, 12.5-12.8 gph with 145 TAS reliably. hottest CHT 300 lowest 285. Love the airplane. It can carry anything I can stuff in our mini-van or our extended Expedition. The cockpit and cabin are super comfortable. I'm actually surprised these aircraft aren't more popular. Also surprised they are no longer produced.