Test flight today.

AC system took a nice charge. Ambient of 98dF resulted in air from the vents at 67dF. I'll take it. The system is typical for an aircraft (a little under volume), but it about matches the 421 performance. The Baron had volume to spare.

The #6 CHT issues turned out to be instrumentation only. These engines now run cool across the board in climb and cruise and allow for closed cowl flaps. The #3 CHTs are the hottest and in high power LOP ops with cowl flaps closed they run right around 400dF with a HOT oat.

I climbed LOP from 9,000 to 13,500 at 500 fpm on 16 gph/side indicating about 120kias. This plane climbs very nicely. ROP climbs are 1,000fpm plus all the way up at 135 kias.

The windshield appears to be heating....if only I could find some really cold air to verify for sure.

We added a noise filter to the AC compressor drive motor. It suppressed the whine in the passenger headsets.

I tested a long range cruise setting. 174ktas on 14.1gph/side at 12,000'. The engines were purring at 30/2200 with cool temps and cowl flaps closed.

I may be misinterpreting your posts, but it sounds to me like you are having a blast with your new toy! Ahem, work productivity enhancer.....

:D

The sooner she's mechanically perfect, the sooner she can take me to work! With a smile on my face the whole way...

This weekend's project....

Full polish and polymer coating. I use Flightshield's product. I've used it on 3 planes and the polymer coating is worth the cost. It eliminate's scratches and provides UV protection. It also gives it the wet look. This is a job that should be hired out imo.

Polymer should be done by tomorrow. These pics are before the Polymer. She will be up to standards soon!

I'm looking forward to the end of monsoon season. That fine dust wreaks havoc on a shiny floor!

You way cleaner than most Jesse.

I'd like to learn about Polymer coating. What's it cost for a King Air/Pilatus and does that allow you some leeway to leave it out in the open, for example when travelling?

Initial Gami tests.

It looks like the left engine is about perfect with the exception of the #1. Interesting that the #1 on the right engine would be a perfect match if it performed the same in the other engine. Hmmmm.

The right needs some love with the #4 way out of line. The engines are so close otherwise that I will do some investigating on the outliers before I do any swapping.

Amazingly, these engines run smoothly at 13.5 GPH at this power setting which is 4gph LOP! Wow.

LOP mag checks while very LOP were smooth and perfect. These are great motors.

Today's project...blows 53dF air with 96dF ambient. After 45 minutes the cabin temp was reduced 20 degrees and cold soaked. Coupled with my Switchbox, this is a nice addition to the hangar.

Load bags and people while they sit in AC - then disconnect, pull plane, and go!

Seems to me I've seen that setup before. could it be a chip off the old block?

How's everything else going Jess? Good I hope !

Ed

This is the product I use. It works very well and provides long lasting protection.

www.flightshield.com

Jesse,

I told you you would love the bird.
Flew mine to New Orleans last week to visit my son at school..... Climbed to 11k and thought I'd try the pulse oximeter... Read 84%. Explains why I get headaches. Dr friend of mine said that anything below 88% they order oxygen for their patients. On ground it is 99%. Noticed it seems to go down 1% for each 1,000 feet.

Other thing is I once pushed her back into the hangar without fueling..... Sits even higher without all that weight in the tanks.... Yup, knocked off the tail beacon on the top of the hangar!

Mine is the 2 blade props since I have the TIO540A1A. You have to get the winglets. Makes the bird look so much sexier.

Enjoy

Remy

What is that hoist looking thing in your hangar?

Its a lift. My Bonanza used to be up there above my Baron....it sure would look nice with an RV7 on it. Here it was above my 421.

http://armaerospace.com/wp-content/uplo ... hnson.jpeg

Its a lift. My Bonanza used to be up there above my Baron....it sure would look nice with an RV7 on it. Here it was above my 421.

http://armaerospace.com/wp-content/uplo ... hnson.jpeg

The lift weighs more than the plane. Its extremely beefy. I suppose if there was real concern you could strap on tie downs.

I have many hours in Navajo's many years ago - Great airplane, very comfortable - a solid IFR platform and an overall great flyer.

Just be mindful of the payload and above all else respect the blue line.

Looks like you got a great airplane.

Ron