Some time last year there was an interior shop from somewhere in South America posting pictures that kept me awake for days. They wrapped every plastic part in leather IIRC, window surrounds, overhead panel, It looked stunning. The extra weight should not be an issue in that plane. If you plan to keep this puppy for a while........

Rick who? Where?

I saw a few yesterday up at Salmon Idaho. They looked pretty rough, real beaters but flying. I'm guessing short haul cargo. Looks to be a very stout airframe that will take a beating. Probably more space than an average family dude needs, but perfect for you and Penman!

New receiver dryer today. Sucked down the AC system and charged it with good old R12.

93dF ambient....61dF at the vents with the doors open.


Still amazed at the access. Piper obviously had line serviceability in mind when they designed this bus.

cool Bird! I bet that thing could tell some interesting stories....

Rick who? Where?

Initial test flights done.

First impression: power to spare on the runway - puts you in the seat. 160 gallons plus three guys with 110dF OAT gave us 1,700fpm initial at 130kias.

She runs very smoothly LOP, but I have one cylinder that has a baffle issue and is running hotter than I'd like. I'm sure I have a wide Gami spread, but its undetectable in cruise. It was a hot bumpy afternoon, but the plane skipped along like a champ.

Above the bumps, the engines and props are smooth as glass - like riding in a car. Noise level in the cabin was 80dB on my phone. I was able to climb 400fpm LOP at 120 indicated through 13,500' (where I leveled off).

With a large spread, efficiency is diminished. Even so, at 13,500 she gave 188ktas on 15.9/side. I thought that was pretty great for a big bird down low.

The cowl flaps are hugely effective - almost instant reduction in CHTs. They are electric and create significant drag when fully open.

The controls are stiff, but very responsive. The plane can be flown aggressively and stays with you. Easy to fly and land. Short field will be a breeze. Flare and touch down are intuitive (other than an odd combo of stiff controls with high sensitivity - potential to over control is high initially).

More later...

I dont recomend it but this airplane can be flown seriouly overgross

What app do you use on your iPhone for sound testing?

DB Meter Pro

Roomy up front

Congrats.

There is a reason so many of them are still flying around.

Flew to Stockton this morning at 14,500.

Phoenix to Stockton 3:05 hrs/105 gallons

Climbed LOP and Cruised at 35/2300 15.9/side

At 185ktas that is a total of 7 gallons per hour more than the Baron

Stockton, investing in Kalifornia now?? What is that photo?

Nope don't believe it! That Baron is way more efficient than that.

At least that's what I have to tell myself.