BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 09:54

My hangar neighbor just bought a Wipaire Boss 182 with the Lycoming -580 Conversion, plus a bunch of other really nice upgrades...

I flew it yesterday and it may be the most impressive airplane I have ever flown.....

It flies incredibly slow, and incredibly fast.... With Flaps 2 you can start to rotate at 30 kias and it will be in ground effect at 35, hit 40 before you can say wow, and claw skyward at 60 at the most ridiculous deck angle imaginable... All effortlessly...

And at 5500 feet at 24/2450 it was showing a TAS of 157 on the G-500....

I have long believed the -182 was the finest airplane Cessna ever built, (182 RG especially) but this conversion is the perfect example of "Great to Fantastic."

It retains all that is good about a -182, simplicity, ease of operation, forgiveness, load hauling, speed, cabin space, ease of entry and makes it a fantastic high speed family cruiser with incredible bush capability....

Wipaire has a home run here!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:00

I have a lowly O-520 (the PPonk) conversion on my 182 and that is already a hoot and a half. I can only imagine a 580...

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:08

What sort of fuel flow is needed to pull 157 TAS from a 182?

I guess if I have to ask, I probably can't afford it

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:14

There were a lot of things I liked about my 182 and can only imagine the airplane with more power and a better STOL. What exactly is a 580 engine? Is that a derivative of an IO540?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:21

Username Protected wrote:

What sort of fuel flow is needed to pull 157 TAS from a 182 on floats? FIFY

I guess if I have to ask, I probably can't afford it

Search AOPA article "Meet The New Boss" for their story
https://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All ... lot/f_boss

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:30

Yes, I think it is a stroked -540....

The engine is still new so I can't say what the fuel flow will settle in at, but if you do the math, goes something like this....

315hp *75% = 236 hp which is 236 hp (which is more that T/O power in a stock -182)

236 hp * .5# fuel/Hp/hr = 118 pounds/hr/6#/gal. = 19.6 GPH

You would still have a 4 hours range with 30 minute reserve, And LOP would improve that...

Or you could pull the power back to 12.5 GPH and go the same speed as a stock -182 but take off on half as much runway.....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 10:59

Is this with floats???

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 11:39

Username Protected wrote:

Is this with floats???

Not hardly, 155 KTAS with floats would be pretty amazing....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 12:38

What stol kit do they use or do they use wing extensions to get it slower?
I believe they can use a longer prop on floats but its too long for wheels?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 13:25

Username Protected wrote:

Is this with floats???

Not hardly, 155 KTAS with floats would be pretty amazing....

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 14:28

I'll likely end up back in a 182 when my money runs out. To me, to is a perfect bird. Simple, parts everywhere, no matter where you are a mechanic or knowledgeable owner that can get you back in the air and a stable instrument platform. Great for hamburger runs and decent enough for cross country. I am not aware of anyone ever pulling the wings or tail off a 182.

Finally, think of the safety of an off airport landing at those slow speeds. Literally, if you don't hit the side of a brick wall it's a walk away.

I like it! :thumbup:

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 19:11

My mechanic just installed a IO 550 in a stock C-182. Great performance!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 13 Dec 2015, 21:10

Russ, I was just gonna ask that if a 550 would be a better option than a new 580? Similar ponies but on a very proven design.
Doug, it sounds like that 182 is one heck of a performer curious what makes it stall so slow?? vgs, stall kit??

Heres a plane i seen here this summer and I'd think it would be a tough 182 performer also, its a 300HP King Katmai by Peterson. Didn't take very damn long to get off and he seemed to be afloat at about 30-35 also... I haven't googled this conversion to see what engine is in it yet, I'll go do that. I have to admit I like my 182 for just good ol' honest, haul anything you can stuff in them, tough, ol' proven plane.

Ah,haw, they use a 550 D http://katmai-kenai.com/aircraft/katmai.php
Edited: watch this video at 2:22 seconds way cool

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Dec 2015, 04:40

Username Protected wrote:

Russ, I was just gonna ask that if a 550 would be a better option than a new 580? Similar ponies but on a very proven design.

Texas Skyways offers an STC to install the IO550N in the post-restart 182. There are also STCs for the IO550 in the legacy 182 (requires a header tank and some structural work). Those mods are common on tricked out 182 floatplane conversions and raggedy looking jumpships.
Flew a IO550 equipped 182 once. A bit of a slingshot sensation

That one also had wingtip extensions that reduce the AOA in cruise and add useful load (in anticipation of an amphib kit). Iirc it did 155kts without wheelpants.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 15 Dec 2015, 09:09

The Katmai 182 is a real performer. Too bad the STC is only for older 182's. Late 70's & 80's with the continental engines.

Wipaire Boss 182!