Re: French Lick Insights
Well, I’ll try again from the puter via wifi from our Camp Camellia Tree Farm:
After getting gassed out by diesel fumes in front of French Lick, we finally got the FL suburban to the airport @ noon. Two Commanders left besides our N112HT: Birdstrike Bills and Scott’s. Was a Sad sight not to have ALL of our Commanders together still there. We had lunch with Bill Kimmell . FRH airport Mgr. Did you know that Bill’s son went to the Naval Academy, Flew F18’s and is now a CO of a Frigate?
With the discount, made sense to ‘top off’ and try ‘FRH-HWY Direct’ (3.5-4 hrs?) by minimizing my fluid intake. As we were wrapping up, Bill and Barbara arrived and Camellia/I shared our final smiles and hugs. As has been said, What a superb job Bill, Mike and the team did. Both Greg & Glenn’s insights and perspectives (again) always most refreshing and welcome updates!
So we took off about 1:15-ish. Started at 5500 as the overcast was not a factor, but the southerly winds were picking up. By the time we crossed SW of Cincinatti Class B, it was getting bumpy. So I went to 7500. Was smooth enough, but every once in a while, I was being blown off course (or was it fighting 'precession of the DG' also a factor??. The GPS showed the wiggling course. Just as we entered the ‘concerning leg’ (N of Charlestown to Elkins and over the mts; BAM, a wing schear that knocked Camellia’s Ifly 720 GPS off its suction mount. Would not reboot. Glad I bought two. Then I realized the SD card had popped out. All well by BOGGS (USW). Good news was I was leaned out at 1625 ( cyl 2 and 3 would reach peak above that) but I was burning 10.4 to 10.6 gph at 7500ft. Much better than the 12.2 at 5500. Speeds varied from 139 to 154 knots, but once I approached Elkins and to get over the Cu’s over the ridges, (started a climb to 9500) I was amazed. I saw 164kts at the same 32”MP and 2400 rpm and 1625 EGT readings. Turns out we didn’t have to go to 9500, topped out about 9.1 and then began a slow descent (camellia’s ears) at 250rpm once past Elkins ‘Brown’ and crossed the Shenandoahs at 7.8. Watching EGT’s had a readout of 166 kts. Continued our descent E and looped over the tree farm at 1600; 8NM SE HWY) & set up for the landing.
Lonnie- a BIG BUG wacked /splattered on my windscreen at 7400 just east of the Shenandoahs and downwind in the pattern a HAWK almost got me, Actually banked hard left to avoid him. So we landed about 4:30; the EI R1 said 3.15 hr and the Tfly GPS said 3.13 hr. I burned 38.1 gal; 29.9 remaining and Frank hit it on the nose- about a 10 kt tailwind ; as we averaged 169.67mph for the trip.
Vince, I seemed to have less problems with the friction locks coming home. I tightened the mixture side a little more gently , and used the Pilot side as my main. Was able to keep the rpms with 30RPM and the constant speed governor was doing its thing, and the MP never varied more than 0.4 from my 32” setting. Very [pleased with the fuel burn, and both out and back used 5/8 qt of oil. Engine has about 20 hrs on it now. Maybe rings not quite ‘seated’???
Camellia also enjoyed the entire event and meeting the LOCO’s. Sorry guys if your wives will now be asking for pure Silver (not aircraft aluminum) COMMANDER earrings and necklace set (which I had made for Camellia 21 years ago). A little enticement didn’t hurt years ago.
We are looking forward to the Texas/ Fredericksburg trip and event next year as we missed the last one. Of course have an ‘enhanced’ list of “Wanna Do’s”!
Wonderful seeing everyone, Glad I had a ‘spare’ that helped Radu, sorry Scott didn’t have what you need, but we did ‘keep an eye on’ the Green Machine as we departed. And I will tell Sid that I did NOT get a glare from your panel.
I think this was a better event that I enjoyed at the Cape ; certainly the coming/going weather arranged by Bill and the team was! Again- THANKS from Both of US TO ALL INVOLVED IN PLANNING/ IMPLEMENTING this FL /FRH Fly-in!
Sherman/ Camellia