Is there a gross weight increase with the VG's?

Kevin:

I don't think the VG's officially change the gross weight limitation. There is no mention of it on the website http://microaero.com/CS_PDF/Cessna/337_CS.html .

They list changes to stall speeds, but not GW. I would think they would sell it up if they could.

Mark

They are compatible with the Horton... so... Ordered a kit. $100 off for Skymaster Owners And Pilots web site members.


Richard

$1850 total.

To VG or Not... to VG...
 

What is the approximate amount of time to install the VG's?
Guy, the old 72 driver....

A guy on our field installed his in about a day and a half. They come with a paper template that you lay out on the wing surface, with each VG location marked. The VG's just glue on. You can even order the VG's prepainted (I think it is an extra $100 charge), so there is no painting required. It is very simple and straight forward.

Mark

Just curious,
 

Has any one had a shop install them and if so, how much time is needed? guy, the old 72 driver....

I installed my own with inspections and sign off by my regular mechanic. The install took me approx 16 hours incuding set up and clean up plus I worked a little slower than normal to be sure of getting everything correct.

I think that a regular shop that was familiar with the procedure could do it in 12 to 14 hrs max.

The Micro-Aero kit is very complete with all materials needed and clear instructions. There is just a lot of prep and a lot of vanes to install.

Got them installed! Took two people 6 hours. Can't say if it's improved performance (haven't flown it yet), but sure looks sexy!!!

Richard

I AM SOLD!!! Every landing is smooth!!! I tried to screw it up today on purpose. Flared a little too early. Held the nose off to see when I could get it to stall. No such luck, landing is incredibly more easy than without.

Another thing I noticed is that it wants to fly alot earlier on takeoff. About 51-52 mph it wants to come off the runway.

Dreamy results.

Richard

Installed today, not flown yet. 6 hours start to finish including prep and cleanup; installed by myself and the mechanic.

I have to say that it was an EXCEPTIONALLY well designed kit...every single thing required to do the job in one small box. Templates, STC docs, detailed instructions, tape, thread, adhesive, string, measuring tape, etc...even a pencil.

Installed as per the book, no surprises and no guess work. Ikea could take a few pointers from Micro Aero. :)

Can't wait to fly it.

Feedback
 

Great feedback John - thanks. Look forward to hearing your post flight reports!

Hi Jeff,

Just realized I didn't follow up on this.

My experience mirrors what everyone else in this thread has had to say...that is, in a word, excellent. The slow flight and stall are VERY benign. The airplane is a joy to land...such accurate feel in pitch through the flare. The vast majority of my landings now are "grease it on" with the stall horn blaring and I usually make the first turn off.

I was bouncing around today in pretty bad chop (both convective and mechanical) down low shooting approaches and the right seater commented on what a stable instrument platform it is.

As far as cruise speed I don't think it's hurting me at all. Yesterday I departed CYSB at a takeoff weight of about 4000lbs. Field elevation of 1141' and Density Altitude of 2400'...warm, humid and gusty. I climbed to directly to 9550' MSL in 11 minutes flat. So that's 8400' of climb for an average of 765fpm...throttles to the stops and 2600rpm in the climb, leaning to maintain about 1275 degrees EGT and 375 degrees CHT. Cowl flaps closed (I spend A LOT of time on baffle seals) and holding about 115KIAS in the climb.

Once I leveled off I left the throttles forward for 20"MAP and props pulled back to 2400rpm. Still warm up there with a DA over 10000' and she settled in at 154KTAS on a total burn of 18 GPH.

On the other leg of that flight I was 162KTAS/6500'/20GPH.

I know that my rigging is a bit sloppy so there's a few knots left to go. :)

Cheers,

John

Great Flight Report
 

Brilliant! Thanks John, that is great feedback, appreciate it. I think you have convinced me.

Regards,
Jeff

took the plunge...
 

Ordered Microaero VGs today for my NA '77 G model. Will try to remember to post an installation report, and a post-installation flight report in the coming weeks.

Side note: Called an aerospace coatings company who insisted I can bring the paint codes from the log entry and sample inspection plates and they will make me matched aircraft-quality paint in rattle-cans (while you wait) so I can do the paint and clearcoat myself. The microaero site includes excellent painting instructions in the FAQs.


Update: Finished installation and ops check flight. Bottom line? Easy to do, makes a difference.

Update #2: Link to Cessnaowner.org article on VGs.

Good luck with the install.
I did myself last year on a saturday.
Not a bad install if you're handy.
They make a noticeable difference.
Would do it again for sure.

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