Cruise Performance

[cessna02337]

I have a 1967 O-2A...at 1000 FT AGL, I reduce power to 25/25...take a pause, then "Gear Up and Flaps Up."

I cruise all day long top of the green (24 inches) SFC-5500 ft.....at higher altitudes above that, I have the power full forward to give me whatever it can provide within the limits of the Green range and 2400 on the Prop RPM.

I utilize a Shadin Air Data Digital fuel flow of 11.5 Gallons per hour, normal indicated airspeed around 135 - 145 knots (lots of drag with the O-2A), especially with the wing pods! As previous post indicates, ground speed is subjected to winds and direction of flight....Tom

[Tom]

I might be able to go non stop, but typicaly I don't. I have the long range tanks (46 +18 per side). Old pilots and bold pilots... and the fuel is generally cheaper in TN and AL. I probably use 100gal for a 650nm flight. I fly light also, maybe 50 lb of baggage and only the front two seats installed. I try to load for a slightly aft CG also.

Thanks for the info. Glad I found this site.
T

[John Hoffman]

I have a 1973 NA plane and usually fly 23x23 as high as I can, I expect to see 145K and burn a little less than 20gph. Since you are burning the fuel you must be making good power so my guess is somethings draging your speed down. I had some reriging done years ago after I bought the plane and believe it helped the speed. You might have someone take a closer look at the airframe for rig.

[Skymaster337B]

Do you keep your cowl flaps open after reaching cruise?

[tropical]

I have a 74 "G" and at 6000' running 23/2300 and 10gph/engine I average 155 to 160 KTS TAS.

[Tom]

Yes, cowl flaps are closed, gear up and wing flaps retracted

[edasmus]

I second "tropical." My 73G model (no turbo) does the same. I run 2300 RPM and whatever manifold pressure I can get depending on altitude. If I am low however, I will usually not run much more than 24 inches.