Phil Handley
I'm New Here
My mechanic and I have recently completed a very pretty RV-7A. It is also very, very, slow. The aircraft came in at 1,054 lbs., has a fuel injected Superior XP-360 driving a Hartzell constant speed prop. I ordered the LASAR ignition system which was installed by Eagle Engines in California, under sub-contract from Superior.
The aircraft's performance is dismal as compared to other RV's. On a standard day with one person on board, the climb rate is 1,100 ft/min where othere RV's are doing 2,100 ft/min. The top speed is only 180 mph. This aircraft is flying absoultely straight; nothing is dragging.
I suspect that the problem is in the LASAR ignition. During climb, even on a cool day, the CHT will quickly climb to 450 degrees F, at which time only increased speed, reduced power, and full rich will bring it down. We got no documentation on the LASAR from Eagle Engines... and when we called them about the performance and how the LASAR was set up, the mechanic didn't have a clue.
I ordered the special timing box for the LASAR from Van's and it should be here tomorrow. I have also downloaded the service letter from Unison. We will try to set the LASAR up as specified this weekend. Any suggestions and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil Handley
Midland, Texas
The aircraft's performance is dismal as compared to other RV's. On a standard day with one person on board, the climb rate is 1,100 ft/min where othere RV's are doing 2,100 ft/min. The top speed is only 180 mph. This aircraft is flying absoultely straight; nothing is dragging.
I suspect that the problem is in the LASAR ignition. During climb, even on a cool day, the CHT will quickly climb to 450 degrees F, at which time only increased speed, reduced power, and full rich will bring it down. We got no documentation on the LASAR from Eagle Engines... and when we called them about the performance and how the LASAR was set up, the mechanic didn't have a clue.
I ordered the special timing box for the LASAR from Van's and it should be here tomorrow. I have also downloaded the service letter from Unison. We will try to set the LASAR up as specified this weekend. Any suggestions and/or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Phil Handley
Midland, Texas