I was lucky enough to race my Alon in every Copperstate Dash ever held> Seven times I went to the dance, and the best I ever did was Second place! (three times) In those seven years I learned a lot about aerodynamics as they apply to Aircoupes. Most important was an efficient propeller that converted Horsepower into the airspeed needed at the proper place in the power envelope. Second was gap filling, 100 mile an hour tape over the aileron hinges, and elevator hinges on top of the control surfaces. (Real 100 mile-an-hour tape. Scotch 440) Third was to lighten the load. Get rid of everything that isn't really necessary. Don't move around the cockpit unnecessarily after you have established equilibrium at altitude. change pitch with trim, and speed with vernier. Fifth, preplan your descent where you don't waste your energy by descending to rapidly and using up energy with excessive drag. and finally, keep your airplane clean, well waxed, and faithfully maintained. Wayne ----- Original Message ----- From: Percy To: [email protected] Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 10:11 AM Subject: [ercoupe-tech] Re: How to get the most out of your fuel
Dave Hirschman wrote: " Minimizing drag is the key to reducing fuel burn and extending range." Percy in NM, USA
