Stu,

I'll immediately grant that I'm not an expert here, but your statements
got me to thinking. Since today's radios, starters, alternators, and myriad
other items are less heavy than they were 40 or 50 years ago, many aircraft
might actually be lighter than when they rolled out the factory door. Many
mods done over the years actually improved factory performance by cleaning
up air leaks with gap seals and such. Engine age is certainly a factor that
will decrease performance over the years, but that can often be remedied
with tops and majors as time goes on. The airframe is another issue that
probably takes constant attention to keep the ailerons, flaps, door seal,
and gear doors from hanging out in the windstream, but I've known a few
pilot/mechanics who really paid attention to these details.

My question, after taking all of this into account, is couldn't some
aircraft be faster today than they actually were coming off the factory
floor 40 or 50 years ago? I grant you there won't be many, but I suspect
many owners really do put this much effort into maintaining their bird. Of
course those are the ones that are never for sale...

--
Jim Carter
Seen on a bumper sticker:
If you can read this, thank a teacher
If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.


"Stu Gotts" wrote in message
...
What's listed in books and what you can actually get are often two
different things, even when the aircraft is new. Now add 40 years of
mods, interior changes, repairs, etc. and you start off with more
weight than the factory model. Add wear and tear to the airframe and
control surfaces, along with the engine and you do not get an airplane
that will fly as good as a new plane. Plus, you should consider what
the aircraft will consistently do in smooth air, not a speed that it
can get up to for a while or what someone will use while flight
planning.