"john smith" wrote in message
...
Another thing to be careful with on Pipers

The top latch can have excessive vertical play.
It is possible for the top latch (on the door) to ride up over the top
of the catch (on the fuselage). After you takeoff, the top of the door
will pop out. The main latch on the side will hold, but it will be a
noisy, windy ride. Do not attempt to close in flight. Land, pull off
onto the taxiway, reduce throttle to minimum, then relatch.
With the door open a couple of inches, it may be necessary to gently
pull the top latch down with a finger so that it will correctly engage
the catch.

Thanks gentlemen. Now I can at least sound like I know what I'm doing.

I'll watch the latch. Thanks for the glide speed, that is always nice to
know.

An airplane this size is, of course, designed to carry a load and we'll have
it empty. Seems a waste. Maybe I should invite some "Ballast" to ride along.
If that doesn't work, I'll use lot's of trim. I'm guessing that the aux
tanks won't be full, as it leaves more loading options, and with a 106nm
flight we probably won't have a range/endurance problem.

Al G.