Cheaper tows?

On Tue, 16 Oct 2018 13:13:58 -0700, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot)
wrote:

To sorta answer this, there is an ongoing push by AOPA and other groups
along with the FAA (in the US) for a suitable unleaded fuel for use in
the older "leaded fuel" engines.
I know we added a supplement to our low lead fuel for our towplanes.
Don't remember the name of it.

Slightly off topic, but how do you guys like this engine conversion?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loy2n8s_l00

The airframe is interesting: it was developed in California as a low-cost
counter-insurgency aircraft, but never caught on. The design was bought
by a NZ outfit and redeveloped as an agricultural plane in, I think, the
early '60s. It originally had 250hp, but was rapidly upgraded to a 400hp
Continental flat 6. Now they either have a 750 shp turbine or, line this
one a big block truck V8. I don't know if its burning petrol or diesel.

You see one or two 750hp turbine derivatives (the PAC750 bush plane)over
here in the hands of jump clubs. They like them because the carry a lot
of jumpers at a time and can manage 2500 fpm descent rates, so the turn-
round time is good.

Back on topic: I've not heard of them being used as tow planes, but I
reckon they'd be a match for the big turbine Zlins at that game.

Anyway, enjoy the video and its V8 sound track !


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Martin | martin at
Gregorie | gregorie dot org