On Saturday, November 16, 2019 at 2:51:21 PM UTC-8, Tango Whisky wrote:
With all these modifications, he will probably push best L/D from 44 to 44.5, plus he will be a test pilot for the reasons you cite.

And after the first contest he will have learned that it's not max L/D which matters, but L/D's at 90 ot 130 kts. At these speeds, a Kestrel basically falls out of the sky, regardless of any lipstick. Especially if the span has been increased.

My advice would be to sell this ship, and get one he'll fit in without making changes. ASW20 would be a good start, or Open Cirrus. Both are less, or significantly less, than 30k.

Have you really looked at the Kestrel performance? Friend, the handicap is currently set at .88... Quarter million dollar ships in same class beat out the Kestrel by fractions (New Discuss .85)... The Kestrel is quite comfortable running at 150kts and walks away from most planes.

FYI, Kestrels VNE is 250kts..

The biggest problem I have is being 279 pounds, and seven foot tall... Any bird I look at will take modifications.

I am not being crazy with mods, just making sure the plane performs to published L/D. If you did read above--all things are being professionally done to the aircraft, including calcs... If I show up on the National scene with a 50 year old glass ship--lots of folks are going to have egg on their face.

I do believe you have underestimated this fine old aircraft. All fixits to the plane are capped at thirty, and the trailer needs six, and cost me 17 to purchase.

Have a little faith in a fellow poor guy, I will make you proud this coming year. This 50 year old bird may not come in first, but she sure will be respectable in national standings. I just cannot afford a quarter of a million dollars and will be happy to place third, fourth, or fifth...