I don't know what my prop pitch currently is. It was repitched from a 200hp ranger prop, or at least it had 200hp stamped on the face of the flange. They took three degrees out of it and said that they couldn't go any more. It ended up working real well. I'll look at the paper work and see if the pitch numbers are documented. I only have about 35 hours on an overhaul and the climb seems to be improving as things seat in a little better. As far as the brakes go, it seems to stop really well. I have never noticed it pulling to one side or the other but we have a lot of concrete and I don't get on them real hard unless I need to. I think the 37s and 38s were a little light in the tail anyway so I don't tempt fate unless necessary. The few times that I have stood on them pretty hard everything went straight down the runway.
Mark
'----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Casali
To: fairchildclub@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, October 04, 2006 12:11 PM
Subject: Re: [fairchildclub] props, brakes, tailwheel -- best setup for anupgrade on a Warner 145 powered Model 24
Mark, John,
Thanks for your comments.
John, I don't think I'll be needing your prop.
Mark, my 24G was seeing about 90 mph cruise at 1825 rpm using the 63"
pitch wood prop. Climbs great at sea level, but it's a dog at altitude.
Do you know what your Curtis Reed was pitched at?
I'm starting to think harder about aeromatic props. Consensus seems to
be that it is the optimal performance solution. Is Ken Traver actually
shipping anything? Does anyone out there run an aeromatic on their 145
Warner powered Fairchild?
Also, I appreciate your comments regarding the mechanical brakes. I do
enjoy the simplicity of them, but gotta get that grabbing out. I gather
you are able to stop in a straight line?
Dan Casali
Mark Lancaster wrote:
>
> Dan:
> I read your email with a bit of personal interest as I too have a 145
> powered 24.
>
> I am sorry to here about the accident. I am also glad to hear that
> your insurance is doing what you purchased it for.
>
> As far as the prop goes: I have a Curtiss Reed on mine. It has been
> shortened, probably due to damage, but it works great. I had it
> re-pitched by an outfit in MN and have been very pleased. Don't get me
> wrong. It's no racer. I had a fellow with a 165 Warner and an
> aeromatic prop fly up beside me at the last flyin I attended. He
> waved, and left me sitting there like a was standing still. I get
> 95-100 all day at 1800 and climb with enough gusto to put a sloth to
> sleep. Take off roll is short and initial climb is good but higher
> elevation climbs require patience or a high power setting (and patience!).
>
> I have a steerable tailwheel that really aids in ground handling and
> the original mechanical brakes....which I really like! The gentleman
> that I purchased the aircraft from told me not to let some yahoo talk
> me into getting rid of the mechanicals. After flying it for a while I
> would have to agree. No....I can't throw it over on it's nose just by
> grabbing too much brake. Yes...at run up and occasionally during some
> ground handling I have to apply a fair amount of pressure to get the
> job done but I really like them because I can FEEL them. No expander
> tubes(!!!!!). No leaking master cylinders. etc. I always (OK...
> usually) make the first turn off on our small pavement runway and it
> stops straight as a string. The previous owner told me the key to good
> operation was to keep them properly adjusted. You want maximum
> mechanical advantage at engagement meaning a 90 degree arm at brake
> contact. Adjust them up and try them again before installing brakes
> from some flying beer can.
>
> Good luck on the winter repair work and if you decide to part with
> those old mechanicals please give me a call. I am sure I will need
> spare parts at some point.
>
> Sincerely,
> Mark
>
--
Dan Casali
MacWizard
Box 1286 Ketchum, ID 83340
208.726.5120
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