free speed

[amillet]

A client, Larry Sweetser, asked me if I wanted to treat my '97 MSE with Xzilon.  Larry used to work for Granitize, the manufacturer of that product, and still does consulting for that Company.  I took him up on the offer and Friday I pre-cleaned the aircraft with Aerolube XG5-G cleaner which he supplied. Saturday morning we treated the aircraft;  first going over it with Aeromitts and Aerolube (dry wash lubricant); then three coats of Granitize X20-15 (Xzilon-a "molecular adhesion aircraft exterior protector").  We only treated the upper wing and fuselage surfaces, leaving the bottom for next weekend.  The treated surfaces were noticeably much smoother to the touch.  Today I took a 450 NM trip.  My TAS was at  4 knots faster than before the treatment.  Larry had told me that testing done at the University of Texas showed 3% increase in TAS on the Globe Swift they used as a test aircraft.  Anyway, I'm sold on its effectiveness.  If you want to contact Larry you can reach him at (360) 515-6878 (Torch II Aviation LLC).  I have no financial interest in this product.  Just impressed with the results.  Alan Millet N1084L Sequim, WA.

[carusoam]

Alan,

You know the Mooney crowd and speed....

[amillet]

11000 2600 rpm full power TAS indicated on ASI 160-163 kts. Before treatment I would indicate 155-158 kts.

Return was at 8500 2500 rpm full power. IAS 161-165 it's. Again 4-5 it's better than before

[ArtVandelay]

As a baseline, we need to test using old fashion Turtle wax.

[ryoder]

I use Meguiars cleaner wax on mine applied with a porter cable and have been meaning to get something thicker for the wings that will survive washes. I wash mine with a microfiber and Meguiars instant detail spray, never used a bucket. I like the smooth feel and I think the boundary layer does too.

[FloridaMan]

[Dale Logsdon]

Its not really free speed if you figure your time spent polishing every few months.

 

An airplane is for allowing you to accomplsh things faster and thus giving you more free time not using up what free time you have.... or to have fun.

[Houman]

How much did the product cost and do you really need someone professional to do the job ?

[Aerodon]

OK, here's some more 'unbiased' data:

 

http://www.cafefoundation.org/v2/pdf_cafe_reports/Wax%20Job%20with%20PICT.pdf

 

 

2.82 MPH in a Mooney 201 using Turtle Wax 'Vision'

 

Don

[Danb]

Don I use Meguiars and believe when done I pick up a couple knots also.. I do it about 2-3 times per yr....and use the detail on the leading edges about at least once a month..

[Marauder]

I went another direction with all of this. I lost 82 pounds

[PTK]

I gained 3-4 knots easy it seems after painting it!

 

Next annual I'm going to have Larry at Weber rig the gear doors to close flush. One is slightly open, about a half inch.  That's got to be worth another 3 or 4 knots.

[M20F]

Each spring I do Dawn to strip followed by wash then clay bar and then Collonite 485 which is pretty much hands down the best wax you can buy. I pick up 2-4 knots (some of that is probably just measurement error or temps) for a flight or two and then it goes back to normal. I generally make it to about July till I get too lazy to pledge the bugs off and then I lose a couple knots :-)

[garysuperpilot]

Wow! A speed mod I can afford. 

[Tommy]

It's not free!

 

The title is misleading!

 

And initially I thought someone's account was hacked by Russian drug cartel giving away free meth...

 

Oh, the disappointment...