Looking at an Oviation

[Davidv]

1 hour ago, Jeff_S said:

The OP's buying target sounds like a nicely equipped Ovation...just like mine except I still have the S-TEC 55x A/P.

Regarding tires and brakes, that does sound like a pilot technique issue.  One question regarding brakes is whether or not the engine is set to idle correctly. I've heard tales of some engines that wouldn't idle well, so they were taxied and landed at too-high power settings and the brakes were used excessively.  That's something you can check out. Also, weirdly, big feet can play a role.  I have size 14s, and I find myself having to consciously keep my toes off the brakes while taxiing.  Who'd a thunk?

My real-world fuel use echos that shown above. I flight plan at 175 KTAS and 13.5 GPH, LOP.  That's about right between 8-10K'.  Lower than that I'll burn a bit more, higher than that a bit less.

But for kick-ass racing speed I burn 22 GPH down low and have seen 197 KTAS over a closed course at 1000' AGL.  Alas, I still got smoked by a Lancair IV with the same engine but clocking 225 KTAS over the circuit.  Now I frequently check the back pages of Trade-a-Plane...  

+1 for not idling correctly.  My plane didn't want to drop below 1000 rpm on landing until it was adjusted down to 700 at annual.  Makes a big difference in how much runway I chew up on landing...

[Mooney217RN]

On 2/29/2020 at 3:00 PM, N9405V said:

 

I’ve been looking to upgrade and I think I’ve found the Oviation that I like. Going through the logs it seems like the current owner has been replacing tires and brake pads on a very regular basis. Is this an airframe or operator issue?

 

Also, what are most Oviations seeing for real world fuel flows?

 

Thanks!

Wade

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I fly an Ovation 3 regularly.  It is heavier than other Mooney aircraft that you may be familiar with.  As such, you're going to go through brakes & tires quicker.  I had to replace brakes at around 300 hours and one tire at that time.  The prior owner of my O3 replaced the tires before I owned it.

Fuel flow - 16-17 gph in cruise, depending on altitude and OAT.  Want less, go higher.

[carusoam]

1) there is a ground speed... below, it makes braking easy... above, locking up the brake is really easy...

2) it is really easy to be on the brakes and not notice it...  even with size eleven feet...

3) There is a thread around here for flying shoes selection... 

Best regards,

-a-