I'm based at KANK, Salida, CO (elev > 7500ft) and looking for options in a piston single. Budget allows 75k. As far as I can tell an M20 or Bonanza/Debonair have the best performance in high/hot, and even they are not that great. Am I forgetting any other planes? Thanks, Jason
High Density Altitude NA Singles
- Thread starter Skippyf16
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Let'sgoflying!
Touchdown! Greaser!
My Bellanca Viking has been a fine hi DA performer.
Just get all the hp you can find. (BV=300hp engine)
Just get all the hp you can find. (BV=300hp engine)
deyoung
Line Up and Wait
Cherokee-235/Dakota, Cherokee-6, C180/182. They aren't especially fast, but the extra HP makes a difference for high DA.
Clip4
Touchdown! Greaser!
T182RG
deyoung
Line Up and Wait
Oh right, Viking also -- great plane, if the small interior is okay for you.
NordicDave
En-Route
Look for C182's with a P.Ponk 265hp engine STC. But you can't have my twin turbo-normalized 182P. :7)
Seriously though, turbo normalized planes are terrific at high density altitudes. I enjoy taking off at max power at 9500' density altitude. (Sorry had to brag)
Seriously though, turbo normalized planes are terrific at high density altitudes. I enjoy taking off at max power at 9500' density altitude. (Sorry had to brag)
Let'sgoflying!
Touchdown! Greaser!
higher than the 150 I had, lower than the demanding mistress I have now
MauleSkinner
Touchdown! Greaser!
I can’t speak to the costs, but I’d suggest making sure you’ve got a mechanic who’s comfortable with wood structure before you commit to one.
Landing Fees
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Landing Fees
Stick with an R182. We go from KBJC to 20V over Rollins Pass. Climb out at 90knots, two pax, full fuel, cross the pass at 12,500 and back down over the ridge. Same thing on the way back though you have longer to get to altitude.
When you mention Bonanzas and Mooneys, you are talking about a certain mission profile, so it's hard to say what others would interest you. For example, the best normally aspirated single I flew for performance in high density altitude conditions was a HawkXP, but that's a whole different breed than a Bo or Mooney (which really isn't that great until you get into the higher performance ones like the Ovation).
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sarangan
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Andrew, CFI-I
Depends on your load and desired cruise altitude. I've flown a Cessna 150 at those altitudes in the summer. With one person it flies fine, but you still may have to search for thermals or updrafts.
ktup-flyer
En-Route
TN was an option on the fixed gear 182. I'd try to find one of those
Landing Fees
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Landing Fees
I was bored once in my 182, then I clubbed a baby seal and I felt better.
I prefer boredom much more than sheer terror.
NordicDave
En-Route
I'm very bored lifting off in my turbo 182P with 4 people, full fuel, and luggage at 8500' density altitude watching others having to wait until nightfall. Not!
G-Man
Cleared for Takeoff
Landing Fees wrote:
How did you get a baby seal into your 182? Or, are you just bragging about the easy-loading aspects of the Cessna's two doors?
How did you get a baby seal into your 182? Or, are you just bragging about the easy-loading aspects of the Cessna's two doors?
OkieFlyer
En-Route
Come on, G. You know if you can fit it through the door, the 182 will haul it. Baby seals are a snap. Remove the back seat(s) and you can stack clubbed baby seals to the ceiling. Great clubbed baby seal hauler!
steingar
Taxi to Parking
Something with a big engine or a little turbocharged one.
arnoha
Cleared for Takeoff
Cherokee Six is a terrible high altitude performer. 300 HP doesn't help the Hersey bar wing. I can't really comment on the other choices, as I don't have direct experience, but I do with the Cherokee Six. One of the places I've flown that aircraft is Reno, and it was a miserable performance. 300 fpm required balancing a knife edge. Even the take-off charts only go to 8000'. After that, no data. I would not recommend a 6/300 for high altitude. I would not recommend a 6/260 at all.