New owner of 1966 7GCAA !

A

aeroking

New member
Hello everyone, I finally decided to upgrade airplanes after 900 hours in my T-Craft. I just purchased a 1966 7GCAA, low engine time, recovered in 1992 and kept inside ever since. What a blast to fly. I'm having a little trouble transitioning to the heavier stick forces, rapid climb rate, speed and the oleo gear but that is to be expected. I had about 12 hours in a super decathalon years ago and it is all starting to come back to me. The wing spar AD bothered me a bit but my very very thorough mechanic put my concerns at bay. Anything else any of you think I need to know would be appreciated.

Questions, what approach speed and engine rpm's do you use as you trasition abeam the numbers in a 7GCAA? Thanks

Greg
8320V

Oh, and I got a really nice 46 Taylorcraft BC 12D if anyone is interested. (sport pilot eligible)
 
Greg:

One of the machines I learned to fly in was a GCAA, but with the later spring gear. No fun to wheel land! Compared to the ECA I also used, she sure did climb, though. Other than that, they were the same. I think it was a 1970 model, or maybe a '72.

I usually entered the pattern at around 70-75 (mph, not knots), and something like 2000 rpm (or whatever it takes to hold altitude at that speed), gradually slowing down, so that on final, I was around 60. Wheelies were done at about 10 mph faster, to flatten the glide. Of course, at busy fields, you'll be cursed mightily for stacking up the patern... You're used to that, having the T-cart, though.

I had a young - but *very* good - instructor (Chris Napier; he's in Minnesota) who practically insisted upon power-off approaches, once the turn to final was made. Wheel landings were done at around 1500 rpm. When I got my seaplane rating, glassy water landings were also done at 1500 rpm, but the (90 hp) Champ was at 55 mph in this configuration. I still tend to make power-off approaches, except when it's really cold.

Jon
 
Jon, Thanks for the reply, I think I got it figured out. It was a great flying day today and with the smooth air it was nice to get the "feel" of the airplane. I had a youg "very good" flight instructor also, SHE was excellent. I don't tink it would be quite the same sitting tandem as it was side by side....... :wink:

Greg
8320V
 
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