Speeds for 7GCAA

L

Lancelot

New member
Hi all we've just recently purchased a 1965 citabria 7GCAA serial number31 ex USA now located in South Africa. The aircraft has been completly restored and rebuilt,into pristine condtion I even have the original 1965 warranty that was supplied with the aircraft when she was new.

To all those who've done some time in this type of aircraft(150hp) i wonder if you could give me a few guide lines
1.the approach speed in MPH
2.block speed used on x-countrys
3.avg fuel burn per hour US gal

my thinking tells me that if stall speed is 51MPH(as per manual) that 1.3 times Vso would be good numbers to be aiming for.
All info would be greatfully appreciated.
regards Lance and Brad
 
Lance & Brad:

I learned to fly in a GCAA. Here's what I've used for numbers:

Approach into the pattern is around 75-80, slowing to 70 on base and 60-65 for final.

Cruise speed is really dependant upon which propeller you have and how much gas you'd like to send out the exhaust pipes. You should be somewhere in the 105-115 mph range. You'll probably get more with a coarse cruise prop and wheel pants; less with a climb prop and bare tires.

For an average fuel burn, a close "rule of thumb" is to divide your horsepower by 20 to get your gallons per hour. Then adjust for how hard you're running. An O-320 should be around 8 gph in a decent (65%) cruise, and up to 10-11 if you're in a hurry. You can get it down to 6 gph if you wish. The book will list max range numbers if you can find one. Max range is probably down around 55% power and 85 mph IAS. It will also bust your bladder! From memory, it's around 7+ hours and 600 miles.


Jon B.
 
john thankyou very much am busy doing conversion at the moment and these numbers seem to be working very well.
Regards Lance and Brad
 
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