Cessna 400 Speed as Tested
There are three ways to fly a Cessna 400:
FAST Cruise Lean of Peak: 220 KTAS @ FL220
PFD - photos taken with cell phone camera.
MFD snapshot - Showing 31.6" Manifold Pressure, 2,450 RPM, 17.6 GPH
VERY FAST Cruise Rich of Peak: 227 KTAS @ FL220
and, VERY VERY FAST Full Power: 230 KTAS @ FL220
Flight Levels are Quickly in Reach
Because the 400 climbs twice the rate of climb of traditional high performance singles, it's nothing to jet up to the higher altitudes. Here at 121 KIAS (164 KTAS!) the Cessna 400 climbs through 18,000 ft, maintaining 1,250 FPM.
It's typical to see 1,500 to 1,800 FPM climb performance at lower altitudes.
Cruising at 14,000 feet, Rich of Peak:
209 KTAS @ 23.7 GPS. Well over 200 knots without going into the flight levels. Run lean of peak to save up to 7 gallons per hour and sacrifice only 10 knots of speed.
This is the MFD rich of peak cruise.
Lean of Peak Operation:
Imagine 17 gallons per hour, 190 to 210 knots true airspeed at chosen altitude, and 102 gallons of fuel! You could fly from the US to Europe in the Cessna 400 - no extra fuel tanks required. What's more, all this performance includes nearly 1,100 lbs useful load!
Not all G1000 software is the same. The Cessna 400 offers extra-detailed graphical engine leaning. It's more sophisticated than what's offered in other aircraft G1000 systems, including Mooney's Acclaim.
With the Cessna 400, it's permitted to exceed normal TIT temperature for the short time (less than 30 seconds) necessary to establish peak temperature and cool to the lean side of peak. The only drawback to smooth engine operation lean of peak is approximately 10 knots slower cruise speed. The benefits are MUCH greater range, lower operating cost, and cooler cylinder head temperatures resulting in longer engine life.
Trackbacks
-
12/16/2008 9:16 PM
Stephen T. Wilson wrote:
If you're considering a new Mooney. Call me. 888-310-8050. I have a 2007 for sale.
Hello
My name is Bill Day and i live in Houston. I'm 53 and working on my certificate at Sugar land Airport (KSGR) . I'm in the process of deciding on a airplane to buy and would like to ask for your viewpoint on the T206. I have both grown children and twin 11 yr olds at home (with wife) and a son at Baylor. One grown child is in Ft Worth, the other is at Port Arthur and of course the 20 yr old is in Waco. My wife and I have a place just east of Pensacola, Fl that we like to get to but its a tough drive---getting tickets takes a lot of planning.
My decision process has taken me all over the board and back. I basically started out thinking that a 206 was my best option----I've now been through about every make and model----and now I'm back to strongly considering it. My last iteration was focused on a Cirrus SR22 turbo and the Cessna 400. I like the speed, but its hard for me to imagine my wife climbing up on the wing or delivering a new bike to one of my 3 grandkids or taking my two daughers and my wife and any one of the others in our large family anywhere in one of those. Kind of like buying a porsche (which I did once) and you only have company once in a while.
The mission to Florida is about 445 NM and with five of us normal American's thats about 800 lbs without baggage. I curious how you fight plan for fuel burn and speed.
If you were flying from KSGR to KPNS how would you flight plan for it---with no wind?
Thanks for the help and any insight into your experience with the 206.
Best
Bill
Reply to this