courierguy wrote:You have VG's on that S7-S Mark?? If not, I'd strongly recommend it, as solid as the slow speed performance is stock, it is even better with vg's. I have the specs on where to locate them, and can send that info to you, I worked with MicroAerodynamics on their first S-7 installation, my old short tail. I am routinely landing under 100' at density altitudes of 6 K, but do have a 8 degree upslope to help out. Glad you are enjoying it, I am coming up on 1700 hrs of S-7 time, and plan on getting another 4 or 5 in tomorrow if the work phone doesn't ring!

I don't have VGs on yet, but I have a set of Joa Harrison's VGs sitting on the workbench ready to go. I ordered enough to do both the wings and the tail surfaces. Joa included info on locating them, but I am not certain the info is specific to the S7, so I would certainly like to see any info you have.

Gary went up to Sutter Creek to fly with Weav, Emmit and the boys today. Can't wait to hear what Gary has to say after spending a day with Weav showing him what the plane can really do!

Mark

I'm sure Joa can provide specific info on the installation for the S-7, so as not to work at cross purposes get back to him on that when you're ready. Get more time on it first.....!

Gary is on his way back to CO. He and Fred took my plane our for the entire afternoon - I think they had fun. So, Gary, what do you think???

emflys wrote:Gary is on his way back to CO. He and Fred took my plane our for the entire afternoon - I think they had fun. So, Gary, what do you think???

Welcome, emflys. More Rans guys!!

1SeventyZ wrote:

emflys wrote:Gary is on his way back to CO. He and Fred took my plane our for the entire afternoon - I think they had fun. So, Gary, what do you think???

Welcome, emflys. More Rans guys!!

Hey Zane, be careful what you wish for. Sure, you let a Rans guy or two in and no one really notices or cares, but next thing you know a Courier driver moves in next door and before you know it, you see your daughter going experimental........



Rumor has it that Gary actually went water-skiing yesterday instead of flying into the backcountry. Weav corrupts another formerly respectable backcountry pilot................

Mark

I had a GREAT 4.9 hr breakfast flight, 3.4 GPH average (from Inkom to Leadore and return) today, with 21 off airport landings along the way. I hit the east side going north, and the west side heading back south.The Birch Creek and Lemhi valleys are so awesome, LOTS of room to boonie bash and great scenary, some of the best in Idaho. Stopped by the ghost town of Gilmore, made a couple of pretty tight dirt road landings, and the rest on the alluvial flow slopes, they have just enough hazards to keep it interesting, but a lot of places you could land a small tired tri gear, a nice mix of pretty crazy and ho hum..........

My picture titles didn't come through:
the first of the big hanger is kind of interesting, it was built in the 50's for a nuke powered airplane that never reached development , our tax dollars at work.
Birch Creek dirt road landing
Alluvial slopes
Gilmore ghost town landing
11K+ peaks, 7K landing site (Idaho, not Switzerland)

last two
downtown Gilmore

A+ flying - thanks for sharing the pics CG.

cg

What size tires you runnin?

Thanks Gary

26" Airstreaks @ 4 lbs pressure, they are what make this stuff doable, or at least a lot more comfortable and safer.

cg

Any problem with them slipping on the rim/what do you do to prevent that, if anything? We spun one on Emmets and sheared the stem . Luckily at the end of the day, at the home airport. Those rims are pretty smooth at the mating surface, almost slippery. Emmet's had 8.00's w/8lbs. in them(when we started )

Thanks Gary

I think he is talking about Alaska Bushwheel AirStreaks. I have a set of them on my Champ. They are not a typical tire requiring a tube. They are "self-contained" as in they have a boot in the rim area so their isn't any problems if the tire spins in the rim. Check out AkBushwheels site and you'll see what I am trying to explain.
WW

My bad, If I could read, I'd me dangerous

courierguy wrote: 26" Airstreaks @ 4 lbs pressure, they are what make this stuff doable, or at least a lot more comfortable and safer.

I'm also assuming thse are ABW Airstreaks, not the older airstreaks from some years ago. I don't know much about those- I think they were big tread recapped onto a worn-out 800x4 cub tire. Anyway, what do these new Airstreaks weigh? From some other internet tire talk, I've deduced that 800x6 Airtracs are about 23 pounds a pair, 850x6 airtracs about 37#,and 26" goodyear blimpies about 51# (all including tubes).
I'm curious as to how the 26" ABW Airstreaks & standard 26" Bushwheels weigh in compared to these "lesser" tires.

Eric

Great Pics Tom....

I think the shearing of my valve stem had more to do w/ the weight of the 2 guys in the plane

I know you guys have beat this to death, but....Gary, you've flown on the 26" goodyears, and now you've flown the S-7 - what do you think??

There are lots of cow pastures down around us and my parents place. I can find areas relatively free from big gaping holes, but the the ground is just still too rough for 800's. No doubt the ABW is the way to go....funds permitting.

But, I stray...

Compared to the 8:00's I had, I gained 15 lbs with the Alaska Bushwheel Airstreaks.
Unfortunately, (for your wallet), these things are worth the dough, and for me it was just one of those gotta have it moments!
Yes, they are built like a donut, no valve shearing ever.

Relating the the question of the weight of the AKBushwheel Airstreaks.....If I remember correctly I weighed mine at 21-22lbs each sans wheels.
Actually I may sell mine as I am wanting to go to the 29" Airstreaks. Haven't really decided yet.
WW

I called Desser this AM for tire weights. They said 8.00 Airhawks, both 4 and 6 ply were 12 #'s
8.50 Goodyears 6 ply 12#'s
8.50 McCreary @ 15#'s, which I always thought was a lighter tire
than the GY
26" Y's @26#'s off the internet somewhere else
26" AKBush Airstraks @19#'s
26" AKBush tire@ 26#'s

First 3 don't make sense to me. I doubt some of the numbers. I have some new 8.50 recaps in the hangar. I'll weigh em tomorrow and see what they are.

Pulled these weights off another thread, just to get em together.

Weights to the best of my recollection:
3 bolt Cleveland wheel w/disc - ~7#
6 bolt - 8.5#
ABW 10"wheel w/disc - 16.5#
8X6 tire 6ply ~11#
8.5X6 tire 15-16#
8.5X10 tire ~23#
29X11X10 tire ~28


Here is somemore stuff I poached

I lost 8 miles per hour from the 8.50's
Here are the weights of the new tires I've tried:
Condor 800's w/tube 14.6 # ea.
McCreary 850's w/tube 18.4 ea
Good Year 26x10.5x6 25.7 ea
the heights are approx 17 , 19, and 23 in
Gary

Emmet

I would go for the 26" Airstreaks from Wup., and skip dinner the night before I fly.

Gary