Is it a safe assumption to say a standard engine Sedan (not 180hp) is a bit underpowered on wheel skis? Especially with a few adults and some altitude.

I think I know the answer but just wanted to make sure I'm not mistaken.

Thanks guys

I fly an 0-300 powered 170B on wheel skis and its capable with limitations. The Sedan has the same engine and I'd be willing to bet it's lighter by a few pounds

Scooper wrote:Is it a safe assumption to say a standard engine Sedan (not 180hp) is a bit underpowered on wheel skis? Especially with a few adults and some altitude.

I think I know the answer but just wanted to make sure I'm not mistaken.

Thanks guys

Yes, that is a very safe assumption.

Kurt

Mapleflt wrote:I fly an 0-300 powered 170B on wheel skis and its capable with limitations. The Sedan has the same engine and I'd be willing to bet it's lighter by a few pounds

My Sedan with 29x1100-10 mains and a Baby Bushwheel - 1260.2

Well, frankly, the answer is, It depends. It depends on the wheel skis, how heavy they are, how big the bottoms, etc. It depends on what sort of snow conditions you're apt to encounter in this airplane. It depends on your loads.

And, so forth. Frankly, you'll be asking a lot of that great old airplane on wheel skis. Do a weight and balance first and see what you come out with. AWB 2500 skis for example, weigh north of 125 pounds a set.

There are lighter skis, and the good news is, they'll lighten your wallet too.

The other issue is approvals. I don't know what's approved on the TC for the Sedan, maybe there are skis approved there. I'd talk to Burl Rogers, who is Mr. Sedan, and I'll be he can give you excellent guidance.

MTV

Thanks MTV. Variable snow conditions, flying in the mountains and carrying 3 pax plus gear. I'm thinking I need wait on one with a big engine (or a 170B 180hp, big engine Stinson, etc).

Thanks all for the info.

Federal 2500s and 3500s are both on the type certificate.

Scooper wrote:Thanks MTV. Variable snow conditions, flying in the mountains and carrying 3 pax plus gear. I'm thinking I need wait on one with a big engine (or a 170B 180hp, big engine Stinson, etc).

Thanks all for the info.

Given the conditions and load you've outlined above your chances of success are bordering very close to zero

Mapleflt wrote:

Scooper wrote:Thanks MTV. Variable snow conditions, flying in the mountains and carrying 3 pax plus gear. I'm thinking I need wait on one with a big engine (or a 170B 180hp, big engine Stinson, etc).

Thanks all for the info.

Given the conditions and load you've outlined above your chances of success are bordering very close to zero

I agree, totally. Skis in those kinds of conditions are going to place a major demand on the plane and pilot.

And just three people aboard that airplane off airport is going to be asking a lot.

MTV

That is a tall order for a Sedan on wheels at sea level on a cool day, I suggest a 185 or Jetranger.

Kurt

G44 wrote:That is a tall order for a Sedan on wheels at sea level on a cool day, I suggest a 185 or Jetranger.

Kurt

Not really. Sedans perform very well for a lightweight 4 seater, and they'll carry a substantial load. Of course a 185 would be the deal for high altitude ski work....

I'll defer to your obvious "operational" knowledge but to be clear are you saying a Sedan with an 0-300 will comfortably carry a pilot and three passengers with a reasonable quantity of fuel where operating on wheel skis at higher altitude landing and take offs. Thats impressive my 170B certainly can't "comfortable" do that with the same engine on wheels skis or floats at sea level even, maybe I need to "rethink" my ride !!

Mapleflt wrote:I'll defer to your obvious "operational" knowledge but to be clear are you saying a Sedan with an 0-300 will comfortably carry a pilot and three passengers with a reasonable quantity of fuel where operating on wheel skis at higher altitude landing and take offs. Thats impressive my 170B certainly can't "comfortable" do that with the same engine on wheels skis or floats at sea level even, maybe I need to "rethink" my ride !!

I quoted the previous statement that it would have a hard time at sea level on wheels.

Although it is well known that the Sedan is the greatest O-300 powered aircraft ever.

They are clearly a "card carrying" member of the round tail fraternity so that certainly works in their favor

Pure beauty.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sweet

Sedan on wheel skis

Very nice, but that's no 0-300 under the hood

FWIW, I just sold my sedan with a fresh C145 in it and a 51 pitch prop, on 8.50's.. with a fairly full fuel load and 3 adults, it worked hard to get out of a 2000 ft strip with 50 ft trees on a warm day at 1000 MSL. it would get airborne in about 800 ft, but I felt it needed more power to get over the trees with margin.

I have seen them not get out of the water with 4 people in them on the stock motor as well.

in the mountains, for what its worth, pushing 2000+ pounds, I dont believe you could safely operate it and have margin.. but thats one persons opinion.

I recently sold it because it didn't have enough margin for me getting out of my 1400 ft strip over trees without being a nail biter on warm days.

put the 180hp on it, and thats a different story.. its a beast.

It still is the sweetest flying aircraft.. light on the controls and so much fun.

FW Dave wrote:FWIW, I just sold my sedan with a fresh C145 in it and a 51 pitch prop, on 8.50's.. with a fairly full fuel load and 3 adults, it worked hard to get out of a 2000 ft strip with 50 ft trees on a warm day at 1000 MSL. it would get airborne in about 800 ft, but I felt it needed more power to get over the trees with margin.

I have seen them not get out of the water with 4 people in them on the stock motor as well.

in the mountains, for what its worth, pushing 2000+ pounds, I dont believe you could safely operate it and have margin.. but thats one persons opinion.

I recently sold it because it didn't have enough margin for me getting out of my 1400 ft strip over trees without being a nail biter on warm days.

put the 180hp on it, and thats a different story.. its a beast.

It still is the sweetest flying aircraft.. light on the controls and so much fun.

The voice of experience, and logic. Read carefully.

MTV