I've decided to hang onto the 172 a bit longer but want to squeeze more performance out of it.

After looking at every thread I could find, the overwhelming concensus is that the Sportsman STOL kit is well worth the money. Since I have an older 172, it sounds like I'll maximize the performance boost.

I talked to my local Shop and they haven't installed a Sportsman before, a few Hortons but not a Sportsman.

I'm looking for recommendations for someone "near" Portland that has experience installing them, preferrably someone who's installed a few of them.

-Craig

Brian at Steve's Aircraft here in Southern Oregon did mine, with me assisting, or really mostly being in the way. I'm really happy with the result. Highly recommended!

Polson MT. 370nm. I doubt anybody has installed more than than Stene.

Good choice! You're gonna love what it does for your 172!

If you don't mind flying to Prosser, WA (S40) you might try Fair Weather Flyers-Bill Musselman. 509-338-5222. I've been talking to him about installing one on my 182 in the spring. He has installed them before. I've been happy with the work he's done so far for me.

2nd vote for Steve's AC.

If your truly that close... No question. Have Willie do it. Aint gonna get better than that.

Great choice BTW... You wont regret it. (you may also think about a climb prop to really round it out)

Good luck!

You might try graham@ McMinnville,he's done afew......I second the climb prop,did that on my 172, made a huge difference.......

I hear Polson is lovely this time of year. Right Willy?

Not planning on doing the install until late winter or early spring. Weather and working out vacation time is an issue for me so closer to my location has big advantages. Not going to rule out going to Poison. I'll have to make some calls. I appreciate the recommendations.

straight tail wrote:You might try graham@ McMinnville,he's done afew......I second the climb prop,did that on my 172, made a huge difference.......

I do like that MMV is within driving distance from home. Might save a lot on boarding. Just one consideration.

Based on my experience with doing a climb prop on a 150, I've been hesitant to do it on the 172. With the 150 we lost 3-5mph and I really couldn't tell it made much difference in performance. It's another thing to think about, anyway.

Craig, I 2nd Dave's thought on the climb prop. I re pitched the prop on my Stinson and could not believe the difference in climb. Guess it depends on what your static rpm's are?
I told the prop shop I wanted to gain 200rpm's, I think they flattened it 2"?
It did cost a little cruise but I thought it was worth it.
The closer you are to redline the closer you are to rated hp.

+1 climb prop, or just a repitch by NW Propeller in Puyallup. Have it tweaked as flat as you can without redlining. Props are so overlooked in lieu of engines but they really make a huge difference.

Graham at MMV is an awesome guy, though Willie is too....as is Brian at Steve's Aircraft. Can't go wrong with these BCP guys.

Yes, try repitching the prop for climb. I have two different props for my 170. An 8042 and a 7655 cruise prop. It's like flying two different airplanes when I switch them out. Its too bad the 8042 isn't STCd on the 172, although I'm sure you have enough ground clearance with the large nose fork and big tires you have? Maybe a field approval? If I were you I'd just get my current prop re-pitched for climb. It's usually only $100-200.

I had NW Props repitch one for me almost 4 years ago, it was $300.
I have also done business with Mike at AC Prop in Seattle, and got excellent service. I'd recommend him to anyone in a heartbeat. They are not located on an airport, but are just a couple minutes away from Boeing Field & can meet you there to pick up or deliver your prop if you fly in.

I'm in the same boat. I have a 170. Got the Stene STOL kit. As well as the Mandra Tip and gap sealers.

I'm in Charlotte NC. Looking for an installer. My IA doesn't think it's worth the trouble. But the airplane has dents and dings all over. Figure this would clean up the leading edges.
Any idea on what I can expect to pay for the labor?
I'm changing jobs and this might not be a good time to do this so if it's too much l, I think I'll sell the whole kit.

Alan Quackenbush at California City, CA is the son of the original STC holder and has done several of them. But he is not as close to you as some of the others mentioned.

The process to install the horton and sportsman are very much the same. The plus to the sportsman kit is it comes with better instructions and great jig blue prints which makes the installation pretty straight forward. If you are comfortable with the shop that has done the horton kits and they are giving you a good price I would take it there. If you don't mind the trip and the cost is comparable I would just fly her out to willie and have him do it. Either way it is a great kit and you wont be disapointed. My 150TD now comfortably does a 45mph approach and I didn't loose any cruise speed.