I finally picked up my 182 this past Friday with the newly installed Aerocet 3500’s. I got the plane earlier this year.

Flew out of a small lake just south of Park Rapids, MN. Lake was pretty small, I was loaded up pretty good. Myself and a check ride instructor (425 lbs for the both of us), full fuel (75 gallons) and my wheel gear in the back. We got off the water pretty good – about 2500 feet with 20 degrees of flap. Engine is 0-520 and prop is Hartzell 8068 – three blade. No Wing X or STOL. Wind was negligible – almost glassy on takeoff.

After 4-5 take offs and landings at various lakes in the area, I was comfortable. Dropped off my instructor and headed back to Canada. Other than turbulence on the way back, flight was great. Cruised at about 21” MP, 2400 rpm, 14.8 gph, leaned just under peak – 1480F on leanest cylinder. IAS was about 133-135 MPH.

Aerocets really come off the water nice, not much sensation of increased speed after breaking water. Great float lockers on each side for storage – I’d say they’d fit at least 4 – 5 gal jerry cans. Rated for 100 lbs each side. Even with 150-170 lbs of gear in the back, performance seemed pretty stable. Plane yaws and requires “nose right” trim. Spoke to Jeff at Park Rapids – said that was normal, but didn’t know why. He said some planes are so bad, then need to jump the chain a few notches because they run out on the trim wheel. I only required about ½” on the wheel.

Did some flying on Sunday, with all the weight from the back removed. Plane really performed well. Can’t imagine performance with Wing X and STOL. I'm really happy with the set up – just cant wait to get out again. Below are a few pics.

Loading in the lake

Getting ready to go

Arrival back at home base

Shot of floats

Float planes are a great way to get to backcountry. Glad you are airborne again. Thanks for posting.

Hey, are those used bush wheels on your dock for sale?

gear,
Looking good! Did you fly with Larry at Park Rapids? Wish I would have been in the area when you were there. I have a place north of town and we could have visited. Next time you are in the area give me a heads up.
Keith

Garth: Looking good and now you don't have to take a t-shirt with you for fuselage repairs!!!!

Are you going to be able to go to the Atlin Fly In?

Great looking airplane! I love the paint scheme with the floats. Very nice.

Keep us posted and keep sending photos.

G44

Thanks guys for the comments.

Keith - yes - I did fly with Larry. Nice guy. Not sure when I'll be back there but will look you up if i am.

Ford - No plans to go to the Atlin fly-in, but i am planning on heading to OSH on floats.

Dirtstrip - if you like those tires - i can get you a good deal on them

Looks good Garth. Hopefully we can meet up this summer and compare notes. Keep the weight reward in those float lockers. Especially with lots of fuel in wings and no back seat passengers. Looking at the steps on the floats, it appears the lower step does not go all the way to the forward strut, and stops just short of it, am I seeing the right? When they installed mine the top step only protrudes about 6 inches past the middle strut. I'm going to do like yours and extend it all the way to the forward strut. Russ

Russ - The lower step goes to front strut but I paid extra for the top step - it is for a 185 and is longer than the one for the 182 and therefor extends farther. Way better for fuelling. Was around $300 extra. ($150 / side) I can get a better picture of it if you want.

Definately want to connect this summer.

garth

My mechanic has the same aluminum extrusion on hand and recommended we put the full length step up top, and am going to do so when I get a chance. More for safety when fueling than anything else. don't know why they just didn't do it that way to start with. Don't need a pic but thanks. Also, mine also yaws right in cruise and requires about 2 spins of trim to the right to center the ball. But I'm also fighting a right wing heavy issue since I put on the extensions and need to look at the rigging of that wing. That may take care of the yaw once I get that wing rigging figured out.

Glad you finally got the floats on Garth, I know it was a long wait for open water. Your pictures look very familiar to me (and Russ too, I am sure). I am currently back in Illinois doing the planting thing, but hope to get home in a couple of weeks, then head down to Park Rapids to pick up the plane and bring it back, but first a biannual checkout with Larry. Garth if you get a chance to get away, let Russ and I know and I bet we can find a few walleye for you and place to stay. Keith, are you back home? you are invited too.

Steve

steve wrote: Garth if you get a chance to get away, let Russ and I know and I bet we can find a few walleye for you and place to stay. Steve

OK - Sounds good. If you guys are ever interest in coming to Manitoba - I'b be happy to have you as well. Can park a few planes and have plenty of room in the guest cottage and numerous back lakes for walleye.

Russ - I noticed i had a picture of the step.

Steve,
Thanks for the offer. I am still at Ft. Meade, MD but hoping to leave on Monday for MN.
Keith