As I begin to whittle down my available possible-purchase aircraft selections (Arrow vs. Cherokee 6 vs. Lance I), I think I am leaning toward the '76 Lance with a very low time (10 hrs) Mattituck FWF overhaul. So now comes the economic factors, where I hope other Lance/Saratoga Owners can help me. What are the typical speeds at 55 and 65 and 75% settings, and the related avgas consumption? I'll be traveling medium with 1 human co-pilot/wife, 2 crew-member labrador retrievers, and about 150# of "stuff" (mostly for the dogs).
Also, please advise on the general flying charachteristics of the Lance. I am familiar with 172s (ugh), Cardinals, Warriors, Archers, and Beech Sundowners (and about 2 hours in a PA-34).
Thanks.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2008 03:52PM by wdgjrfaia.
You'll love the Lance. I have a '76 that I bought in January with a 0SMOH Lycoming factory overhaul. It has Knots2U wingtips and gap seals and I don't know the effect of those. I also have a 3-blade prop which I believe costs a few knots of airspeed but is a good bit quieter than the 2-blade. I don't fly it at 75% so no input there. 65% @ 7000' yields 150 kts on about 15.5 gph. 55% is about 138 kts on 13.7. It's a great airplane, with lots of flexibility regarding pax and load. I find that landing with only one notch of flaps gives me much greater control on landings, provided I have ample runway (most often the case). Landing with full flaps greatly increases the angle of descent and can lead to the occasional "arrival". I've owned a 180C and a Cherokee Six-300, but the Lance is just another notch up in performance from the Six. I've taken 4 adults with golf clubs, coolers and luggage on several 3 hour trips with the two middle seats removed for extra cargo room. I bought the Lance primarily for better ditching if needed, as I often fly to the Bahamas. The extra speed is a plus as well.
Steve:
I looked at a 1966 6/260, but had 1700 on the mill, old/outdated avionics, and original paint/interior. While the Lance's insurance will be $$ (I don't have complex/HP performance experience), it will do what I want for a VA to RI trip. And I will have to cross about 11 miles of water to my final destination. Should be like flying a big Archer.
And landing a Beech Sundowner required at least 2 notches of flaps and nailing the approach speed.
Thanks for the advice.
I moved to a fixed-gear Saratoga after about 650 hours in PA28's. The transition won't be much of a problem. Insurance the first year will be $$, but by the second or third year (depending how much you fly) it should be down to "normal". Do you have an instrument rating? Insurance companies these days seem to want that rating to insure you in a six-seater. They'll let you earn the rating in the plane if you don't have one already.
As you guess, in the pattern it feels like you're flying a big Archer. When you get up to cruise speed the controls stiffen up - but who does maneuvers at those speeds besides airshow pilots? It comfortably gets in and out of 2,000' strips with flaps. It also can do 150 down a "keep your speed up" final and slow down for landing so it's not a problem mixing with the big boys when you need to. The big cabin is great for carrying everything and the elbow room will spoil you. Figure 18-19 gph for 75% power. My speed isn't pertinent to a Lance - Piper says expect 153KTAS at 75%. You can expect about a 5-knot difference between a full aircraft and just yourself and fuel. We use our Toga for routine trips from DC to Albany, Boston, and Ottawa and it does well. It sounds like the Lance would fit your mission nicely.
