Randall Wade Grandpre

Male

Osburn, ID

United States

Profile Information:

Aircraft Model
STOL CH 701
Project Status
Flying
Building From
Kit
Building Experience
Have worked on airplanes before
Flying Experience
Private Pilot
Building and Flying Info / Your Profession / Other Background Info
wastewater treatment plant operater previously a few years as a carpenter and before that around 10 years in the aviation industryas an A@P

Comment Wall:

  • Jock Struthers

    Your mods are interesting - I stuck with the plans as I am not an engineer.  As for the extra lift - I have been interested in the changes to the 750's cabin top.  I am still learning to fly my 701 - I dont so much need the extra lift, more the confidence to fly it really slow on approach for a true STOL landing - take off is a  blast with just the 80hp Rotax

    Apr 14, 2012

  • Dan Dempsey

    Aug 19, 2012

  • Dan Dempsey

    Thanks for advice Randall.

    Aug 19, 2012

  • Dan Dempsey

    I see you're are also using a Corvair engine. I'm filling out the Affidavit of Ownership form 8050-88, and am questioning how to fill out the manufacturer, model, serial number for the engine. How did you handled this line of the form?

    Aug 22, 2012

  • Allan / Zenair Australia

    Thanks for the info on your mod to the controls cheers

    Sep 28, 2012

  • Tim Coffman

    I'm considering the Viking engine for my 701. I currently have a VW with redrive. I'd like to talk to you about weight & balance, flying characteristics, prop pitch, cruise speed, etc.

    Would you share some performance numbers and your overall opinion of the Viking engine for the 701?

    Thanks,

    Tim

    Apr 24, 2013

  • Tim Coffman

    Thanks Randall,

    What is the field elevation from which you based your rate of climb?

    I've done some work to my VW over the past couple of years. It has an 86mm stroke using Chevy rods and 94mm bore (2387cc). With my prop set to 13 degrees, I'm getting about the same prop rpm that you are. My prop cruise rpm figures close to yours 4600/2.33 ~= to my 3200/1.6.

    I really like the Viking engine but am concerned about the weight. I have a nose wheel weight of 187 lbs and my CG is about 16.5-17 inches. My empty weight is 657. What is your empty weight and nose wheel weight?

    The thing that interests me about the Viking engine is the reliability. I don't fly my 701 very far because I'm always having to fix something it seems. I don't trust the belt drive as much as I'd like. It's very hot here in AZ at times and my plane seems to fly nose high when the air temp is 85 or higher.

    I want an engine that compares or beats the Rotax in performance and maintenance simplicity (and of course cost).

    I already have a Warp Drive prop with the Rotax bolt pattern. Is that what the Viking uses? One other plus is that my prop rotates the same direction as the Viking. That'll save me over a thousand dollars.

    Before I commit, I need to see one in person and if at all possible fly in a 701 that has the Viking installation.

    I'll try not to bother you too much - I'm just trying to gather as much information as I can to make a good decision.

    Thanks,

    Tim

    Apr 25, 2013