Chris,  I now own N821CD and have a couple of questions I'd like to ask you.  I'm a new 69 year old pilot and want to make sure I understand this beautiful aircraft.   

My email is:  flying@sunrisemountains.com

My phone is:  321-225-4088 in Titusville, FL

Hi Chris,

Owning your video on canyon flying, I was wandering just how much abuse a 701 would take? I see on Zenith Aero you did replace it with a new 701. I am curious as to why you did not choose a 750 instead?

Hi Christopher, We enjoyed your presentation at Sun-n Fun, though interupted by fighter jets towards the end !
I have a question on the different 701 nose gear forks I am seeing lately. I have seen both rounded and extended square versions that look much safer in relation to tire clearence with the 8.00 x 6 tire. What have you used and where did you find them ?? Thanks, Don

Hi Christopher,

I would like to ask a couple more questions on your CH801 powerplant and prop choices please.

I am trying to decide on which prop for the IO-390.

At the moment we are considering the Hartzell: HC-C2YR-1BFP / F7497-( ) - constant speed "blended airfoil" and a some wood composite MT props which have been suggested to me by MT.

1. Two Blade - 84 in. diameter MTV-15-B/210-58
2. Two Blade - 80 in. diameter MTV-15-B/203-58
3. Three Blade - 74 in. diameter - MTV-12-B/188-59b

You said you had a three blade MT on your plane, is the MTV-12-B/188-59b? If so, do you have any performance figures - fuel burn / cruise / climb performance for this prop or the prop you have installed?

I am considering the Two Blade 84 in. MTV-15-B/210-58 as this is the prop chosen for the new "King" supercub, see http://www.hoaircraft.com/PA-18-IO-390-STC.html and the cub seems to have similar performance specifications to the CH801, just need to check on ground clearance. Did you consider this prop?

I was keen on the Hartzell Prop initially but because of its weight (58lbs) vs (48lbs)MT and also because I think the MT will be smoother because it is a composite I have pretty much decided not to go with the Hartzell.Did you consider the Hartzell prop?

Did you go for the MT Three Blade because of ground clearance and noise considerations (according to MT it will be quieter than a two blade)?

Once again, your thoughts would be most welcome.

Sorry I have so many questions!!

Regards,
Dave

The hyperlink I put in didn't work for some reason - here it is again:

http://www.adeptairmotive.com/pages/26011

Hi Christopher,

Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated.

Out of interest we are also looking at an aviation engine developed in South Africa - an Adept Airmotive 320T which looks like it will be released pretty soon, thought you might like to check it out:



Regards,
David

Hi Christopher,

Thanks very much. I do have some questions.

Engine Questions:

We are keen on installing an IO-390-X. Searching the web I see your CH801 has a IO-390-X, is this correct?

If so, why did you choose it over the IO-360?

What are your fuel consumption figures like?

Did you use the standard FWF kit for the IO-360 from Zenith or did you have to do major modifications to get it to fit?

Prop Questions:

Why did you go for the constant speed prop?

Does the constant speed prop increase your cruise performance and fuel consumption at all (over that of standard fixed pitch) or did you get it mainly for short take off and landing benefits (variable pitch / reversible governor)?

We were thinking that fixed pitch would be less maintenance and less weight but are seriously considering going with a constant speed.

Did you consider the electric constant speed propeller?

Regards,
David

Hi Christopher,
I also have the Sensenich prop on my 701 but selecting a spinner has been a challenge due to the prop hub front configuration. I am now thinking of installing the 9" UHS spinner with the back plate mounted to the front of the prop hub using fender washers (squash plates would be too heavy)...which spinner did you choose and where is your back plate installed...between the flange and the hub or on the front of the hub? thanks, Rob Hunker

Thanks Christopher. Good to hear you like the Sensenich. By the way, as one who owns a copy of Canyon Surfing, just want you to know I'd snatch up a copy of Mountaintops if it should become available.