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                           Stratus-List Digest Archive
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                     Total Messages Posted Sun 04/18/04: 1
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Today's Message Index:
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     1. 06:45 PM - Prop Balance  (RLucka@aol.com)
 
 
 
________________________________  Message 1  _____________________________________


Time: 06:45:52 PM PST US
From: RLucka@aol.com
Subject: Stratus-List: Prop Balance

--> Stratus-List message posted by: RLucka@aol.com

Hi Stratus Guys

I just wanted to relate an experience I had in getting my Warp Drive 
dynamically balanced.

First, I used to co-own a 1967 Rockwell Darter and it had a vibration 
problem, one that I got used to but my passengers would always tell me that they
are 
shook up after flying that plane with me.

When I got done with my Stratus-powered CH601-HDS, it seemed to be a lot 
smoother than the Darter, so I didn't mind the harmonic vibration I would feel
at 
various RPM's.  However, no matter the cruising RPM, the stick-mounted GPS 
receiver would vibrate enough that I have to hold the stick tightly to stop the

vibration so I could read the GPS.

Just a week ago, a newly-licensed A&P bought a dynamic prop balancer and 
wanted to practice using it on my plane.  After he balanced the prop (his little

computer gave a final value of 1.54, which he said was halfway from "good" and

"stupendous"), I took the plane up twice and was really surprised at the 
difference.  No longer do I have to hold the stick tightly just to read the GPS
and 
the stick did not vibrate at all!  On top of that, my cruise speed actually 
increased by about 4 or 5 mph!  

I remember watching the shadow of my moving props on the ground and would 
notice the prop tips fluttering at certain RPM's.  Now that the props are 
balanced, the fluttering is not there!  I believe now that the fluttering reduced
the 
"bite" the props have on the air so a balanced prop has more "bite".

Anyway, I thought I'd pass along this good news.  If you did not have your 
Warp Drive balanced, it would pay for you to do so if you feel even a little 
vibration.  Now, my plane is like driving a nice car in the air, real smooth. 
:o)

Dick  (601-HDS, Stratus, 183 hours)