vortex generators
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vortex generators
hello all. I have a piper pa-11 and I am thinking of putting a VGs kit on. My question is do they really work? Will they help me off the water? Will I even notice them? I have read a fair amount on these, just wanting to hear from an ame point of view. Thanks.
Re: vortex generators
The airplanes I've put them on seem to perform a fair bit better with them. I have a customer with a homebuilt PA11 and with them the thing performs great!!
- Colonel Sanders
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Re: vortex generators
I like them. They completely transform the 300/400 cessna series.
I wrote this a while back: http://tinyurl.com/7xu5evl
A float plane is all about slow-speed lift, and that's exactly where the
VG's will help - increasing lift at high AOA's.
I wrote this a while back: http://tinyurl.com/7xu5evl
A float plane is all about slow-speed lift, and that's exactly where the
VG's will help - increasing lift at high AOA's.
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- Rank 3
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Re: vortex generators
What type do you think is the best? I did lots of reading on subercub.org last night, I am absoultly sold on putting them on. From what I've read, they all seem to have the same performance. I think I'll stear clear of the plastic types even though they sound like they would stand up to the elements. The other thing I need to consider is I need the"stc" to install them to keep me legal. I just have a hard time having to dish up an extra $600 for a piece of paper. I am considering an experimental kit and just putting them on, no stc.
- Colonel Sanders
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Re: vortex generators
I shudder to think of the responses below ...I need the"stc" to install them to keep me legal
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Re: vortex generators
Quite simple really. Just transfer the aircraft into the Owner maintained category and install whatever kit you like.
Re: vortex generators
http://www.microaero.com/CS_PDF/Piper/J ... ade_CS.pdf
These guys do good kits and provide you with a great template to simplify the installation. It takes all the guesswork out of it. Yes, it costs but IMHO well worth the bucks.
These guys do good kits and provide you with a great template to simplify the installation. It takes all the guesswork out of it. Yes, it costs but IMHO well worth the bucks.
Re: vortex generators
Yes, Microdynamics has an excellent product. Have a J-3 and a J-4 with them installed and performance out of the water is stellar compared to not having them. Best bang for the buck. If 700 bucks scares you why do you own a plane? Go ahead and add 25 horsepower and see how much it costs......
Good luck on the curved extrusion as well. Owner Maintenance is destroying a/c values. When I see a PA11 or similar OM or EXP. category for $60K, all I see is a wealthy prick who thinks he knows more than someone qualified and took the only way out of the huge $2500/yr for an annual to ensure it's safety.
Begin........
Good luck on the curved extrusion as well. Owner Maintenance is destroying a/c values. When I see a PA11 or similar OM or EXP. category for $60K, all I see is a wealthy prick who thinks he knows more than someone qualified and took the only way out of the huge $2500/yr for an annual to ensure it's safety.

Begin........
Re: vortex generators
I'm building a Zenith and it's about 75% complete. I'm installing the VG's because of all the positive comments I've heard about them. On my build they are suppose to lower the stall speed by about 3-5 mph...not bad and they only cost about 100 bucks!!! Here's a good link about them...
http://www.stolspeed.com/id/1
http://www.stolspeed.com/id/1
Re: vortex generators
Tougher decision when the kit is $1000 and the install will run around $300-500 if you don't want them painted.Taiser wrote:I'm building a Zenith and it's about 75% complete. I'm installing the VG's because of all the positive comments I've heard about them. On my build they are suppose to lower the stall speed by about 3-5 mph...not bad and they only cost about 100 bucks!!! Here's a good link about them...
http://www.stolspeed.com/id/1
However I have yet to speak with any pilot of a fabric Piper that didn't like them. I'm actively considering a set once the bank-account rebounds from the new wing fabric.
-Grant