- Various Luscombe Models and Performance
What is the performance of the 8 Series with various
engines?
I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the O200 engine; what are
my options, costs, and issues?
I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the 0235 engine; what are
my options, costs, and issues?
I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the Lycoming 0320 engine;
what are the costs, and issues?
I want to convert my 8A to an 8E or 8F; what do I need to do
and what is the cost?
What's the difference between a Luscombe 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E,
8F, and T-8F?
What's a Luscombe Phantom?
What's a Luscombe Sedan or model 11?
What is a model 10?
Did Luscombe make a tri-gear airplane?
Q1. What is the performance of the Luscombe 8 Series with
various engines?
|
Engine
|
CruiseSpeed (mph)
|
T/O
(feet)
|
Land
(feet)
|
Gross Weight (lbs)
|
| A50 |
95 |
700 |
500 |
1130/1200 |
| A65 Cont |
98 |
550 |
500 |
1200/1310 (grade A fabric) |
| 0-145 Lyc |
95 |
700 |
500 |
1200 |
| C75 Cont |
100 |
550 |
500 |
1200/1310 (grade A fabric) |
| C85 Cont |
110 |
650 |
625 |
1400 |
| C90 Cont |
115 |
650 |
625 |
1400 (T8F GW restricted category @1470#GW, drop tested to 1710#) |
| 0200 Cont |
118 |
550 |
700 |
1400 |
| 0235 Lyc |
125 |
550 |
700 |
1400 |
| 0320 Lyc |
135 |
450 |
700 |
1400 |
The A65 was often converted to a C75. The conversion gives a Redline of
2600, cruise at 2450, and a lower TBO of (estimated) about 800hrs. (This is
considered optimistic by CAS). The conversion needs new a prop, pistons,
pins because HP increase comes from additional RPM, so prop pitch is lower.
Aircraft flies about the same speed but climbs about 100FPM better.
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Q2. I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the O200 engine;
what are my options, costs, and issues?
A2: This is probably the most reasonable engine upgrade or solution to
the growing lack of parts for the original C-85 engines. The first step is
to get the airframe from 8A to 8E configuration per ATC 694 and service
letter dated August 4, 1947 (approximate cost 1998 $5,000- CAS has paperwork
and materials). Then convert the 8E/F configured airframe in accordance with
an STC or field approval. Can be done today
using a field approval with the STC data as its basis. Call CAS for details.
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Q3. I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the 0235 engine;
what are my options, costs, and issues?
A3: There is an STC held by McKenzie Aviation to make this conversion,
but is not available due to change in ownership.
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Q4. I want to convert my 8A/8E/8F to the Lycoming 0320
engine, what are the costs, and issues?
A4: Cost of the kit and STC in 2000 dollars is about $5,000 less engine (many
$$) and propeller ($1,900). Kit includes additional hard points for the
firewall, engine mount, installation instructions, new cowling, baffles.
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Q5. I want to convert my 8A to an 8E or 8F; what do I
need to do and what is the cost?
A5: Convert 8A to 8E/F configuration per ATC 694 and service letter dated
August 4, 1947 (approximate cost 1998 $5,000- CAS has paperwork and
can assist with materials to accomplish this modification).
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Q6. What's the difference between a Luscombe 8A, 8B,
8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and T-8F?
A6: Mostly the engine installation, but there are some "marketing changes
such as a better or worse interior installation or other cosmetics. See the
chart of model comparisons on the CAS web pages (see A1). T-8F is same basic frame as
the 8F, but tandem seating and a big rear bubble window over the rear seat.
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Q7. What's a Luscombe Phantom?
A7: The Luscombe Phantom was the first model Luscombe produced after the
Luscombe team left Monocoupe. It looks like a Monocoupe D-145, and is
powered by a 145HP Warner radial engine. It is designated Model 1 and was
built circa 1933-1941. Seven remain of 27 built, and 31 serial numbers were
issued for production (4 were cannibalized to repair other units).
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Q8. What's a Luscombe Sedan or model 11?
A8: The sedan was a four place utilitarian high wing Luscombe produced in
the quantity of about 100 during 1948. It was powered by a 165 to 185 HP
Continental engine and boasts a cruise of about 130 in opulent comfort.
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Q9. What is a model 10?
A9: A single seat low wing (rag) prototype. It was destroyed in 1948 for
tax purposes. The engineer, Misha Cantor, advised in 1998 that he had
recently destroyed his drawings and files on the airplane also.
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Q10. Did Luscombe make a tri-gear airplane?
A10: Yes, the Luscombe 8G (1959). It was never certified, but the
remainder of the prototype survives, hopefully to be returned and displayed in a museum.
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Q11. What were the four different kinds of mechanical
brakes used? Can I put Hydraulic brakes on?
A11: Goodyear 3" multiple disk brakes were used on very early 8 series
airplanes. Shinn/Firestone drum brakes were used on many 8A-C airplanes.
These are identified by the linings riveted into the wheel and the brake
shoes which are bare steel attached to the axle. Models 8A-F had Cleveland
mechanical drum brakes as an option. These had conventional linings on shoes
and a drum much as is used in cars. The last brakes used in production were
the Goodyear mechanical disk brakes which are about 11" in diameter. These
worked best but were hard to adjust and often misunderstood by mechanics and
owners. CAS stocks supplies for all of these brake types including springs,
shoes, disks, wheels, keepers, etc. CAS has also designed a hydraulic kit
including master cylinders, reservoir, lines, fittings, connectors,
calipers, disks, and wheels sized to the airplane and tested extensively. CAS can install the kit for you with a one time 337. You must do the
installation under CAS supervision, and we must complete a conformity
inspection and return to service.
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Q12. Can I add the right side brake pedals?
A12:. Yes. It takes a little less than a day's work to install; not complex just
a lot of details. Since this is an area that gets little or no attention
since the plane was built, you are going to fiddle around cleaning and
inspecting and maybe doing a little painting, etc. You need to allow for
that in planning the work.
CAS makes up a kit of parts to add them; the biggest cost item is the
pedals themselves. They are fairly complex having a lot of small parts to
set in a fixture and weld. The kit also includes new metal pulleys for the
cables to replace the fiber ones per the original design prints. We think
this is because of the extra stress from having a second set of pedals.
Install of metal pulleys
is also suggested to improve a normal one place brake installation. The kit
also includes some cables to splice to the existing brake cable. It's a good
time to inspect what you have and replace it if its worn or weak. The splice
is done via a nicopress fitting. The kit includes a small drawing and
refrences from TC data sheet to do the installation.
This is issued for a specific serial #, so you need to supply that when
ordering the kit.
The kit is about $450.00; they are usually in stock, or can be
assembled within 30 days of ordering. These days it really requires a 337 major repair
or alteration form, and most mechanics are going to want to have an AI look
over the work and sign it off. In the old days it would have been done with
a log book entry, but times have changed... For now, the add on is original
factory for any of the mechanical brake applications.
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Q13. What is the best place or way to jack up the
landing gear to inspect the brakes?
A.13: Jack the airplane at the inboard section of the axle, behind the
wheel mounting and below the leg.
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Q14. What's the Luscombe Silflex Landing gear and how does it
differ from the regular gear?
A14: The Silflex gear is a later innovation after SN 4400, heavier, has a larger cross section, and has no
guide wires. Is this a desirable feature? Generally yes. The track is a few
inches wider, and the landings a bit smoother. However, the conventional
08311 standard gear with the ski strut option (18322) installed to replace
the landing wires is nearly equivalent structurally. It is also lighter, and
will shear without fuselage damage. An accident in a silflex gear airplane
usually rips out the gearbox first because the gear legs are stronger than
the airplane. The opposite is true with the earlier Luscombe gear.
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Q15. What is the "ski" strut gear and how does it differ
from the regular gear?
A15: See A14, it's a simple change, takes a couple of hours to do, and is
a factory option so paperwork and FAA approval is streamlined. Its design
makes the gear more resistant to side loads.
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Q16. I hear that I can heat the Luscombe gear legs and bend
them to adjust toe-in/toe-out?
A16: No, No, No! The gear legs are heat treated at the factory, and any heating
you do will weaken them and will likely lead to a failure on landing (i.e.
you will wreck your airplane). There is an old service letter, and a
service recommendation #5, both of which offer an alignment process and
specifications to follow. Luscombe Association newsletter #55 may help. The
information on the specific hardness is in there. It also states that AC
43:13A requires the re-heat treat, to be legal. On page 3 it goes further to
tell the numbers. 170,000-180,000 UTS and Rockwell 38-42 C scale.
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Q17. What should I re-fill the oleo with? The placard
says "Mobilube-90."
A17: Mobilube 90 is equivalent to 30 wt engine oil-detergent or non
detergent is immaterial. The oil is not used to absorb landing shock,
but rather to keep the spring from rebounding quickly as the oil passes
through a metering orifice.
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Q18. What are the options and costs to improve the
seat?
A18: There are several options:
a. The "comfort" seat features Temperfoam, manufactured by
Hi-Tech Foams, Inc. This special foam is a three-layer foam, each layer of a
different density. The foam will conform to the pilot's/passenger's bottom,
then will "spring back" for the next "bottom" which "sits on it". The seat
back provided is also made of aluminum, and can be tilted forward for easy
access to the baggage compartment. Contact CAS for details (Kit with
upholstery is about $1050). Your seating range will extend to 8-10 hours.
b. Replace the Factory sling seat with Cessna C150 seats. Cessna 150
seats are more comfortable than original Luscombe seats, and ride on
adjustable rails (of course the range of adjustment is more limited than in
a Cessna 150). An advantage is that they adjust independently of each other,
allowing for a short pilot and tall passenger or vice versa. A disadvantage
is a recurring AD that comes with the seat tracks, (inspection at annual time) and replacement as needed of
rollers and washers. The Luscombe Association and CAS has drawings and samples of
previously approved 337 paper work that you can use to develop your own
paper work from and get your own FAA field approval.
c. The "Jack Norris" seat is a "bucket" type seat that positions your
body in a slight recline. Some say there is more leg room. Jack sells a set
of plans for making the seat. If you have basic wood working skills you can
do this yourself. The down side is that the seat must be completely removed
to get to the baggage area.
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Q19. How can I get more head/leg room?
A19: See A18. Also with some modifications the floor can be lowered about .75
of an inch. This is said to help people up to 6 feet tall, but taller people
won't get much relief.
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Q20. What was the paint scheme for the interior?
A20: The Panel, door jams, and generally the stripes were a flat matte
color with little reflectivity; Dark blue or Burgundy were the two factory
color choices.
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Q21. How can I get more fuel onboard?
A21: The standard fuselage tank is located behind the passengers and
holds 14 gallons. The metal wing tanks hold 11.5 each (early rag wing
tanks), or 12.5 gallons each. The less common pliocell tanks hold 15 gallons
each (identified by the bulkhead for the Pliocell tank at the filler cap).
An 8A can have wing tanks added, but the fuselage tank is generally removed.
IF the wing tank is installed, it should be used for all take off and
landing operations, and the fuselage tank should be used in level flight or
cruise. The fuselage tank has a lesser fuel pressure head and can cause
starvation to the engine during climb. You may add 4.5 gallon "Timm tanks"
to the rag wing installation (with fuselage tank). These auxiliary tanks drain into the fuselage
tank. See ATC 694 type data sheet for more details.
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Q22. Our 8E fuel cells are deteriorated. Will we need
to buy new pliocell tanks or is it possible to convert to metal tanks?
A.22: This is a common pliocell problem if the tanks are not kept full in
storage. The solution is to remove the tank and replace it. CAS has a vender
that "rebuilds" these tanks using a new rubber bladder of thicker material
and new attachments vulcanized into the units. We must provide a different
fuel finger screen arrangement for the new bladder, but the fuel cap and
gauge areas remain the same. We have installed several of these "rebuilt" (all
new parts) with great success. The Goodyear pliocell tanks were not a good
product and created problems as soon as they came into service. Replacement
cost is approximately $1200 per side.
Conversion to metal tanks is also an option at about the same price but
with a loss of about 4 gallons useable capacity, but few service problems
and longer life. This does require a removal of some minor aluminum sheel in
the pliocell bay- not a big deal.
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Q23. How do the metal wings and fabric covered wings
differ?
A23: Construction is completely different. The fabric wing is about 50
pounds lighter and uses conventional spars ribs and internal bracing
structures. The metal wing is fully monocoque in construction with formers
to shape the wing, but the load is carried by the skin and spars as a semi-monococque
unit. Metal wings can have flaps.
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Q24. Which models had fabric covered wings?
A24: The 8A was produced with both fabric and metal covered wings. The
post 1946 models were covered with .016 or .020 alum. skin. Later models had
only .020 skins.
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Q25. How should my wings be re-rigged for correct
flight?
A25: Correctly. Wings should maintain level flight with minimal aileron
input and rudder input that can be trimmed out later. One degree, 45 minutes
perpendicular to the strut attach fitting area of the wing is the correct
wash out. The wings should have 1 degree of dihedral, which is determined by
the length of the lift strut. How to adjust:
Base line is to use an electric protractor at the wing root ribs. Call this
zero. At the rib between the front and rear strut, the washout should be 1
degree 45 minutes for ATC specification. This may have been reduced to as
little as 45 minutes on some airplanes which were very straight, they then
go faster..... When you get an airplane that stalls in a docile manner, and
can sustain a "falling leaf" maneuver with only rudder inputs you have done
a fair job. After getting the "book spec" you desire, trim the wings level
with a reduction in washout (lengthening rear strut) on the wing which is
rolling UP. Be careful to NOT turn the rear strut forks more than a half
turn between test flights. A full turn, or a turn and a half is enough to
nearly overpower the aileron control inputs. Fly safe. Have an AP check your
work. Metal wings are not adjustable except during construction. Trim tabs
on ailerons and the tip spurs can be used to rig an airplane to overcome
some jigged mistakes.
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Q26. I have just purchased a '46 -8A that has aluminum
wings.
The wings are in good shape with only superficial corrosion, however, the
outboard skin panels of the leading edge are very rough. I would like to
replace these skins, but I do not see how I can buck these rivets with the
limited access available. Is this a commonly performed repair, and if so, is
there any specific tool (bucking bar) or technique necessary?
A26: This is common, but difficult to repair without opening the wing at the
rear spar area. Remove wing tips, providing access to outer wing panel.
Remove leading edge and reinstall. Originally the front spar was bucked with
the rear spar rivet line still open. This is still the best way, and would
require removing about 50 more rivets (and the tip). We also suggest that
you install the wing inspection kit that allows routine inspection
of the internal wing as required for annuals and by the FARs.
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Q27: Have my wings been over stressed?
Upon stripping the paint from the wings I noticed slight creases on both
wings running above the wing tank area. Can you tell me what damage occurs
when the wing is over stressed? How can I verify if damage is present?
A27: The kind of damage you describe is typical of a ground loop incident
where there is a torsional load on the wing transmitted through the wing
skins about mid aileron, and from the tip to the root of each spar to
determine if any "SET" has taken place (not likely). Many Luscombes have
similar deformities but fly on just fine. Replacing the skins should be done
in a jig but can be carefully done on saw horses with an electronic
protractor. Jigging details are available for about $160. Cost to rebuild depends
on shop skill and experience. We estimate about $3500-4500 per wing to repair
such damage and recondition a wing.
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Q28. Which models had flaps? Can I add them to my
airplane?
A28: Flaps were available as an option on the 8E and 8F, and on the T8F.
They are very effective, but add about 30 lbs to the weight of the airplane.
They can be added to an existing set of wings with some work. CAS estimates
about 60 man hours, and the cost of parts (used and new) at about
$3500-3800. They are available from CAS with an order and substantial deposit.
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Q29. What's this I hear about using carb heat on
takeoff?
A29: Refer to ATC694 and service letter. It is required to reduce the power on an A-65 or
-75 when using a fuselage tank. With low fuel, (1/2 tank or less) and a cool
day, when the engine is making lots of power and you are in a steep(er)
climb angle it is possible to get the engine fuel inlet ABOVE the fuel
tank outlet, which causes fuel flow to cease (and the engine quits).
Carb heat on was a simple and cheap fix to this as it reduced the power the
engine could make and thus reduced the deck angle. It is also why wing
tanks are required on higher HP engine conversions, and why wing tanks are
strongly recommended for all Luscombes in general.
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Q30. What is the leaning procedure for the Stromberg
Carburetor?
A30: This carb
"automatically" leans due to the methods employed internally. Saving 10% of
your fuel in a 4GPH aircraft could be very expensive when you start burning
metal parts. The mixture control on the Stromberg carburetors does not work in
the same fashion that more recent mixture controls work, i.e. later ones
completely cut off fuel flow at idle in the mixture full lean position via a
mechanical equivalent to a shut off valve. The Stromberg carbs are fitted
with a method of putting slight vacuum on top of the float bowl in the carb
which has the effect of reducing the fuel air ratio (leaning) when the
engine is running at cruise power. It has minimal effect at idle and
is not intended to shut down the engine. This back suction mixture control
is not highly predictable and should not be used without an EGT.
The concept of never leaning below 5000 (or 6000) feet is a corruption of
the intent of the comment and generally applicable to the later Marvel
Schebler carbs. The original instruction was to always lean above 5000 feet
as it was desirable to adjust the mixture to compensate for the otherwise
overly rich condition which existed in the thinner air aloft. It is
perfectly safe and prudent to lean the engine once cruise power is
established, even at sea level. Without an exhaust gas temperature gauge,
which is not a common instrument on a Luscombe, the usual procedure is to
lean until the engine starts rough and loses RPM and then enrich just enough
to smooth it out.
Due to the temperature irregularities in leaning small Continental
engines, the use of an EGT gauge is highly recommended.
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Q31. How should I shut down my engine with a Stromberg
carburetor?
A31: The Stromberg carb has an 'economizer valve' as they called it. It
does indeed work at all altitudes, but it is not a full-cutoff mixture
control.
Proper procedure is:
- Idle at 600 RPM
- Mags to Off
- Briskly open throttle to Full until the propeller stops
- Return throttle to Idle
- Turn Off fuel selector
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Q32. Where can I get my Stromberg Carburetor
overhauled?
A32: CAS has a good repair facility for those nearby and
can generally turn them for $300-500 depending on your needs and desires. A
basic replacement of the needle and gaskets can be done for about $225 by J
& G Carburetor, Inc., 2735 Brookfield, Dallas, TX 75235. 214 350-2032 as
recommended by some of the Mail list members.
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Q33. I'm looking to convert to an alternator from a
standard generator.
A33. Certified 60A alternators are generally available for about $900. Also a 20A generator is
available. A third option is a light weight field approved alternator
installation that CAS can provide with 337 approval. CAS can probably track this down for you.
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Q34. How do I get a better data plate for my engine?
A34: The data plate on my A-65 is unreadable except for the stamped
serial number. Every time I get a new IA, I have to get past his objections.
I decided it would be a good idea to get a new plate. The drill is to talk
to the FAA first, Get a letter from them and send a copy to TCM with $25.
TCM will then sell you a new one. I called TCM first to verify that the
serial number was valid and was told there were too many digits, and leaving
off the first or last digit didn't produce a valid number. At the Columbia
Fly-in, I looked at other A-65's and all had equally unreadable data plates,
with the same number of digits I have. A second call to TCM with an
explanation got me in touch with a fellow who had been there a good while.
The net result is that I know that 3848568 is really 38485-6-8, which
apparently translates to A-65-8 made in 1946 whose serial number is 38485.
(He also told me the engine was sold from Continental to Luscombe in early
1947.) Thanks to Bill Archibald.
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Q35. What are the markings for my instruments?
A35: The airplane was certified with NO markings, just numbers limits
specified in the operator's handbook so technically the arcs and ranges on
gauges and instruments cannot be required. They are, however, a good idea.
Airspeed Limits For All 8 series Airspeeds (Land Plane)
| Stall |
48 mph |
| Maneuvering speed (not necessarily marked) |
85 mph |
| Normal operating speed (green arc) |
48-115 mph |
| Caution speeds- smooth air only, (yellow arc) |
116-144 mph |
| Redline (radial red line) |
145 mph |
| Flap speeds (white arc) |
40-90 mph |
Luscombe Owner's Manual Limits
|
Continental A65 -8A Engine Gauges- (65HP)
|
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Minimum |
25 psi |
| Normal |
30-40psi |
| Maximum |
48 psi |
| Red radial line |
10 psi |
| Yellow Arc |
11 to 24 psi |
| Green Arc |
25 psi to 48 psi |
| Red radial line |
48 psi |
Oil Temperature Operating Range
| Normal (green arc) |
120-220 F |
| Caution (yellow arc) |
40-120 F |
| Maximum (red radial line) |
220 F |
RPM Limits
| Idle |
550 rpm |
| Cruise |
2150 rpm |
| Green Arc |
1800 to 2349 rpm |
| Max (red radial line) |
2350 rpm |
Continental Motors Limits for A 65 (Not Specific to Luscombe)
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Idle Minimum |
10 psi |
| Normal |
30-40psi |
| Maximum |
48 psi |
| Oil Temperature for take-off |
90 degrees oil temp minimum |
|
Continental C-85- 8E Engine Gauges- (85HP)
|
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Minimum |
25 psi |
| Normal |
30-40 psi |
| Max |
48 psi |
| Red Radial Line |
10 psi |
| Yellow Arc |
11 to 24 psi |
| Green Arc |
25 psi to 48 psi |
| Red Radial Line |
48 psi |
Oil Temperature Operating Range
| Caution (yellow arc) |
40-120 F |
| Normal (green arc) |
120-220 F |
| Max (red radial line) |
220 F |
RPM Limits
| Idle |
550 rpm |
| Cruise |
2350 rpm |
| Green Arc |
1800 to 2574 rpm |
| Max (red radial line) |
2575 rpm |
Continental Motors Limits for C-85 (Not Luscombe)
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Idle minimum |
10 psi |
| Normal |
30-60 psi |
| Max |
48 psi |
| Oil temp minimum for take-off |
75 degrees |
| Continental C-90, 8F Engine Gauges |
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Minimum |
25 psi |
| Normal |
30-35 psi |
| Max |
48 psi |
| Red Radial Line |
10 psi |
| Yellow Arc |
11 to 24 psi |
| Green Arc |
25 psi to 48 psi |
| Red Radial Line |
48 psi |
Oil Temperature Operating Range
| Caution (yellow arc) |
40-120 F |
| Normal (green arc) |
120-225 F |
| Max (red radial line) |
225 F |
RPM Limits
| Idle |
550 rpm |
| Cruise |
2300 rpm |
| Max (red radial line) |
2625 rpm |
| Green Arc |
1800 to 2465 rpm |
| Yellow Arc |
2466 to 2624 rpm |
Continental Motors limits for C-90 (not Luscombe)
Oil Pressure Operating Range
| Idle minimum |
10 psi |
| Normal |
30-60 psi |
| Max |
48 psi |
RPM Limits
| Max for T.O. (5 min.) |
2625 rpm |
| Oil temp minimum for take-off |
75 degrees |
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Q36. What prop would give me better climb in my 8E?
I have a Flowtorp 72-48, and I'm only getting 200-300 fpm at gross and
it's not summer yet. Cruise is ok at 100-105mph.
A36: A 72-44 or 72-46 will improve the climb situation by 3-400 or 200fpm
respectively. See if you are in the ATC specified RPM range now, and be sure
to check the tack as well as VSI (both are known for inaccuracy). Your numbers could be in error, or you
could have a weak engine, too. Cruise will drop 3-5 mph per inch of less
prop screw. So you will climb well at 72-44 but will not go better than 90
or so.
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Q37. My new Sensenich 76X42 wood prop seems a little
over propped to me. What's your opinion?
A.37: A cruise prop should come up about 50 to 100 rpm shy of redline at
level flight if the engine is producing proper power. A climb prop should
come up to about redline or redline +50 rpm in level flight. Sensenich tends
to UNDER pitch slightly so I would check the tach calibration and engine
output before making a final call. Tachs tend to indicate low after a few
years due to internal friction and poor lubrication.
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Q38. The 8A I am looking at has no electrical system.
What do I need to know about hand propping?
A38: Do not wrap your fingers around the blade behind the prop. Swing
your closest inboard leg out under the prop and pull toward you to keep you
out of the propeller arc. NEVER lean into the propeller arc and start with
the compressions of the propeller at the 10 o'clock position (from the
front) Service the mags or buy new ones. GET instructions from someone who
knows how to do this start sequence and handle the airplane. SAFETY first.
See hand propping guide.
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Q39: I want to polish my unpainted airplane.
A39: Seek mental help. There are many methods and products on the market,
all of which have good and bad sides. CAS has special cleaners and polish
bars for use on low speed buffers. You will need to use a polishing compound
that has a light abrasive in it. And then wax the surface after your polish
out the corrosion, oxidation and discoloration. You may also find that its
more work than you can do by hand, you may want to borrow, buy or rent an
electric polisher with several wool pads. Keep the pads away from dirt and
course grit as it will scratch things up. CAS also has other cleaners they
have tested from time to time. Call for quotes and availability. Nuvite is
one of the best.
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Q40. The original Luscombe annual checklist says to
use steel wool to clean the fuselage. Should I?
A40: No. Never do this. Maybe Luscombe wanted to sell some replacement
fuselages a few years after you would do this. The steel will get imbedded
into the Aluminum skins and you will get a lot of corrosion. If you need an
abrasive, use scotch brite pads. Also do not use any abrasive made of
aluminum oxide (popular in sand papers) as it in effect the seeds of
corrosion which it will imbed in your airplane.
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Q41. What is the difference in round versus Square tip
Vertical Stabilizers?
A41: The round tips were on models produced from 1938 through 1947. The
square topped tips produced after 1947. However, the exception is that factory
supplied replacements were square tips, and they could also be swapped with
other planes, so one tip versus the other is not a reliable way to tell the
vintage of the fuselage.
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Q42. Are there any Luscombe owner's Associations? How
can I contact them?
A42: The Luscombe Association publishes a newsletter. You can subscribe
through CAS.
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Q43. Where can I get parts for a Luscombe?
A43: CAS has a large stock and variety of Luscombe support and parts.
These are not current production airplanes but antiques that are still doing
daily training and business. Luscombe parts are generally available. The
support is not as cheap as your Pinto car, nor are the parts and technical
assistance as expensive as Boeing, Beech, or even Cessna. You get a fair
price for good parts that are most often new production FAA approved,
certified, PMA parts.
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Q44: What areas should I pay special attention to
during a pre-buy inspection?
A44: Get a copy of the Luscombe annual inspection checklist, add emphasis to
the AD areas and the 7-10 year "heavy" checklist. Call CAS for details
or consultation.
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Q45: Are Luscombe's really as tricky to land as they
say?
A45: No. Most of the stories you hear are from pilots who are less
proficient than they wish to have you believe. The airplane is very
responsive and light on the controls. To some this means that the
airplane is unmanageable. It is NOT a Cessna 152, a Cub or Citabria and does
require that you learn to understand and use ALL THREE axis controls
independently and in concert with one another to fly well.
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Q46. What is the designation the Luscombe Silvaire 8
series for flight planning purposes?
A46: It was SL8 that was recently revised, and "L8" seems a logical
contraction.
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Q47: I'm considering flying to Alaska in my Luscombe.
Where can I get reliable information for my trip?
A.47: Luscombe List Members recommend The Milepost to anyone who wants to
fly to Alaska. You can get this publication at your local Barnes and Noble
bookstore or at The
MILEPOST
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Q48. How do I start a Foundation?
A48. It's Not Easy. Hire an accountant and attorney. Spend $3-9,000.
Incorporate, file with IRS, hope they see why you are a not for profit
educational and historical preservation society. The IRS has forms.
standards and requirements to meet.
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