Page 15 - Volume 16 Number 8

From their observations, it appears that performance enhancements to airspeed occur at high-altitude cruise (12,500 feet).Brent Hinckley, APM COO, explains the improvements this way: “By streamlining the body vortices under the aft fuselage, the strakes create an area of increased pressure under the empennage and facilitate an improved angle of attack for the aircraft. Since the entire aerodynamic system is improved, the benefits are numerous; primarily, a great reduction in the amount of adverse yaw and a safer flight not just at cruise but more importantly during the event of an engine loss. Subsequently reported improvements include a lowered stall speed, an enhanced rate of climb, and a flatter attitude in climb. What catches the attention of most MEL pilots out there is the improvement in airspeed performance.”The reason for the strakes’ existence is not speed, however, but the increase in yaw stability. Cabin twins often experience rock ‘n roll yaw excursions in turbulent air, requiring a yaw damper to keep their passengers comfortable. While the strakes are not intended to replace an aircraft’s yaw damper, owners of the STC’d mod report that the strakes work almost as well as the autopilot’s yaw-axis servo and find they don’t have to use their yaw damper nearly as much.The weight increase from the strakes addition is a nominal 8.7 pounds and installation takes approximately 20-30 hours, depending on the installing facility’s familiarity with the installation process. For additional information, visit www.aircraftstc.com or contact Steve Hinckley toll-free at (855) 499-3816. For pricing, availability, or to schedule an installation at their Colorado Springs facility contact Brent Hinckley at (719) 331-7494. Aircraft Performance Modifica•tions, Inc., 5735 Taxi Way, Building 110, Colorado Springs CO 80916 T&TAUGUST 2012TWIN & TURBINE • 13! DOWTY! HARTZELL! MCCAULEY! MT PROPELLER! SENSENICH! RAPCO DISTRIBUTOR! WOODWARD PT6Ahttp://www.rockyprop.com e-mail: rockyprop@rockyprop.com! LARGE INVENTORY ! SAME DAY SHIPPING ! UNCOMPROMISED QUALITY ! COMPETITIVE PRICES ! WORLD CLASS WARRANTY ! FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS2865 AIRPORT DRIVE ! ERIE, CO 80516FAX: 303-665-7164 ! FAA/EASA CRS FR6R545N