Page 11 - Nov2016TNT Vol 20 No 11

surface is adequate for takeoff with four aboard. He reports minimal prop erosion during water takeoffs, thanks to the high-mounted engines. Vmc is 90 mph indicated, and the best single-engine climb speed is 95. The propellers turn at a mere 2,180 rpm when the engines are at their full 3,400 takeoff rpm. A 120-mph climb speed is normally used; after takeoff, throttles are left full open and the rpm is pulled back to 3,000 for max continuous power. Once gear and flaps are up, 25 inches m.p. with 2,850 rpm is a normal climb power. Cruise rpm is an economical 2,600, or 2,750 for max cruise on 21 or 22 inches.Half flaps are commonly used for minimum run takeoffs, and they can be lowered at speeds up to 150 mph during approach. The L1 version of the Gull had a maximum gear extension speed of 126 mph, which was also its limit for additional flap extension, but the L2 allowed the gear to be extended at 161 mph IAS, with full flaps permitted at 129. Stall speeds are reported to be about 75 mph with flaps up, and around 68 mph in dirty configuration. As with any amphibian, knowing gear position for water landing is critical, so there are mechanical gear indicators as well as lights.Yes, there was a landplane version of the Gull, the Piaggio model P.166, which was first flown in late 1957. It was equipped with a nosewheel, with the maingear moved farther aft, and it had a prominent dorsal fin. The P.166 cabin initially seated six, later enlarged to hold 10 or 12. Instead of the P.136’s wing floats, wing tip fuel tanks were added to increase fuel capacity for the 340-hp GSO-480 engines, a•nd eventually Lycoming LTP 101 turboprop engines were fitted. T&TNational Flight Simulator Sixth Page4/C AdLuma Technologies Half Page4/C AdJohn Mohr is fortunate indeed to have such a versatile airplane at his disposal, giving him access to nearly unlimited landing spots. We only wish there were more of the Royal Gulls around.NOVEMBER 2016TWIN & TURBINE • 9