PW_Plack
Active Member
I've been enjoying the Sport Copter Vortex 582 for the last few months, but this weekend was the first time I've flown it - or any gyro - at temps below freezing. The occasion was an organizational meeting for a new EAA chapter based at Woodhouse Field at Spanish Fork, about 26 nm from where I hangar at Nephi, UT.
The temp was 17º F (-8º C) when I got to the airport at 7:20am, with hopes for wheels-up by 8am, but I had to return to the hangar and partially block the radiator to get water temp to budge off the bottom of the gauge on the 582. (Elevation 5020' MSL.) After that all worked well, water temp 140-150º F, EGTs 1080/1120º at cruise, and she burned 8 gallons in 1.8 hours round-trip, including ground ops at both ends.
PRA Chapter 2 President Doug Barker was at the meeting and took this photo as I was preparing to depart Spanish Fork for the return trip. I hope to get a GoPro going soon so I can capture the stunning visuals from winter flights in this area. The beauty of the scenery made it all worth donning two sets of long johns, sweatshirt and insulated ski pants, and heavy coat.
By the way, congrats to CFI Mike Burton on his election as president of the new EAA chapter, number to be determined!
The temp was 17º F (-8º C) when I got to the airport at 7:20am, with hopes for wheels-up by 8am, but I had to return to the hangar and partially block the radiator to get water temp to budge off the bottom of the gauge on the 582. (Elevation 5020' MSL.) After that all worked well, water temp 140-150º F, EGTs 1080/1120º at cruise, and she burned 8 gallons in 1.8 hours round-trip, including ground ops at both ends.
PRA Chapter 2 President Doug Barker was at the meeting and took this photo as I was preparing to depart Spanish Fork for the return trip. I hope to get a GoPro going soon so I can capture the stunning visuals from winter flights in this area. The beauty of the scenery made it all worth donning two sets of long johns, sweatshirt and insulated ski pants, and heavy coat.
By the way, congrats to CFI Mike Burton on his election as president of the new EAA chapter, number to be determined!
Attachments
Last edited: