260 SE performance

[Patrick]

I know there are some threads describing performance, but I need a little more detail.

I fly out of an airport at 5,000 ft (paved) Usually fly down to sea level (grass) and to get back to homebase I must go to 12,000 ft if the weather is not behaving itself.

What kind of performance would I expect from a 260 SE?

Could I takeoff with 4 people and full gas at 5000 ft? OR a mix of load and gas would be best?

What climb rate could I expect from this aircraft?

From 0-5000ft,
5000-12,000 ft,


I appreciate any feedback as this is my first post on this site.

Thanks,

patrick.

[kwmoore]

I fly out of an airport at 5,000 ft (paved) Usually fly down to sea level (grass) and to get back to homebase I must go to 12,000 ft if the weather is not behaving itself.

What kind of performance would I expect from a 260 SE?
How long is the runway? Typical air temperatures? Obstacles near or in the vicinity of the approach and departure paths?

I have flown my 260se's out of Winslow and Holbrook on hot summer days when density altitude was 7500+ with no problem, used less than 1100 feet as I recall with not very aggressive takeoff technique. I also flew into and out of Monument Valley (~5100 feet IIRC) in the summer and was off just beyond the end of the paved portion of the runway (800 feet) on a warm windless day. Also many times into Sedona (4900 feet) in the summer. In each case, with Senior Management, toddler Byron, luggage and miscellaneous toddler accessories I was probably 200 lb below MGTOW. I have also departed Truckee (~6000 feet) on a summer afternoon, it was effortless.

Could I takeoff with 4 people and full gas at 5000 ft? OR a mix of load and gas would be best?

What climb rate could I expect from this aircraft?

From 0-5000ft,
5000-12,000 ft
The legal full fuel payloads on 260se conversions of 182P/Q are generally 620 lb, plus or minus a few 10's of pounds. That would be, um...lessee here... ;) ...155 lb per person for four people. Heavier people = less fuel of course.

Departing PAO (sea level) in the summer, 1000+ fpm at 80-90 kt, which is at least 5-15 kt more than Vy.

In my operations I have seen at least 600-700 fpm even at 11-12,000 in the summer (> 80 KIAS) but again I am usually at least 200 lb under gross.

In more than 600 hr flying 260se's around California and the Intermountain West I have never encountered a situation where takeoff or climb performance was an issue.

Several owners operate regularly in the teens, they can comment if the spirit moves.

I appreciate any feedback as this is my first post on this site.
Welcome! :) :)

[n2099x]

Well I don't want to talk about weight, but one summer day after having to hold the tail up to check the correct oil level. We departed Cheyenne Wy. well over 100 degree's and I was very impressed.

On another occasion we departed South Lake Tahoe and their led read out said 10,300 for density altitude. That was 3 adults, baggage, and 70 gallons of fuel. You just let it lift off and climb out and you will be pleasantly surprised.

I often run in the low teens and sometimes in the mid teens with respectable climb rates through out.

Glen

[Patrick]

thanks for the great info.

homebase runway is 9800 ft long, with no obstacles. Big jets use it...... altitude 4,952, temps usually hover from the 60´s to 80´s.

Our sea level runways are usually grass and much shorter 1800-3000 ft. The tempteratures down there are usually high 80`s to 100´s F.

Thanks for the high altitude information. Those climb rates compete with a non turbo 210! at a little bit slower Kias, but what`s the hurry anyway?!

[kwmoore]

Patrick:

Try also the final few posts in this thread. (http://www.260sepilots.org/forums/showthread.php?t=439)