Murky Morning Aerostar/Mini Review

[ryanbatc 12,836]

My city is talking about cancelling fireworks this evening due to bad weather...  and the weather isn't great this morning either.

Anyway here are some shots from the recently released Aerostar for XP11.  I climbed above the weather for some better "lighting" hehe.  For the price it feels like a pretty good product.  The VC/interior is modeled better than the external imo...  and the external has a lot of jaggies even with maximum AA... so it's a bit frustrating to take shots with.  But the VC is very readable, however most of the gauge knobs are not mouse wheel operable...  a bit annoying imo.  This is the 601P so it's pressurized and has plenty of power.  With a lighter load I was climbing effortlessly at 3000-4000 fpm / 2400rpm.  The sound isn't quite finished.  I believe the product is in a late beta state.  I'm not a fan of that but I am particularity found of fast GA.... so I bought anyway.  It's well equipped for IFR and VFR flights.  I have asked on their forum to integrate RXP's GTN 750 with the final release.  But I plan on at least adding RXP GNS530W to the native 530 bezel.  Flying-wise, is a good feel and I think a better aspect of the product.  Anyway, it's a fast piston twin so right up my alley!  Enjoy!

Untitled-1 by ryan b, on Flickr

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[John_Cillis 2,406]

Great pictures of an iconic aircraft!

John

[jt8d9a 1,881]

Many thanks for the mini review! I´m tempted by the Aerostar and the 690B Turbo Commander. I guess i will get the Aerostar.

[ryanbatc 12,836]

I would to too.  Though I don't have the commander I know that C is good at making things pretty and that's usually where quality ends (not always though)

C has been lately integrating the  GTN in their addons which I like

[David B 53]

Hi Ryan, as a proud owner of an Aerostar 601p, I can say even at takeoff power 29.5” Manifold Press. and 2575/RPM, 3-4k can not be sustained for very long. Typically I’ll climb out around 2000 ft initially whic gives me around 160kts indicated. On this “turbo normalized” aircraft, it is very important to have some sort of engine monitor. I’ll typically use 27” and 2200 RPM in cruise. I set the mixtures to lean back to approx 15gph a side, then check TIT. You want that at close to 1550 degrees. Then she’ll purr smooth and true for you. Absolute blast to fly.  Again, on takeoff you are looking for 29.5” MP and 2575 RPM. Have fun.

Best,

David

[ryanbatc 12,836]

59 minutes ago, David B said:

Hi Ryan, as a proud owner of an Aerostar 601p, I can say even at takeoff power 29.5” Manifold Press. and 2575/RPM, 3-4k can not be sustained for very long. Typically I’ll climb out around 2000 ft initially whic gives me around 160kts indicated. On this “turbo normalized” aircraft, it is very important to have some sort of engine monitor. I’ll typically use 27” and 2200 RPM in cruise. I set the mixtures to lean back to approx 15gph a side, then check TIT. You want that at close to 1550 degrees. Then she’ll purr smooth and true for you. Absolute blast to fly.  Again, on takeoff you are looking for 29.5” MP and 2575 RPM. Have fun.

Best,

David

Hey thanks!  You're a lucky guy!  So the higher MP is only for higher altitudes?  In other words you only ever set 29.5" on departure?

Edited July 6, 2018 by ryanbatcund

[David B 53]

Hi ryan, depending on engine strength, you can run 29.5” all day at altitude. Hovever, you’ll reach a point were the turbos can’t maintain 29.5” anymore. The turbos may be worn some, engine fairly high time that sort of thing.

My engines are a little over 1400 hrs, even though I have overhauled turbos, I can get to about FL210, That is having to push up power on climbout, to try and maintain 29.5”MP. When I first had my plane, I could easily cruise at FL250...now not so much. 

Hope that answers your question.

Best,

David