A2A Comanche has been released!

[Matchstick 1,898]

I'm my limited experience the AP seemed to handle 10 degree or so changes without assistance but certainly for something around 90 degrees it needed guiding with heading mode.

Edited July 19, 2023 by Matchstick

[Bobsk8 12,836]

18 minutes ago, Matchstick said:

I'm my limited experience the AP seemed to handle 10 degree or so changes without assistance but certainly for something around 90 degrees it needed guiding with heading mode.

That is what I am seeing a few degrees OK, otherwise  NG. 

[Alvega 2,125]

1 minute ago, Bobsk8 said:

That is what I am seeing a few degrees OK, otherwise  NG. 

That's  what I saw yesterday too, using TRK HI mode.

[Scott - A2A 164]

Someone back a few pages asked about spark plug fouling, so just some context first.  I purchased a 1959 Comanche 6229P back in 2012.  It came with standard “massive” type spark plugs which are prone to fouling.  If this engine was ever left at low idle for any length of time, plugs would foul.... quickly.  It became almost part of my checklist to run the engine at high power for some time or so to clear them out prior to takeoff.  Especially when operating out of large airports with a lot of taxiing (they don’t let you taxi fast).

I was told by many “lean on the ground” and I did, aggressively.  Leaning mixture does help, but only relative to the amount of fuel being used.  IOW, they just foul at a slower rate which was still pretty bad.  I later learned that heat is what scavenges the lead from plugs so to avoid fouling, you need to raise your idle.  On my Comanche, idling at 1000RPM fixed the issue.

Then a few years later we got a sponsorship from Champion that included all new “fine wire” style plugs, and since that change, plug fouling is a thing of the past.  With fine wires, I just idle at any RPM without issue.  We clean the plugs at annual once a year and that's it. 

So we support both plugs and their behavior.  Using massives promotes good habits.  Fine wires eliminate the problem but as a result, you can get lazy idling at 600RPM all day (that's an option you have flying for real so it's here too). 

Bottom line is this:

• Massive plus:  Keep your idle at 1,000RPM or higher.  If they foul, run the engine at full power until they clear.  It can sometimes take a LONG time.
• Fine wires:  No fouling worries.

Scott

[Stoopy 1,582]

8 hours ago, Rimshot said:

FSRealistic is completely unnecessary for this aircraft. Accusim does everything better.

I would agree except for the occasional sneezing from the pilot, which always seems to come at the most inopportune time like on short final, etc... Gives me a jolt and then a big grin.

[Bobsk8 12,836]

49 minutes ago, Scott - A2A said:

Someone back a few pages asked about spark plug fouling, so just some context first.  I purchased a 1959 Comanche 6229P back in 2012.  It came with standard “massive” type spark plugs which are prone to fouling.  If this engine was ever left at low idle for any length of time, plugs would foul.... quickly.  It became almost part of my checklist to run the engine at high power for some time or so to clear them out prior to takeoff.  Especially when operating out of large airports with a lot of taxiing (they don’t let you taxi fast).

I was told by many “lean on the ground” and I did, aggressively.  Leaning mixture does help, but only relative to the amount of fuel being used.  IOW, they just foul at a slower rate which was still pretty bad.  I later learned that heat is what scavenges the lead from plugs so to avoid fouling, you need to raise your idle.  On my Comanche, idling at 1000RPM fixed the issue.

Then a few years later we got a sponsorship from Champion that included all new “fine wire” style plugs, and since that change, plug fouling is a thing of the past.  With fine wires, I just idle at any RPM without issue.  We clean the plugs at annual once a year and that's it. 

So we support both plugs and their behavior.  Using massives promotes good habits.  Fine wires eliminate the problem but as a result, you can get lazy idling at 600RPM all day (that's an option you have flying for real so it's here too). 

Bottom line is this:

• Massive plus:  Keep your idle at 1,000RPM or higher.  If they foul, run the engine at full power until they clear.  It can sometimes take a LONG time.
• Fine wires:  No fouling worries.

Scott

I just switched to fine wire this morning. hardly any noticeable drop with a mag check. I still lean anyway, learned that lesson when I flew in real life. 

[Matchstick 1,898]

1 hour ago, Scott - A2A said:

Bottom line is this:

• Massive plus:  Keep your idle at 1,000RPM or higher.  If they foul, run the engine at full power until they clear.  It can sometimes take a LONG time.
• Fine wires:  No fouling worries.

Scott

I'm really curious if there are any real world downsides to "fine wire" plugs ?

[ryanbatc 13,013]

Shameless plug here hehe:

https://flightsim.to/file/58366/n7621p-livery-for-a2a-comanche

springsun by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

sunsetbank by Ryan Butterworth, on Flickr

[Bobsk8 12,836]

4 minutes ago, Matchstick said:

I'm really curious if there are any real world downsides to "fine wire" plugs ?

If you have a normally aspirated engine that runs cool, are planning to keep your airplane a long time and fly it 100 hours a year, fine wire plugs are worth the investment from a longevity and cost of maintenance standpoint. Otherwise, the lower cost massive electrode spark plugs will work well.

[Rene_Feijen 126]

Question: I was approaching RWY 24 on Shannon (addon airport) and both times suddenly in-flight the propellor went broke and engine cut? What could I have done wrong? Will try another airport (Drachten in the Netherlands was without problem on approach).

Edited July 19, 2023 by Rene_Feijen

[Alvega 2,125]

4 minutes ago, Rene_Feijen said:

Question: I was approaching RWY 24 on Shannon (addon airport) and both times suddenly in-flight the propellor went broke and engine cut? What could I have done wrong? Will try another airport (Drachten in the Netherlands was without problem on approach).

Perhaps they are simulating bird strikes with Accu-sim too. 😄

[Malaromane 436]

26 minutes ago, ryanbatc said:

Shameless plug here hehe:

https://flightsim.to/file/58366/n7621p-livery-for-a2a-comanche

[images snipped but appreciated]

A gorgeous livery, Ryan. Very nice work.

EDIT: Any chance you'd be willing to do a variation of that livery in red? Your livery pushed me over the edge and I've decided to buy the Comanche.

Edited July 19, 2023 by Malaromane

[bobcat999 8,501]

13 minutes ago, Rene_Feijen said:

Question: I was approaching RWY 24 on Shannon (addon airport) and both times suddenly in-flight the propellor went broke and engine cut? What could I have done wrong? Will try another airport (Drachten in the Netherlands was without problem on approach).

How high were you?  I am thinking there is a problem with the scenery, maybe an invisible object on approach, and you must have hit it.  That is the only thing I can think of.

[Matchstick 1,898]

A2A have now published the LVARs list for the Comanche
https://a2asimulations.com/Cockpitbuilders/A2A Comanche 250 - Variable list.pdf

[ryanbatc 13,013]

12 minutes ago, Malaromane said:

A gorgeous livery, Ryan. Very nice work.

EDIT: Any chance you'd be willing to do a variation of that livery in red? Your livery pushed me over the edge and I've decided to buy the Comanche.

Maybe you might already have it....  The Vegas Viper is the stock livery now....formerly done by Tim HH.  N8351P.