Vortex Generators for Dakota

daviddillehaydaviddillehay
in General Discussion

Any advice or comments?


Thanks


Dave Dillehay

N8442A

Comments

  • jacobsjajacobsja
    edited August 4

    For getting maximum benefit from VGs, might consider adding gap seals to the scope (if not already present).


    Reportedly VGs make a difference, primarily in the slow speed territory.

    I have passengers that are prone to motion sickness and decided to install VGs and gap seals as part of the current plane's purchase to help smooth the ride. Especially closer to pattern altitude where turbulence is more likely. Cannot report a before and after effect though.

    A buddy with same type PA-32 experience commented that my plane was the smoothest one he had flown and attributed it to the VGs and gap seals.

    Toward the reputation of VGs helping reduce stall speed, I am also observing that I can manage flairs to bleed-off speed fairly well and confidently do short field landings even when I have plenty of runway. It is nice having the ability to make the first turn-off when there is either a lot of traffic in the pattern or a jet on my tail. Only times I cannot do short field are the rare events when tower has us landing with a tail wind.


    If not already done, consider some research into VG vendors as IIRC there is only one that claims a benefit for both stall and cruise speeds. Based on mental math, the VGs I have are not making a noticeable impact on cruise speed, but I also don't cruise at the faster end of the curve.


    While the VGs seem hardy enough, mine come with a placard that if 5 or more are either missing or have damage, the plane is un-airworthy. Related, installing VGs will add about 45 seconds to the pre-flight for visually making sure they are present and do not appear damaged.

  • daviddillehaydaviddillehay

    ANY SUGGESTION FOR A BRAND/MODEL?


    THANKS,


    DAVE

  • jacobsjajacobsja

    A quick search is coming back with just one VG manufacturer for the PA-28, and a handful or so of sellers listing the same price. Looks like this covers the Dakota, but best to call the manufacturer to verify.

    If Knots2U is still offering a discount to forum members, that might turn into a tie-breaker for the purchase decision.

  • N56404N56404

    I have Micro Aerodynamics VGs on a PA28-180. Vso is published 61mph but plane will fly slow flight 50-55. Power on stalls are non existent. With full power it takes 25 degrees nose up to get a stall. That's an unusual attitude. The plane just mushes in a descent.

    Came on the plane as purchased so I have no knowledge of the install process but I don't think it is very difficult.

  • jacobsjajacobsja
    edited August 11

    FWIW, If this is on a Hershey-bar PA28-180, power-on stalls are non-existent without VGs as well (do not remember whether this was just clean, or dirty). A CFI had me try, but it never broke. After about a minute or so of holding the yolk full back, and the VSI showing -1,000'/m, I recommended that we recover as there were about 2 minutes worth of experimentation time left.

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