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Thread: Aerocet PIREP

  1. #1
    Senior Member randylervold's Avatar
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    Default Aerocet PIREP

    IMG_0021.jpg
    IMG_0030.jpg

    For those of you following float options being developed for the Carbon Cub I thought I'd post a PIREP here having just returned from a visit to Aerocet in Priest River, ID. Jim Richmond and I flew up there yesterday to see how things are coming, what's taking so long, and when we might be able to accept orders. Oh yea, and when do we get our airplane back? We had a productive day and each of us took test hops in it as well. We get lots of inquiries about floats and how the Aerocet project is coming so I though I'd take the time to document my observations below. I'll ask Jim to comment on his impressions here also. I know that "Rowdy" Royce Anderson was scheduled to fly in a couple of days, perhaps he will comment here also as one with more time in a Carbon Cub on Baumann's than anyone except maybe Gary Lickle.
    Hull Shape - The Aerocet's have a noticeably different hull shape than the Baumann's, a much deeper V with a flute (probably not the right technical term) also. No question they ride different when on the step, much softer as you'd expect. Tom Hamilton (owner of Aerocet) said he'd landed in 18" chop the day before and it handled it fine. With the Carbon Cub being such a light airplane I think a deeper v configuration makes sense allowing the hull to slice the wave rather than pound on top of it.

    Flotation - Relative to the Baumann's the Aerocets seem to have noticeably more flotation, especially forward. I don't you'll ever be able to bury the nose of a float when doing a downwind taxi turn, which is of course a good thing. The Baumann's could bury the nose under certain conditions if you weren't careful, I think Aerocet has addressed that nicely. I didn't calculate the weight but with Tom Hamilton and I and half fuel we had plenty of freeboard and could have carried quite a bit more weight. I'll leave all the actual flotation numbers for later, but I think they have just the right amount of flotation for this plane.

    On the step - I think these floats have a different feel on the step than the Baumann's. With the deeper v there is more water drag but of course a smoother ride. The Baumann's have a flatter hull profile and seem to glide with a bit less drag. The "sweet spot" seemed adequately wide though I didn't have a chance to play with flaps and trim to see what would happen if you really push the nose down or back or completely let go of the stick. It was no problem to cruise along on the step with just small power and pitch adjustments. (the most fun part of seaplane flying as far as I'm concerned!)

    Spray control - Having seen Catto props without the nickel leading edge get eaten in one takeoff on Baumann's if the pilot didn't go from a dead idle to full power, I opened the window and looked up front as I played with various taxi speeds. I couldn't get bow spray up into the prop no matter what speed I tried, cool!

    Suspension - These amphibs actually have real suspension on the mainwheels! With 5.00 wheels/tires, unlike the little 4.00 casters on others, and very effective suspension this bird could actually do some off airport landing work.
    IMG_0024.jpg

    Gear advisory system - The Baumann's had no gear advisory system as you may know, Aerocet has their own proprietary system. We're still debating "arm" and "trigger" speeds, but I think most pilots will like this system.
    IMG_0026.jpg


    A few final comments: the silver gelcoat they chose is a bit too light, will be darker next time to match our silver. Available gelcoat colors will be silver, white, and Cub yellow. Best guess will be 245-250 lbs all up, a bit heavier than hoped but a robust and full featured system. Though most of the development work is now done and rigging has been finalized, there is still some formal flight testing to be done for ASTM certification. We are still not in a position to accept deposits/orders yet but it should be soon.

    Jim and Royce?
    Randy Lervold

  2. #2
    Senior Member turbopilot's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Thanks for the update. Will the CC with floats be shown at AirVenture?
    Bob Anderson, CC11-00435, N94RA

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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Thanks Randy really looking forward to seeing and learning more about them. Whats the retract system for the Aerocets? Electro hydraulic or mechanical? Assuming very different than the Baumans which as most know are purely mechanical via Johnson rod and push rod cables. My Baumans ( whihc I kept from the sale of #107) as of this past weekend are re installed on #246 and going strong. Best Gary

    PS DO send pictures!
    Last edited by glickle; 05-20-2013 at 08:16 AM.

  4. #4
    Senior Member randylervold's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Quote Originally Posted by turbopilot View Post
    Thanks for the update. Will the CC with floats be shown at AirVenture?
    That's the plan, not sure if it will be in our booth or Aerocet's booth.
    Randy Lervold

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    Senior Member randylervold's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Quote Originally Posted by glickle View Post
    Thanks Randy really looking forward to seeing and learning more about them. Whats the retract system for the Aerocets? Electro hydraulic or mechanical? Assuming very different than the Baumans which as most know are purely mechanical via Johnson rod and push rod cables. My Baumans ( whihc I kept from the sale of #107) as of this past weekend are re installed on #246 and going strong. Best Gary

    PS DO send pictures!
    Hydraulic pump from the cockpit with a neat lever that's really easy. The picture below is of the prototype installation, the pressure gauge will be eliminated and there will be a cover over all this with placards.

    IMG_0027.jpg
    Randy Lervold

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    Senior Member Paul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Thanks a lot for the update, Randy.
    Some great improvements.
    My favorite features and comments in this thread.....

    "deeper v configuration makes sense allowing the hull to slice the wave rather than pound on top of it"

    "It was no problem to cruise along on the step with just small power and pitch adjustments. (the most fun part of seaplane flying as far as I'm concerned!)"

    "These amphibs actually have real suspension on the mainwheels! With 5.00 wheels/tires"

    "Available gelcoat colors will be silver, white, and Cub yellow"

  7. #7
    Senior Member Paul's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Randy/Mitch,
    A couple questions...
    1) Should I be looking to do the plumbing and gear linkage installation prior to covering my EX?
    2) What size is Aerocet working on right now? Will it accommodate 1865#

    Thanks
    Paul

  8. #8
    Administrator Pete D's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Quote Originally Posted by Paul View Post
    Randy/Mitch,
    A couple questions...
    1) Should I be looking to do the plumbing and gear linkage installation prior to covering my EX?

    Generally it is highly recommended to do that kind of thing on the initial build, it is much easier to get a better quality of installation and saves a lot of time.


    2) What size is Aerocet working on right now? Will it accommodate 1865#

    I believe they are 1500 GW.

    Thanks
    Paul
    My comments are bold, italicized above.
    Pete Dougherty
    Customer Support Manager
    Cub Crafters Inc

  9. #9
    Senior Member Ben Redman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Exciting developments and excellent PIREP.

    Thank you
    Ben Redman, GM
    RARE Aircraft Ltd
    www.rareaircraft.com
    ben@rareaircraft.com
    507-331-8446

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Aerocet PIREP

    Thanks Randy for the picture of the manual pump wich sounds better than any electrical pump, any chances for pictures of the floats? I know all are awaiting!!! ha

    PS as of last weekend I am back on Amphibs on #246 and loving life.

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