Today I did some more testing with the wing fairings installed. Now I can say there is a definite improvement.
Rate of climb has improved by 300fpm, the only issue with this statement is that I am now flying in winter, however, compared to my rate of climb 2 weeks ago, this is the difference I am seeing.
Cruse rpm has dropped by 200 rpm, I can now cruse at 110knots at 2600rpm. Climb rpm has increased to 2850rpm at 80 knots indicated. Previous this was about 2750rpm.
Take off run with no flaps is now the same as take off with 50% flap. Landing with no flaps have greatly lowered the stall speed, this is based on the fact that if I approach at 70 knots and then flair the aircraft will float about 50 meters further than it did previously.
I did one high-speed run at 135 knots on the down wind leg of the circuit that I was flying and the aircraft got there easily.
It now also takes a lot longer to slow down, so I would say that the fairings make a big difference.
On today’s flight I compared my cruse speed with a friends 601XL and to cruse at 100knots with the same set-up as me, he was running 2850rpm compared to my 2600rpm.
I have removed the fairings and will be painting them this week so that they do not look like such an eye sore.....
This is what hte fairing look like in primer, not great.
