[Anonymous]

Anonymous on February 6, 2015 at 10:25 pm #17613

Hi Bob,
Too many red flags… good decision. Still, the positives are pretty compelling. Perhaps they’ll get the hint and get these problem areas improved/resolved. Thanks very much for sharing your experience and logic.

Safe travels,
Scott Sherer
N344TB

[BOB HIDLEY]

BOB HIDLEY on February 6, 2015 at 9:55 am #17612

I’ve reviewed all the paperwork for this installation. There is an STC that covers a PA-28R-201T and the installation manual has an exact location for the annunciator light and on/off switch. The problem is the approved PA-28 manual shows a Comanche panel and the required locations do not exist on a PA-28 panel. I talked to Precise Flight (and visited their factory in Bend, Oregon). They said to contact the FAA and get a field approval. After talking to my mechanic Precise Flight agreed to have a DER obtain approval. After three weeks that has yet to happen.

Second problem is they did confirm that rain water enters the speed brake box and quite often causes corrosion to the electric motor. During my factory visit there were a couple units being repaired. They suggested to put tape over the speed brakes whenever the plane is outside.

I’ve decided not to do this project.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on January 10, 2015 at 6:17 pm #17577

Hi Bob,

Not to mention staying above the weather for added minutes followed by a quicker, steeper descent through the bad stuff. There’s nothing worse than having to start your descent from the lower flight levels a hundred miles out just to fight IMC, rain/snow/ice, turbulence, etc. I’m beginning to see the wisdom of the direction you’re headed. Post your research here as you move forward so I can follow on your progress.

Best,
Scott Sherer
N344TB

[BOB HIDLEY]

BOB HIDLEY on January 10, 2015 at 4:01 pm #17576

I talked to the Precise Flight tech and he says water isn’t a problem as long as the drains are kept clear. That’s a maintenance inspection item every 50 hours. My mechanic’s experience was with some speed brakes 18 years ago on a Mooney. According to the tech you can fly up to Vne, deploy the speed brakes and descend about 1,900 FPM at the same airspeed. This would really help when descending from high altitudes, especially, if like me your airport is in a valley surrounded by mountains. On many occasions I’ve been at a high altitude and needed to descend at a high rate per ATC. Couldn’t do it without pulling the engine to near idle and risk shock cooling the engine. For example at KSLE I start the ILS approach 35 miles out at 7,000 feet. (Sometimes ATC keeps me at 10,000 feet) With speed brakes I could start the approach closer to the airport and save about 10 minutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on January 10, 2015 at 3:30 pm #17575

Hi Bob,

You’ll forgive me if I find humor in your posting. Most of us struggle to find big bucks to make our planes go faster and higher. You’re trying to do the opposite in an already-fast and high airplane. No disrespect implied. I’m not experienced in speed brakes and found your posting intriguing. I suspect many of our members are interested in this discussion, as am I. I own a Seneca I have the same speed/altitude problem that you have and have the same engine, which requires careful cooling during descent. I hope that other members add their comments and experiences on this thread. As for the comment from your A&P: If the microswitches really fail after a couple of weeks outside you won’t ever be able to take the airplane on a vacation or other extended trip. This would be a show-stopper for me. Have you asked Precise Flight to comment? Also, can you get some references from them and see what they say?

Wishing you good luck with this project.
Scott Sherer
N344TB

[BOB HIDLEY]

BOB HIDLEY on January 10, 2015 at 3:13 pm #17574

I’m thinking about adding speed brakes to my Turbo Arrow III. From Precise flight they cost about $5000 plus $2000-$3000 for installation. I’m concerned that they require maintenance every 50 hours. My mechanic says if the plane is left out in rain for a couple weeks the micro switches will short out. Anyone have any experience with this? Is the ability to quickly descend worth it?