Range on your Arrow

PiperArrow28

Hi guys we have a 1975 Piper Arrow PA 28 200R

I know this is kind of a broad question but anybody with a point similar to this what do you typically getting for range on a 50 gallon full tank. Again I know this does depend on altitude and power settings typically I'm running at 65%

Seeing what people have gotten overall if anybody has flown far

Thank you!!!

Tom_Jax

I did a 510 NM trip in a '75 28R-200, stopped once to pick up a passenger, but no fuel. Was MI to MD, so had winds at my back to help efficiency.... Did the MD to MI leg with only adding 10 gal in Ohio.

arrow76r

I visit friends in Oregon flying my '69 PA28R200 from Colorado Springs. My usual route is over and through the Rockies. My usual fuel stop is at KTWF (Twin Falls, Idaho) which is 507 nm from my home base KFLY. Typically the time in route is just about 4 hours. This route requires climbing from KFLY (6900 MSL) to 12.5 k within 22 nm. Then down to 10.5 k the rest of the trip after clearing the mountains, all of which (of course) is into the westerly winds. At those altitudes I get just about 58 % power with fuel burn of 8.7 gph and TAS 140 kts (I fly solo always).

PiperArrow28

Thank you guys i appreciate the input and detailed info!! My gf and I are taking our plane on Sat from Florida to Las Vegas....making a few stops for fuel and fun! Headswinds will be horrible at 8000 and up (30-38kts) but at 4000ft winds 16-18 headwind with a fuel burn of 36.3 gallons to first stop KSPG-KMJD

jacobsja

If y'all can go the distance without stopping, might consider 50 - 55% power. But if the internal bladders' capacities cannot outlast the wing tanks' capacity, then adding range really does not matter.

While not familiar with Texas this time of year, might want to watch for surface winds as part of route planning in terms of where to stop for fuel. Specifically, if the surface winds are brisk, finding a fuel stop with desirable runway orientation might also play into whether to go for distance or keep the leg short. Last I went through the Texas flatland's it was early Summer and winds were known to run mid 20's gusting mid 30's on an average day. YMMV this time of year.

Last thought, and at the risk of insulting, make sure to check on fees in the Las Vegas area (am presuming Nevada and not New Mexico). Scuttlebutt is that parking, landing, and handling fees can really dent the budget if there is some sort of convention in town and the airport authority wants to discourage an average GA tourist.

griff390

PiperArrow28;

Some great advice above.

Been doing X/C trips around the nation for almost 30 yrs. I've maxed out where I ran the plane non-stop until the tanks were at minimum. Didn't like that feeling, but you may be ok with it. Every pilot has different personal minimums.

Jacobsja nailed it. The distance flown during a leg of an X/C flight is most often determined by the passenger with the smallest bladder (and of course headwinds). Even if everyone can hold out, it's a good idea to periodically stop, stretch your legs, get the blood moving, and maybe grab a sandwich or a bottle of water, etc. I try to plan my stops where the fuel is less expensive.

On long X/C's (I've done 10 1/2 hrs in the cockpit in 1 day), my flight planning generally includes stops every 3 - 3 1/2 hours give or take. Even a short rest gives your body and brain a reset, and keeps you sharp.

Please post a follow up and pics of your trip!

asikora1

I agree with Griff. I aim for 3 1/2 - 4 hours to be on the ground. My bladder likes that and if I drink coffee in the morning sometimes my first stop is 3 hours. I have done 9 hours in a day that way and you are still pretty tired at the end of the day. But fueling up, bathroom and walking around does wonders for your frame of mind.