Hi All,
I have noticed a marked lack of enthusiasm for the X-Air F on this forum and for the life of me, I cannot understand why. I have been flying my refurbished 582 X-Air F in tropical Nth QLD, Australia since finishing the rebuild in November 2014. I can cruise at 60kts @5200 - 5300rpm burning 17lph. It climbs out at 600-800fpm in our hot humid conditions and it handles our lumpy summer air with ease. I believe a Standard cruises at 50kts @5500rpm and the rate of climb is no better?
From comments on and off this forum, I hadn't bothered using the flaps because it was suggested they were next to useless. Well the last two days, I have spent flying tight circuits with full flap approaches, and I have to say I am impressed. In our summer conditions,?I would previously approach at 55-60kts, and side-slip in if necessary. With full flap, I am approaching at around 40-45kts and pulling up in under 60 metres landing roll.
If you want confirmation of any of this information, check out the cockpit views on Youtube here.
Cheers.
