Wing Root Fairings

lwford

lwford

New member
More questions for the masses. I have a set of wing root fairings for a Cruisemaster that I got along with my plane. they are new and were never installed. Has anybody ever done a test on if these root covers do any improvements? These are the same as a Super Viking and make the crate look good,but do they help performance is the question. I'm undecided to install them or sell them. LYNN N9818B :?:
 
I have them on my Cruisair, but cannot say how effective they are, since I have never flow without them. However, if you read the paper on the Cruisair tested by August Rapet and George Lambros ( I think it is available from the club), they briefly discuss improving the span efficiency - "A careful treatment of the wing root should bring the span efficiency to at least 85%." They discuss the meaning of low span efficiency in the paper. The paper is kind of an eye opener, and explains where the alleged 150 mph cruise speed comes from!
 
I have them on my 14-13 and I also sell them. I flew along another 14-13 with the fairing when I did not have them and when we set up the same power settings The planes flew the same speed. When I rebuilt my 14-13 I made molds of of the other planes fairings and made a set for myself. We have flown together a number of times and it did not seem to make a differnce in speed. The one thing about them is they seal the leading edge well and they look better than the flat connection. Bellanca felt they improved speed , that is why they are on the Viking. If you like the look do it, They are not hard to install :lol: :lol:
 
I have hand made metal ones on mine. Another fellow with a 14-19 I know, who owned his 'Master for 29 years refers to these as one among many aftermarket additions that would make GM laugh in his grave. They don't make any difference in speed. One fellow I know removed his because total authenticity is important to him.

The Knots2U folks sell wing root farings for Pipers. They, uncharacteristically, do not claim much of an increase in speed. Instead they claim they improve low speed handling on Pipers. Our Bellancas already handle very well at low speed.

I decided to keep mine to honor the craftsmanship that went into them and I like the look of 'em. This pretty much covers all Bellanca mods. If you like the way they look, use them, but nothing available makes any sort of a noticeable speed difference.

Jonathan
 
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