I was curious about the climb rate of my Cub with door open vs. door closed. So, I did a couple timed climbs to test it, in fact did the same test two different days with very similar results under similar conditions. I was shocked by the difference observed with the door open vs closed.
Door Open:
Climb to 500' AGL: 1m52s (270fpm)
Climb from 500'-1000' AGL: 1m47s (280fpm)
Avg Climb Rate: 275fpm
Door Closed:
Climb to 500' AGL: 1m26s (350fpm)
Climb from 500'-1000' AGL: 1m09s (435fpm)
Avg Climb rate: 390fpm
What I learned is there may be a time I want to takeoff and climb out with the door closed, like when I am close to gross weight on a warmer day. Especially depending on airport and situation.
Also, curious to sometime check out how the door effects cruise speed.
CONDITIONS:
A65 with wood Sensenich W72CK43 (standard prop)
Takeoff Weight: 990-1000lbs
Density Altitude: 3000FT
Heawind: 8kt (effects takeoff roll only)
Runway: concrete
PROCEDURE:
1. For simplicity the stopwatch was started at throttle forward, so YES takeoff roll is skewing time a bit.
2. Climbout at 60mph indicated with wide open throttle (2300rpm)
Door Open:
Climb to 500' AGL: 1m52s (270fpm)
Climb from 500'-1000' AGL: 1m47s (280fpm)
Avg Climb Rate: 275fpm
Door Closed:
Climb to 500' AGL: 1m26s (350fpm)
Climb from 500'-1000' AGL: 1m09s (435fpm)
Avg Climb rate: 390fpm
What I learned is there may be a time I want to takeoff and climb out with the door closed, like when I am close to gross weight on a warmer day. Especially depending on airport and situation.
Also, curious to sometime check out how the door effects cruise speed.
CONDITIONS:
A65 with wood Sensenich W72CK43 (standard prop)
Takeoff Weight: 990-1000lbs
Density Altitude: 3000FT
Heawind: 8kt (effects takeoff roll only)
Runway: concrete
PROCEDURE:
1. For simplicity the stopwatch was started at throttle forward, so YES takeoff roll is skewing time a bit.
2. Climbout at 60mph indicated with wide open throttle (2300rpm)
