I flew The Herons at Kendalls in 1978/9, VH-CLW & VH-KAM, IO-540 Lycomings fuel injected 290 H.P. We cruised at 60% power, 22"@2,200 R.P.M.
Gave a TAS between 160-170 kts on a total burn of 220 litres/Hr. With CASA (DOT) approved 3,000 hour T.B.O.
Don Kendall said the break-even load factor was about 5 Pax out of 15 seats. Max T.O.W. 13,500 lbs. for two pilot R.P.T. operations and we sometimes operated single pilot charter flights at 12,500 lbs. Max. Interesting A/C to fly, great in x-winds with a 30 Kt. limit, fully castoring nosewheel, pneumatic brakes, flaps and gear and a thumb operated brake bar on the control wheel. It was a little deficient in the anti-icing area, pitot heat only which made the MEL-MER sectors in the winter a little interesting at times.
Last edited by zlin77; 10th Sep 2008 at 05:43.
Reason: Change Kg. to lbs...too much jet-lag!!