Stall speed indicator

[Donald Pearson]

Does any one out there have a Comanche without a stall speed indicator. This 1959 has not had one since purchase in 1971, (hasn't possed a problem) however would like to install one, for those that use this plane in the future.

It does have a metal cap on the left wing that the stall lift mechanism belongs. The original story was that is was remove for an air race in the 60's. (but that is not documented)

I have recently hear that some 58 & 59 actually never came with a stall warning or it was optional?

thanks

[JIMICS2452]

The 180's did not have them.

[Michael Bryant]

My 1960 180 has a stall indicator. It is only the flashing light, no horn. As far as I know it is original.

[JIMICS2452]

I meant to say the early 180's did not have them. They were installed after the 250 was certified.

Jim Hiatt

[Duane Bolin]

My 1964 180 does not have one.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

The reason the 180 doesn't have one and the 250 does, is that under CAR 3 regulations (what our airplanes were certificated under), only "high performance" aircraft were required to have an artificial stall warning system if there was "adequate other warning of an impending stall". I believe the distinct buffeting that a Comanche experiences near the stall was considered to be enough on the 180.
-Zach

[SLIMDREDGER]

Suggest you consider a basic angle of attack indicator installation in lieu of a stall speed indicator. I have had basic one that just measures the air pressures directly to the 2" instrument (no electrical information and flashing lights, etc) for decades that I think is the best bang for the buck in aviation. My PA30 has a stall warning set up with a blinking light, but I ignore it and keep half an eye on the AofA when landing.

The best location for the AofA indicator is poking up through the glare shield directly in front of the pilot's eyes. You can build a bracket that mounts the indicator between two of the top row 3" instrument holes, so you don't have to move any of the existing instruments. On mine the needle and markings are in the top half of the 2" instrument so I just have half the instrument showing above the glare shield.

Al Powers

[Patrick Arnold]

Al,
Can you tell us/me more about the AOA indicator you have?
Thanks,
Pat Arnold

[SLIMDREDGER]

Patrick Arnold:

If you will send me a fax number or snail mail address, I have many articles on my angle of attack indicator that I can send you.

I was shocked when I looked in my file and found that I had a letter from the inventor of my AofA indicator, Morgan Huntington) dated from 1989. It was then called a "Lift Reserve Indicator". I think you could Google his name or the LRI indicator and get a preview of what I can send you.

Warm regards, Al Powers ICS 2978

[Pat Elliott]

reading through the airframe logs of my newly aquired 1960 pa24-180, I discover the stall indicator system was installed after the plane left the factory, with about 20 hours on the clock. in 1960.

[Patrick Arnold]

[SLIMDREDGER]

Yes......this is what I have. Try it you will like it. Al powers

[Andres Darvasi]

Last year I installed the Lift Reserve indicator in my 260C, it is great, I had used it before on a TR182.

Andres