National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Looks like I have purchased my first Pre-War Aeronca, a 65-CA Chief with a C-85. Next, will be flying it back home, some 1,200 miles. I have owned and flown a post war 11AC, but never flown a Pre-War except for 30 minutes this week. Anyone out there have any pointers about these planes? It has a 12 gallon nose tank and an 8 gallon aux tank. First Aeronca I have seen with a Manifold Pressure guage too.

It will be going on a set of EDO 1320s.

Ciao

My first plane was a '39 65C. I think you're going to be very happy with your new toy!!!

I don't mean to start any wars of BS here, but the PreWars fly better than the Post Wars. They use a Clark Y airfoil.

With an 85, it must be a hoot with no floats. Please let us know what kind of climb and cruise you get with and without floats.

Enjoy!!!!
Craig

Will do Craig. Bill told me the same thing about the Pre-Wars. I owned a Post War on 1400s with the Don's Dream Machine C-85 / 0-200 Parts conversion and it was a good performer. J.J. and Bill told me to expect better performance with a C-85 on the 1320s.

I did not have a GPS with me when I test flew it on wheels, so I do not know how accurate the Airspeed indicator is, but it showed 100 mph at 75% power cruise and it has a seaplane prop on it, so I think it is reading high. If the offer is accepted or a final price reached, I will let you know as I will need to fly it 1200 miles to get it home.

You will like it. My first 10 hours were in a CA with a C-85 on 1320 floats. Irv Woodhams at Austin Lake converted quite a few to the C-85. Irv al ways flew by manifold pressure. It took me a while to figure out that when he told me to run the engine at 24 He wanted 24" of manifold pressure not 2400 RPM.

Dan Wagner

Thanks Dan, I was wondering why there was a manifold Pressure guage in the airplane as I am not used to seeing them on aircraft without Variable Pitcvh Props, so I will have to remember the 24" Number.

How did the plane perform weight wise? I am hoping to be able to carry myself (190 Dressed) and another my size and at least the 12 gallons of fuel in the nose tank.

Regards, Bob

Bob

It will out perform anything in its class. You should have no problems 12 gallons of fuel and two @ 190#. Legal is another thing. Gross is 1320#.

Manifold pressure is power. I believe 24" equals 75% power.

Dan Wagner