BeechTalk - BT

Username Protected · **Posted:** 16 Nov 2025, 09:49

Username Protected wrote:

I test flew a 550 powered 185 with pants and the gear / exhaust pipe speed fairings.

Typical cruise speed and fuel flow?

Mike C.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 16 Nov 2025, 10:10

My Dad used to get a chuckle out of guys scared to quickly reduce power.
He had a jump school and all their 182 did all day was climb at full power for 20 minutes, then chop to idle until back to the runway. Rinse and repeat, Summer and winter.
Never any unusual engine repairs needed.
Speed brakes? Cessnas have them out and operating all the time.

Greg

Username Protected · **Posted:** 16 Nov 2025, 23:16

What the world really needs is a speed brake kit for an Ercoupe. It only makes sense since it already has a JATO kit. I seen it myownself.

Reverser, drag chute and tail hook for the military variants.

Cyclone wing fences and winglets with reverse polarity DC vortex generator.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Nov 2025, 00:05

An instructor would be cheaper. And only a temporary weight addition.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Nov 2025, 17:55

Thanks to all who replied to my very unpopular idea! I know, it is not the aircraft for speed brakes.

My reasoning was that I fly now, close to the yellow arc. And yes, I am babying my engine as much as I can and try to come back on the power very mildly to prevent any possible shock cooling. However, I read there is collective thought that shock cooling is not a big issue. I was always taught that you had to be a big gentleman when reducing power.

Also, flap speeds are rather low and require a big tug of the handle to deploy when @120kts.

Thanks everyone!

Rgs,
Patrick.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 17 Nov 2025, 19:43

Username Protected wrote:

Thanks to all who replied to my very unpopular idea! I know, it is not the aircraft for speed brakes.

My reasoning was that I fly now, close to the yellow arc. And yes, I am babying my engine as much as I can and try to come back on the power very mildly to prevent any possible shock cooling. However, I read there is collective thought that shock cooling is not a big issue. I was always taught that you had to be a big gentleman when reducing power.

Also, flap speeds are rather low and require a big tug of the handle to deploy when @120kts.

Thanks everyone!

Rgs,
Patrick.

I don't know if babying the engine is important or not, but babying the flaps is!

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Nov 2025, 22:12

You can't get more thermal shock on an engine than sitting at idle on the runway to full power climb out at Vy.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Nov 2025, 22:52

I’m not laughing. I do think, however, that you’re trying to solve an imaginary problem. Just pull the throttle back until you get the airplane to do what you want. If you think shock cooling is a problem, do it slowly. I’m not sure it’s a thing.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 18 Nov 2025, 22:58

Have never timed our 520-A using timing marks. You just cannot get a direct line of sight to make sure you have the correct clocking.

Username Protected · **Posted:** 19 Nov 2025, 00:00

Username Protected wrote:

Have never timed our 520-A using timing marks. You just cannot get a direct line of sight to make sure you have the correct clocking.

What does that have to do with speed brakes, shock cooling and rapid descents in this thread?

Username Protected · **Posted:** 20 Nov 2025, 16:59

Username Protected wrote:

Thanks to all who replied to my very unpopular idea! I know, it is not the aircraft for speed brakes.

My reasoning was that I fly now, close to the yellow arc. And yes, I am babying my engine as much as I can and try to come back on the power very mildly to prevent any possible shock cooling. However, I read there is collective thought that shock cooling is not a big issue. I was always taught that you had to be a big gentleman when reducing power.

Also, flap speeds are rather low and require a big tug of the handle to deploy when @120kts.

Thanks everyone!

Rgs,
Patrick.

Patrick I have about 1000hrs on C185s on short sector work in mountains and you’re really worrying about nothing.

I’m assuming you put an IO550 and some speed mods on your bird? Awesome :thumbup:

Put Gamijectors and a good engine monitor in, operate LOP, and you will soon see VERY clearly that shock cooling REALLY isn’t a thing.

speedbrakes on Cessna 185