Racine, On 17 Feb 2004, N211JP was flown to17,990 feet MSL with a Baron as chase aircraft.  The primary purpose of the flight was to determine engine critical altitude, but due to the limitations of the fixed pitch propeller (66 x 82 Aymar-Demuth), we were unable to load the engine sufficiently at altitude to generate full power without exceeding engine rpm redline.  Since manifold pressure was still 56” Hg even with a reduced power setting, we expect to have 100% power available at 18,000 feet MSL.  A constant speed propeller should be installed by the end of April that may allow us to complete the critical altitude test.  Testing at altitudes higher than 18,000 feet will be done once the aircraft is IFR certified.

An engine shutdown and restart test was conducted at 12,500’ with no problem.  We will continue to raise the shutdown / restart altitude in subsequent flights.  Pilot observation: A very frisky aircraft all the way to 18,000’. With a constant speed prop, should have a nearly constant climb rate all the way up.  See the test flight graphs in PDF format.                Altitude Chart                            Fuel Flow Chart

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