Looking for someone who has flown a double

[buzzypeterson]

I'm just curious on how the double eagle glides power off?  Every video I've seen it seems they are coming in with a lot of power. And fairly flat. Looks like climb out is much flatter than the single seater to. I'd expect it to be a real rocket ship with a 1800cc. I know builders are usually a bit biased but tell  how you're machine climbs compared to say, a himax or challenger ultralight

[Tom H]

Buzzy, here are some real numbers from testing/flying our DE Stubby, so, no personal bias.  Be aware though, that our instruments are in good working order, but not certified/calibrated.

Lowest descent rate, power off is 50 mph, 600 ft/min
Longest glide distance, power off is 55 mph, 650 ft/min

Engine is 2180 cc.
Best Climb rate is 60 mph, full power
1st prop, Sterba 62x26: ~ 400 fpm
2nd prop, Sterba 62x24: ~300 fpm
prop #1 modified, Sterba 62x26 mod: ~600 fpm, this was our main prop, most flying on this prop
3rd prop, Sterba 60x29, scary low climb rate, very high rpm
4th prop, Perf Prop 60x24, ~600 fpm, lower cruise
5th prop, Perf Prop, 62x26, 800+ fpm, higher cruise

Current prop allows climb, one person on board, better than all other LEUs that I have seen, except maybe PuttPutt.  I have not seen other DEs fly, so I can't compare.

I usually land with power at idle.  Requires transition from fast descent to a flare at just the right instant to get a squeaker.  It is easier to get a squeaker landing with some power on, if approaches are good and the strip is long enough.

Hope that helps.

[sonicapollo]

Looks like the 5th prop made a huge difference.  Do you have a link for the 62x26 Perf Prop.  That looks like the one to get for my CE. and 2180.

[Tom H]

The man you need to talk to is Frank Johnson, owner of Performance Propellers USA, LLC.

http://performancepropellersusa.com/

He recently did the final finish and red tips on our prop.  It's beautiful.  Problem is, the weather has not been, so we are still waiting to install and get flying again.

[sonicapollo]

Awesome, thanks. Did you get the leading edge plates?

[Tom H]

I got the urethane leading edges, clear finish front and back, red tips.

[sonicapollo]

When would we need those plates on the leading edge?

[MrG]

The prop is excellent, i too got one - Frank does awesome work and hope to use mine in the next couple weeks 
and got my with leading edge protection

[Tom H]

sonicapollo, talk with Frank Johnson.  I'm sure he can give good advice as to what features are needed.