Super super professional feeling. Once the video started and I heard how you were handling your checklists, I got excited for rollout callouts. They never happened... disappointed, but the way you handled everything else is educational!
What I love about the Saratoga II: handsome styling, panel layout/controls/switches/throttle control, roomy 6-place with decent luggage compartment. What would be awesome in my most humble opinion for Piper to do: optional Jet-A turbo charged power-plant w/FADEC, pressurized cabin, optional A/C system, known icing system that uses a liquid type anti-freeze w/properly placed spray nozzles and BRS system. Many will say "it has already been done with the Meridian" (or Malibu, cannot remember exactly which one), I say "no, its not the same as above". Thoughts? Thanks again for the informative video and HAPPY/SAFE FLYING!
This Saratoga used to be a Hortman plane. I got my PPL there also; bought this aircraft with two other partners after Herb very sadly passed. New interior and new avionics ended up being a lengthy project, but entirely worthwhile!
fantastic video and thanks for having GS and altitude posted. Wondering what your head/tailwind component was. I currently fly a grumman tiger and get a little under book numbers (135kts at 8000 10 gph). I live in Seattle so I can stay low if I go north south but typically have to cross the mtn passes at 12-15k feet. I've been looking at PA-32's as the upgrade and like the lance a lot, but also enjoy the early 80s saratogas (I don't like leather seats, TKS, and A/C as it sucks away useful load). The next question is Turbo or no turbo. If turbo is needed, then it will be in a Toga vs lance cause I can't use the T-tail for my grass strip needs. Wondering what you see in your toga for non-turbo performance. I know there are book numbers but from all my investigation the last few years, book #s are worthless with the PA-32 series as so many mods and individual changes effect that. Are you happy you don't have the Turbo? What do your numbers look like when you climb to 12-15k? 80-20 rule is in effect and while I have to cross the mtns, I don't need to fly that high once I'm over them so I can come back down to 8000 feet, but if your numbers at 15k feet drop to horribly slow figures, then it might not be worth it. Thanks in advance
If I recall on this flight, there was a slight tailwind in spots but otherwise calm. We typically see 155 KTAS in cruise and tend to fly between 5k-10k feet. With some lucky winds we've seen ground speeds of ~190 kts. Power at 10k feet tends to be around 21-22" MP and in a no-wind condition you'd lose probably 5-10 knots off the true airspeed above. I have to imagine performance at 15k would not be incredibly impressive but perhaps another owner with experience flying out west can weigh in to help. I prefer to stay lower unless terrain or wind conditions really make a difference for the particular flight. Most of our flying is on the east coast and the highest elevations we see around here are a few thousand feet - we have never missed a turbo (and requisite maintenance) but your missions out west sound like another story. I have a decent amount of time in a Grumman Tiger as well, so I am familiar with the numbers you're experiencing there. The performance difference in the Saratoga is definitely noticeable but at the end of the day, 20-30 kts compared to the Tiger isn't shaving hours off our trips. We mainly appreciate the cabin space and hauling ability (our useful load is 1332 lbs).
Amazing flight video! Would you mind sharing any tips that may not be so obvious please? It looks like you flew to CCV VOR and then direct over water to FFA since the restricted area was cold?
Yup, KPNE - CCV - KFFA. The route from CCV into First Flight almost parallels the shoreline, so gliding distance can be maintained with reasonable altitude. If the restricted areas are active, then flying a bit inland works as well.
You mention this was an overnight. Did you hop over to Dare County after a visit or did you overnight the plane at FFA? It was my understanding when I visited there 2 years ago that Overnight parking was a big No-No at First Flight.
They allow you a max of 24 hours for parking, with no more than two overnight stays per month - at least the last time I checked. On this particular trip I parked at FFA with no problems, being mindful of getting off the ground the next day before the 24-hour mark. Last trip I flew down, I went into Dare County and parked there - wonderful FBO, good fuel price and if I recall there was no charge for the overnight parking (or it was nominal enough to forget it).
Awesome video, awesome music. I'm looking to do this flight (out of KRDG) sometime this summer in an Archer III, so a little slower than you. Just curious how long it took you? Any tips?
Matt Keperling I’ve made the trip a few times and it tends to be about 1h40m in the Saratoga from PNE. No majorly insightful tips come to mind, it’s a pretty easy and pleasant flight - make sure to be familiar with a few of the restricted/warning areas by Norfolk and check status. Also be aware that with the low pattern altitude and high trees bordering the runway, you’ll likely lose some visual on the strip until turning final. Last, be aware there is no fuel and I believe parking is restricted to 24 hours. I’ve flown into Dare County twice also (KMQI), which is a short hop across the water with very friendly FBO, reasonable fuel prices, ample parking, and two runways if you luck out with terrible winds at FFA. Enjoy the trip and safe flying!
Thanks Jake! I'm aware of the no fuel and you are right about the 24 hour parking. I even called the operating authority to see if they made special exceptions (no, they don't!). I planned on parking at Dare County anyway because of fuel. Thanks for the info. Can't wait to do this!
A little constructive criticism; prolly should not call a mile out when it's more like 1/2 mile. Not a good habit to be in, as it could come back to bite you someday. Actually - consider this a PSA for all those who might watch 4 years later and beyond.
![เปิดบ้าน นาราเครปกระเทย 1 ไร่ ขายขาดทุนหลัก10ล้าน เอามาใช้หนี้!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0jz84VFWVP4/mqdefault.jpg)
Super super professional feeling. Once the video started and I heard how you were handling your checklists, I got excited for rollout callouts. They never happened... disappointed, but the way you handled everything else is educational!
Everytime I hear "Faded" now, I can't help but think of this video.
What a beautiful bird this Saratoga is. Great video and ATC but it would be much better without that music in the background. Thanks.
amazing!! i love the gauges on the side!
What I love about the Saratoga II: handsome styling, panel layout/controls/switches/throttle control, roomy 6-place with decent luggage compartment.
What would be awesome in my most humble opinion for Piper to do: optional Jet-A turbo charged power-plant w/FADEC, pressurized cabin, optional A/C system, known icing system that uses a liquid type anti-freeze w/properly placed spray nozzles and BRS system.
Many will say "it has already been done with the Meridian" (or Malibu, cannot remember exactly which one), I say "no, its not the same as above".
Thoughts?
Thanks again for the informative video and HAPPY/SAFE FLYING!
I really like the HUD in the bottom left, very cool
Beautiful plane! I did most of my PPL out of KPNE at Hortman before they closed.
This Saratoga used to be a Hortman plane. I got my PPL there also; bought this aircraft with two other partners after Herb very sadly passed. New interior and new avionics ended up being a lengthy project, but entirely worthwhile!
+Jake Wharton good to see someone kept it alive! If you ever want someone to fly with feel free to reach out.
That starting procedure almost always ensures the engine starts and is idling at or below 1000rpm. Never hockey a throttle!
fantastic video and thanks for having GS and altitude posted. Wondering what your head/tailwind component was. I currently fly a grumman tiger and get a little under book numbers (135kts at 8000 10 gph). I live in Seattle so I can stay low if I go north south but typically have to cross the mtn passes at 12-15k feet. I've been looking at PA-32's as the upgrade and like the lance a lot, but also enjoy the early 80s saratogas (I don't like leather seats, TKS, and A/C as it sucks away useful load). The next question is Turbo or no turbo. If turbo is needed, then it will be in a Toga vs lance cause I can't use the T-tail for my grass strip needs. Wondering what you see in your toga for non-turbo performance. I know there are book numbers but from all my investigation the last few years, book #s are worthless with the PA-32 series as so many mods and individual changes effect that. Are you happy you don't have the Turbo? What do your numbers look like when you climb to 12-15k? 80-20 rule is in effect and while I have to cross the mtns, I don't need to fly that high once I'm over them so I can come back down to 8000 feet, but if your numbers at 15k feet drop to horribly slow figures, then it might not be worth it. Thanks in advance
If I recall on this flight, there was a slight tailwind in spots but otherwise calm. We typically see 155 KTAS in cruise and tend to fly between 5k-10k feet. With some lucky winds we've seen ground speeds of ~190 kts. Power at 10k feet tends to be around 21-22" MP and in a no-wind condition you'd lose probably 5-10 knots off the true airspeed above. I have to imagine performance at 15k would not be incredibly impressive but perhaps another owner with experience flying out west can weigh in to help. I prefer to stay lower unless terrain or wind conditions really make a difference for the particular flight. Most of our flying is on the east coast and the highest elevations we see around here are a few thousand feet - we have never missed a turbo (and requisite maintenance) but your missions out west sound like another story. I have a decent amount of time in a Grumman Tiger as well, so I am familiar with the numbers you're experiencing there. The performance difference in the Saratoga is definitely noticeable but at the end of the day, 20-30 kts compared to the Tiger isn't shaving hours off our trips. We mainly appreciate the cabin space and hauling ability (our useful load is 1332 lbs).
Jake Wharton thanks!
Amazing flight video! Would you mind sharing any tips that may not be so obvious please? It looks like you flew to CCV VOR and then direct over water to FFA since the restricted area was cold?
Yup, KPNE - CCV - KFFA. The route from CCV into First Flight almost parallels the shoreline, so gliding distance can be maintained with reasonable altitude. If the restricted areas are active, then flying a bit inland works as well.
What a happy little plane.
What’s your fuel burn once leaned? Around 12-13gph?
Are the Piper Saratoga and Malibu commercial aircraft?
Is the speed displayed indicated airspeed or true?
It is a GPS speed display from the Garmin VIRB.
What you recommend seratuga II hp or TC
You mention this was an overnight. Did you hop over to Dare County after a visit or did you overnight the plane at FFA? It was my understanding when I visited there 2 years ago that Overnight parking was a big No-No at First Flight.
They allow you a max of 24 hours for parking, with no more than two overnight stays per month - at least the last time I checked. On this particular trip I parked at FFA with no problems, being mindful of getting off the ground the next day before the 24-hour mark. Last trip I flew down, I went into Dare County and parked there - wonderful FBO, good fuel price and if I recall there was no charge for the overnight parking (or it was nominal enough to forget it).
How do you record your altitude, speed and heading? Good video!
I want to take flying lessons at KPNE. One of my incentives is for trips like this. How long was the fllight?
About 1h45m at 150kts.
Nice video. I'm looking to purchase a Saratoga IIHP or TC in the next 6 months. Do you have speed mods on this aircraft?
No speed mods beyond wing root fairings.
Awesome video, awesome music. I'm looking to do this flight (out of KRDG) sometime this summer in an Archer III, so a little slower than you. Just curious how long it took you? Any tips?
Actually looks like 1:50 on the meter, if I read that right.
Matt Keperling I’ve made the trip a few times and it tends to be about 1h40m in the Saratoga from PNE. No majorly insightful tips come to mind, it’s a pretty easy and pleasant flight - make sure to be familiar with a few of the restricted/warning areas by Norfolk and check status. Also be aware that with the low pattern altitude and high trees bordering the runway, you’ll likely lose some visual on the strip until turning final. Last, be aware there is no fuel and I believe parking is restricted to 24 hours. I’ve flown into Dare County twice also (KMQI), which is a short hop across the water with very friendly FBO, reasonable fuel prices, ample parking, and two runways if you luck out with terrible winds at FFA. Enjoy the trip and safe flying!
Thanks Jake! I'm aware of the no fuel and you are right about the 24 hour parking. I even called the operating authority to see if they made special exceptions (no, they don't!). I planned on parking at Dare County anyway because of fuel. Thanks for the info. Can't wait to do this!
And on another note...how do you overlay your mic audio into the video?
It’s done with a headset cable for the Garmin Virb camera
This must be the Wright Bros. airport, there's not even a Coke machine in the parking area!
How do you get the airspeed indicator to displayed on the lower left corner of the vid? Any specific software you used?
The camera used was a Garmin VIRB XE - it contains GPS/sensors and the software to do so.
Really, nice. I emulate your vol in x plane.
A little constructive criticism; prolly should not call a mile out when it's more like 1/2 mile. Not a good habit to be in, as it could come back to bite you someday. Actually - consider this a PSA for all those who might watch 4 years later and beyond.
🛩️💪🤠👍🛩️
No need for the music