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Sharing the fun of a JetPROP |
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Bob Conrad 7829 Cincinnati-Brookville Road Okeana, OH 45053-9781 |
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Phone & Fax: 513-756-9425 Email: MalibuBob@earthlink.net |
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In February of 2000 my 1986 Malibu’s engine was turning 1000 hours. I bought my Malibu in 1988 and at 1000 hours my old engine was loaded with problems and ADs. My second Continental engine was brand new when I bought it and it gave me very good service. Fearing what the future may be holding for my engine and impressed with the turbine conversion, I decided to convert to a JetPROP.
In early July my wife Nancy and I took our Malibu to Alaska for two weeks. Our final flight from Calgary to Spokane was straight over the mountains on a beautiful VFR day and an emotional final flight tribute to the previous 12 years of loyal service.
On November 5, 2000 I made the trip back to Spokane full of expectation and many questions. My P310P was now a P46T. The turbine looked like it belonged. The fun and excitement started right away with my first flight with Darwin Conrad. From there it just got better and better as I started getting use to my new bird. 13.5 hours later I was ready to head for home.
The hardest new adjustment has been fuel, weight and range management. After developing some tools to help understand the profile changes as a result of the new turbine engine, I decided to share my experiences and insights with other JetPROP and Malibu/Mirage owners. Your comments, questions and contributions are welcomed. Our MMOPA association’s web chat section is the appropriate outlet to share the wealth of knowledge among our members. |
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Bob Conrad, Cincinnati, Ohio |
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JetPROP N100GF |
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Darwin Conrad’s magic touch on my baby. |
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Time to go home. Yes, that is ice. |
