Great experiment. As a pilot and engineer, I would have guessed 1-2 knots extra but when I saw the top of the wing which was the dirtiest and probably the most critical for airflow, lift, drag and angle of attack, 3-4 knots extra was perhaps not as surprising as I first supposed. Good job!
I always knew it would make a difference. A smooth surface in airflow increases fuel economy but pleasantly surprised how much difference to speed. As a car detailing enthusiast, if I owned an aircraft it would have to be immaculate. Very enjoyable clip.
Some years ago I had a share in a series one beaglepup and the underside was covered in grease and muck so I spent a day cleaning it off and it definitely made a difference in speed so this study was no surprise to me.:)
Now report on The difference spatts or wing tip vorlex generators make on cruise speeds Changing to a three blade or different pitch prop. Simply fly with tanks half full Synthectic fuel oils recommended by the manufacturers. Smart flight planning dont fly into wind in a cruise.
Great video! I’ve always wondered the same. Thinking of giving my Comanche a full buff and wax as well as doing a ceramic coat once I’m done. We shall see what the speed improvements look like.
That absolutely makes to me Jon as you are reducing some of the parasite drag although not all of this & none of the form drag. As to the cost i wonder what the costs involved versus the savings are actually like. A good fun vlog 😊😊
Not seen the whole video yet. But a saving of 97.00 for 50 hours of flying seems ok. But how much did it cost for a team of aviation cleaners. Maybe the whole subject of this video should be aimed at how many extra years could you gain on the paintwork from keeping your aircraft clean.
He's owned that Cessna for 18 months and he's clearly never bothered to keep it clean. It would be interesting to know how many hours it's had since the last time it was washed. I hope now it's clean, he keeps it clean.
You lost your whiz wheels! So your daily use whiz wheel, and your fancy use whiz wheel, and all of your backup whiz wheels are ... 'lost'? I suspect foul play. Ok, you did at least bring a proper large whiz wheel, so all is good that ends well.
Serious polishin’! I laughed when you pulled out the giant flight computer. Nice work to all involved.
Hehe. Serious polishin. Love it Rory
Great experiment. As a pilot and engineer, I would have guessed 1-2 knots extra but when I saw the top of the wing which was the dirtiest and probably the most critical for airflow, lift, drag and angle of attack, 3-4 knots extra was perhaps not as surprising as I first supposed. Good job!
Top level competition glider pilots have a bug wiping system that drags a fine thread across the leading edge in flight.
Turned out to be a very entertaining video, Jon. Expertly presented, as always. It's great to see all the hard work paid off 👌👍
I always knew it would make a difference. A smooth surface in airflow increases fuel economy but pleasantly surprised how much difference to speed. As a car detailing enthusiast, if I owned an aircraft it would have to be immaculate. Very enjoyable clip.
If only i could have polished my boat as well as your plane, keep up the good work jon!
That moment when you pulled out the giant whizz wheel! Had me in stitches, Jon. Excellent video as always
Lovely video. Was very interesting to see the difference.
Some years ago I had a share in a series one beaglepup and the underside was covered in grease and muck so I spent a day cleaning it off and it definitely made a difference in speed so this study was no surprise to me.:)
Now report on
The difference spatts or wing tip vorlex generators make on cruise speeds
Changing to a three blade or different pitch prop.
Simply fly with tanks half full
Synthectic fuel oils recommended by the manufacturers.
Smart flight planning dont fly into wind in a cruise.
Great video! I’ve always wondered the same. Thinking of giving my Comanche a full buff and wax as well as doing a ceramic coat once I’m done. We shall see what the speed improvements look like.
The feeling in the 172 when push the throttle fully in...
Thanks for flying over my home town! I fly an R44 - don’t want to polish the blades too much in case I get a rotor overspeed.
Gravity will reject it even more readily!
Cars always feel better after a good clean, polish and service too 😁
That absolutely makes to me Jon as you are reducing some of the parasite drag although not all of this & none of the form drag.
As to the cost i wonder what the costs involved versus the savings are actually like.
A good fun vlog 😊😊
I try to clean my clubs 172s leading edge and general wing area. It does improve takeoff performance and cruise speed
Not seen the whole video yet. But a saving of 97.00 for 50 hours of flying seems ok. But how much did it cost for a team of aviation cleaners. Maybe the whole subject of this video should be aimed at how many extra years could you gain on the paintwork from keeping your aircraft clean.
Great stuff. So interesting!
It's more than just the top-end speed, a clean airplane actually handles better. Not sure why, but my guess would be due to reduced flow separation.
Almost spat out my drink at the giant whiz wheel 😂
Would replacing the front wheel spat be more effective?
Yes it would, probably 2-4 kts and about 3% on take off & climb performance
Why airplanes cannot wash by a water flow. Nit necessarily be a pressure washing but normal tap outlet flow
Great vid 😊
Surely going faster is not the objective - operating more efficiently is!
This also applies to a car. Keep it clean and you'll use less power and thus less fuel/electricity.
I always feel like my aircraft fly's better when clean... so I'm always cleaning it! lol Also based at Earls Colne too.
They laughed when I took the mop out before the Short Take Off Comp in the 152.
I Won !
Afaik there are gliders with in flight bug wipers
every glider pilot knows this
He's owned that Cessna for 18 months and he's clearly never bothered to keep it clean. It would be interesting to know how many hours it's had since the last time it was washed.
I hope now it's clean, he keeps it clean.
You seldom see a dirty glider.
You lost your whiz wheels! So your daily use whiz wheel, and your fancy use whiz wheel, and all of your backup whiz wheels are ... 'lost'? I suspect foul play. Ok, you did at least bring a proper large whiz wheel, so all is good that ends well.