"rip" wrote in message . com...
I have this engine. Performs well, but the IO470, 520, 540, and 550 are
the engines of choice. The E series engines use a Hartzell prop subject
to a repetitive AD.

There is a Hartzell prop available without the AD, but you are right, your
choices are greater with the flanged crank rather than the splined one.

No NAvion is a speed demon, although there are those
who specialize in extracting some very repectable airspeeds from such a
large and roomy plane.

Sort of like souping up a Volkswagon. You can put all these mods on, but
she's still a volkswagon :-)


Are the hydraulics hard to maintain or troublesome
Not at all. As an A&P, I find the NAvion hydraulics easier to deal with
than electrical/mechanical systems. Very straightforward, very simple.

The Navion gear is simplicity itself compared with most other retracts.

Are they certified in Normal and Utility catagories (ie, can they be spun
intentionally?)
They are certified in both the Normal and Utility catagories.
"Aerobatics" beyond those required for a Commercial exam are not
approved, including spins.

Note that if you have a larger engine (from the 260 HP up or so), your
utility category load area is very small. While the extra HP and other mods
up the gross weight, they don't open open up the utility envelope. I can't
really fly in the utility envelope with anything other than myself and a small
fuel load.