"Peter R." wrote in message
...
With my Bonanza about to roll out of maintenance with its new
(overhauled) engine, I have been considering ways to preserve that
investment.

Recently, I came across an article discussing speedbrakes and was
wondering if anyone here has experience with speedbrakes in a small
aircraft.

I see the main advantage being the ability to slow and/or descend
without having to significantly drop power, which keeps the engine warm.
If true, this would be an excellent way to maintain engine health.

Looking for any comments, either pro or con, about this modification.
Thanks.

Here's what John Deakin had to say at
http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182085-1.html
"Some pilots spend a lot of money installing speed brakes, because they want
the ability to get down faster, without pulling much power off. If I'm
cruising at high altitude, and ATC wants me down, or I need to dump it
through a layer of potential icing conditions, I'll put the gear down (with
the 156 IAS Vlo on my Bonanza, the gear is a wonderful speed brake), pull
off five or ten inches of MP, and head on down at 2,000 FPM or better. Does
my engine get cold? No, because I'll enrich to peak EGT, then another 50 to
ROP, and that will keep my CHTs nice and toasty. They may slowly drop a bit,
but I'm not concerned about that. In other words, at lower power settings,
I'm running at the "best power" point on the mixture curve for temperature
control. This gives a surprising amount of temperature control, too!"

And http://www.avweb.com/news/columns/182107-1.html

"Just consider one of those times you've looked longingly at the ads for
speed brakes. Now, let me show you why you don't need them!"


--
Matt
---------------------
Matthew W. Barrow
Site-Fill Homes, LLC.
Montrose, CO