Many thanks to Ian at CD, a great guy, very informative, and patient with my many questions.
Too bad he won’t be reading this!
Sorry if I missed a post on some of items below.
As accurately as I can remember:
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CD expects to get FAA approval for a gross weight increase by as much as 200 lbs.(!) by Fall (approx Sept/Oct). Applicable to all SR20’s with POH change or slight easy retrofit to seat pads.
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Current empty weight(approx. 100 lbs over spec) is gradually coming down. Most recent birds 6 lbs lighter than early serial #'s without any changes due to better manufacturing technique. New “glue” and rear seat changes will reduce further. No big changes, just plan for many small decreases.
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CD planning to improve forward CG limits in the same time frame; with so many of us ordering “C” and heavier 3-blade up front. Two heavies up front can exceed the current forward CG limit.
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Vfe will still be 100 Kts for 100% but 50% extension at 120 Kts is a done deal. This will really help the “slow down” situation on our clean and fast birds.
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Many of these changes are being referred to in CD as the SR20A, not a new model, just a term for the program of continuous improvement CD is rolling into our planes as they become available.
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Weather-radar uplink? Complex story. Bottom line: Don’t expect it this year.
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Engine/Fuel monitoring: Whenever Arnav can deliver. CD is no longer trying to oversee this.
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Traffic Avoidance: One of CD’s highest priorities wheather thru Ryan/Garmin or Arnav.
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Stormscope: Being certified now for Fall intro (I think) - Not one of my personal priorities.
On a personal note (with hint on mfg rate):
I have an estimated delivery date of 6/15/00 on N893MK (Wedding anniversary and wife’s initials, have to find some way for her to like it!) SR20 Serial # 1038. I understand that with best case and no problems, she might be ready for me as early as May 15th. Looks like the production is starting to ramp; let’s keep fingers crossed.
Good night to all,
Scott k.