While we ask that you consider contributing to our designated charity 'Operation Homefront' for your individual gifts, there is no denying operating a thirsty Archer at race speed is not a task for the faint of heart - in fuel at least. On average this particular 180HP beast runs rather lean on fuel when operating normally at 75% max power 8 gallons of 100LL per hour. Believe it or not the plane will still cruise comfortably at 105 - 107 knots without breaking the bank.
However in 'race mode', running close to full load on the engine, depending on winds will jump to nearly 12 gallons per hour to garner only 12 - 15 knots of a speed increase. The same principles apply to your ground based machines as well, so remember that when you decide to bump up the speedo to 75 miles per hour from 65 to get to Grandma's house 10 minutes earlier. The faster you go the more air you have to plow out of your way so the vehicle's fuel costs will rise dramatically for a rather modest gain in speed.
It IS a fact of life in the Air Race Classic though so the ladies carry LOTS of plastic to keep the FBO's in business along with some significant help from our fuel sponsors who we LOVE! As a general guide JUST the race itself will use around 350 gallons of fuel or for the bookish among you approximately $1800 in fuel and another $120 in oil. Hmmm - maybe Grandma can wait an extra ten minutes on that next trip? Cheers!
Ms. Cary Fletcher - The third face of the Purple Heart's competitive TRIAD!
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