The person selling the plane did say that 55% to 60% would get me about
12 gph, at about 120 knots but, I'm taking it with a grain of salt. 
Although fuel use might be close, I think my airspeed is a little
lower.

This is a '69 Cherokee Six, and there is no POH, but there is a AFM
(Aircraft flight Manual), which really doesn't provide much information
at all - only 7 pages on operations and limitations.

I posted this looking for some folks who have spent some time flying
behind this engine/airframe with some real world advice.  I really wish
the plane came with some better documentation, but it's not there.  I
have looked over the engine operators manual, but I also realize that a
low power setting may not always give the best economy.  If you are too
slow, and "mushing through the air" your mpg could be lower than at a
higher speed.

I guess I'm asking if anybody will state at what RPM and MP they have
used to operate with the most fuel economy. (With a PA32-260, Lyc. O540
260 hp.) -And has anyone found a particular low power RPM/MP setting
that works better than another?  Lycoming does not recomend extended
low power cruise operation below 18" and does say that oil temperatures
should be kept from gettin too low.

It seems to me that 8 to 12 minutes longer on a 150 mile trip (if it
saves 2 or 3 gallons or more) would be worth it.   I didn't buy this
plane to go fast, just to haul a bulky load.  Which it does very well. 
I'm just wondering how to get the lowest acutal cost per mile. 

John M.

Denny;594333 Wrote: 
> Hmmm, how about looking in the POH for the maximum duration power
> setting?  That should be within a few percent of best MPG...
> 
> Generally speaking, around 55%-60% power will get you in the ball
> park...
> 
> denny




-- 
JOM
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