I just realized my reply did not go through... it is 160 HP, 85 mph cruise at 2400 RPM with an 8242 Borer prop. 31s, a pod, and PSTOL flaps. 55 mph on final is okay, but as soon as it decreases below that I need 1500-2000 RPM depending on weight and how slow I go (down to 45mph) to fly a 'normal' approach.
The plane is based 200+ miles from the A&P who maintains a fair number of Cubs (hence the long trip). I forgot the previous thread. That had the answer so I can see if there is a gross error. That Cub had a very forward CG for a never determined reason, and ballast or a load never made it fly better either. The same owner sold that plane because it was not enjoyable to fly and recently decided to buy another Cub...he has bad luck with finding nice flying Cubs.
Stalls empty with 20 gallons of fuel were gentle, wings level, with a descent. Clean the speed was indicating 50, the nose would dip until 55mph, then the nose would come up until 50, repeated ad nauseum. Full flaps was the same, but 45 to 50 mph. My first thought was that they ASI was off, but at altitude the ground speeds upwind and downwind were about what was expected with the forecast upper winds. Landing both ways with the windsock limp only had a 1 and 2 mph difference from indicated on approach. Trim is about neutral or a little nose up in cruise. Slowing to 65 mph does not have quite enough trim nose up, but once the flaps are extended several turns of the trim handle towards nose down are needed.
I often make the trips for maintenance for the owner as they are always busy, neither of us has an intention of actually doing the work ourselves. I was mainly curious because this is the first Cub I have flown with PSTOL flaps, but it seema at odds with what I have read about them. The owner and A&P both reacted to my comment about the plane needing power to not sink on what had been a normal approach with a wait and see attitude. After taking the Cub home, the owner is now thinking of having me take it back to adjust the wings, which was also suggested by another Cub pilot, and now the A&P also says they can shorten the rear struts when I have time to take the Cub back. I think they may have said 'adjust the wash', so my error, they were talking about shortening the rear strut so the wingip would take a 'bigger bite'.
I suppose my question is really: is this the best way to go about this? Is there anything else that could be causing the difference is approachea (ie PSTOL flaps)?