Piper Dakota's Fitted With Vortex Generators

Anacortes, WA – Micro AeroDynamics has added the Piper PA-28 tapered wing series aircraft to the growing list of GA models that can be upgraded with Micro Vortex Generators (VGs). Covered by the new STC are the PA-28-151, PA-28-161, PA-28-181, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-201 PA-28R201T and PA-28-236.

Flight testing for the new installation showed a nine percent reduction in stall speed, a much higher roll rate, improved aileron control even in stall, and improved controllability in slow speed operations. The kit includes 100 vortex generators that are mounted across the full span of the wings. Each generator, which is 1” long and 1/4” high, is curved to conform to the upper leading edge of the aircraft. Another 24 vortex generators are attached to the vertical stabilizer and 72 are mounted on the underside of the horizontal stabilator. All units are cemented to the flying surfaces with Loctite Depend adhesive. Each VG is manufactured under an FAA PMA from 6063-T6 aluminum that is alodined and ready for painting. Micro AeroDynamics will paint the VGs to match the base color of the aircraft for an additional $150.

The placement of the vortex generators keeps the boundary layer attached to the flying surfaces at higher angles of attack and slower speeds. Their effect on ailerons, rudder and stabilator improve flight handling in the slow speed range. They do not affect high speed cruise numbers and do not collect ice.

AOPA chose to install micro vortex generators on this year’s Sweepstakes aircraft, a Piper Archer. Similar kits have been installed on nearly all other Sweepstakes aircraft.

Micro Aerodynamics, which introduced the use of Vortex Generators on General Aviation aircraft three decades ago, now has STCs covering over 500 single and twin engine aircraft models. The kit for the Piper PA-28 Tapered Wing series, which can be installed in a day, costs $1,450 plus shipping and handling. For further information visit www.microaero.com or call 800.677.2370; overseas call 1.360.293.8082.