EL GAVILAN 358
by Jerry Arzdorf with data and incentive by Carlos Reyes
Copyright 1997 by G.T. Arzdorf


The El Gavilan is a new plane built in Colombia. The design engineer and 
test pilot, from the company that is producing the El Gavilan, offered 
small changes in the flight envelope that have been incorporated into 
this version.
Stop the engine and check the cargo area.

For hard lands Colombian Aircraft Industry has developed an utility AIR
JEEP.

THE AIRCRAFT
The GAVILAN 358 is a single engine utility aircraft designed to provide
an economical and cost effective means of transportation.  Powered by a
350 hp. turbocharged piston engine, can carry seven passengers and a
pilot.  With its fixed landing gear and high wing, the GAVILAN 358 lends
itself to operations from remote sites.

CERTIFICATION
The airworthiness regulations under which the GAVILAN 358 is certified
are FAR 23, amendment 45 and FAR 36.  These regulations are very strict
and there are very few aircraft that meet them.  The majority of aircraft 
that are being built nowadays were certified more than 30 years ago under 
standards that are far less demanding.  This ensures that the GAVILAN 358 
is one of the most technologically advanced aircraft flying today.

TECHNOLOGY
The most advanced computer based techniques were applied in the deve-
lopment of the GAVILAN 358 by specialists each of whom has more than 25
years of experience in aviation, For example, computer programs that
incorporate the latest technology were used to calculate stresses,
assuring the maximum strength for the minimum weight, Computers were 
also used extensively in design and drafting.

ITS MISSIONS
Thanks to its huge cabin, the GAVILAN 358 can be adapted to a whole
variety of missions, satisfying the requirements of commercial operators 
who specialize in carrying passengers, cargo mail, logistical support 
or aerial photography.  Because of its flat floors, the GAVILAN
358 can accommodate all kinds of awkward cargo such as sheets of ply-
wood, thus making the most of its interior space.  The aircraft can 
easily be adapted to carry four stretchers in its air ambulance version
The GAVILAN 358 has a wide margin of travel of center of gravity ensu-
ring flexibility in loading.

PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING
lts aerodynamic design was the subject of careful thought and the air-
craft has very docile flying qualities, especially at low speeds, which
is very important when operating out of short runways with difficult 
approaches.

CONSTRUCTION
The GAVILAN 358 is a simple and robust aircraft.  The structure formed
by a tubular steel truss, covered by aluminum she constructed out of 
aluminum and use two spars and an external strut for support. The  tail
surfaces are also built of aluminum and attach directly onto the steel
fuselage frame.

LANDING GEAR
The landing gear is of the tricycle type. The nose gear uses a trailing
link arrangement which ensures that the gear can be safely used from
very rough runways, lt is freely castoring, making the aircraft very
maneuverable on the ground.  Both main and nose gears use shock absor-
bers made of Keoprene, a new elastomeric material, enabling the owners
to enjoy many hours of trouble-free operation.

MAINTENANCE
From the outset, the GAVILAN 358 was designed to be reliable and easy
to service and maintain. It incorporates many features to easy servi-
cing, such as readily accessible electrical systems and a hinged ins-
trument panel which permits any instrument to be changed with the 
greatest of ease.

CABIN AND DOORS
The cabin was one of the items that received the most attention during
design. It is truly huge and is completely rectangular.  In other words
the floor is completely flat throughout the cabin and parallel to the
ceiling.  The GAVILAN has three doors, two for each of the forward
occupants and a very large double cargo door on the left side of the 
fuselage through which even the most awkward cargo can be loaded.

SPECIFICATIONS
POWERPLANT
Manufacturer					Textron-Lycoming
Model						TIO-540W2A
Type						Piston Turbocharged
Power (hp)					350
R.P.M. at maximum power				2500
Number of cylinders				6
Manifold pressure at maximum power (ins)	52
Recommended time between overhaul (hours)	1800

Propeller Manufacturer				Hartzell
Number of blades				3
Type						Constant-Speed
Diameter (ins/mts)				84"/2.13

OPERATING WEIGHTS (pounds/kilograms)
Maximum take-off				4500 / 2041
Maximum landing					4500 / 2041
Standard empty					2800 / 1270
Useful load					1700 / 770
Power/weight ratio (lb/hp)			12.9

PASSENGERS					7 plus pilot

FUEL CAPACITY (gallons/liters)			120 / 454
OIL CAPACITY (gallons/liters)			3 / 11.35

PERFORMANCE

OPERATING SPEEDS (ktslkph-CAS)
Stall speed flaps 0				69 / 128
Stall speed flaps 40				58 / 107
Best climb					85 / 157
Best angle					75 / 139

CRUISE SPEED (kts/kph-CAS)
At 10000 ft
75% Power					135 / 250
65% Power					130 / 248
55% Power					126 / 233

CLIMB RATE (ft/min  mts/min)			880 / 270

RANGE (Nautical miles/km)				
With 30 min reserve
75% Power					770 /1425
65% Power					820 / 1518
55% Power					945 / 1750

OPERATING DISTANCES AND ALTITUDES (ft/mts)
Take-off run with 15  flaps			1022 / 310				
Take-off distance over 50 ft obstacle		1880 / 570
Service ceiling
-without high altitude kit			12500 / 3810
-with high altitude kit				22500 / 6859
Landing distance over 50 ft obstacle		1588 / 480
Landing run					640 / 200

This plane belongs to the author.You may not use it for profit
without getting my permission. 
So, saying that, have fun and let me know the good points of this
aeroplane. The bad points you can keep to your self.

Jerry Arzdorf
Illinois, USA

103136,2615 on compuserve
103136.2615@compuserve.com
zekerat@qconline.com
Jzeke@juno.com

Homepage: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/zekearzdorf/



