12 Days of Panther Christmas – Day 8

On the eighth day of Christmas our Panther builders sent to us – Eric Muehlberg’s Panther from Oklahoma City.

Here is a note from Eric.

Dan & Rachel,

Seeing the 12 days series of late, I thought it incumbent on me to finally get around to sending you some information on my Panther LS, S/N 011, N11PX. 11PX received her airworthiness certificate awhile back and I have been flying the 40 hours of Phase I flight test as time and weather permit. The airplane is a delight to fly, quick, maneuverable, yet stable and balanced. 11PX has a Lycoming O-235 C1 (115 HP @2800) 80 octane (6.75 to 1) engine from a Piper Colt. The Sensenich WC 68-PM 65 prop is perfect for the airframe and engine (this engine has never flown so fast!). Even with the little Lycoming climb and speed is impressive. My empty weight is 779 lbs, unpainted and no wheel pants yet. I usually take off with 20 gallons of fuel at a take-off weight of 1085 lbs (+/-5 lbs) and see 1500+fpm climb@115-120 mph. For speeds I’m observing 140 mph @ 2250 (4.8 gph), 150 mph @ 2400 (5.2 gph) and 165 mph 2600 (5.6 gph) at 3,000 ft/ 55 degrees F without wheel pants or the vertical fin fairing (and there is still more rpm available). This was just what I wanted, a strong, well designed aircraft, and a reasonably fast x-country cruise with excellent fuel burn and range. Right now in OKC area unleaded auto fuel (no alcohol) 87 octane sells for around $2.15 a gallon. With the Panther/O-235 combination I can cruise at 150-160 mph, burn less than 6 gallons/hr for about $12.00, what a deal! To say I’m thrilled is an understatement. The build was straight forward and enjoyable, but the flying is even better. Thank you Dan and Rachel for designing and kiting the Panther, in my opinion, the best looking/ performing single place aircraft out there.

One happy customer,

Eric Muehlberg

S/N 011

N11PX