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Tom Heuer operates his Colemill Foxstar Baron from a 3300 foot runway at almost 6000 feet elevation in the Colorado mountains. Needless to say, he likes all the performance he can get---especially on hot summer days.
When asked about his Foxstar modification, Heuer replied, "I'm 125% satisfied with it. It just really made the airplane's performance a lot better. On the climb out---even up here at our elevation---it's much better. We get off the field in half the length of the runway. It has unbelievable climb. I am well satisfied with it."
In addition to the shorter takeoff run and improved climb, Heuer said he is also impressed with the Foxstar's speed and handling qualities.
"It seems like I've picked up 10 to 12 knots in cruise. And the winglets have really stabilized the airplane a whole lot more. They eliminate that little rocking motion. The thing just flies absolutely level," he said.
One of Heuer's hobbies is going on fishing trips which takes him and his Foxstar to places such as Alaska and Canada where the airplane's short field takeoff and landing capabilities are appreciated. The extra power and lift help the Foxstar get off the ground quickly. And the additional lift provided by the "Zip-Tip" winglets allow approaches to be flown slower thereby reducing the length of the landing roll.
"I dropped my approach speed to about 85. Before the modification I would come in at about 100," Heuer said.
Colemill's Foxstar Baron conversion is available for all 58 model Barons and for the C, D, and E models of the Baron 55.
The modification consists of several components which work together in perfect harmony to make the Foxstar an absolutely outstanding airplane in performance, safety, and comfort.
These components include:
* Highly reliable Continental IO-550 300 h.p. engines for improved climb and faster cruise speeds
* Four blade "Q-Tip" propellers and a synchrophaser for an incredibly quiet, smooth, vibration free ride
* "Zip-Tip" winglets for additional lift and stability in flight
* A Shadin Digiflow fuel computer for highly precise fuel management
In addition to all these performance enhancing features, each Colemill Foxstar modification also includes new governors, spinners, and all new accessory parts such as starters, alternators, magnetos, Lord mounts, hoses, and belts.
With all these improvements, it's easy to see why so many Baron pilots have elected to have the Colemill Foxstar conversion performed on their airplanes. As many of them have said over the years, it is a totally different airplane as compared to prior to the modification.
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