Van Vanderzyl, Vice President and
corporate pilot for Insurance Finance Corporation in Des Moines, Iowa, says his Colemill Panther Navajo attracts attention just about
everywhere he goes. He goes a lot of places - all over the Eastern two-thirds of the United States. Or as he put it, "All the way
from the Rocky Mountains east and from Canada south." "When we pull up, everybody comments on it - what a good looking plane
it is," Vanderzyl said.
Yes, the Colemill Panther is a great looking airplane - with its four blade "Q-Tip"
propellers, "Zip-Tip" winglets, and redesigned nacelles it really stands apart from a stock Navajo. But the great, distinctive
looks are just a great bonus. What really makes the Panther outstanding is the performance and cabin comfort.
Vanderzyl termed the
Panther's increased climb rate "significant". And he said he has noted an eight to twelve knot increase in cruise speed since
the modification was performed.
I true at 215 to 220 knots at 17,000 feet coming back from Colorado," he said. "It runs
great! It's really done well," he added.
But he said the thing passengers notice most is the quiet, smooth ride. "Everyone
mentions how much quieter it is. With the Q-Tip props it's just a totally different sound. Even the people here at the airport in Des
Moines notice it. They don't have to look. They know who is taking off because it's just a distinct sound. And all the people who ride
in it say it's a lot quieter," Vanderzyl said. "It's been just wonderful. Everybody likes it and everybody comments on it."
The Panther's quiet, smooth ride is provided by the four blade props with a synchrophaser and the "Zip-Tip" winglets.
The props reduce noise levels and vibration and the winglets improve flight stability - especially in turns and turbulence.
The
winglets also contribute to the Panther's great performance by providing additional lift for shorter takeoff runs. They also shorten
landing rolls because with the additional lift approaches can be flown slower.
Colemill Panther Navajos are powered by 350 h.p.
Lycoming TIO-540J2B engines. These are the engines built with dual, independent magnetos for additional reliability.
Each
Panther conversion also comes with a Shadin Digiflow fuel computer for highly precise fuel management. New governors, spinners, an
unfeathering accumulator, and all new accessory parts are also included with each Panther modification.
