I often fly through rain (I live in Britain!); I find that the engine temps
drop,
presumably due to the rain on the radiator and oil cooler, but notice no major
difference in cruise speed. I have not explored the stall in such conditions,
so cant say anything much about that aspect.
On Sunday just gone, I spent over 30 minutes in moderate rain; no engine issues
but I am wary about icing with the reduced coolant temps on the skydrive carb
heaters, and I tend to work the engine a little harder to ensure CHTs remain
above 80C.
I do find that flight in rain erodes the paint on the backside of the prop
blades
requiring more regular repainting.
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