Is the Beech Sierra a high performance aircraft? The type certification states it has a 200HP engine but in the performance section of the POH. Under full power, it states that the engine will be operating at 5% above rated power which would put it at 210hp. Would this mean that the Beech Sierra C24R, technically speaking would be high performance and one could get a high performance endorsement?

 

Sounds like it is typed for 200HP which would mean it is not HP.

I suspect it's "rating" is arbitrary to keep it under the HP threshold for some reason (insurance?) but the engine is probably perfectly happy at 210.

But you could ask a FSDO (or just go get a HP endorsement).

 

John Lynch dealt with this precise question in the orphaned Part 61 FAQ. As you may or may not know, this was a publicly-published Q&A on Part 61. It was pulled by the FAA for a number or reasons but, even when it existed it had disclaimers warning that it should not be relied on as a final answer. But, FWIW, the FAQ suggests the answer is yes.

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As for whether a Navion that is rated for 205 horsepower on takeoff and that qualifies it, as per the definition of a high performance airplane, the rule § 61.31(f) just says a high performance airplane is “. . . (an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower) . . .” If someplace in the airplane's flight manual if the engine specifications says “more than 200 horsepower” it qualifies as a high performance airplane. § 61.31(f) doesn't qualify the definition of “. . . more than 200 horsepower . . .” it just says “. . . (an airplane with an engine of more than 200 horsepower) . . .”

If Navion's engine specifications show “. . . more than 200 horsepower . . .” it meets the definition of a high performance airplane per § 61.31(f) and the appropriate endorsement is required unless the provision of § 61.31(f)(2) is met.
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Supposedly, the FAQ is still in use internally.

 

NGDI -

So someone having operated that particular airplane without a HP endorsement has in fact been in violation?

USMCFLYR

 

I'd only be guessing.

Personally, I like Rick's answer. Not the "ask the FSDO one;" that tends to cause more problems than it cures and I'd want it in writing. The one where he suggests getting the endorsement (in something else).