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akflyer added a post in a topic Waterplay 4 May 2010

Nice shots Randy!

Man, I gotta get a set of BW for mine.. they look just perfect on the Avid / Kitfoxes! Hope the pending D is over soon and I can get back to spending money on toys again

Looks like a great day for flying and no better place to play than right there! We are so damn spoiled with what our back yard has to offer!

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SuberAvid added a topic in Avidfoxflyers General Hangar 4 May 2010

Waterplay

There didn't seem to be much happening on the Forum and okay, so I was bored. I know I should have been working on the project but the weather was good and I had to get out and play. The Knik River is the perfect playground this time of year because the water is low, it is almost all gravel, and there are a lot of pools of standing water in the braids of the river. I found a good pool that was fairly long and straight with smooth transition to the gravel and decided I should give a water pass a try. A wheel landing on the water at about 50 mph feels just about like landing on ice but with a little more resistance. After a few water passes I landed in the gravel nearby and walked the pond to see what the runout was like. I found a smooth area with a good transition in a little cove area of gravel and decided it was a perfect spot to try a water landing. I don't know the exact speed I was at around the transition to gravel because I couldn't take my eyes off of he outside to look inside, but the drag increases very fast as you get slow on the water and the water is flying everywhere. The pictures are of one of my landings showing where the plane stopped from the edge of the water with very little braking; about 90' ground roll.

I was having so much fun that I thought I should go water skiing for a while so I lined up on a nice straight stretch of river and settled it onto the water. It was very comfortable skiing along on the mains throttled back to about 42 mph on the GPS. Power up a little to hop over some iceburgs or make a turn and set it back down on the water. It actually steers through gentle turns pretty smoothly with the rudder but I didn't try anything too radical. I wonder if it would float if I mounted a 26" bushwheel to the tail? Maybe I could call it a "conventional" float plane? Just too much fun!

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SuberAvid added a post in a topic Go Kart to Matco Brakes 4 May 2010

Very nice Joey; your going to love those things! I generally run my tires at around 8 or 9 psi. It will handle better on the hard surfaces and if you are going to play in the bigger rocks, let them down to around 5 psi. With the wide tires it doesn't seem to make a much difference in the sand when they are at the higher pressure; just in the rocks.

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horsepower added a post in a topic cooling issues 3 May 2010

Leni, Im putting the same type of radiator on my Skyraider,should it be mounted on rubber mounts or does the standoffs youmade have enough flexability? I was wondering how much drag these type create with it hanging out in the airstream like that.In my case I dont have any options as I dont have any room in my cowl for any other style. Thanks Randy

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akflyer added a post in a topic cooling issues 3 May 2010

I put mine on using teflon 1.5" stand offs. Just held it up to the bottom of the plane, marked the holes and drilled trough the floor boards. Best thing I ever did in terms of cooling. I never see temps over 165 now and in the winter I have to run aluminum tape over about 1/2 the radiator to get temps over 140. If you zoom in on the pic, you can see the stand offs to get the radiator a little lower in the slip stream.

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akflyer added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 3 May 2010

Sounds like an interesting trip so far. You are a bit more ballsy than me dropping down that low over the open water on wheels. I have done it once in a PA12 but vowed to never do it again (unless I am maneuvering for a landing on the beach, then I am within swimming distance of the beach ). Hope you make it home without too much excitement.

What are your initial thoughts on the Avid? Does she fly about how you expected? I really have a blast in mine, but cant wait to get the new engine in it and see how she is with double the power for take off!

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Jezz added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 3 May 2010

Update on the ferry:

Now as far as Berlin ...

We had to fly back to Riga on a scheduled flight because Vadim has had his work roster changed and so we had to use an exit strategy. Aircraft is sitting tight and snug in a hangar in Schonhagen/Berlin.

Journey so far:

Left Otherton (UK base where I had been storing her), at around lunchtime on Friday. Because I had not had a full checkout on the aircraft, we decided to fly to a nearby field with 3 long tarmac runways and to fly a few ccts before heading off into the unknown.

Before leaving Otherton I did a few taxi runs to get a feel for her at something close to flying speed - no problems.

The strip is short(ish) so I decided on the 2nd fast taxi that I would take-off. Not pretty!!!

Got the aircraft stabilized in the climbout and all good.

Got to the nearby airfield and flew the first cct and finished it off with a really nice landing (not quite a greaser but not bad either).

Rolled off that to do another couple of ccts (also nice landings) and then Vadim had a go - also not bad

We played around with the speeds and found it to be best at about 80 on final reducing to 65 at the fence. I know we can get it to go a lot slower, but as we had not experimented with the slow speed handling, we though it best to keep a good buffer.

We re-fueled (we had not loaded much fuel previously because of the short strip, had a cup of coffee and set off again for Lydd on the S Coast of England.

We were about 1h 45 into the flight and just west of London when we had a conversation about the fact we had no idea of exactly what the fuel burn is, and that we couldn't see much in the sight gauges (those things are really really shitty - any ideas for a better system?). Anyway, we decided to divert into Blackbushe, and airfield about 30nm west of London Heathrow. Divert was normal but there was about 15kts G20 about 30 degrees off the runway. Landing was purposeful but safe. The nice people at EGLK do not charge for safety related diverts, so we weighed up the options.

After a good rest we reached the decision to go direct from Blackbushe to Le Touquet on the north shore of France. The flight out from Blackbushe was uneventful, the clouds were down to about 1200 AGL over the area, so we had to request to route through the zone of the adjacent Farnborough airport (of Farnborough airshow fame). It was nice to be routing over all the BBJs ACJs G IV and Vs that are based there. We continued on towards Lydd where we should have already landed and continued to coast straight out over the sea. By this stage the cloudbase had risen and we were up at about 2500. It was at this point that Vadim (who was pilot flying at the time) started to get nervous about the EGTs. He started chasing the throttle around and of course the EGTs continued to climb. I took the aircraft from him and settled everything back down and continued on course.

Sea Crossing:

This was my first time going to France as pilot in command but I was pretty relaxed about it as I have done the journey many times in the right hand seat. Because the cloudbase had forced to keep us down, and then we had lost about 500' thanks to Vadim playing with the throttle, we were down to about 1500' for the crossing - no problem except it kept the French shore out of view from the English side. As we approached France I could see the shore rising ahead and but didn't have a clear view of the landmarks - I just put this down to the decreasing visibility (which had not been forecast). Then, there was a light mist layer below me, so I decided to stay on top of it. Within seconds, the shore had disappeared and I was in cloud.I descended through it on partial panel (I HATE having to do that), while still over the sea, and broke out at about 700'. I continued to go down to 500' to stay below the cloud and then, when i finally got to the shore, hugged the beach all the way in, flying the approach to the pattern just with the GPS.

Landing at Le Touquet

Not pretty. 90 degree crosswind and gusting to 18. On rollout, I thought the shimmy would rip the noseleg off. While on the ground in Le Touquet, had a really good look at the nosewheel and I thought the tyre seemed a bit underinflated, but Vadim was convinced that all was OK.

Departing Le Touquet

When the time came to depart Le Touquet, the cloudbase was still really low and the wind was still not nice, but the wind speed at least had reduced. Originally we had decided to go direct from Le Touquet to Aschafenburg (near Frankfurt, Germany), however, while at Le Touquet we had re-filled the tanks so that we could get a better idea of fuelburn. We were getting fuel consumption we expected, but not the cruise speed so we decided on an intermediate stop at Cherleville close to the French Belgian border.

Exactly 2 hours later we were at Charleville, with a completely uneventful landing after I held the nosewheel off as much as possible. This was probably the most friendly airfield I have ever visited. We filled a flight plan for the next leg which would cross into Germany, and went out to preflight the aircraft. It was at this point that Vadim had to admit that the nosewheel was going flat - the chocks (which were tied together), would no longer fit around the wheel. Thankfully, there was a really friendly ultralight club based there and within an hour they had fitted a new tube, cleaned the assembly, straightened the nosewheel bolt, re-packed the bearings and refitted the wheel. If you guys read this, a HUGE thanks for your help and support.

We took off from Charleville an hour behind schedule and got to Aschafenburg exactly at closing time. The nosewheel was almost perfect (shimmy wise) now that it was properly inflated and was properly held off. Taxi to hotel, drink, meal and sleep.

The leg to Berlin will follow, along with the pics (they are on Vadim's camera, I didn't take mine), and once we get the aircraft back to Riga, a breakdown of the times costs and consumptions. Right now though, I have to work.

Jezz

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C5Engineer added a post in a topic Go Kart to Matco Brakes 3 May 2010

Hey Randy the dog is a Rat Terrier..close to a Jack Russell but a little less hyper.

I got the plane on the new gear today finally and the rudder bars back in. Did not get to the plumbing so not quite done yet.

I LOVE the new stance!!! It's a beast! I can't wait to do some off airport landings in it. The blue uncovered legs really changed the appearance of the airplane! I'm glad I decided to go that route.

Because I was putting Kitfox legs on my Avid Flyer I knew there may be a difference. I measured everything out but after getting it on there I was 1/16th of inch off on the front mount. I busted out the grinder and took care of it.

Retracts!!

Back on the ground

Should have it plumbed in the next few days. I can't wait to fly it!!

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Trackwelder added a post in a topic cooling issues 2 May 2010

Can someone show me some pics of a belly mount radiator that works, I have the big square rotax on an A model do I need to order the thin wide one from Kitfox or is there another good way of doing it?

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akflyer added a post in a topic Go Kart to Matco Brakes 2 May 2010

We had them on my brothers Mod II KF with the narrow gear like that. Was not too bad even on pavement with 8 PSI. Was alot better on the wide gear though... Off in the dirt and sand I dropped them down to 4.5-5 PSI, but it seems that if you get any under that the bead will start rolling real easy. I would keep them up about 8 PSI for your flying and I think they will do you just fine!

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horsepower added a post in a topic Go Kart to Matco Brakes 2 May 2010

Looking good Joey,You shouldnt have any prop clearance issues with those monsters.Is that a Jack Russell Terrier I see.I have an 11 year old one, pretty cool dogs.He will probably be my co-pilot while I fly my 40 hours off.I wonder if it will land any different with those big tires,probably have to experiment with tire pressures until it feels right. Randy

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C5Engineer added a post in a topic Go Kart to Matco Brakes 2 May 2010

Getting close to wrapping up this project

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Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Away We Go! 1 May 2010

It's a Garmin Aera 500. Brand spankin' new. I got it down in Lakeland. This is the new touch-screen replacement for the 39x/49x series.

So far, my review of this GPS is two very enthusiastic thumbs up! Fine holiday fun!

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akflyer added a post in a topic Away We Go! 1 May 2010

SWEET! Nice pics! What GPS is that I am thinking about upgrading my 295 and yours looks like it has a nice big screen on it! I often envy you guys down south being able to do long cross country's and still have pretty much unlimited fuel stops etc. Up here, there are way too many areas that I want to go but are on the ragged edge of the comfort range in terms of being able to get gas and help if you need it. Guess that is why I always like to do CC trips with another plane. When I go with my brother we will load his plane up with gas (short wing piper death trap) cause we can load 75 gallons in the back of the plane in 5 gallon cans. He gets to be the pack rat and I get to have fun on the short strips

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Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Away We Go! 1 May 2010

more...

Lyle's Rans on the way home

Shot of the panel on the way home

Parked after camping overnight and fueling at Jasper, TN

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Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Away We Go! 1 May 2010

more photos...

Parked at Lakeland

The Gulf Coast

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Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Away We Go! 1 May 2010

Okay, update time:

Bill will be released from the University Hospital on Monday to return to his home town to a nursing home/rehab facility. He's not home yet, but he's well on the way, now.

I must admit, that I didn't take many pictures on the trip. Sorry.

Here's a few facts about the route we took and my fuel usage:

KRRL-STE-C77-MTO-CUL-APT-LGC-ACJ-CTY-Lakeland

Lakeland-CTY-LGC-APT-CUL-C77-C35-KDLL-KRLL

My fuel stops added to 102.5 Gallons, at 31.7 hours. This averaged to 3.25 GPH.

Total trip time was 35 hours.

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akflyer added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 28 Apr 2010

I have the Arctic Sparrow Mixture for mine, but Mike is gone now so they are not available anymore... I would not think you will have any issues where you are talking about flying. kind of a toss up on the jetting, but if in doubt, run one size bigger if you have any issues with EGT's.

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horsepower added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 28 Apr 2010

Leni, I see you use a in flight carb mixture control.Is it the one that Green Sky Adventures sell? I was wondering about getting it for my 582 but didnt know anyone that has it.We are at 2200 feet here but Lewiston is an hour away and it is about 900 feet so didnt know if jetting was going to be a problem if I go back and forth once in awhile.Im hoping to have mine in the air by Fall if all works out.Thanks Randy

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Jezz added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 28 Apr 2010

Leni

Many thanks for all the info!

I am really not too bothered about the over water section, it is only about 20nm so hardly out of gliding range of the shore, and its the busiest shipping lane in the world (so they tell me).

The weather is still looking shitty as hell. At least the airspace is back open after being closed for nearly a week due the Icelandic volcano.

I will be taking some pics en route and promise to post them here when i get back to Latvia.

Really cant wait - I feel like a kid does the night before Christmas.

Many thanks again ... and watch this space!

Jezz

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akflyer added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 28 Apr 2010

#1 allow the engine to warm up good before flying! with the water cooled engine, you should see the temp start to come up, then it will drop back down as the thermostat opens, then it will start coming back up. I let mine get to atleast 130 on the second swing before I take off or apply lots of power for taxi.

#2 If the nose is pointed down hill, pull power! if you let the prop turn the engine it will go lean, you will get high EGT's and you can burn it down.

#3 Use full power for take off even if you have lots of runway in front of you. Pulling the power on take off or climb out early will let the engine go leaner. Make sure you use that main jet on take off and climb out as the extra fuel will help cool and will keep your engine happy.

#4 Make sure the prop is adjusted right or you will be chasing EGT's. With mine set for 6200 static it gives me about 6500 WOT straight and level and keeps the EGT's around 1150. I have in flight adjustable mixture but that never really comes into play until I hit around 3500' then I can start to lean it out. Anything under 3500 and I dont mess with it.

#5 Make sure you keep an eye on the rotary valve oil reservoir. if it starts filling up, it means the seal on the rotary shaft is leaking and water is getting in. If it is going down, it means the inner seal is leaking and it is going into the crank case. Either way, the rotary valve is easy to replace and alot cheaper than letting the oil level run out. If it runs out, you will have about 15 minutes before the brass gear shreds and the engine stops running.... I learned that the hard way when I rebuilt mine and did not get it bled right.

Other than these items to keep an eye on, I have no reservations flying my 2 stroke over open water, and over extreme mountain terrain with no areas to "land".

Keep us posted on the progress of the trip and what you think of the new bird!

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Jezz added a post in a topic Buying my new Avid 26 Apr 2010

Sorry guys, I am doing a really bad job of keeping this thread going. I have just started a new project at work and so I have a new set of standard ops to learn for a different type, and all this on top of my regular desk job (oh the joy of flying a desk )

Leni (and anyone else), YES PLEASE - any info you can give me on keeping the two stroke going would be great. Out of pistons, I have only flown behind Lycomings, Continentals and 912s so I am a bit of a virgin.

The ferry flight is planned, leaving Latvia this Thursday afternoon. Spending some time with the baby on Friday am (getting to know her), and having a damn hard look at the met to decide if we set off on Friday pm or Sat am. At the moment, the long range forecast is looking REALLY good until Wednesday this week, and looking like it will get better again on Tuesday NEXT WEEK (the time frame we have is until next Monday afternoon when Vadim (co-owner) has to be back for a night flight). Really not looking forward to having to do that trip in marginal VFR, but thats the way it is looking at the moment

Anyways, I have the 196 programmed with the route. Vadim has the flight planning program on his mini laptop. I have got all the clearances and permissions. Also, I have bought an ICOM A22 from a friend because neither Vadim nor myself would be completely at home without being able to fall back on VORs for reference (the airspace in Europe is about 1000 times more messy than in the US - best time of my life was flying over there).

OK, will keep you guys posted (PROMISE)!

Jezz

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C5Engineer added a post in a topic Landing Gear Bolts 25 Apr 2010

I plan to put new bolts in mine when I put my Kitfox Gear legs on here pretty soon. Mine are probably the original ones from the early 90's. I replaced a lot of stuff when I did the refurb but there's a still few things left to get to.

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C5Engineer added a post in a topic Holy crap wing suit flying 25 Apr 2010

Trip slipped a few days. I'm sitting in Spain now on my way over right now. Sure is a sweet place.

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flattie45 added a post in a topic Landing Gear Bolts 25 Apr 2010

It seems that a lot of pilots aren't aware of the stress involved with ski operations. On my Cessna 140 I have solid axles. I am not sure if they are legally required for skis, but it is a very good idea. There is no air pressure to soften the impacts while on skis. Keeping an eye on everything related to the landing gear is a good idea.
On the Searey owners site somebody posted pictures of his Searey with wheel skis. It seems the Searey is notorious for landing gear failures, often referred to as, "painting a white stripe", the result of the fiberglass hull skidding down the runway. It has even happened just while taxiing around. I can't see skis on a Searey as a great idea. Oh well, more power to him.
But yeah, to sum it up, keep on eye on yer landin' gear.
-Nate

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