AvidJack

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About AvidJack

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  • Gender Male
  • Location Austin, Texas USA
  • Interests Dean Wilson Designs. Pretty much anything outdoors.
    27 years of Unix/Linux means I don't spend a lot of
    time messing around with computers anymore.

AvidJack's Activity



  1. AvidJack added a post in a topic Another catalina / amphibian on the market   

    And, yet another (again, an amphibian). on barnstormers..
    AVID CATALINA AMPHIBIAN • $19,000 • FOR SALE • 95% completed. Needs canopy and flaperons finished. Too many other things going on to finish. Has rotax 532 engine. This can be finished as 3 seats or two seats for light sport. Building log and build pictures are on the EAA builders log for easy access. • Contact Ronald Kline , Owner - located Finleyville, PA 15332 United States • Telephone: ---------- • Posted June 16, 2025 • Show all Ads posted by this Advertiser • Recommend This Ad to a Friend • Email Advertiser • Save to Watchlist • Report This Ad • View Larger Images
    and, I learned to copy the pics- hadn't seen this one.

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  2. AvidJack added a post in a topic Another catalina / amphibian on the market   

    The radiator location is the one that avid chose.  I agree, not great, and some have actually used the area of the rear cabin fairing along with a side scoop in one side of the passenger area to place their radiator. I can't figure the scoops either, unless it's a reverse-flow way to get more air into the cabin.  And, since II tried before (and failed)  to post a picture for future reference, I'll try again-
    Jack
     

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  3. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    Finally made it out to the hangar.  That upper ledge on my firewall ended up being 3.25 inches, to accomodate as much room as possible for the exhaust on the 912.  Pic of the 3rd iteration of the firewall attached.  Note the angle iron on the outer edges- those provide reinforcement and stiffening for the rudder return springs located on the other side.  You may not need as tight a ledge if you're going with the 582.  I'm still trying to figure plumbing routes.
    I had to make my floorboards as well, as mine didn't seem to be included.  I later found them on the bottom of the big flat box containing sheet metal and such, under cardboard. Old projects can be full of their own mysteries.  When I picked up the catalina, the guy selling it swore that that long chunk of formed wood (banister railing) was part of the project.  Jack


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  4. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    And...  in your picture, unless I'm mistaken, the one in the front (right rudder) is attached in the correct place to give a longer (and stronger) stroke. The original brakes (mine) had two flaws- not enough leverage, and the piston size in the old (discontinued) matcos was enlarged to give more volume.  The rudder return spring (in my plans) fits onto the same place as the rudder cable- you can catch it in the lower right of this picture. Only one per side.  Jim might have insights into those brake pedals- He's seen a lot more than I have, but I'm guessing they're more like the avid redesign?
    $.02

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  5. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    My original floorboard picture had an installation of the old matco MC2 (I think) slave brake cylinders, no reservoir.  The firewall picture shows the MC1 I later switched to.  In looking at your brake setup, I noticed that the installation has changed- those tabs make more sense than fabricating the hinge blocks to accept the brakes.  But it might change the width of the pocket a bit, since the cylinder is now on the central side of the pedal?  The one cylinder you have attached looks like a matco- maybe another to match?  It does have the built-in reservoir, so whatever it is, it looks as though you're halfway there.
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  6. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    As Jim pointed out, they're matco.  They came along with the rest of the partial kit.. and if I recall, they're the matco mc1, the old master with the built-in reservoir. While the plumbing is easier, I'll probably end up replacing them with one of the newer models with a remote reseervoir down the line- it's easier to do a quick fluid check if you have a glass reservoir, or even visibility of the line going to the cyinders.
    I made my firewall out of galvanized material- scrap HVAC plenum material.  Those creases add a bit of rigidity, and cut down on transferred vibration (noise). Not sure of your desire to make it all out of one piece, but you may have a larger brake available than I have. Without the actual dimensions (still haven't made it out to check on that top ledge length, which would pretty much define the shape and angle) it took more than one try. Drilling out the (SS) rivets was easier than scrounging another plenum.  I didn't want the hassle of the firewall blanket on the engine side, so went with a 1/4" carbon felt welding blanket on the cabin side before installation. That, too, should cut down on noise, and provide heat insulation and protection.  Plus, I like the way it looks :-).
     

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  7. AvidJack added a post in a topic Firewall   

    I had to redo my firewall after receiving the exhaust for my 912.  I'd guesstimated the need for pedal clearance, and while I had plenty of clearance on that side, the exhaust didn't fit..  IF I remember correctly, the top of the pocket ended up being 3.5 inches,  It'll be a couple of days before I can get out to measure.  Bottom went straight to the floorboard, then folded under to add a bit of protection under the footwell.
    Mine's a 1992 skystar speedster kit, 1200 gross, with incomplete manuals.  The plans for the firewall in that era were all over the place.  I very carefully followed the instructions in my original (partial) manual as I fabricated the first iteration of the firewall, and.. discovered that those instructions were for a different 912 CDI setup, moving it into the cabin. Third time's the charm?  Picture is of the first iteration, including that *(& window, which was to be hinged.
    I'm looking at the floorboard for your kit, it appears to be stopped short of the firewall?  Here's mine (the outer edges had to be trimmed later to fit the cowl.  That might be where you could get a bit more depth? 


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  8. AvidJack added a post in a topic kitfox IV under seat storage.. how?   

    And, of course, sudden realization comes along when you put in the upholstery.
    It's a nice place for stuff you really don't need very often.  Depending on the W&B, it may be a home for the ELT, maybe tools?   In hindsight..
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  9. AvidJack added a post in a topic New beginnings   

    Looking at the corrosion on your tubes reminds me of my catalina project- it had been stored on the coast near houston for 20 years, and it was pretty far gone.  I stripped what little fabric had been done, and, started in sanding.. and sanding, and..
    Found a local place that advertised blasting, and although they'd never, took it on as a challenge.  Did the whole fuse, and then sprayed it with epoxy, I think for like 800 bucks.  They asked if they could use it in a picture for advertising..
    I'd still be sanding today.
     

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  10. AvidJack added a post in a topic Oil cooler bracket/location?   

    And sometHing turned up quickly.. this should have been in the kitfox IV forum, since that's what I'm working on.  Drat. I'll let it ride for the moment, and see if..
    Jack.
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  11. AvidJack added a topic in Avid Model IV   

    Oil cooler bracket/location?
    Since an earlier topic about heat muffs was answered (thanks, I'm using the K&N RU-045V air filters rather than the rotax filters which appear to be *exactly* the same, for twice the price), I've moved on to making brackets, and am on the oil cooler.  I have several sets of manuals, all refer me to the separate instructions for the optional oil cooler, which I've not been able to find.  By any chance?
    I've been trying to find a location, and had just about settled on top of the engine, tying into the back of the gear box (6-100 threads) and using the airbox standoffs as the back supports..  but, thought I'd ask if anyone has a picture of what the original under the gearbox mounting bracket looks like, and where it ties in? I have a couple of coolers, and am currently planning on using an earl's. 
    There's always sometHing,
    -Jack
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  12. AvidJack added a post in a topic Have the forums all died?   

    I check in on a regular basis, to see what other's are up to.  Can't figure out how Jim finds all of the derelict aircraft.  It's amazing.
    at hoosier..  and at some of the other folks that I've read about, attempting to put IV wings on a 2 or 3..
    Once upon a time, and I just tried to verify it, with little success, I remember (?) reading that the kitfox 2, and 3, had the angle of incidence changed to provide a better "over the nose" sight picture.  I'd not expect that slapping 4 wings on a 3 fuselage will end up giving you 4 performance- there's one guy that did it, on some forum (I remember reading?) and didn't get the performance change he was looking for.  If my (failing) memory (what am I doing here... oh, yeah) is correct, and you do graft on the 4 wings/mixer/ etc onto your 3 fuselage, just be aware.  Not sure how to check the angle, or what you might be able to do about it, but..
    I'm fighting my build- a 1992 skystar speedster, and just ordered the exhaust system for a 912uls.  While I knew the price had *increased*(!)  I wasn't aware that there was a 10 week delivery window.  Had I known, I would have ordered earlier.  Will now putter around on things outsdie the engine compartment.  Need to be sure the exhaust isn't in the way.
    Hoping MOSAIC comes through, I'm grounded until then 
    Jack  -Austin TX
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  13. AvidJack added a post in a topic Fabric Question   

    I'm with Jim- it doesn't look like polyfiber, and that's the only system I've used.You can get the manual for that system (free!) here: https://www.conaircraft.com/download-manuals   along with the randolph system manual. It might just be the lighting- if the bottom layer is aluminum colored, it might still be polyfiber, and maybe they used the poly enamal (used on fiberglass) instead of the poly tone (used on fabric).
    I'd check the builder's logs to see what type of paint was used, or, heck, even talk to the original builder? If I were to guess, I'd guess latex paint, Are the flakes pliable, or brittle?  Are there cracks in the paint still on the plane?  But, bottom line, the top layer didn't stick to the bottom layer, either through poor prep, or mixed systems, where the primer didn't match paint.
    Has the plane seen water use?  Was it fresh water or salt? 
    Jack
    (Catalina N92KL)
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  14. AvidJack added a post in a topic Have the forums all died?   

    Red tape, and taxes.
    I'm waiting for mosaic to finalize.  I'm a sport pilot, and there are no sport planes to rent for my bfr, so, no can fly. Sport for a reason, I'm a cancer survivor, so would require an MRI of my head (on my nickle) for a special review, and if there was a question.. no more sport pilot (even though I've been in remission for over 20 years).  My avid catalina is out of annual, so that won't work, and the weight keeps my instructor requirements, and choices, light.  In the interim, I've managed to lose some weight, so that's not as big a problem, but I need to fly it before I put someone else in the seat next to me.. catch 22.  IF mosaic turns out the way I hope..I'll be able to rent an ultra-heavy aircraft, like a 150 for my bfr and rusty pilot training..
    So, I'm putting together a kitfox 4 speedster, The catalina is fun, but slow, and not suited to turf strips, which is one of my destinations. And, it's that time of year.. property taxes, insurance (house and car), income taxes, thoughts of others.. and I'm at a stopping point on the speedster, I need the exhaust system in place before I start figuring out plumbing, wiring, and cabling of the motor.  I was kinda shocked when I discovered the cost of the exhaust had doubled(!) from the new source.  I need to rebuild my war chest before I place that order, but it's getting closer? It's raining, the hangar is cold, the roads are muddy, the sun was in my eyes, the ball took a bad bounce..
    Heck, I wanna fly.  I've been looking at ultralights again.  No red tape, no hassle, and I used to be a BFI.  I think I know where I can lay hands on an old kitfox lite project, or maybe an airbike?..That simoni 250 looks good, and costs less all up than the exhaust for the 912 uls.
    I still drop by and check.  And, I'll be back asking questions soon enough.  I have three sets of manuals, all incomplete (even the ones purchased from kitfox) and all different.  The speedster will be completed, about the same time as mosaic?
    It may be better to be on the ground, looking up, but it's certainly not as much fun.
    Jack
     
     
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  15. AvidJack added a topic in Avid Catalina   

    Another catalina / amphibian on the market
    Found this when wandering about the internet..  from the looks, it's actually an amphibian, but it's listed as a catalina.
     
    more pictures on Clist, but thought I'd grab one for future reference here..
     
    https://tippecanoe.craigslist.org/avo/d/monticello-amphibious-2015-avid/7793050357.html
     
    Amphibious 2015 Avid Catalina Experimental Airplane - $39,900 (Monticello)
     
    This is an airplane that has a Boat Hull, retractable wings for storage and trailering, and retractable landing gear so it can land on land at a regular airport or it can land in any body of water! I bought it several years ago from the original Builder and it has very low hours at only 58. It has an upgraded 912 rotax engine and also has two fuel tanks, one in the wing and one in the hood scoop near the engine to Total 31 gallons. It is registered as a 2-seater but has a 3rd seat in the back. It received its airworthiness certificate in 2015 and it's tail number is N434YD. The only reason I'm selling this is because my medical was denied about 2 years ago. I thought I would be able to get it cleared but it doesn't look good so unfortunately I will be selling my plane.
     

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