RDavidson

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Everything posted by RDavidson



  1. RDavidson added a post in a topic Flap handle alternatives   

    An extension for those T-Rex arms?

    Sorry, couldn't resist, I was in the military with a guy that, we joked, had short arms and he is forever known as T-Rex.
    I like your invention...paint it yellow with black stripes and it will look like an ejection handle!

    See ya,
    Ron
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  2. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Magnum   

    Whirlwind prop service letter
    Fellas,

    I just got a Service Letter from Whirlwind about a 78" prop I bought from them that I have on an O-320.

    They found a crack in a hub on an O-340 swinging the 78" prop with 80 hours on it. I'm guessing it was on a cub crafters cub, that is the engine and prop setup they are pushing now.
    The Service letter mandates an immediate inspection of the hub, then an inspection every 10 hours.
    It was an isolated incident.
    The Service Letter affects the GA200L series prop hubs with IO and O -320, -340, -360 engines.

    I'm going to try to attach the service letter (haven't tried to attach a file here before)

    By the way, the 78" prop is awesome! I bought it for my biplane when I moved from 1000' MSL to a field at 4700' MSL. With my 76" metal McCauley prop I was barely able to make it to 10,000 MSL and it took all day. Now I can climb to 13,000 and higher in half the time! (Half a day! Ha!) My top end speed suffered by about 10 mph, but now I can cross these Rocky Mountain ridges.
    I plan on using the same engine and prop on my Magnum...O-320 D2C with 78" Whirlwind Prop.


    See ya,
    Ron

    I couldn't attach the file from my iPad, I will try from my PC later. Here is the Whirlwind phone # if you need it now (619) 562-3725. I checked their website and their Service Leter page is under construction, so calling is the only option right now.
    • 6 replies
    • 2,288 views


  3. RDavidson added a post in a topic Grove Spring Gear   

    Thanks Guys...
    I'm going to call Robby and ask him some questions.

    Ron
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  4. RDavidson added a post in a topic Grove Spring Gear   

    Chris,

    Thanks for the words! I do like your kayak idea! I think I saw pics of you mounting the kayak to the bottom somewhere. That is awesome.
    I was worried about the gear putting excessive forces on the mounting points, but it sounds like it is a sturdy setup.
    So cons are, costs, modifying the cowl, and weight.
    I can live with those, because all of the other options involve me custom building a gear.
    I love the bungee gear I have on another plane, but I always worry about that bungee snapping. I know you can put a safety cable in there, but it still bothers me!
    I'm intrigued by the cabane system...but I don't know if I want to design my own.

    So I'm thinking grove spring gear wins! Any last minute don't do its?

    Thanks
    Ron
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  5. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Flyer General Hangar   

    Grove Spring Gear
    Guys,

    I'm looking at the grove spring gear for my Avid Magnum.
    Can someone, with the Grove gear, give me the pros and cons?
    I'm planing on buying 26" tires for it, and I want to use it for backcountry flying here in Colorado.
    Does this gear have a tendency to bend the bottom longerons?

    My only other options would be building a new, wider and taller bungee gear, or building a cabane style wider and taller gear.

    I am leaning toward the cabane style gear, but it sure would be easier to buy the proven grove spring gear.

    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 11 replies
    • 5,407 views


  6. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Well, I lost some sleep because I've been trying to figure out if I could do the 3 mount attachment on my Magnum...
    Problem one is that the magnum doesn't have the nice triangular support coming down to the bottom longeron, in front of the front gear mount.
    Problem two is that even if I added a support, the bottom longeron bends inboard immediately after the front mount.
    So the third mount would not be in line with the other two.

    I could add a third mount behind the back mount, but the geometry would be awkward and the fuselage is already covered with fabric, so that is impossible.

    Looks like I'm stuck using the original mounts.

    I wanted to talk to Brett about his Bush Gear, but I can't seem to get ahold of him. Anyway, I'm 99% sure that the bush gear he is building is not going to be strong enough for the GW of the Magnum.

    That leaves me building my own. I'm worried about my lack of Tig / torch welding skills. I have stick welded for years as a hobby, but never welded anything as critical as this!

    I guess my other would be the grove gear.

    I have the original bungee gear now, but I really want something wider, taller and sturdy for back country landings.

    Somebody sell me on one of these options, please...I have about 2 months to make the decision.


    Thanks,
    Ron
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  7. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Leni,

    The bungees sag when it is below 0?
    I would have thought the colder the less flexible they would be?


    Ron
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  8. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Randy,

    That is slick! I really like the step...great idea!
    Thanks for the pics and the info!
    Sorry if I lured you into a landing gear debate...you have my vote, it makes sense to me.

    Thanks again,
    Ron
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  9. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Randy,

    Thanks for the info! The only thing I don't like about your plane is that it isn't mine!
    I was wondering if you got the third mount idea from Just Aircraft...but maybe they got it from you! That third mount makes a lot of sense to me. I look at the new Airdale bush gear and I love the height of it, but the small area it covers on the bottom longeron scares me a bit. If you hit a rock or pothole (round here Prairie Dog hole) that extra long gear leg is going to put some serious force on that longeron!
    I'm sure that you weighed the options of oleo struts, cub style gear, and aluminum spring gear, what made you pick bungees? I have another plane, a biplane, with bungees and it has really impressed me! It has taken some serious abuse while I learned to land while looking sideways!
    Do you have a safety cable on your gear in case the bungee blows? I haven't read about anyone using them here.

    I hate to ask another favor, but do you have any pics of the gear before it was covered?
    Is it just a normal triangle shape, or do you have a third tube going from mount to axle?

    Thanks again...what a beautiful plane! Tough looking! 26" tires are perfect! 21" are economical, but not tall enough for me, 29" look absurd in my opinion. I can't believe that you get those cruise numbers dragging those tires around! That is awesome!

    See ya,
    Ron
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  10. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Ed,

    Thanks, I found the pic. I like that shape. Good point about not squaring off the corners!
    You enjoy adding your own touch to everything, don't you? I like it!

    Thanks again,
    Ron
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  11. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   


    Randy,

    Your plane is awesome!
    I called Brett and left a message, but I'm going to use your rudder if Brett can get one to me.
    A couple of questions for you...
    Are those 26" tires?
    Looks like a custom gear. Did you build it? I couldn't see clearly in the picture, but did you add another gear attach point near the firewall? What kind of gear is it, bungee, spring, etc?

    I love everything about your plane! Nice work!


    Thanks,
    Ron
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  12. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    Ed, do you have a pic of your rudder?

    The pic I posted is still different from the Avid Plus...the rudder I posted has a squared corner at the top. Must be a custom job. I like the squared look, but the Avid Plus would still be better than the Magnum tail. I don't like the round tail.


    Thanks,
    Ron
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  13. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   

    By the way, cool idea for landing light placement!
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  14. RDavidson added a post in a topic Different Magnum Rudder?   


    That is the one!
    Sounds like I need to give Brett another phone call!

    Thanks for the help,
    Ron
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  15. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Magnum   

    Different Magnum Rudder?
    I have seen a few pics of Magnums with a straight backed rudder, not the original round one.
    Are guys custom building these or is it something Brett at Airdale is selling?
    I'd like to buy or build one, but don't want to re-invent the wheel!
    I'm attaching a pic of a Magnum with the new tail.
    Any info would be greatly appreciated...


    Ron


    • 25 replies
    • 5,714 views


  16. RDavidson added a post in a topic Leading Edge   


    Alright! The Kitfox folks are back from Florida!
    I called this morning and ordered 28' of plastic leading edge material. They sell it in 14' lengths, but they said freight shipping is really expensive, so they can cut them into 7' lengths and ship them UPS. The cost for 4 x 7' plastic leading edge pieces is right at $113 with shipping. That is what they billed my credit card. I'll let you know if it changes.
    Hopefully I'll get them by this weekend!
    I am planning on using Hysol 9460, but I have Scotch Weld 2216 as well.
    Which do you guys like using best?

    Thanks for the help,
    Ron
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  17. RDavidson added a post in a topic First time on the Ice today   

    That is awesome!
    I love the shot from above the lake!

    I went ice fishing for the first time a couple of years ago, in Colorado, with my buddies from Oklahoma. We drilled our first hole, the ice let out a "CRACK". And you had 4 Okies laying flat on the ice! The locals got a good laugh at that!

    Anyway, I thought of that when I saw the shot from above with what looks like a couple of large cracks.

    Awesome pics...now I'm motivated to build again!


    Thanks,
    Ron
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  18. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Flyer General Hangar   

    Leading Edge
    Guys,

    I've been reading the different posts about using the Kitfox Plastic Leading Edge on the Avid wings. I understand that the gains are minimal. I also understand that it is designed for wings without undercamber.

    I want to use the leading edge because it hides the fuel tank wrap and the wing strut mount rivets, and I think it makes it look like a real wing.

    Here is what I would like to know from you...

    Is Kitfox the only place to buy them?

    Has anyone used it with an undercambered wing, and are there any issues?

    How did you fair the leading edge into the wingtip?

    Is it not worth the money, time, and weight in your opinion?


    I read that Brett at Airdale could sell them to me, but he gets them from Kitfox anyway. I haven't been able to make contact with him, so I called Kitfox and they are in Florida for an show until the 29th...aaarrrggg! So it looks like I have some time to think about it!

    Please let me know what you think...


    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 12 replies
    • 2,493 views


  19. RDavidson added a post in a topic Fuel Tank Coating   

    I did the entire bucket timing series of test because I was paranoid about it! I wasn't paranoid after finishing the tests!

    Ron
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  20. RDavidson added a post in a topic Magnums with Airdale Bush Gear   

    The magnum gross weight is 1750 lbs and the cabin (44") is about 4" wider than the original avid flyer.
    I'm thinking it might be a custom job, but I need to look at the Avid+ specs too.
    I have the original bungee on it now.

    Thanks,
    Ron
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  21. RDavidson added a post in a topic Calling Brett at Airdale...   


    No worries...I just wanted to spend an insane amount of money on a project that will never be worth what I spent!
    I'm sure someone else will be glad to help me out in my absurd business venture!

    I'll try a couple more times.


    Thanks,
    Ron
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  22. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Flyer General Hangar   

    Calling Brett at Airdale...
    Guys,

    I tried to call Brett at Airdale today, but the line rings several times and then says to call back later. I tried several times through out the day with no success.
    Is this normal?
    Is there a better way to contact him?
    I was using the number on Airdale.com


    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 10 replies
    • 1,865 views


  23. RDavidson added a post in a topic Fuel Tank Coating   


    Ed,

    This is all on a Starduster Too Experimental. I have a Lycoming O-320 with an MS4 carb.
    My mechanical fuel pump went out on my O-320 and the only reason I knew was that I was reading about 1.5 psi on my fuel pressure gauge. I couldn't tell you when the pump went out, because the engine ran just fine. I usually see 3-4 psi on the gauge and rarely look at it (except on cross country flights). That being said, you can have problems with the engine quitting in climb or extreme angles, when your fuel pump is not working. You probably know that already...

    Ron
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  24. RDavidson added a post in a topic Fuel Tank Coating   


    Chris!

    I'm so glad you posted that story! The previous owner of my Magnum also bought the clear filters to go in the same place! I never thought of the pressure needed to keep the fuel flowing through a filter. It all makes sense now!
    I have another aircraft that I did use an in line filter on, but it was in between the gascollator and the mechanical fuel pump. I put it there because I saw some small particles when sumping the gascollator. I didn't want them making it to the carb. Couldn't ever discover exactly what caused that, but guessed that a dirt dobber had deposited some mud in the vent tube of the tank that then made it into the tank and dissolved slowly, making its way through the gascollator screen.

    A gascollator screen won't stop everything. At least with my gascollator it is a wide screen.
    On that plane I also put a small Facet fuel pump tubed in parallel to the line with the filter, so if the filter clogged you could electrically pump gas through the other line straight to the carb. I plan on doing this with my Magnum too.

    Now, on the flushing the tank conversation. I think I'm going to wash it out with Av gas only and then test for leaks. Acetone and MEK just open the door for creating fiberglass issues that I'm going to have a hard time fixing at this point. If I ever go to Ethanol, I will probably look at the acetone option, or a major modification with cutting panels in the bays to get a good sealed tank.

    Thanks for all the discussions!
    Ron
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  25. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Magnum   

    Magnums with Airdale Bush Gear
    Has anyone installed the Airdale Bush Gear on a Magnum?

    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 41 replies
    • 7,973 views