RDavidson

Contributing Member
 View profile  See their activity

  • Content count

    507

  • Joined

  • Last visited


Everything posted by RDavidson



  1. RDavidson added a post in a topic 74 degrees and a Fly-In!   

    Ed,
    I see what you are talking about...it is the black stripe that is making it look strange.
    I was surprised at how short the fuselage was and the wing span.  My Magnum looks bigger.
    The leading edge slats are cool and great big flaps.  It had the 914 turbo charged rotax which they said was a must in our high altitudes.
    It also had the cockpit lockable tail wheel...they said it really works great!
    I should have bummed a ride, but I was too busy with everything else.  It was a beautiful day, and everyone was excited to see so many airplanes at an airport that has been dead for a few years!
    It was like pulling teeth to get the city management on board.
    Our city is using the EAS (Essential Air Service) to subsidize one commercial flight to DIA a day Monday through Friday.  They think this will continue to grow and eventually make our airport pay for itself!  If that were possible the government wouldn't have to subsidize it IDIOTS!  We are 30 min from COS and 1+30 from DIA...This is wasting tax dollars and we have watched it fail over and over again, but the city keeps chasing Federal $.
    I set this event up to show them that GA is the pot of gold worth chasing.  I originally thought 25-40 aircraft would show,, but 100 was a great surprise!  From the email traffic I have already received, it sounds like city management still doesnt get it!  I didnt even get a thank you for my efforts from them!  No good deed goes unpunished!
    It really pisses me off, because we keep putting bankers into these city positions and all they want to do is make the balance sheet look good, they have no vision and know nothing about aviation!  I don't know if I will continue to help this airport...too many broken parts.  It is unfortunate because the airfield businesses pitched in big time on the fly-in, they see the photo grande!
    Well, I guess I fell off of the high from such a great event...now I'm back to dealing with dumbasses That wouldnt know a good thing if it fell on them!
     
    Ron
    • 0


  2. RDavidson added a post in a topic 74 degrees and a Fly-In!   

    Randy,
    It probably hasn't changed much since you were here!
    However, the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum is top notch and growing all of the time!  It is about 100 yards from the main terminal.  They have a complete B-29 in a hangar and a lot of other aircraft 40+.  They just got a MiG-15, MiG-17 and the last complete original surrender documents signed by the Japanese on the USS Missouri.
    it is worth the stop if you make it back to the lower 48!
     
    See ya,
    Ron
    • 0


  3. RDavidson added a post in a topic 74 degrees and a Fly-In!   

    We had just under 100 aircraft show up!!!  It was awesome!  The restaurant struggled to get people fed, but I don't think they thought so many people would show.
    We will do it again in June, so maybe some of us can make it.  No Avids or Kitfoxes were there, but there was a beautiful Just Aircraft Super STOL.
     
    See ya,
    Ron


    • 0


  4. RDavidson added a post in a topic 74 degrees and a Fly-In!   

    Gusting to 60mph in CO now, but nice for the rest of the weekend!
     
    • 0


  5. RDavidson added a topic in Local Fly in's   

    74 degrees and a Fly-In!
    Hey Guys,
    We have a Fly-In this weekend and the weather is going to be awesome!
    Come join us!
    w
    • 15 replies
    • 1,899 views


  6. RDavidson added a post in a topic Carbon Fiber lessons learned   

    Thanks Rob!
    Good eye Ed!  Yep kept the steam so I could teach my daughter to fly the right way.  She spends enough time with her face glued to a screen!
    I like how it turned out, but truthfully I wish I would have just gone with the minimum stuff.  This took a lot of time, money and weight.  The kind of flying I want to do is not going to justify having any of it.  It is a great way to dump money into your plane that you will never get back!
    It really was just an idea that I wanted to prove to myself, but I'm not going to beat my chest until I power everything up!  There is a possibility of complete disaster still looming!
    This poor man's glass panel is about $3K- $5K less than the cheaper 2 screen setups and about the only thing I can't do is change radio frequencies or squawk codes on the iPads.  Visibility in sunlight will be another issue with the iPads, the aviation companies are way ahead in that area.
    Here is a list of what all is integrated in the panel for those looking at doing the same kind of thing.
    2 X iPad Air 2
    GRT-4000 EIS
    iLevil AW2
    Navworx ADS-B 600 EXP (ADS-B in/out)
    Sandia Transponder
    Becker radio
    Sigtronics intercom
    Elevator trim
    ELT
    (I was worried about the iPads getting stolen from the plane, so I have a Kensington lock on each iPad and small cable that runs through the panel and connects to the frame of the plane...not thief proof but a small deterrent.)
     
    It is ADS-B 2020 compliant
    The iLevil integrates with the GRT 4000 to give engine information via wifi to the iPads, it also connects to the pitot static system to provide airspeed and altitude information.  The iLevil also provides pitch and roll info.
    Like I said before, completely unnecessary for VFR flight, but I had fun learning about it all and I'm sure it will be great for cross country flying or distracting me enough for a spectacular crash! Ha!
     
    Ron
     
    • 0


  7. RDavidson added a post in a topic Carbon Fiber lessons learned   

    Well, we went back to cutting the carbon fiber with a laser.  It did a pretty good job.  I had to seal the edges with epoxy, light sanding and then a coat of matte finish lacquer.
    the matte lacquer knocked the glossy look off , but it still has a 3D type look to it...hard to see in the pics because of the lights.
    My poor man's glass panel is looking good!
    I hope to have it installed in a day or two...can't wait!
     
    See ya
    Ron


    • 3


  8. RDavidson added a post in a topic Lockable Tailwheel?   

    Martin,
    Thanks for the reply.  That doesn't sound like fun, nor does it sound like the tower was much help either.
    You gave me a lot to think about.
     
    Danke,
    Ron
    • 0


  9. RDavidson added a post in a topic Antenna Suggestions (VHF) Kitfox model III   

    Dale,
    First, securing it with fabric is a cool idea!  Other than Stewart's system, most use MEK and it will melt a lot of plastic stuff, so you might see if it will eat your antenna material.  However, it would be a cool way to mount it!
     
    Let me know what you discover when you use it in the "Y" formation.  If it sucks that way, I could get it into more of an "L" shape.
     
    thanks for the help,
    Ron
     
    P.S.  I'm with you on the Hillary thing!  I was in the Air Force and saw several people lose their jobs and security clearances for much less than what she did!  In my mind, exposing secrets because you think you are above the rest of us is traitorous!  You got me angry
    • 0


  10. RDavidson added a post in a topic Lockable Tailwheel?   

    I could have explained it better...they are cockpit selectable locked/castering via one cable.
    I think the idea is that you lock these straight for landing, which they claim makes the chances of ground looping go down drastically because your rudder input has no affect on steering.  I have always kept my feet off of the brakes during landing until I was moving slow enough that I could control the input (much faster airplanes)
    ...I could see taxiing with the Tailwheel castering in a crosswind would suck!
    They are popular in the Vans RV world, but it is a little 3" wheel.  It wasn't until the last couple of years that I started seeing these on Bush style planes...Just Aircraft/Bearhawk...
     
    Ron
    • 0


  11. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Flyer General Hangar   

    Lockable Tailwheel?
    Hey guys,
    I have been looking at all kinds of tail wheels and I want to put a "bush style" Tailwheel on my Magnum.
    so far, the Matco tundra style looks really good price and width of tire wise.
    I have also come across a few lockable tail wheels.  Just Aircraft is using lockable tail wheels and brake steering. 
    What are your thoughts on lockable tail wheels?
     
    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 14 replies
    • 3,750 views


  12. RDavidson added a post in a topic New guy bought eBay avid magnum   

    Great find Toby!!!
    Put some of your repair pics in the "Magnum" section so I don't feel so lonely...
    I wonder if that 4 blade is doing much for you?  I've seen another Magnum with a 4 blade prop, so they must work...
    $7500 is a steal!
    I vote for a different Tailwheel too.  I had another type of aircraft that had a bad Tailwheel when I bought it and the first couple of landings were wild!  Put a new Tailwheel on and it was a tamed beast.
    I have been looking at the Just STOL aircraft and they are using a lockable Tailwheel and boast that it prevents crosswind ground loops.  It is obviously harder on your brakes, because you use them for steering, but could be a good idea.  Another one like theirs is on the Bearhawk site.  I think I'm probably going with the steerable Matco...can't beat the price.
    Anyone ever used a lockable Tailwheel on their Avid?
    Glad to have you here Toby,
     
    Ron
     
    • 0


  13. RDavidson added a post in a topic Antenna Suggestions (VHF) Kitfox model III   

    Your not kidding Av8r3400...that is an issue.
    After actually reading the previous post, I might need to re-think this and place it just like the Champ pics.
    I never learned to read ;(
    I might try it on the ground as is...
     
    Ron
    • 0


  14. RDavidson added a post in a topic Carbon Fiber lessons learned   

    Mark,
    I knew the other qualities of CF, but I didn't know it was corrosive...interesting.
    I like the strength of it because the Magnum instrument panel actually hangs on rubber mounts, away from the dash.  Most of the early magnums have instrument panels that a bent and look wavy because of the weight of the instruments and the force of the throttle and mixture pushing in and out.
    Anyway, that was the idea behind using CF, but I'm tired of messing with it and would rather use a thick piece of aluminum.
    Thanks for the info!
     
    Ron
    • 0


  15. RDavidson added a post in a topic Avid went Down in Florida   

    Praying for a fast recovery Rob!
     
    Ron
    • 0


  16. RDavidson added a post in a topic Antenna Suggestions (VHF) Kitfox model III   

    Dale,
    Thank you for the antenna!  I'm about a week from trying it.
    I stole this idea for mounting it from another Magnum owner on the yahoo groups site.
    It is mounted on the canvas that serves as the back stop of the cargo bay and will be on the back side of the canvas.  It is perpendicular to the length of the fuselage. It will be a "Y" shape with the short leg at the bottom.
    Do you see any problems with this?  Does it need to be inline with the fuselage like the Champ pics in your post?  It is not too late for me to change it at this point.
     
    Thanks,
    Ron
     


    • 0


  17. RDavidson added a topic in Avid Magnum   

    Carbon Fiber lessons learned
    Well, I have an expensive lesson learned to share...
    I was planning on making a carbon fiber instrument panel.  I have a buddy that works at a fab shop and he was going to water jet it for me.  So I searched eBay and found a company that had a piece of CF that was the right size for about $250.  It showed up in a week or so and had a great look to it, I was excited.
    My buddy does some great work and we passed a template back and forth until we had the cad file just right.  He sent me a video of him water jetting the beautiful piece of CF.  However, a week went by and I hadn't heard from him, so I called him up and he was beside himself.  Evidently, the reason the piece of CF looked so good was because the top layer was not carbon fiber, but some kind of epoxy.  So, when the water made it to the different material it bubbled under that layer.  He said when it was wet coming off of the machine it looked fine, but as it dried the bubbles were prevalent.
    He is such a good guy, that he bought a new piece of carbon fiber out of his pocket and refused to let me pay him back.  He is cutting the new piece early next week.
    After all of this I'm wishing I would have just made an aluminum panel!  But it should look good when we get it right.
    I'm attaching a pic of the bubbled CF panel and also a pic of our stainless panel with my "poor man's glass panel" using 2 iPads.  The iPads will sit up higher on the panel when mounted and both are able to be removed easily, with the Pilot's side having Airspeed, VVI, Altimeter, and slip indicator behind the iPad.  I did that so I could teach someone to fly on the basic gauges or pull the iPad off if that system goes down.
    I can't wait to get it mounted!
     
    Ron
     


    • 10 replies
    • 1,360 views


  18. RDavidson added a post in a topic Enough already AOPA!!   

    Hey Lorenz,
    I have used both Foreflight and WingX Pro...Foreflight seems more clean and intuitive to me, but they are both great products!
    if you want to get crazy with iPads, I will be posting something soon in the Magnum section.  I'm building a poor man's glass panel using two iPads, just because...
    I'm using an iLevil 2 AW to broadcast flight information to the iPads to include pitch attitude, roll, airspeed, altitude, ads-b in, and all engine data via a GRT-4000 that's data is sent to the iLevil.  I also went ahead and bought a Navworx ADS-B 600 EXP that gives ads-b out capability to meet the 2020 requirements.
    Anyway, probably more than you are looking for, but you can get some ideas of the use of the iPad.
    The number one problem with iPads is the sunlight washout...I don't have a good solution for that other than flying at night
    I just flew in a buddy's RV-6 and his iPad was almost unusable with that bubble canopy!
    I will have my panel finished in the next week or two, so look in the Magnum section then and I'll be sure to post pics of the different devices.
     
    see ya,
    Ron
    • 0


  19. RDavidson added a post in a topic Tall friend   

    He is tall and mid weight...
    He is now looking at building a Kitfox VII.  He has setup a factory tour and a flight.  I think he is hooked.
    thanks for the input.  I'm sure he will be on this forum soon.
     
    thanks,
    Ron
     
    • 0


  20. RDavidson added a topic in Kitfox V   

    Tall friend
    Hey guys,
    My tall friend, 6'3 is looking at a Kitfox V on the Internet.  Will he fit in one?
    Are there any quirks about a V that he should now about?
     
    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 3 replies
    • 1,766 views


  21. RDavidson added a post in a topic WALMART ALARMED!   

    Those guys could win a pumpkin launch!
    i need to talk to my travel agent...that place looks like a paradise!  A lot of vacancies!
    • 0


  22. RDavidson added a post in a topic Towing with fuel in the tanks   

    Thanks guys...
    • 0


  23. RDavidson added a post in a topic Towing with fuel in the tanks   

    I'm going to ask a question, knowing that there are no stupid questions just stupid people  why do we tow them backwards?
    wouldn't it be easier on the control surfaces to tow it facing forward?
     
    • 0


  24. RDavidson added a post in a topic Antenna Suggestions (VHF) Kitfox model III   

    Has anyone tried one of Dale's antennas?
    Dale,
    I sent you an email.  I'm interested in trying one of these out.
    I'll send you a PM too.
     
    Thanks,
    Ron
    • 0


  25. RDavidson added a post in a topic Wings tomorrow   

    Beeutiful!  Ha!  That is too funny!
    How did you find that?  Searching for "Dudes in Speedos" again?  
    • 1