Lynx NGT 9000 ADSB Transponder

Chet K and I swapped text messages and agreed to meet in Ocean City at his hangar at 10am.  Chet is heading to the Bahamas mid May and he wants to get his IFly GPS paired with his new Lynx NGT9000 ADSB Transponder. He was having some problems despite following the instructions.

We followed the instructions once again, but no luck matching what the instructions are telling us we should see. It was time to stray into the 'lets experiment' mode. For this round instead of selecting the Lynx we selected a generic search. All of a sudden we had a IP # and everything seemed to fall into place. There was only one way to truly test the system...FLY IT!

Mary and I cancelled the beach day since she was doing wash so I made sure she wanted to pass on sun and sand. With another confirmation she told me go fly...she knows me so well.

Chet and I saddled up for Cambridge, Maryland - KCGE.  We figured on a testing flight and lunch stop, a perfect combo. Upon departure from Ocean City the IFly came to life with weather info and traffic, plenty of traffic. There has to be a way to hide the distant traffic.

 Chet did all the flying, I did all the button pushing. We had audio alerts for traffic and the units were working together as one, seamlessly. There was one plane that departed CGE and we had the field to ourselves as Chet maneuvered us to land. We were the only aircraft on the ramp.

Kay's was busy but we walked in and were quickly seated. Chet had a burger and I had a BLT, both very good. We chatted about planes and ADSB while ate lunch. With full bellies we boarded 888 Bravo Whiskey and pointed for home.

Here are a few screen shots from the Lynx web page.  Overall I really like the transponder. The traffic screen and multiple map and weather pages, along with the METAR info is a real plus. The system also pairs very nicely with the IFly GPS.

Mode S Extended Squitter (ES) transponder with intuitive touch screen interface

Dual Mode 1090ES ADS-B Out plus 1090 and 978 ADS-B In

Designed for 14V and 28V installations

Patented Lynx Tail provides Flight ID, aircraft type and ground speed data of other ADS-B traffic

Internal rule compliant position source (WAAS-GPS)

Moving map including TFRs, airport databases and NOTAMs

Subscription-free ADS-B graphical and textual weather including NEXRAD, METARs, Winds &  Temps Aloft, AIRMETs and SIGMETs

Customizable layouts and information per pilot preference

Faceplate data port for maintenance personnel access to setup menus, software updates and option enablements via laptop

Options available for internal L-3 NextGen Active Traffic, Antenna Diversity, PED (iPad) WiFi connectivity and Remote Mount models

Meeting Blog Followers

Mary and I enjoyed lunch today with fellow Beech Talk forum member and blog follower Roy and his bride. We met up at a local Ocean City favorite, Fish Tales, for a fun time and good eats.

Roy and Lourdes hail from San Diego, California. We swapped a few private messages on the Beech Talk forum, and decided today would work for everyone. Roy and his bride are coming north from Norfolk, they were visiting their son who is serving in the Navy. Roy is also retired Navy. Mary and I thank them both for their service to our country.

Mary and I had a great time, all of us chatting and getting to know each other. It's always a pleasure to meet the people who follow our blog and a fellow pilot. When Mary and I head out to San Diego we look forward to meeting up once again.

Vlog Update 4/27/2019

I spent some time at the hangar cleaning out the parts and supplies that came with 3 Tango Charlie. Unfortunately, my sidekick Ziva didn't want to climb in the SUV so I was on my own.

First things first, unload the extra four Lycoming Cylinders that were pickled and boxed. For now I'll store the cylinders in the hangar but I want to get them off the concrete floor and on a pallet or some kind of raised barrier from the potential dampness.

I also unloaded all the log books and paper work that came with the plane. I wish I had taken a picture of everything spread all over my office here at the house, whew, what a mess. After two days I managed to set up the Adlog systems and a separate binder for all invoices.  Everything is now organized and in order. It was fun reading all the history of the plane, it's past owners, and maintenance.

Tentative schedule for transition training is May 10th through the 13th. It will be a three day event either starting on Friday or ending on Monday. Now I hope the weather holds.

3 Tango Charlie is Home!

Tuesday 4/23/19

The anticipation ramped up yesterday once Bill confirmed he would be flying 3 Tango Charlie to Ocean City tomorrow.

I decided I best get over to the hangar and clean up.  I loaded up Ziva girl and headed to the airport. Ziva Diva went for a short run then came back to hang out while I went through extension cords and set up the charger on the tug.

I also broke out the leaf blower to clean the floor, Ziva went and stood outside the hangar, she wanted no part of that air blast.

Wednesday 4/24/2019

Today, 3 Tango Charlie was delivered to Ocean City Maryland. The previous owner, Bill, departed Hamilton Ohio (KHAO) around 9AM and headed east for Ocean City, (KOXB).



The flight to OXB took approximately three hours. I had my camera, hand held radio and iPhone to track the flight.  Mary and I opened up the hangar and positioned the tug across from the hangar on the grass, ready for the arrival.  We then got back in the SUV to wait out the last 30 minutes of the flight.

Together, my bride and I watched a school plane do round after round of full stop landings. I'm not sure how Mary felt but my nervous anticipation level was peaking. Then I heard it...."Ocean City Traffic, Commander 3 Tango Charlie 11 miles west, inbound full stop three two."

The school plane had just landed and worked its way back to three-two for another round. I told Mary the Cessna and Bill will meet at the crosswind, I had no doubt. Sure enough as 3 Tango Charlie made its way in, the school plane turned crosswind in front. Bill made a 360° and entered on 45° for the left down wind, advising number two to land.

I did manage some video, I only wish I had set the zoom a bit higher. More pictures and maybe another video tomorrow as I get things set up. Until transition training is complete I'll just have to sit in the left seat and make airplane noises. 



Introducing, 3 Tango Charlie

1976 Commander 112A

We did it, we bought another plane!

Mary and I decided the new plane MUST have two doors. We were not going to crawl in and out over seats again, and we wanted the added safety of an easier exit.

I joined the Commanders Owners Group (COG) to gain as much knowledge as possible when looking at aircraft. I was welcomed to the group and soon settled in just like at the Beech Aero Club(BAC)family.


Multiple Commander Owners pointed me to Judi Anderson of Suncoast Aviation, affectionately called the Commander Queen. Judi was very helpful providing the history to each aircraft I inquired about. When I contacted Judi about 3 Tango Charlie she provided a positive response highlighting the excellent maintenance history.

The Paint and interior is in very good condition. Cloth seats with leather trim may save the burning of legs ritual on those hot summer days.

This aircraft has the shoulder belts! The avionics package is complete, ready to fly. I have always had Garmin products so the transition to the GNS 480 is not a problem. I have a simulator that I downloaded and it helps with learning the buttonology. I will need to take time to learn every aspect of the Aspen 1000 PFD.

3 Tango Charlie has the GTX 330ES for ADSB 'out'. My ADSB 'in' solution will be the Foreflight Sentry. The Sentry also has a built in Co2 monitor.

By the numbers:

TTAF 5300
Engine Lycoming IO-360 C1D6 200hp
Prop Three blade hartzel
Fuel 68 gallons
Paint 8/10
Interior 8/10
Wing Loading 16.8 lbs/sq.ft.
Service Ceiling 13,900 ft
Max Ramp Weight 2650
Useful load  828lbs w/o back seats 867lbs

Avionics:
Aspen 1000 PFD w/Synthetic Vision

Garmin 480W
Bendix/King KX155
Garmin GTX 330 ES Transponder 1090MHz ADSB
Audio Panel PS Engineering PMA 8000B
Auto Pilot S-Tec 60-2 
BFG 1000 Storm Scope 

JPI EDM-711 Engine Monitor w/fuel flow
Standby Vacuum System SVS V
RC 200 Kannad 406mhz ELT

ForeFlight Sentry ADSB IN

The Want list:

• Reiff Standard preheat system (cylinders and sump)
• LED Nav Lights
• Pulse Oximeter
• Skyox two place regulator and cannulas w/oxymisers

The Prebuy Experience

Wednesday 4/17
 

This morning I got off to an early start. I had set the alarm as a back up for 3:20 AM. My flight out of Salisbury is scheduled for 6:12 AM and I would like to be there at least an hour to an hour and a half ahead of departure.  Besides the Piedmont staff, I was the first passenger entering the building. I couldn’t remember if they only had the doorway scanner or a full body scanner.  Today I went through the full body scanner, Woo Hoo!  Thankfully I did not encounter any problems. I was soon putting my shoes back on along with my belt and headed for a seat at the gate.

The scheduled flight was full this morning as we prepare to head to Philadelphia. It was fun to climb through a layer and ride along on top as we crossed the Delaware Bay and made our way through New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River and landing in Philadelphia.

The last time we had to catch a connecting flight out of Philly we had to board a bus and go to another terminal. Today the Embraer 145 taxied to gate F23 and my next flight ,the connecting flight, to Cincinnati was departing gate F1. Same terminal, a little bit of a walk, but easy enough to make the flight.

We taxied out a bit early for departure but it took a while to get to the runway. I think we crossed from one end of the airport to the other, north to south.  

The flight was smooth at 34,000 feet and we landed a little bit ahead of schedule at Cincinnati (KCVG). Everyone was so courteous this morning, a pleasant change from a typical commercial flying day. Once off the plane I had a long long walk to get to ground transportation. Right about now I wish I listened to my bride and had taken my cane, oh well, just get it done, I can rest later. 

I had arranged for a rental car from Enterprise and took the shuttle over to their facility. I got a free upgrade from a midsize pickup truck to a very nice SUV. I dialed in the Hilton on my GPS and pointed my new ride north. Along the way I decided to plug in my phone to top of the charge. When I did the google map AP asked if I wanted to continue, obviously that’s a big yes. With the choice selected it switched to written directions, the map on the phone was gone,but the vehicles GPS map was now displayed instead of radio choices. I figured no big deal, actually I thought that was pretty neat.

I was soon directed off the interstate, that seemed odd, but we’ll see where this goes.  I followed for a few minutes passing through some very expensive neighborhoods and I was taken to a beautiful park, yes park, Indian Hill. I reentered the correct destination and made my way back to RT275 and eventually the Hilton. Remember, it’s all about the adventure. 

Once checked in I decided I should find something for lunch, l haven’t eaten since 3:30 this morning. I made contact with 3 Tango Charlie‘s owner (Bill) and he recommended two places, the Skyline for Cincinnati pasta and the Friendly Stop for a good burger or Reuben sandwich. I went for the Cincinnati pasta. Believe it or not they had excellent sweet tea here in Ohio and the pasta was pretty darn good too. Go figure!

Even though I was tired and could really use some sleep, I agreed to meet here at the Hilton. Bill wanted to drop off 3 Tango Charlie‘s logbooks and a host of other information for my reading pleasure.  I’m not sure how much these eyes have left in them for reading. Once I head back to the room I think I’ll probably just pass out for the night.

Surprisingly, once I dug into the log books I got my second wind.  One of my main concerns was finding out more about engine times and service.  I used one of my lifelines and reached out to a good friend that has a lot of engine experience. We had a very good discussion and I felt comfortable with the information I was reading and the interpretation my fellow pilot and friend confirmed.  Thanks, Ted!

It’s now 7:40 PM and I am quickly running out of gas. I’ve called my lovely bride who I dearly miss being with me on this adventure, to say good night and of course tell her that I love her.  

Tomorrows plan is to take advantage of the free breakfast at the Hilton and then head over to the hangar by 9 AM to dig into the annual inspection.
 

Thursday 4/18

Rise and shine! The hotel is alive with activity by 7 AM.  It’s time to get up, get showered, get dressed, and go find some free breakfast. 

I made my way to the lobby and join the few people that were indulging  in the free breakfast. As I made my way through the line I selected a bacon egg and smoked Gouda cheese breakfast sandwich, it was very good. I also had a large glass of apple juice with my meal. I noticed not too many people were chatting, so I quietly enjoyed my breakfast. 

The ride to butler Airport was rather quick, thanks to the Google GPS. I found my way to the hangar entrance and parked out front, slightly ahead of our planned meeting time. Bill arrived within 10 minutes and we quickly headed into the hangar. He used his Switchbox to turn on the heater system, it was very comfortable.

Before we started opening up the plane we both climbed aboard and went over some more systems. This time in greater detail than when we met in Morgantown West Virginia. I got to button push on the Aspen, it was a learning experience. Bill and I discussed the use of the STec 60 with regard to GPSS steering and shooting approaches. We finally decided we should get started opening up the plane for Jasson, the A&P, to do his magic.

We used the borescope to check the elevator AD that had been completed.  We also scoped the cylinders to take a peek at the valves, they were all good to go. We did remove and replace the oil filter to cut it open and all is good there too. Inspection panels were opened and checked, along with the tail cone. The rear seats removed to inspect hydraulics and the flap motor (in rear compartment), everything checked out.

under the rear seat

Hydraulic gear Pump

We took a break for lunch and went to a local favorite, Hyde’s. The place looked like something you would see on diners, drive-ins and dives, but like the show locations the food was awesome and the service excellent.

I had the old fashion roast beef open faced sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy and a side of coleslaw, Bill had an omelette with a sausage looking type Patty called goetta.

Goetta (pronounced “getta”)is a mixture made out of meat, oats, onions and spices that is formed into sausages patties, fried, and eaten for breakfast. The dish is of German origin and the name comes from the German words Grötte or Grütze (depending on the region), which translates to “groats.”

The goetta somewhat reminds me of a scrapple sausage type of texture but with a spicer taste. Not overpowering, just different, and very tasty. I also tried Bill’s strawberry rhubarb pie, absolutely awesome. I had the banana cream pie, it was just as delicious.

By the time we walked out all I wanted to do was find a place in the hangar to take a nap. It’s a condition Mary and I refer to as the full puppy syndrome. 

The engine compression checks were done on a cold engine. Compressions were 77 to 78 on all cylinders. Jasson, the A&P, worked his way around the aircraft to inspect everything that was opened up.

Multiple gear swings were completed along with three emergency dumps. Bill took his time and explained everything about the gear, and its maintenance.

 

It’s now 8:30 PM and I’m just pulling back into the hotel parking lot. If I’ve learned anything since my accident it’s the fact that my body can not do the things I used to do, it’s a bit depressing. However, life keeps moving forward. If you want to keep playing in the game then buckle up buttercup, and keep on keeping on.

Tomorrow the IFR CERT is scheduled for 8:30 AM. While the testing is being done we will finish buttoning up the plane, that should leave just a run up to complete. For now, I’m tired, sore and I just need some sleep.

 

Friday 4/19

Today was another early start, I was at the hangar at 8:30.  I took an extra long hot shower, it didn’t help the sore feet and right leg very much.  I did do the free breakfast which helped me down two extra strength Tylenol’s. 

 

Once inside the hangar I helped install the elevator tips, ok I handed the screws to Bill.  Jasson came in and started the IFR certification process, and that took about two hours. 

Everything checked out so 3 Tango Charlie is good for two years. All the log books were updated and the last item on the list was to install the upper and lower cowls.

 

Bill and I exchanged the paperwork. When everything was signed and initialed I handed him the certified check. With that task completed we shook hands and he congratulated me on the new purchase.

 

Mary and I now own another plane. It took a bit for that to sink in. The first thing I did was remove the bird strike symbols.

Our focus turned to a final weather check for a ferry flight to Ocean City. Freezing levels were down to five thousand for portions of our trip and with the winds and rain we both thought it best to wait for better weather.

I immediately booked a flight from Cincinnati to Philadelphia. The plan came together, I would be in Salisbury by 7:30 PM. It all sounded great, right up until I got a text message while waiting to be body scanned that the flight was delayed. The delay would cause me to miss my connection to Salisbury.

I took a shot and tried standby for an earlier American flight. Everything worked out and I was soon boarding for Philly.  We got in around 4:50 and I made it to the gate with 55 minutes until boarding begins, life is good. The gate seating was full as we all waited and watched the boarding time count down. The time passed and still no boarding call, we were waiting on the crew. The crew was late getting in on their previous flight. I’ll be getting into Salisbury around 8:00 and I should be home by 8:45.

The ride to Salisbury was solid IFR until the end of the approach when we broke out. This was the wildest commercial ride I have been on. The crew had the engines spool up and then power back multiple times as they dealt with the winds. When we came over the numbers I thought we were really fast, too fast. Once we touched down I felt heavy braking, immediately followed by thrust reversers. I was very happy to be on the ground and not the one shooting that approach.

As for 3 Tango Charlie, she’ll be coming home to Ocean City this week when the weather breaks, thanks to 3TC’s  “previous” owner doing the ferry flight. Thanks, Bill!