Annual 2026

As noted in my previous post I repositioned 3 Tango Charlie for her annual inspection. It was a fun flight despite the thirty knot headwinds. 

My plan was to ground pound north to New Garden and check in on the progress of the inspection. The drive north was enjoyable without much traffic since I left Ocean City at 6:30. I made a quick stop at McD's for breakfast and motored north. Somehow I forgot all about Helen's sausage House, one of my favorites. All of a sudden that McD's breakfast I ate was lacking. 

I checked in then headed out to the shop. 3 Tango Charlie was opened up and the inspection was ongoing. I snooped around and took a few pictures then investigated the plugs on the tool tray. The top plugs were cleaned and ready to install with their fresh copper washers. I did not see the fine wire bottom plugs on the tray so I checked if they had been removed. The fine wire plugs were already done and installed, but on the top of the Cylinders. This doesn't work for me since I specifically upgraded to the fine wires for the bottom plugs that will lessen the chance of fouling a plug. 

Fine Wire Plug

Tempest Spark Plug

I let Billy know I wanted the fine wire plugs on the bottom and he said he would make the switch. I also asked if the shop could add Cam Guard to the oil since I forgot to order a bottle prior to moving the plane for annual. 

Hydraulic Gear Pump

Everything looked good throughout the plane. I took a few shots of the insides from the hat rack to the tail, the gear pump, and under the rear seat panel that conceals the gear actuator, hydraulic pressure switches and the gear check valve. 

Flap Actuator

Hydraulic pressure switches

Hydraulic Check Valve

I talked to Jon about selling the plane and he said he would promote it on social media. I advised if I secure a buyer through Trade a Plane or Barnstormers I'll let him know. If Jon finds a buyer I'll pay his broker fee.

The shop is off on Friday 6/19 so I am thinking I'll pick up 3 Tango Charlie the beginning of this week, hopefully on Wednesday 6/24, it's the best looking weather day.

Charles G and I swapped text messages and he was available to shuttle me north to New Garden N57. This meant an early start for Charles since he had to come down and pick me up. We both agreed that breakfast was in order so we headed north on 611 to Roosters. Lately this place has become the go to for eats. I had creamed chip beef over two biscuits and Charles had the veggie omelette. 

The flight north was fairly smooth despite facing an eleven knot headwind. Once we landed I helped push the plane back in the hangar and then headed to the shop to square up the bill. 

I did a very detailed preflight and fuel sump. I noticed my fuel stick was missing so I went back into the shop to ask if it was set aside. Sure enough it was and once recovered I stuck the tanks for my fuel calcs. With the preflight complete I climbed aboard and got the fan turning.

Unlike the flight north the flight home was bumpy. I actually was separated from my seat on three occasions. Once south of Delaware Coastal I let down for Ocean City. There was traffic in the area but everyone played nice on the radio. I made a nice landing and taxied for the hangar.

My Commander is for sale

Reposition for annual

It was a beautiful day to fly AND I had a mission. Yes, today I had to reposition 3 Tango Charlie for annual inspection.  I took off from KOXB Ocean City by 6:45 and pointed north for N57, New Garden. I fought a 30 knot headwind for the ride north which knocked down my ground speed to 95-100 knots.

The radio was quiet and I passed on flight following in order to enjoy the me time. I did monitor Dover approach and Wilmington tower as I passed their respective airspaces. Once clear of Wilmington I let down for N57, New Garden. The pattern was a bit of ride em cowboy and having not been in the air in a month I was needing shed rust quickly. It's funny how the dance all comes back as 3 Tango Charlie settled in and with a bit of float I made a nice landing. What a ride!

West view - Canal, Pipeline and Summit bridges

East view - Roth and St. Georges Bridges

I left my keys and my squawk list along with the airplane logs in the office. I’ll ground pound up to the shop one or two days this week to check on the progress.

Charles G was kind enough to shuttle me home. We headed out and had lunch at the longboard Cafe’ before heading back to the airport. Charles departed for N57 while I headed to the house to edit video. 

More to follow on my annual post and return to service flight.

MY COMMANDER IS FOR SALE

Hangar time and airshow planes

 

Just a short video today since I was at the airport cleaning out 3 Tango Charlie to get ready for annual. I remembered to take my airplane logs and set aside a few camera mounts for tomorrows flight to New Garden, N57.

I did get to see a 1951 De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Super Munk

I also saw the B25 J Mitchell bomber, Panchito on the ramp waiting for its air show flight time.

 

A much needed day to fly. It was good to get the oil pumping and to enjoy some air time. Only a two camera flight and then lost one to a battery craping out. No tail tie down camera view today, I really missed that view while doing the edit. More fly time coming soon! Enjoy a few pictures.

Indian River Inlet Bridge

Lewes Ferry Terminal

 

A beautiful day to fly and meet up with friend and fellow pilot Dave Stowe from central Jersey. We met up at Hammonton, NJ - N81.  The Apron Cafe' provided good service and good food. 

I Just wanted to post a short video of some hangar time. I had to take on some fuel and complete a preflight inspection for my lunch run to Hammonton, NJ - N81

Sebring Florida

Mary and I are spending three months in Estero Florida, trying to stay warm and evade the winter weather in Maryland. No, we didn't fly south this year, instead, we drove. The decision was made to drive so we could pack what was needed for the extended stay and we took along the Malachi brothers too. I call our two black cats the Malachi brothers everyone else calls them by name, Smoke and Binx. 

Enjoying the lake view from our place in Estero

We took the Mercedes GLC 300 and with the back seats folded down it was full to the rear hatch. The boys did really good, a few meows in the first thirty minutes but then quiet. Binx did pant pretty heavy on and off for the first hour but then settled in. We did overnight in Kingsland Georgia after eleven hours of driving. The hotel was nice but the area, not so much. We were serenaded to sleep by sirens most of the night. The remaining drive the following morning was five hours to our rental.

While enjoying the warm temps we have decided to day trip as often as possible. Our first day trip was to Sebring, home of the IMSA Twelve Hours of Sebring race. While attending the race would be fun Mary and I decided to continue our tour of HGTV shows. In the past we have flown to Waco Texas to visit the Fixer Upper series of Chip and Joanna Gaines. The HGTV Home Town series by Ben and Erin Napier in Laurel MS was fun and now their Home Town Takeover of Sebring.  There are two Home Town locations remaining on our list, Wetumpka Alabama and Fort Morgan Colorado, but that's for another time.

The drive to Sebring took just under two hours and despite having to drive on RT 75 it was a fun trip. My take-away, there sure is alot of cattle in florida!

The weather was perfect as we strolled along the streets, checking out shops along the way. I do regret not taking a close up of the first mural pictured below. I would have shared who it was and the back story. My search will continue. I need to take a lesson or two from Chris at Photographic Logbook. 

The main street circle was busy along with all the connecting streets. There was a decent amount of foot traffic and the restaurants were busy. It was fun checking out the shops and all the local items. 

Sugar Blossoms was what I hope Heaven smells like. Seriously, the pastries and baked bread was overwhelming. I made the comment to the young lady behind the counter that I could pull up a chair and sit for the day enjoying the delectable fresh bread aroma.

We are enjoying our take home sourdough bread along with a few croissants this morning as I type this post.

Mary and I did take a break from walking and sampled some of the pastries at Sophie's.  I enjoyed a cheese with cherry topping over pastry dough while Mary had an apple turnover. I was good with my favorite sweet tea and my bride enjoyed a hot Chai latte.

We are looking forward to our next day trip. I think the Naples zoo will be the go to next week and then maybe an overnight in Key West.  Stay tuned, more to follow.