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