Annual 2011

Day 1 -  Monday 10/31/11

I hit the road early with a few tools, lunch and my flight bag.  I always get excited at annual, the chance to work on the plane, play with power tools and hang out with the guys in the shop.   I made a stop for donuts  for the guys and a large tea for me.  Frank was already in the shop making coffee and answering the phones, it seems to start early. Keith and Stan rolled in and after the morning coffee we got started.

Stan on the nose wheel

8Romeo was quickly coming apart.  Keith and Stan did the compression checks (79 PSI each cylinder)as I was opening up all the inspection covers. Each wing has four inspection covers with eight or ten screws holding them in place.  The gascolater has a cover along with the wing center spar.

Dirty plug

Lead build up from a bottom plug

Inside the bead blaster. Where's the moon rocks?

I moved to cleaning the plugs. The bottom set had a lead build up, more than I remember from last year.  I used a dental type pick to clean out the deposits then a quick scrub in the parts cleaner to remove the old anti-seize from the threads.  Next was a trip to the bead blaster and time to play with the machine.  Once the plugs are set inside I lock down the door and get the air flowing.  There is a foot pedal to get the fine grit blowing and it's fairly responsive.

Spark plug gap tool

Gap tool with clean plug ready to set

The next phase of the plugs is to prep for install.  New copper washers  for the top plugs and none for the bottom since they have the CHT washer probes. I also gapped the plugs and that was a first, for airplane plugs, God knows I did more than I care to count for cars. The gapping tool was interesting, I attached a few pictures. It was sort of like a mini press that only needed gentle pressure.  How do I know you wonder, I gapped a few to tight and could not pass the .015 gap gauge through the plug.

Gap gauge

No go .019, good to go .015

With the plugs and wires complete I moved on to other fun stuff. Stan finished with the nose wheel while I buttoned up the inspection covers. The vacuum system filter needed a change and obviously the designers at Beechcraft had a sick sense of humor, who the heck put that there? Keith took the under panel position and I took the topside to double team the vac filter, Keith also changed the relief valve filter. Day one comes to a close and we pack up for the day and clean up in prep for tomorrow.

From the outside, vac system filter nut

Day 2 - 11/1/11

Is it 6am already? Another early start to my day with a large dunkin tea in hand. I didn't pack lunch today, instead, I planned on a treat at the local deli for an Italian hoagie, sub or whatever it's called where you live.

Ready to roll out for the run up and leak test!

I arrived at the shop ready to go and Frank already have the coffee on. Everyone rolled in and got right to work.  Frank and Paul were working on the Cardinal parked behind 08Romeo and they were just about done. I buttoned up the tail cone, installed both batteries that checked out fine and closed up the interior. Keith cleaned up the engine room and then oiled the chain that connects/drives the yokes as the last cabin item "to do". I helped hang the bottom cowl and then finished up the touch up on any scratch or chip on the plane. Roger had all three of my colors in stock since the shop cracked the wing tip my very first annual in 09.

I did some clean up, including the belly, and made sure any finger prints were removed. Keith and I went over the check list of annual items. Keith told me to plan on new brake hoses next year for the mains and I think we will also replace the rubber door and baggage seals since we found a few areas just starting to crack. The last two remaining items that should be in today is the ELT battery and the Bracket air filter.

08Romeo was pretty much complete and ready for her run up and leak test. We all moved the planes around so my Sundowner and Paul's Cardinal could perform the required tests. Both aircraft did fine and we followed up with some high speed taxi brake test to burn in the new set of brake pads. I taxi to the main ramp area and secured 08Romeo complete with her covers, I'll be back for her tomorrow.

I decided to head for home and get some work done around the house. Mary and I swapped text messages and decided that we will drop off my SUV at Wilmington Airport tomorrow morning then she can drop me off at Cecil Aero before heading to work. Another annual in the books!

Items addressed:
 - Brakes
 - Oil filter (oil was changed 10 hours ago)
 - Repair nav light wire so new LED will work
 - Vac systen filter
 - Relief valve filter
 - Bracket air filter
 - ELT Battery
 - Install fuel sump (I already had the part)
 - Replace one C-Spec fastener (lower cowling)

Dead Battery

I went to the airport this morning relieved that I didn't have to remove ice or frost from 08Romeo, in fact the cover was dry and control surfaces good to go. Mary dropped me off and headed south for 58M, Cecil County Airport in Elkton Maryland, about a forty minute trip. I completed a pre-flight and saddled up for the ten minute hop.

Not even a half blade turn then click, click click.  Hmmm, that's not good.  I climbed in the baggage area and removed the cover exposing the rear portion of the fuselage. My battery box looks like an army ammo box complete with a clip to keep the lid secure.

I called Mary to give her a heads up that I need her to turn around, mission aborted.  With the multiple calls and text sent I strolled across the ramp. Joe was washing his Warrior and he introduced me to his new partner in the plane. I asked if he still had the solar battery charger that I thought was on his plane, he said no but he did have a jump start battery unit.  I had one too, it was sitting at home.  We gave the jump start unit a try but no go. When Mary pulled in we headed for home so I could grab a few tools, jumper cables, my new little 800 generator and extension cords.

I removed the battery that was low, thanks to Joe's meter providing confirmation. Jumper cables hooked up and charging, now sit and wait and cross my fingers.  I gave it almost thirty minutes then disconnected and reinstalled the battery. A flow through my start procedures and 08Romeo comes to life. Wooo Hooo!!

I let 08Romeo run, hopefully charging the battery even more. The JPI says the battery is looking good by the numbers and the amp gauge looks fine. I shut down, park my SUV outside the gate and saddle back up for another try. I give Mary a quick call and she heads towards Elkton. Clear Prop! was followed by two blades and a rapid start, Houston, we're go for throttle up!

A bumpy ride to 58M but happy that 08Romeo is secure. I can drive to the shop in the morning instead of dealing with wx and scheduling rides.  Annual starts tomorrow, look for posts on my progress to follow.

Safety Pilot Time

I flew with Mike tonight as his safety pilot.  We left Wilmington under the VP's  TFR as a VFR flight, despite filing just in case.  The tower asked if we wanted to cancel the IFR plan, I advised if we can depart VFR then yes.  We were soon off heading south towards Summit, KEVY. 

SE View at the Salem plant and Delaware Bay

Mike set up for the RNAV GPS 35 approach after the procedure turn at WENDS.  Mike did a real nice job despite his claims of being rusty.  A smooth landing and taxi back for another round. We traded info with a Cessna 150 that had no audio and I asked him to confirm with mic clicks, it worked out.

Sunset over the Chesapeake

Round two had us off for some flight maneuvers including steep turns,a power off simulated engine out and set up for landing.  Mike flew without missing a beat and I enjoyed being eyes out, loving the evening sky and gorgeous sunset.

Short final ILS RWY 1 at KILG

After some air work I provided info for a random hold. Mike set up for a direct to the intersection KIRKK and knocked out the hold with a nice wind correction. The final approach this evening was role play ATC and vectors to the ILS RWY 01 at Wilmington.  A few turns and a long 9 mile entry had us intercepting on short order. I stink at ATC and turned Mike to close to final.

I contacted the Wilmington tower and as directed reported inbound the outter marker, HADIN. Mike was on it as he guided 08Romeo in for a smooth landing with a 6 knot crosswind from 290 degrees.  A much needed night in the air for me after a long day at work.  Fun flying as always followed up with a debrief at EATS.

ForeFlight v4.2

VFR Sectional with TFR's and WX

What's New in ForeFlight Version 4.2

4.2 is a big release including:

* In flight SiriusXM weather via Baron Mobile Link
* An all new data-driven map engine with global basemap coverage
* ForeFlight Global Winds
* Map layering (e.g. radar on sectionals)
* Super-zoom enroute maps
* Interactive TFRs, Airmets, Sigmets, and PIREPs
* Print the NavLog
* Improved performance of the File & Brief view

IN FLIGHT, DATA LINK WEATHER

Data link weather has landed on ForeFlight. The first device supported is the Baron Mobile Link, providing complete in-flight weather coverage of the US, Canada, Puerto Rico/Caribbean, and Hawaii. Data link weather is elegantly integrated with all ForeFlight maps and airport pages. The radar and satellite images are color-matched, creating a consistent experience when transitioning between Internet and data-link based weather.

MAPS

4.2 introduces a brand new, data-driven, vector-drawn global mapping engine that displays cities, towns, roads, borders, populated areas, lakes, rivers, coastlines, and more. The entire world is packed into a small 19MB download.

Also new:

* Interactive TFR map showing active and pending TFRs. Tap a TFR for more details. TFRs active within 24 hours shown in red; others shown in yellow.
* Interactive AIR/SIGMET map showing active and forecast flight hazards. Tap an AIR/SIGMET for more details. Covers IFR, winds, turbulence, convective, ash, and other hazards.
* Interactive, global PIREPs map. Tap a PREP marker for details. Includes PIREPs transmitted by commercial aircraft ACARS.
* Super-zoom capability on enroute maps providing an extra level of detail and zoom for customers that requested this.

FOREFLIGHT GLOBAL WINDS

4.2 provides access to the ForeFlight Global Winds engine (the "GWE"), which provides winds aloft forecasts for any point on the planet and up to FL540. The GWE will provide wind effects for any flight plan entered, including custom user waypoints and arbitrary lat/lons.

iPad Proficiency

iPad Proficiency for Pilots

by ForeFlight

iPad Proficiency for Pilots from ForeFlight on Vimeo.

Lima Beans!

I swapped a few messages with Ryan and Kathy from Williamsburg, VA and Ted and Susan from New York during the past week.  Mary and I decided that we wanted to attend the Cape May wine festival along with the West Cape May Lima Bean festival.  What better way to spend the day then with friends, the plans started to take shape. Mary asked her Mom to join us and she accepted. I managed to scrounge up a few discount coupons at work for the wine tasting entry fee and made the call to AeroWays for fuel to the slots plus two each tank.

Friday 10/7/2011

Mary and I got a surprise visit from my cousin Ralph and his girl friend Dawn on Friday night. They rolled in on their Harley's taking a break from their road trip to Ocean City Maryland. We decided on a dinner out at the local sports bar, Stanley's. After dinner we headed home and watched the Phills get bounced out of the playoffs, there's always next year. I also received a text message from Ted telling us they had previously committed to a pig roast at their home airport, they would not be able to meet up with us in Cape May.

Dawn's Harley

Tucked in the garage for the night

Today...

We scooted out the door by 8:30 making a stop at Brew Ha Ha for Mary's Chai then the short hop to pick up Marys Mom before heading to the airport. I rolled through the gate and we went through the pre-flight routine.  Mary's Mom boarded and I finished up with a fuel sump.  Aeroways shorted my order filling to the tabs plus two gallons each tank to total 17 gallons per side vs my order of slots plus two each side that would have provided 22 a side. I'm safe with the lighter fuel load, its only twenty minutes each way and a climb to three thousand.

Taxiway Kilo at Mike

We were soon climbing out on course in a clear blue sky taking note of the excellent view this morning. As we crossed the Delaware river pointing east you could see the Atlantic city skyline and almost the tips of Cape May NJ and Lewes Delaware, I would need a bit more altitude.

Leaving KILG looking down the Delaware River

Heading east, looking south west towards the Chesapeake Bay

The  flight was smooth as I rode along hands in my lap and pretty much feet on the floor. Traffic seemed light as we passed through the Millville area listening the remote Millville radio broadcasts.  We crossed Port Norris and had Cape May in view as I started my descent and advisory calls.  Ryan chimed in on frequency that they were fifteen minutes out.

Fort Delaware

Landing R/W 28 Cape May

I made a smooth landing after blending with the one Cessna in the pattern doing touch and goes. Mary and I buttoned up 08Romeo and awaited Ryan and Kathy's arrival.  A Glassair taxied in and another Cessna followed by the Bellanca Super Viking. The gangs all here! Ryan and I got the rental car squared away at Hertz, formerly Ace Sharper. Ryan had a $50 discount coupon from a recent trip he had taken so that really helped the overall price. The total for the day was $19.95, what a bargain!

All aboard! We loaded up for the Lima bean festival, three ladies in the back and the men working the front office navigating our way into town. Ryan made use of the cell phone to look up the park that we need to find. Kathy suggested asking the mailman walking down the street so Mary put the window down and did just that, we all got a good laugh. Yes, the men would have never done that conversation followed as we passed a large message board sign noting the festival.

With the passengers safely dropped at the main entrance Ryan and I scouted out a parking spot. We found a good location just a few blocks down the street. It was great to catch up and talk flying as we made our way back to the park and find the ladies. Once all gathered up we investigated each table and booth making our way with the flow of the crowd, and it was crowded. One of the first stops was finding breakfast, well at least something to eat. We all agreed on the Lima bean chili and found an off the path place in the shade between vendors to enjoy.

We continued the stroll, ladies working through each vendor while Ryan and I talked aviation keeping our party located with traffic call outs. There was a little something for everyone as we made our way, books, clothing, jewelery, food along with every antique and collectible you could imagine. We managed to make it through the entire festival and ended up at our original entry point. The men walked for the car and returned to pick up the ladies, the plan worked flawlessly.

Traffic was pretty heavy as we made our way out of town and back towards the ferry terminal for the wine festival portion of the excursion.  I forgot my work badge so no chance at special parking, instead we dropped the ladies at the main passenger terminal entrance and then scouted parking. Ryan and I made a few laps and found a good spot but there were a few cones, obviously left behind or misplaced taking four spots at the far end of a row.  With our thought process spinning we agreed cones are advisory in nature only and helped group them together to feel more secure, which by chance opened up a parking spot. Good job team!

We joined the ladies already in the long line to purchase tickets. The line moved ok and opened up to a third line for cash purchase. We had our coupons in hand and were excited right until someone working the event said it cost $25 per person. The men had to remain dry, we were flying later this afternoon, and the the ladies gave it some thought mixed in with the we still needed to find a late lunch/dinner and judging by the size of the crowd we would be standing to eat. The group huddled up and collectively decided to head back towards town and find a nice restaurant serving seafood.  That didn't take long, we were walking for the wheels.

We were loaded up and heading back into town with a slight route change. I took a different road that Mary and I once tried and it seemed to shave off some time. Ryan mentioned this looked familiar as we tried to make our way to the ocean, he was right, we were passing the Lima bean festival coming in the opposite direction, our previous exit strategy,we all had a good laugh. Back to the beach and board walk area searching for a restaurant.  Yours truly while looking and talking and following traffic slowly drove through a red light as Ryan tried to alert me. Ok, I'll pay attention to my driving while everyone else looks for places to stop.

Oddly enough we selected the Lobster House, the same place we ate last time the group was here. Today we decided on eating indoors and had maybe a thirty minute wait. Our seating was pretty good and we could watch ships come in and out of the docks. There were two large yachts that made their way in and they were impressive, what slow economy?

Service was very good and the meals were too. I had the stuffed flounder, filled with crab meat and scallops topped with shrimp and mornay sauce. Mary had a chilled half lobster with potato and shrimp salad, Mom had lobster salad, Kathy had crab imperial and I can't remember what Ryan had.

We all passed on desert and coffee, we had our fill. I should have mentioned our timing, we were ahead of traffic or driving the opposite way of the backups all day, leaving the restaurant would be no different.  As we walked out of the dining area the line to enter had backed up through the restaurant and out to the main doors, it was packed!



Kathy, Mary's Mom and Mary



We decided to call it a day now that we had some good exercise followed by the perfect meal. We headed out of town and back towards the airport. I missed the right turn as I was instinctively heading back to the ferry as if I was working. A few right turns later we were at the airport entrance and heading to the aircraft. We returned the car and made our way through the terminal out to the ramp. I snapped a few pictures and we said our goodbyes vowing to catch up again soon with Ryan and Katy. Maybe a trip to Williamsburg or a show at the Ferguson Center in Newport News.

Only the Shadow Knows......

Mom and Daughter

I did a quick pre-flight and got everyone squared away in 08Romeo. I was soon at idle getting set up for home as Ryan taxied by. We followed number two for runway two eight. My run up completed and watching the Bellanca climb away towards the Bay, we rolled for take off. It was another smooth ride, this time back to Wilmington.  Once again a great view on a clear day watching the sun to our left making its way towards sunset. I contacted the tower with the current info and made my way for a straight in runway three two, report mid river. I had pulled the power for slow flight down the runway, approved to land long.  As I sat 08Romeo down on the mains a huge flock of purple marlins took flight, left to right and head on, honestly they were everywhere. Two bounced of the windshield and one hit the side of the plane. I reported to the tower that there will be few dead birds on the runway just past our touchdown.  The tower asked me to call and advise of any damage.  We taxied in and shut down giving 08Romeo the once over. Leading edges looked fine and the only residue left was some dusty dander patches on the windshield.  I called to let the tower know there was no damage. Operations came by to confirm no damage and advise I had reduced the feathered population.

Looking up the Delaware at the Twin Bridges (my work)

Crossing the numbers R/W 32 at KILG

All in all a great day out in the sunshine and spending time with friends! 08Romeo saved hours of ground travel and made for an enjoyable trip to and from the fun times in Cape May.

Next up annual, 08Romeo gets to spend some quality time with Roger and the crew at Cecil Aero.

Distractions at Work

How can anyone concentrate on the job at hand?  I was working at the Millville airport this week helping out a co-worker on his project. I was riding the work site and getting my daily report filled out when this AH-1W enters the pattern and lands just north of me on the Big Sky ramp.

Thanks to Joe Clemente for the Awesome shots!!

Me at work....no not flying, thats me in my work explorer.

AH1-W Super Cobra, You wanna dance?



IFR Certification

It's that time again, IFR Certification time. Yes, that biennial event that we hope goes without a hitch since avionics seem to cost so much.  Red Eagle had 08Romeo in the shop and called to say she was finished up, but, Yikes I hate but, give a call to discuss the Altimeter.

Gulp.....funny how just dialing that number makes it hard to swallow.  I talked with the tech and he said 08Romeo was good to go but he wanted to give me a heads up on the altimeter. He explained it as being "slow" and inquired if I noticed it was slow to respond or if it had a tendency to jump, as if catching up to my altitude.  I really hadn't noticed that but I did ask if the "slow" condition would cause the barometric needle adjustment to hop around as I dial it in, needing to move back and forth to get the needle to sit on the correct elevation,the answer was yes.  He said the unit passed every test but he advised thinking about a replacement.

I went through the store room with the owner and he had a recently removed unit from a Beechcraft Baron that was not an encoding unit and would let it go very cheap. I recently added the Trans-Cal Nano blind encoder. Encoders may be either a separate unit, blind encoder or integrated into the aircraft altimeter encoding altimeter.

The replacement altimeter was very clean, numbers were bright white no yellowing and it was recently tagged from an inspection. I gave the go ahead to make the swap and update my IFR Cert and Adlog sticker to reflect the avionics change.

08Romeo will be good to go for our Saturday flight to Cape May, NJ for the Wine festival and Lima Bean Festival.