Upholstery Issue and Fix

I decided to finally remove the pilot seat cushion from 08Romeo and send it out for repairs.  During one of our trips, I think on the way home from Kansas, while setting up to land, I reached for the Johnson bar to add ten degrees approach flaps.  When adding the second notch the clamps on the bar snagged my seat cushion and ripped it open when I forcefully grabbed until I got the locking click for second notch.

I was just sick! I used some of that vinyl tape to cover it up and finally addressed the problem this past Sunday while waiting for the airshow to begin.  Mary and Ziva accompanied me so they could get their walk in and then Mary could broil in the sun out in front of the hangar. I was broiling in the plane with very little breeze and temps climbing. I think I sweated out at least a gallon. As I was removing the seat from the track I remembered I had swapped out the old style cotter pins for the newer type reusable/locking pins at annual.



 The pins were out with a simple push and release, just like opening up a diaper pin. I slid the seat back in the track and lifted out the front and back in the designated areas.

While I had the seat out I lubed the tracks and release mechanism with a quick spray of LPS 1® Premium Lubricant.  I use this product for door hinges, locks, fuel caps and aileron bushings too.

The original method of holding this bracket in place, on the flap bar, by the previous owner was filament shipping tape, the strong stuff with all the strands. I had replaced it after purchase since it was ugly, loose and just a poor way to secure the attachment. I took advantage of the round Johnson bar and added two mini hose clamps to secure the bracket. I hadn't covered them and one loosened and slid slightly towards the pilot seat and ended up cutting the cushion.

this is with electrical tape, I'll post the new with the handlebar grip tape

I now removed and replaced both clamps and realigned so there is no chance of slippage. Torquing the screw/hex heads with a nut driver and ratchet sealed the deal. I then used a bike handle bar or aluminum bat wrap type of grip material to cover it, matching the rubber grip at the end of the bar.


example, only the opposite side

I asked the locals at work, those that are into car and bike restoration, what is the best shop to use. I got two names and went with the shop just down the street from my project. I placed a call and then ran over the seat cover at lunch to get an idea if this can be repaired or I need a new cover.  I plan on putting this cushion on the right rear seat and the repair will be against the rear interior panel.

The job looks good and no more nasty looking tear in the leather seat. I have also been giving some thought to wrapping all the interior trim with leather, we shall see.

The new clamps work great on the bar and I'll add a picture of the new grip tape very soon.

Quick Morning Hop

I wanted to make a quick hop this morning before the air show TFR went active at Ocean City. I treated today like a typical work day morning taking care of the zoo then getting ready to head out the door. I missed sunrise but I was at the airport early enough to catch the sun peak over the tree line.

08Romeo needed fuel but the terminal wasn't open yet. I completed my preflight and then taxied 08Romeo over to the self serve, taking on enough fuel to bring me to forty gallons.

Climbing out of OCMD

I launched off runway two and made a nice steady climb tracking direct to the Waterloo VOR. I even tracked nav two, the Collins, although it was pretty hard to even waste a moment of outside viewing time. At three thousand feet I could see the Salem cooling towers just SE of Wilmington and could see across the bay to Cape May.

My project

As I approached Waterloo I broke off the direct to and picked out my target along SR1. My project is located next door to a Lowes so it's very easy to see. I slowly circled down clearing for traffic then started clicking off pictures. I made a lap or two on station then pointed for home.

Indian River inlet bridge

I made my call at ten miles out and shortly after that call the jump plane asked my position. I updated at seven miles just north of RT 90 and the jump plane acknowledged. I watched him take off runway three-two and climb out to the south. Advising I had the departing traffic and I was now at four miles he doubled clicked to acknowledge.

Heading home, TFR info

Adding the last notch of flaps at five hundred feet and a bit of nose up trim has 08Romeo rolling on the runway with just a bit of a squeak from the mains. Mission complete, time to head home for breakfast!

Jump plane lost its cargo!

Nags Head, NC

The Plan

Mary and I planned a quick get-away weekend since our calendar was free.  On Tuesday I called our favorite hotel in Nags Head, NC., the Surf Side, with the hope of finding a room with an ocean view still available. We were in luck, one room with a king bed and a balcony view of the ocean, sign us up!

Wednesday after work we headed to the airport to give Ziva some play time and I could ready 08Romeo.  I took on fuel to bring the plane to fifty gallons, checked oil and completed a preflight. With 08Romeo good to go I just needed to watch the weather and put my flight plan together. Our normal plan is to fly along V139 to Cape Charles then fly the coast line to First Flight and cut across the bay to Manteo, MQI.  That's what I filed for and that's the email I received confirming ATC's routing.

The Flight

I bugged out of work early and Mary had the pets boarded and our bags ready for me to load in the SUV.  We packed a bag with cold drinks and snacks then headed for the airport.  I tugged 08Romeo out into the sun and did another pre-flight then saddled up for our flight, we were both excited.

The clearance

I contacted Potomac clearance delivery and my routing had a slight change.  We would fly to Norfolk (ORF) then Stay on V139 to SUNNS to V266 ECG then direct. Not a big deal but we would have preferred the coast instead.  We launch and track a 270 degree heading as we climb out until Patuxent confirms our position. Once ID'ed, we are turned direct Snow Hill (SWL) and we're on our way.

ADS-B is tracking multiple targets heading the opposite direction but I have no visual yet. At this point Patuxent turns me to a 180 degree heading, I acknowledge and make the heading change.  As soon as I'm established on the new heading ATC then directs me to intercept the 060 degree radial inbound to Snow Hill. Honestly, that caught me off guard, but I quickly checked to see exactly where I was in reference to the Snow Hill VOR. I hadn't set up the Garmin 530 nav yet, I like to keep each VOR dialed in, in advance.

I did have Snow Hill set up on number two nav, the Collins 351. One nice feature of the Collins is the ability to track the radial so with a flip of the switch I noted crossing the 053 degree radial. I spun the CDI for nav two to 060 and then immediately set up the 530 for Snow Hill and Cape Charles. I watched both nav's count the radials as I crossed until 060, then I started my right turn inbound. At this point ATC asked if I was inbound, I guess they prompt you just in case. I acknowledged already turning inbound on 060.

Direct MQI

It was good to shed the rust and get on my IFR game. Having not flown much since I went back to work it was good to see that the muscle memory kicks in and you just do that pilot stuff without trying to think it through. We crossed Snow Hill and could see Wallops pass by followed by passing over Accomack. Patuxent handed us off to Norfolk approach and we road along for a short time when, without asking, we were given direct Dare County (MQI). Nice!

I pointed 08Romeo to her new heading and we were soon heading out over the ocean. Hmmm... I haven't been this far off shore and as we crossed the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay at only six thousand I had concerns of making land. I didn't hear any funny noises or 08Romeo didn't feel any different but as pilots we are always looking for an out, working our plan, staying ahead of the plane. At the very least with the strong tail winds pushing our ground speed to 150 plus and hitting a high of 160 knots I figured I could climb and make the south side of the bay, maybe even land at Oceania NAS...(insert eye roll).

Mary and I enjoyed the coast and we were treated to an F18 passing just off the nose and nine hundred feet above. It was an awesome view of the worlds finest as we watched the aircraft streak by and out of sight.  After that treat we were handed off to Cherry Point approach and continued towards MQI. I did manage a good shot of First Flight off our left wing and continued my descent for the pattern at Dare County. I canceled IFR at five miles out and switched over to unicom to announce my position and intentions. I was following the jump plane in as I watched him turn final when I called out a two mile forty-five entry for the left downwind runway five. I exchanged position reports with a helicopter giving rides and made a nice landing coming over the water and across the numbers, always a beautiful view.

First Flight

Mary secured the rental car as I secured the plane. I can't remember the last time I used the tail cover or the plane cover, we usually put 08Romeo in a hangar, even when on the road. With the ac cranked up we hit the road for Nags Head. So much has changed since our last visit back in 2011. We really like it here, always have, and the people are so friendly. Off to our hotel to check in then time to scout out the area.

We made our rounds noting locations and all the new construction. We eventually decided on dinner at Millers Waterfront, great food and service, we would eat here again. Yes, we got our desserts to go and had them back in our room.

Saturday

Our loud neighbors were up and down the hall yelling at kids and playing. Really, 7:30 and you're all this loud? I got up and opened the door, it was like ringing the school bell at Catholic school, everyone froze. I looked at the parents, grandparents and the little kids, they looked at each other and then everyone looking at me said good morning. Grr...I nodded my head and shut the door. We didn't hear a peep after that.

We grabbed breakfast at the hotel then headed out to the beach.  Today was all about relaxing and enjoying the sound of waves crashing and the seagulls squawking.  We decided to rent two chairs and an umbrella ($32) then settle in for the day. I managed to get this blog started and catch a few Z's in between.

A sand crab ducking in and out of a hole in the sand.

Jennette's Pier in the background

I was treated to a biplane making multiple passes up the beach every time they gave a ride from the airport. We saw a few dolphins swimming up the coast and pelicans flying low over the water in perfect formation. A Robinson helicopter made a few passes as it gave rides up the coast, business seemed pretty good today. I really got a laugh watching the banner tow planes as they turned north up the beach after crossing the shore line pointed east. Each plane pretty much turned around and pointed directly at the beach and had to crab their way along the shore line, not a fun ride for them.

After deciding to call it a day we packed up and headed back to our room for some rest and showers. We dressed for dinner and headed out early so we could hit a few of our favorite shops. The final stop was dinner at JK's Steaks and Seafood. Mary and I both agree that JK's is by far the best steaks we have ever had. The owner stopped at our table and chatted for a bit as he does with all his guests, a nice touch for his patrons.

With full tummys we headed back to the hotel with desserts to go in hand. We both settled in and watched some TV then passed out.

Sunday

Did you hear that, I asked. Mary said hear what, the sound of silence, I said. Our neighbors were very quiet this morning. Big evil grin.

The plan was to head to the beach for a few hours then clean up, pack up and head home.  That plan didn't last long after I suggested getting in the air early and heading home so we could dump the bags, grab a couple of chairs and head to the beach club at home. We were packed and checking out in record time. Breakfast? We ate the blueberry cobbler from JK"s with the vanilla ice cream. Yes, we got a few strange looks from the other guests in the breakfast room but neither of us really cared.

We arrived at Dare county and passed through the security gate and parked in front of 08Romeo so we could load the bags. I usually climb on the wing and fold up 08Romeos cover, today my Bride decided she would do the wing thing. As she climbed up she struck her ankle on the flap, it was loud and I thought for sure she was coming off the wing. She did manage to hold her balance but the ankle did not do so well, thankfully no cut. Like a trooper she stayed the course and folded the cover and rolled it up for storage.

I finished up the pre-flight, adding oil, and getting everything secured in the baggage compartment except one bag so I could put my sump away and oil spout. I did have to clean the windscreen, it was really dirty. I grabbed the pledge and a clean microfiber towel from the baggage area and climbed up on the wing. When finished the one side I needed to rinse and repeat for the other. As I came off the wing I tripped backwards on the bag I left out and took a real header landing on my left forearm and elbow. No skin loss just a massively bruised ego.

I joined Mary in the air conditioned car and we headed back out the gate to settle up the fuel bill and hand over the rental keys. What a start to the trip home.

I departed runway two-three and climbed over the Croatan Sound in a left hand pattern. I heard the jump plane give a warning for time to jumpers away as we crossed the Roanoke Sound just north of RT 64. I contacted Cherry Point Approach and requested flight following, now reporting three miles south of First Flight I punched in the squawk code, advised my cruising altitude and fought the headwinds through the climb to six point five. Oh how we pay the piper for the most excellent tailwinds we had heading south on Friday.

I was handed off to Oceania then two sectors for Norfolk and eventually Patuxent when closing on Accomack. According to the AWOS the winds had picked up at home, 280/11 G22. I cancelled flight following and switched to Unicom to make my position calls at five miles inbound for midfield left down wind runway three-two. It got bumpy when we got below three thousand and even worse at pattern. Once turned final I set up for a nice crab and worked the throttle for a smooth landing, we were home.

I tucked 08Romeo in the hangar and I will get back out the airport tomorrow night to clean her up and plug in the battery minder. With a pat on her cowl I thanked her for getting Mary and I home safe. Lights out and locked up we were heading home.

Memorial Day

Thank you to those that have served, those protecting this Nation today and their families that have sacrificed so much.

Valley Run

After many weeks of planning and scrubbing this mission, Mary and I finally accomplished our task.  Mothers day we were going to take care of my Brides parents at the Veterans Cemetery near Summit airport, KEVY in Middletown, DE. Following that short hop we were going to then fit in a run north to Wilkes-Barre, PA and take care of my parents. That fell through when I tried multiple times to land at KEVY, the gusty cross winds chased me home.

Since I was a kid the family tradition has always been to visit the graves of family members and attend a memorial service for those who laid down their life for this country. Honestly, I haven't been to a memorial service in some years but I never have missed taking care of family.

Every year I think back to a simpler time as we make this trip. It was easy and fun as a kid growing up surrounded by family. These days time seems to be a blur. I often thought today how my Dad would react to flying upstate versus all those weekend trips driving. It always seemed like there were long lines on the North-East extension and backups at the Lehigh tunnel. Today we flew over that roadway and tunnel. Two tunnels now, multiple lanes each direction.  Mary was snoozing and communications were set on isolate as to not wake her. I cruised along with many a road trip memory running through my head.

We had launched from Ocean City after I had to call for Op's to clear a family of Canada Geese from the runway. My run up didn't do much to motivate them but when the Ops truck came by they waddled their butts across and eventually lifted off for the empty field across for the airport.

The ride north was smooth and we enjoyed the tail wind. I didn't pick up my IFR clearance until riding along with Dover Approach on flight following. I went through a series of hand offs with Philly and got to help out with an ELT signal that was sounding. A few commercial flights reported and then Philly asked me to give a listen. I heard a faint signal about seven miles south of Pottstown Heritage Field Airport, KPTW and as I passed overhead it was screaming. I reported both distance markers and then was thanked and handed off to Allentown.

Allentown was quiet and I listened for the ATIS at Wilkes-Barre. Allentown eventually handed me off to Wilkes-Barre Approach and I was crossing the mountains enjoying the view when I spotted the Francis E Walter Dam in

White Haven, PA. First time I noticed this structure.

I cleared the last ridge line and gave the wind turbines a good look to my left then descended for the traffic pattern. I was cleared to land runway two-two. I made a nice turn, base to final and followed with a smooth landing. It was a short taxi to the FBO, Aviation Technologies. We were given the use of the courtesy car and in turn took on twenty gallons of 100LL for 08Romeo.

The run across the Valley was quick, despite some crazy drivers. I'm not sure what the rush was today but 'they' were out in force. Mary spotted a new garden center just off the cross valley, Ed's Garden Center. We really liked our usual flower stop but we always had to make a second stop for mulch. This place was the jackpot! Beautiful plants and flowers, a small petting zoo and great service, our new go to place.

We planted flowers and placed mulch at my parents grave site and dressed up a few other family members. I was happy to clean off my Uncles service plaque, the headstone was already done by my cousins. My Uncle Murph and Aunt Balty, Moms sister, are buried right next door...sounds weird, I know. The joke was that since the whole family was in that area it would be one big party on the other side. Strange the things that stick in your head from childhood.

Most will think I'm nuts but I enjoy talking to Mom and Dad while I landscape. I also get to chat with my Aunt and Uncle right next door. So many good memories, I wish they were all still with us. Many aunts and uncles are buried here along with both sets of my grandparents. It's a quiet ride for me as we head back to the airport. Mary and I decided to grab some lunch along the way at The Cafe' on RT. 315.  Good eats and service!

The last stop before the airport was for a quick gas and go. We returned the car with a full tank and squared up our fuel bill at the desk. We were ready to head south.

I filed for this leg to KEVY.  The sky had build ups and I wanted to make sure, if I had to, I could plod along IMC if needed. I picked up my clearance with WB ground and was given the Scranton Five departure. Say what??  I'll have to look that up. Read back was correct and we taxied for departure. Ground advised the Scranton Five was runway heading to five thousand feet. I quickly brought up the SID on my iPad noting 224 heading, climb to five thousand then radar vectors. The regional jet departed in front of me and we eventually taxied into position and launched. Next stop Summit, KEVY.

The build ups were indeed setting up shop. I had filed for six and was thinking I would take four and ride under. I wasn't going to out climb what was right in front of me with a full belly of fuel and DA of 1600.  Once past the front line I advised I could do six thousand and be good to go but Wilkes approach was ready to hand me to Allentown so I was kept at four. I managed .3 IMC and bumped along just into the bottoms but not low enough to have any ground contact. I eventually broke out and by the time we reached Allentown I was comfortable riding under the buildups.

Crossing the C&D Canal, final for RW17 at EVY

Allentown handed me to the first Philly sector and they turned me direct PTW (yes, the ELT was still singing) and then direct KEVY. We paid the price for the nice tailwinds heading north and now bumped along at 102 knots. I cancelled IFR with the last Philly sector and pointed down the runway for one seven at Summit. Another nice landing and we were marshaled into a front row parking spot.

At Summit we took on some fuel and were given the use of their courtesy car.  The drive to the Delaware Veterans Memorial from the airport was six minutes. We did have to make a stop for fresh cut flowers so it was maybe twenty minutes total. The Veterans cemetery was covered in flags, despite the reason why, it was a breathtaking site. We cleaned up the service plaque and placed the flowers Mary picked out. I always like to talk to Pop and Mom L...I even told her Mary made a great dessert for me just the other day. Mom L ALWAYS made me dessert...it was our inside joke to tease my Bride.

We returned the courtesy car van, and squared up our fuel bill. It was really hot walking across the hot mix ramp. Once we got the fan turning we kept both doors open on 08Romeo. With forty gallons on board we lifted off and pointed south. No flight following just quiet time. I made my position calls heading into Ocean City and made another nice landing on two-zero. I tucked 08Romeo in her hangar and spent some time cleaning all the bugs off her leading edges, it was loaded and gross. She's all clean and I'll stop by tomorrow to hook up the battery minder and give the inside a quick clean.

For the rest of the weekend we'll get some beach time and stay close to home. Maybe even some additional fly time.

Finally Flying

I woke up to a gorgeous day! That big shiny thing was in the sky, I think it's called sun.  We haven't seen sun for over a week, but we have seen plenty of rain. So much rain that my project is shut down this week and I'll at least have some time to fly. Time to fly if sun stays out and the rain stays away.

Speaking of flying... I thought I would drag 08Romeo out of her warm hangar and we could have some fun flight time. Mary was feeling better so we decided to head over to Easton, MD (KESN) and grab breakfast at Sugar Buns.  From Easton we would head north to Summit (KEVY) and use the courtesy car to head over to the Veterans cemetery and place flowers for Mary's Mom and a new flag for her Pop. I also packed a towel to kneel on and WD40 to clean the marker plaque.

METAR KOXB 081353Z AUTO 26007KT 10SM CLR 20/14 A2969

After taking on 18 gallons of 100LL we climbed aboard and got the fan turning. I listened to the AWOS and instead of leaving it on I cut the broadcast off after the altimeter setting. After making my call for departure 08Romeo climbed out, but was not her normal self. I had a good fuel load this morning, 50 gallons. Everything looked normal; EGT and CHT temps, rpm's, oil pressure and temp. Nothing out of sync in my run up either. I toggled comm 2 back on for the AWOS and the density altitude was just over 1200, that was my slightly different feel. When you know your plane you notice the slightest change in sound or performance, everything was good as we continued on for Easton.

METAR KESN 081445Z 31010G18KT 10SM SKC A2977

It was a slow flight dealing with 25 knot head winds. I have to say it was also a pretty bumpy ride. There was an airmet Tango now showing on my GPS and the Easton ATIS was advising Hazardous Inflight Weather Advisory Service (HIWAS) through Flight Service. Just peachy.

I made an ok landing at Easton, a little bit of stall horn, then needed power, then it ended up kind of flat. We were on the ground and clear of the runway and 08Romeo would fly again.

Sugar Buns was packed. We had a short wait for a table and a little longer wait for our food. Everything was very good and of course we got two Sugar Buns to go.

On to Summit...

I picked up the current ATIS and contacted Easton ground for my taxi clearance and headed to runway 33. The flight to Summit was very bumpy and once again some winds that would change direction. At least this leg I was getting to see 105 knots. I listened to the Summit AWOS and much like Wilmington's that I listed, the gusting winds were really changing. As we approached, each time I checked Summit a new wind and gust factor was presented.

METAR KILG 081651Z 32022G29KT 10SM CLR 20/01 A2976
METAR KILG 081551Z 30017G25KT 10SM CLR 21/06 A2973

I lined up for runway 35 and only added the first notch of flaps. The winds were causing me to tail slide like I was alternating pressing full on the rudder pedals. We got a good bit of wing rock that shook the plane and the lower I got the more crazy the winds seemed to get. There wasn't wind shear noted but it sure felt like it. As I crossed the numbers I could not hold alignment and keep wings level. I powered up, cleaned up the one notch of flaps and decided to go around. On my second approach I extended my final and hoped that would give me more time to figure the winds and work my way in, it only got worse. I had actually broken a sweat on the second landing attempt and I noticed I was breaking the squelch with heavy breathing, it was a work out.

We're outta here! I called Unicom and let them know I wouldn't need the courtesy car but thanks for holding it. I said we're heading back to the beach, I'm not trying those winds again.

The headwinds were now tailwinds and I enjoyed 130 knots on the ride south to Ocean City. I picked up flight following with Dover approach and settled in to enjoy the ride. It was bumpy at times but nothing like the first two legs.

METAR KOXB 081653Z AUTO 32016G25KT 10SM CLR 23/09 A2973

The winds were down the runway so I was feeling good about getting home. There was a coast guard helicopter at 500' just off shore heading south to north. I gave my position report and I asked him how the ride was just off shore at that altitude, he advised not to bad at all. I crossed the field and entered the left down wind feeling the push from the gusty winds. Pulling the rest of the power out but ready to add it when I turned final I made my position calls. You could feel the gusts but it was all power management at this point and I made a sweet landing with a long taxi to clear the runway. We were happy to be home.

No more long gaps in my flying...I don't care what time I get out there but I will get seat time. We will head back to Summit and on to Wilkes-Barre this week to take care of both of our parents cemetery plots. It would have been nice on Mothers day but later this week will be fine.