November 19, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintains a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
November 18, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintain a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
October 20, 2024
I picked up McMurdo Smartfind S20 units before leaving for Mexico in 2016. The batteries in these units have a seven year life span which meant they expired in 2023, but I decided to disassembled one and checked the voltage. The battery pack had s lithium manganese dioxide (li-mno2) battery which is good for applications with long-life requirements. Reviewing datasheets…
August 9, 2024
The coconut grapevine told us about a local villager who offered a hike up to the volcano on Tanna island here in Vanuatu. In our case, SV Beluga had heard from Alex on SV Blue Beryl who heard it from????. The normal experience is to hop in a pick-up truck for a sketchy drive up to watch the sunset at…
June 26, 2024
The back right cylinders on Lycoming engines are always the hottest on Van’s RV planes. I’ve not had any major issues (with CHT temperatures) on cylinder 5 until recently. Departing Las Vegas at 6:45am in 90+ degree temperatures it took a lot of playing with my climb rate and oil cooler dampener to keep the CHTs in line, and even…
May 29, 2024
After a number of questions on VansAirforce.net about my rudder trim system, I decided it was to for a post to help others who may be interested in a similar system. I wanted a system that would move the entire rudder and could be adjusted via a switch on the panel. Originally I purchased the Aerosport Products Rudder trim but…
May 29, 2024
Each Condition inspection I have battled the reinstallation of the Matco brakes. The issue is that there is almost no room to get the inside brake pad lined up and start the bolt. I’ve spent upwards of 40 minutes getting one bolt started, frustrating and a total waste of time. I’m embarrassed it took me this long but I finally…
May 21, 2024
While looking around for a breakdown of what KTM legend Chris Birch carries for tools, I found a video he published back in 2020. This is a list generated from that video with links to the manufacturer specific items.
September 19, 2023
For instructions on Programming and Resetting of Hunter Douglas Duette with PowerView (legacy) visit: Link The Hunter Douglas Duette with PowerView (legacy) limits are detected: Up limit is detected by the increase in current draw when the shade reaches the top Down limit is detected by the mechanical stop (causing an increase in current draw) 1. Slide off the side…
September 19, 2023
For instructions on Disassembly and Adjustment of Mechanical Components on Hunter Douglas Duette with PowerView (legacy) visit: Link My bad, I screwed it up. Happy to admit that, but the bottom line was two of my shades were not operating properly. I spend a ridiculous amount of time watching YouTube videos, reading manuals, and reading other posts but ultimately I…
July 29, 2023
Another interesting and fun year at AirVenture, punctuated with beer, learning, and soaking up the experience with like-minded folks. Speaking of learning, thanks to DanH for his training on the Spotted Cow tap and for organizing another great evening with RV builders. Now on to what else I learned: Vic Syracuse (Base Leg Aviation) I ran into Vic while he…
July 15, 2023
Configuration Settings To keep it simple I have just taken a screenshot of every page. If you are using this as a guide you will need to compare my schematics to adjust for how my various interfaces are wired (COM, HSDB, ARINC 429).