tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-275437642024-03-13T14:18:02.742-05:00Standard Pilot Blog"The Standard Pilot Blog"TM The Chipper and Radiant Blog for Experimental and Ultralight (Part 103) Aircraft (c) 2010 thru (c) 2020 by James Wiebe.James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.comBlogger358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-14710733011141118522022-12-19T15:25:00.004-06:002022-12-19T15:53:46.545-06:00Critical Use and Design Factors in Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors, Monitors and Alarms, a White Paper<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> <br />By James Wiebe</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><b>Brief Introduction of James Wiebe</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b>I am the CEO of Radiant Technology, with 45 years of varied management and electrical engineering experience. I am also a passionate pilot and serial entrepreneur. I am highly skilled in sensor design. A recent accomplishment which I am proud of was an airborne logging sensor package, done as a subcontractor on a USAF contract. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><b>Goal of this White Paper</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b>In this paper, I am discussing the use and design factors in Carbon Monoxide detectors, monitors and alarms, hereafter referred to as "CO Detector". Use discussion of CO Detectors includes the background need along with the application of these devices. I also dig deeply into design and implementation issues. I provide comments as these factors relate to our new product, "CO Pro".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBWEIiknysZBXYxghMN8Y10kL6bw5MMeU8vZRUlBqCq7W4Q7kSWoX8S_hq0q0qtsMC4C4FRBBeY0hzBpQBOMQqJBa3rvWx1td_8ewB5OPVMw8kcTXP3T3Yx7mzF37BoliAVWI4VrcAb1Hlo68AR9HIsIRU1RErdheozDpeD8DN2dOnP-YGUQ/s4500/CO%20Pro%20Startup%20Screen.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4500" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqBWEIiknysZBXYxghMN8Y10kL6bw5MMeU8vZRUlBqCq7W4Q7kSWoX8S_hq0q0qtsMC4C4FRBBeY0hzBpQBOMQqJBa3rvWx1td_8ewB5OPVMw8kcTXP3T3Yx7mzF37BoliAVWI4VrcAb1Hlo68AR9HIsIRU1RErdheozDpeD8DN2dOnP-YGUQ/w490-h294/CO%20Pro%20Startup%20Screen.jpg" width="490" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b>The Need for CO Sensors</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b>Aircraft accidents caused by CO poisoning have documented by the FAA and by the NTSB. The FAA has prepared a helpful online brochure which is available at the following link:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><a href="https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/CObroforweb.pdf">Carbon Monoxide, a Deadly Menace</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/CObroforweb.pdf"><br /></a>Where the FAA shares the accident of a Piper Comanche 400 piloted by Dr. Robert Frayser. The accident resulted after he'd taken off and was flying from North Bend, KS to Topeka, KS. In dramatic fashion, he awoke inside his wrecked aircraft in a hay field, thinking he was still in cruise flight. In actuality, he had been poisoned and incapacitated by CO. He was fortunate to be alive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />Dr. Frayser was taken
by ambulance to a hospital, where the
emergency room physician put him on 100
percent oxygen to overcome near-fatal blood
levels of carboxyhemoglobin. Another 30 minutes might have been fatal, given the high dose of CO exposure he received. Please read the full FAA article.<br />The FAA includes the following advice:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><i>"Carbon monoxide poisoning is a safety
issue that pilots tend to ignore, even though
it is the most common industrial poisoning
accident in the United States. When carbon
monoxide poisoning occurs, it can have
significant and fatal consequences for
aircraft occupants."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i>The NTSB has also published Safety Alerts for avoiding CO poisoning. In SA-069, they cite four different aircraft accidents caused by CO. They make several conclusions, one of which is:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><i>"Install a CO detector and replace the device and its batteries in accordance with manufacturers’
guidelines. Detectors mounted on the instrument panel with aural alerts and a flash notification
are more likely to draw your attention and alert you to a potential hazard."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i>For the full NTSB Safety Alert 069 and all of their recommendations, please follow this link:<br /><a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-069.pdf">NTSB Safety Alert 69 / Pilots: Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/Advocacy/safety-alerts/Documents/SA-069.pdf"><br /></a>Clearly, the FAA and NTSB recommend pro-action on avoiding CO poisoning, with good planning including the use of a CO detector combined with a plan for the pilot to follow when CO is detected.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><b>Design factors for an Airborne CO Detector</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><b><br /></b>Before I begin, I will make one observation: many pilots have installed a stick-on CO detector which changes color during CO exposure. I hate them and think they may cause more harm than good by creating a false sense of security. I have flown in aircraft which had them affixed; almost certainly aged out and worthless. They do not flash or make a sound. They are easy to ignore. Their failure condition (age) is easily overlooked.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />The NTSB and FAA's thought processes do not dig deeply into what makes a good CO detector. Missing in their recommendations are qualifications on accuracy, linearity, aging, indications, and so forth.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br />I propose the following questions, as part of the design process and user selection criteria. I discuss each one in turn, especially as it relates to the design process of my premium CO detector, CO Pro .</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><i>a) Does the sensor within a CO detector degrade over time, and if so, what is some data thereto?</i><br />Yes, sensors do degrade. For a good sensor, this degradation can be measured in many years or even, potentially, in decades. (The stick on detectors have a lifespan of 12 months.) CO sensors are commonly based on electro chemical designs. This means that the CO sensor has chemical elements within it that change an electrical value (for example, extremely minute amounts of electrical current) in response to higher levels of CO. Here is a chart provided by my selected sensor manufacturer which shows real degradation of the sensor over a period of one year.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Hic1Jed8Rh9qFqAmryWMLSZmdmXsoLL304qXxUN9DsCUqqZkEgFku3U0AIU4m-vKOvWRh1DIj3s00S1mKWfCVP5N8wf1N2EDNb7Q0aV5aF1OxzEIvLZQrI96qIdLV7g3eQhdOT_qBotCB6tGe9qvp98ami3JxXb1j0UJjGcXw7iRgzF1Yw/s780/CO%20Linearity%20over%20a%20year.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="780" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5Hic1Jed8Rh9qFqAmryWMLSZmdmXsoLL304qXxUN9DsCUqqZkEgFku3U0AIU4m-vKOvWRh1DIj3s00S1mKWfCVP5N8wf1N2EDNb7Q0aV5aF1OxzEIvLZQrI96qIdLV7g3eQhdOT_qBotCB6tGe9qvp98ami3JxXb1j0UJjGcXw7iRgzF1Yw/w499-h308/CO%20Linearity%20over%20a%20year.jpg" width="499" /></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><i>b) Are their conditions which would adversely affect the sensor, and if so, what are they?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Yes, all sensors have limiting factors, such as heat or saltwater exposure. For my product, these conditions are well understood, declared and practicable in operation. Here they are:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Condensation and Water </span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Salt </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Water Contamination</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">High Temperature Operation (> 70C) for more than 1 month</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Low Humidity Operation (< 15% RH) for more than 3 months</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">High Bias voltage</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Highly contaminated air over a prolonged period</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">High levels of particles or soot (unless proper filtering is provided) </span></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">This means:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The product is not designed to be wet or used in rain or in moisture condensing conditions.</li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The product is not designed to be exposed to sea spray or any salt water.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The product is not designed for use anywhere near 70 degrees C (158 F)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The product is not designed to be used or stored in extremely dry air for more than 3 months</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The bias voltage is a technical design issue. I designed my sensor with a bias voltage of zero volts. This allows the sensor to always be available for use; which allows me to claim the Always On feature of our product.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The product is not recommended for continuous use in highly contaminated areas. If you are in bad air, get out, and take the CO Pro with you.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The product will eventually degrade or fail if exposed to high levels of particles or soot.</span></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>c) Does the CO detector allow in situ recalibration for overall sensor changes (degradation) over years of time? </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i>It should. For CO Pro, there is a "linearity" adjustment which is easily reached by the user. The user may change the linearity setting at any time. To do this in a meaningful way, the device is placed in a calibrated chamber, the reading on the device is observed, and thereafter, the linearity setting is changed by the user or the test lab.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">d) Does the CO detector allow for immediate recalibration related to zeroing?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">It is likely that the CO sensor used within an airborne CO detector will have very minimal localized drift around the zero point. This may be resolved in several ways: by an automatic device calibration, a manual calibration. In CoPro, I offer two solutions: automatic calibration or user zero point calibration on demand, anytime. Using automatic calibration, any drift is detected and zeroed out. Manual zero point calibration is also always available.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">In some types of CO detectors, the sensor itself contains a tiny heater. These require a considerable period of time to get to operating temperature. They also use more battery power, but they resolve zeroing issues by performing it automatically after the sensor is heated. This type of detector will be subject to degradation over time.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br />e) Does the useful life of the baseline sensor extend beyond 5 years?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i><br /></i>This question, along with battery life, are the most common questions from CO detector purchasers. The answer varies by sensor design, of course.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For my product CO Pro, per the base sensor manufacturer, the expected operating life is greater than 5 years. More specifically, once again per the sensor manufacturer:<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>"The working electrode functions as a catalyst for the electrochemical reaction of the analyte, but is not itself reacted or consumed. <b>Thus, under ideal conditions, the sensor will exhibit a stable response for an indefinite period of time.</b> For typical indoor environmental conditions (23 ± 3 °C, 50 ± 20% RH), <b>a 10 year operating life is expected</b>. Our current long term testing has shown a failure rate of < 1.3 failures per million hours of operation (FPMH). Expressed differently, this illustrates a minimum mean time between failures (MTBF) of >790,000 hours<b> (>90 unit-years!) </b>cumulative operation. For these tests, failure is determined by the UL2034 sensitivity requirements."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><i>f) Is there a service life history of the part and / or our product which verifies these assertions?</i><br /></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I rely on the assertions of the CO sensor manufacturer which I have chosen. As most products in the aviation market were introduced in the last 5 years, our standing is likely to be similar to other device manufacturers.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>g) Does the unit provide a visual and aural alert? If so, what does the alerts entail?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Every unit on the market provides information via some sort of visual indicator: The black and white LCD screen is the most common.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">I chose a full color screen instead. This allows warning information to be shown in several ways:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Graphing over time</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Current PPM calculation which changes color and value as CO levels rise</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Maximum PPM value which is also color coded</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Arrow Alert points upwards when CO level is rising; it blinks and is color coded with <span style="background-color: black; color: #fcff01;">yellow</span> and <span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: black;">red</span> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Hazard Alert illuminates at critical (100PPM) CO levels; it is presented as a standard <span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: black;">red hazard icon</span>.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Battery Level</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Speaker on / off icon (for muting active aural alarms)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Screen is dimmable for nighttime use.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Aural alarm sounds when value is reached (default: 50 PPM)</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The screen display is daylight readable, bright and clear.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><i>h) May the battery be replaced by the user?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If the CO detector uses a fixed (nonrechargeable) battery, it must be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer or when the battery is low, whichever occurs first.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If the CO detector has a rechargeable battery, then it must be recharged. How? For CO Pro, we provide a power only USB port, allowing the CO detector to be recharged.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Every time the power on the unit is turned on, I log a power cycle. This is briefly shown as the unit powers up. Radiant recommends the replacement of the rechargeable battery after 1000 cycles. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">The battery is accessed by removing a sticker and two screws.<br /><br /><i>i) After power up, how long until the CO detector is ready for use?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Some are nearly instantaneous; others take up to a couple of minutes. In the case of CO Pro, the turn on time is about 10 seconds. Due to the engineering of the unit including the aforementioned Always On circuitry, the unit does not require any heater warm up time. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><i>j) What about cross sensitivities to other gases?</i><br /><br />The CO detector manufacturer should be able to tell you what other gases the detector is sensitive to.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">For CO Pro, the cross sensitivities are as follows:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9rVu7NDKzfeEiz7LxPxX-lJYeZ0iFVNVavPao6wsj2icsVmatI3R3XFzo3Jhj2FKZqGHe6--5SQAFt3R3mX9l_o8tZjy-FJIG6B2RLvqIgzmNZ6JZcpcKSqt_0tYHpbS-vhQ2u91K-99ru5sFWOW4f9q2wiUmzPjK-FGoh7cWwjmt8VN8_s/s1528/Cross%20Sensitivity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1528" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9rVu7NDKzfeEiz7LxPxX-lJYeZ0iFVNVavPao6wsj2icsVmatI3R3XFzo3Jhj2FKZqGHe6--5SQAFt3R3mX9l_o8tZjy-FJIG6B2RLvqIgzmNZ6JZcpcKSqt_0tYHpbS-vhQ2u91K-99ru5sFWOW4f9q2wiUmzPjK-FGoh7cWwjmt8VN8_s/w579-h266/Cross%20Sensitivity.jpg" width="579" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This means that CO Pro reacts with Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, and very slightly to Alcohol.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> <br /><i>k) What about secondary functions of the CO detectors?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Significantly, LightSpeed is selling headsets with built-in CO monitoring, and we are introducing CO Pro with a secondary function as well: G-Meter. The thought process behind this was fairly simple, and was approached from a marketing perspective. Since the CO detector normally is doing very little (reporting continuously @ 0 PPM CO), why not make a useful secondary function? I did this by including the G-Meter. Most aircraft do not have one; most pilots and some passengers want to know how strong the bumps were. The G-Meter is presented in a classic dial format:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7DL_FI0ovYD7mTs_v9XQ3tvch_M9RZ4JNykSaUfOQpH9mru5FcFDsdpUz4LJnscg8rCkA8lMqFIOwYP4EGr-RrBQ2emJma5wtVY5SctUuIXnayzQuHbW7rfmIPHFcS4jVOGayYn42K6PLbUFSCZLeHPLvvbA-UkPyXOj92QRHNJewoP_w9g/s4800/CoPro%20G%20Mode.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4800" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz7DL_FI0ovYD7mTs_v9XQ3tvch_M9RZ4JNykSaUfOQpH9mru5FcFDsdpUz4LJnscg8rCkA8lMqFIOwYP4EGr-RrBQ2emJma5wtVY5SctUuIXnayzQuHbW7rfmIPHFcS4jVOGayYn42K6PLbUFSCZLeHPLvvbA-UkPyXOj92QRHNJewoP_w9g/w500-h281/CoPro%20G%20Mode.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The CO levels are shown continuously on the G-Meter screen. Should CO levels rise, CO Pro switches automatically back to the CO graphing screen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Summary of Use and Design Factors in CO Detectors</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have reviewed the FAA and NTSB guidance and provided links to their documents. The NTSB recommends the use of a CO detector in aircraft.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have asked these critical questions:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">a) Does the sensor within a CO detector degrade over time, and if so, what is some data thereto?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">b) Are their conditions which would adversely affect the sensor, and if so, what are they?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">c) Does the CO detector allow in situ recalibration for overall sensor changes (degradation) over years of time? </i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">d) Does the CO detector allow for immediate recalibration related to zeroing?</i><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">e) Does the useful life of the baseline sensor extend beyond 5 years?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">f) Is there a service life history of the part and / or our product which verifies these assertions?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">g) Does the unit provide a visual and aural alert? If so, what does the alerts entail?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">h) May the battery be replaced by the user?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">i) After power up, how long until the CO detector is ready for use?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">j) What about cross sensitivities to other gases?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;">k) What about secondary functions of the CO detectors?</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">And I have provided answers as it relates to any detector, or more specifically the design of CO Pro, a CO detector from Radiant Instruments. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">If you have questions or background material which you believed I've missed, please drop me an email.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I hope you've enjoyed the read.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-63079143316729449442022-12-08T10:08:00.001-06:002022-12-08T10:08:25.201-06:00My new Carbon Monoxide sensor has superb pilot friendly features!<p> Hi!</p><p>We're announcing our new CO Pro<span style="font-size: xx-small;">TM</span> carbon monoxide sensor. It is designed by a pilot (me!!!) for pilots and passengers and travelers and has features I've always wanted in a Carbon Monoxide detector. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf102hwg0tGD1DTsiRbE6-Rk13wnqrJEzL1mcNEVbm7yvTNA380ZI2TQd-mxbp3nnkX6bxAHzwlr-cKZuEIGEjxcgRB9bCrLhqNxtaOQ1Lfxef-1tZKGIghljgFLCLkhiFPPipIZfDrS0xlJPp9uCNknVqyWooozKAMUMKQWNaI-6gwa3nAI/s4500/CO%20Pro%20Startup%20Screen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4500" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikf102hwg0tGD1DTsiRbE6-Rk13wnqrJEzL1mcNEVbm7yvTNA380ZI2TQd-mxbp3nnkX6bxAHzwlr-cKZuEIGEjxcgRB9bCrLhqNxtaOQ1Lfxef-1tZKGIghljgFLCLkhiFPPipIZfDrS0xlJPp9uCNknVqyWooozKAMUMKQWNaI-6gwa3nAI/w445-h267/CO%20Pro%20Startup%20Screen.jpg" width="445" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Startup Screen on CO Pro</b></p><p>Without much of a drumroll, here's a list of features:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Five year sensor life; possibly extendible as field experience warrants</li><li>Always On sensor -- useful CO baseline Zero reading in about 15 seconds </li><li>Rechargeable battery operation via USB power port </li><li>5 hour life in Bright</li><li>10+ hours of operation in Dim mode</li><li>Aural Alarm which may be muted (touch the SPEAKER button)</li><li>Zero Recalibration on demand at the touch of a button (touch the CAL button for 3 seconds)</li><li>0 to 600 PPM range; 50 PPM denoted in yellow and 100 PPM in red</li><li>Arrow Trend provides visual and aural warning when CO starts to rise, long before final value is settled</li><li>Graphing of CO levels over a two minute period; wraps around to show more information</li><li>Hazard Icon illuminates @ 100PPM and higher</li><li>Brilliant daylight readable color display</li><li>Bright mode for daylight and dim mode for nighttime (touch the DIM button for 3 seconds)</li><li>G-Meter as secondary function (touch the NEXT button briefly and unit will switch modes)</li><li>G-Meter has current, max and min digital values</li><li>G-Meter has standard dial indication as well</li><li>G-Meter has 'Ghosting' feature which shows G history</li><li>G-Meter mode also displays digital CO values even while G-Meter is active</li><li>When used in G-Meter mode, will automatically switch back to CO Graphing mode if CO levels start to rise</li></ul><div>We also have another CO sensor which is called GEIGER CO. </div><div><br /></div><div>In its own right, the older GEIGER CO is a phenomenal product. Here's a photo of the GEIGER CO (orange metal) next to a CO PRO (black nylon with chopped carbon fiber case)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUtJn5tOJ8HCn4wVVCE0P_scDi2FzA77RCy4VpeFdADRYMnmrsL59HoMWeeCiSID5tTNFnBf8EWxuC3eiOpjHtBo3pBF-Lh41e8Ib0P2vRBB--S81fySOvwNomyALge5Yq2AkkkiSYkorfH3WhfPktljUVABL-WY-lj5Lng3R94Nx0QNjMEw/s4500/BakeOff%20Comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="4500" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUtJn5tOJ8HCn4wVVCE0P_scDi2FzA77RCy4VpeFdADRYMnmrsL59HoMWeeCiSID5tTNFnBf8EWxuC3eiOpjHtBo3pBF-Lh41e8Ib0P2vRBB--S81fySOvwNomyALge5Yq2AkkkiSYkorfH3WhfPktljUVABL-WY-lj5Lng3R94Nx0QNjMEw/w487-h274/BakeOff%20Comparison.jpg" width="487" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>GEIGER CO and the new CO Pro, side by side</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div>I tested GEIGER CO alongside the new CO Pro and uploaded the resulting video to YouTube.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can see the video here: <a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/aJz5FH31_2o" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/aJz5FH31_2o</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I am getting over a cold as I recorded that. I hope you like my robust voice. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a look at the screen of CO Pro during a Carbon Monoxide event:</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KfR2w8g_Pv9XtcJURwAjqudKG7lV_lg3uT-7DoI359X2dPHOWhJdHdFH3EWvCbiq1yTVfUUSdzLVzB6MaILuQi-BA-3wDpGbsqNxZyHoUWL2K1VVmW2mgIEFr6J4FNZS4oBhTfH5EzCClxkJWjUf-X0Gs8rMqyspIIASmGixPsWyUy-EOwQ/s4800/CoPro%20showing%20Danger%20Icon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4800" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KfR2w8g_Pv9XtcJURwAjqudKG7lV_lg3uT-7DoI359X2dPHOWhJdHdFH3EWvCbiq1yTVfUUSdzLVzB6MaILuQi-BA-3wDpGbsqNxZyHoUWL2K1VVmW2mgIEFr6J4FNZS4oBhTfH5EzCClxkJWjUf-X0Gs8rMqyspIIASmGixPsWyUy-EOwQ/w596-h335/CoPro%20showing%20Danger%20Icon.jpg" width="596" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CO Pro screen during operation. Note Hazard Icon (indicates +100PPM) and Graphing.</b></div> </div><div>Here's a little bit of what's happening in this screen.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The graph shows a wrapped history of what has happened.</li><li>The Hazard Icon is on; it turns on whenever CO PPM > 100 PPM. </li><li>The current CO reading is 194.</li><li>The max experienced CO was 212.</li><li>The battery icon shows 3 bars.</li><li>The speaker icon is visible. Whenever CO > 50 ppm the speaker alarm turns on. We can clear it with the SPEAKER button.</li></ul><div>Here's the G-Meter screen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9BOaNDP2EH06AZ8GjpD-J4Mk2l5vbDwUhL1tkYZSeHy6VVIvrIbo6mj8bcQwROBAqvsjS28eSPuUh71SuwCy0RaCJpLfDE9qgYZ4zvb63TSVSxNAv_M9LeC9OAGbI0PuHSck6gAPzm38oFbnb_OEB4YOkwXkmtcVd2TO6g_i_9xulNsGU8c/s4800/CoPro%20G%20Mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4800" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9BOaNDP2EH06AZ8GjpD-J4Mk2l5vbDwUhL1tkYZSeHy6VVIvrIbo6mj8bcQwROBAqvsjS28eSPuUh71SuwCy0RaCJpLfDE9qgYZ4zvb63TSVSxNAv_M9LeC9OAGbI0PuHSck6gAPzm38oFbnb_OEB4YOkwXkmtcVd2TO6g_i_9xulNsGU8c/w574-h323/CoPro%20G%20Mode.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CO Pro screen during operation, in G-Meter mode</b></div></div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Needle shows the current G's (about 1.02 as also shown digitally).</li><li>The 'Ghosting' effect shows needle history.</li><li>Also shown are MAX and MIN g values.</li><li>Below the thin line on the digital value list is CO Max and CO current level. Both are updated while using this as a G-Meter.</li><li>If the unit senses a rising CO level, it will automatically switch to CO graphing mode.</li></ul></div><p></p><p>The CO Pro can be mounted with the optional Holster. It is designed for a standard 3 1/8" instrument cutout.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV17sFfChGAPQ3CTtVnuZ_UGYCZYzkfr8lRm7PMpCpLU-tAJ4I5pRbWREM3e5DTccUINvekS6GwArDnNZYoaOe_m6oTDN8txqjB62DEHMIregZlx1UfqYc1SlVQ3F5Zxuih1-GOdD-eyVt5MjIbECIAtRpv0K_LoH3U0WGg9C8FqoRSPtmNA/s4800/CO%20Pro%20in%20holster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2700" data-original-width="4800" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDV17sFfChGAPQ3CTtVnuZ_UGYCZYzkfr8lRm7PMpCpLU-tAJ4I5pRbWREM3e5DTccUINvekS6GwArDnNZYoaOe_m6oTDN8txqjB62DEHMIregZlx1UfqYc1SlVQ3F5Zxuih1-GOdD-eyVt5MjIbECIAtRpv0K_LoH3U0WGg9C8FqoRSPtmNA/w545-h307/CO%20Pro%20in%20holster.jpg" width="545" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>CO Pro shown mounted in optional holster</b></div></b><p>It can also be mounted to any flat surface using the corner holes. Rivets; screws; Duct Tape (hint, hint).</p><p>Please order the CO Pro (or the GEIGER CO) now.</p><p>The pricing and availability are as follows:</p><p>CO Pro -- $199 intro offer through the end of the month & year (December 2022).</p><p>Optional Holster -- $39 intro offer through the end of the month & year (December 2022). I wish I could include this at no charge, but I can't. We print them on our $20,000 MarkForged 3D printer and it takes more than one hour of print time. Also, it is printed using nylon / chopped carbon fiber. It is an exceptionally high quality print.</p><p>Aircraft Spruce has ordered CO Pro inventory for stock and is participating in the intro offer.</p><p>Links for purchase are here:</p><p><a href="https://www.radiantinstruments.com/co-pro-carbon-monoxide-monitor">Co Pro™ Carbon Monoxide Monitor – Radiant Technology (radiantinstruments.com)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/co_pro.php?clickkey=1843667">Radiant Technology CO PRO ™ Carbon Monoxide Monitor + Digital G-Meter | Aircraft Spruce</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-10896839391184250572022-10-18T10:25:00.005-05:002022-10-18T10:39:38.323-05:00How I ended up in the Emergency Room with a blood clot<p>I've had growing concerns over my bradycardia, which is simply a slow heart rate. It can produce fainting, and I've never fainted, but I don't want to. </p><p>A few months ago, I asked my family physician to get a little more aggressive in helping me deal with bradycardia. He made a referral to a heart doc which fit into my medical insurance plan.</p><p>And so, I got to wear a heart monitor for 24 hours. It showed.... pretty much nothing, other than the usual mix of benign contractions common to many people. For instance, google "Premature Ventricular Contractions". My heart averaged 49 BPM for the 24 hour period. Low, but not a problem, according to the heart doc.</p><p>He also scheduled me for a treadmill stress test. I did it, and I thought I was pretty spectacular. No problems from my side. </p><p>After I'd returned home, I got a call from the nurse. She advised me that the Doc had seen something suspicious -- he wanted me to take the more detailed version of the same treadmill test, this time with nuclear dye in my blood and pre/post cardiac imaging. OK, I was concerned now. We scheduled and took the test.</p><p>A day later -- the Doc informs me that there is no significant blockage. My anxiety fades away.</p><p>Four days later -- my elbow, close to the catheter injection site for the dye, gets very tender and starts to swell to magnificent proportions. It hurts. It is tender. It is warm. Later, I take a pic of the elbow area:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBDd2kSSzvKr2TEq5MUB8HBed6cL5V9U4wFXB3sYTC_gDciD1sE97kCSLG-r4JAydUHrbnGSHKn0KizTmX2bqAW8yW-kZ8umqc_Togm_iylKZCYhB-RfZa2PS6I9dlRotWrielzpLAMs7Nw5G4sUHmBF5AExBrcCjphIpzjJZKzibKk5VbT0/s2048/IMG_3044.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpBDd2kSSzvKr2TEq5MUB8HBed6cL5V9U4wFXB3sYTC_gDciD1sE97kCSLG-r4JAydUHrbnGSHKn0KizTmX2bqAW8yW-kZ8umqc_Togm_iylKZCYhB-RfZa2PS6I9dlRotWrielzpLAMs7Nw5G4sUHmBF5AExBrcCjphIpzjJZKzibKk5VbT0/s320/IMG_3044.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The area of first trouble is obvious.</div><p>Two days after that -- with an unchanged elbow problem, I head to Urgent Care. It's Sunday around lunchtime, and the place is very unbusy. weird.... The receptionist takes my quick info and schedules me for an appointment. That's why no one is there. Patients come in to urgent care, get assigned an appointment time, and leave to return at the appointed time. Kathy and I do the same: we leave, eat lunch, and return.</p><p>When we return, the receptionist has us take a seat for a few minutes, and then advises me that I have an outstanding bill with the hospital. I'm not sure what to do with the information that the institution that is giving me care first reminds me of financial obligations towards them. That is so TREMENDOUSLY helpful in making me feel calm and collected.</p><p>I get into a room, then a PA comes and takes a quick look at the elbow. Without a great deal of consideration of the history of how I got this Big Bulging Elbow, she prescribes an antibiotic and sends me on my way. My pleas to get alternative theories as to what is happening in my elbow fall on her very tired and deaf ears. </p><p>Within two days, the swelling subsides, so I'm comfortable that the diagnosis was correct.</p><p>A week later, I'm still having symptoms. Weirdly, some of my veins now feel hard and tender as they march up from my elbow towards my wrist.</p><p>Three weeks later, I'm still having symptoms. The area of tenderness has rotated around the area below my wrist.</p><p>Five weeks later, I'm still having symptoms. I take a picture of my arm, marking off the progression of swelling and tenderness. You can see areas one, two and three here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOhGWDkd_rFbPIoNucNQCt9YJND4SaXhmJWM0OcZJ9JkrSkWzRRrx0wkHn6k4zj9srtupgrrTFnWewepT3Lx_12Z-yidrJ_GaKA7oNGNKoLt6sD8c9O7rAb_1DTASxs3H1aNF7M3R0-mLC1Swd47Z6QsTLCaEBQDAbAvEDbPE_3_J_ZZMMms/s2048/IMG_3306.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOhGWDkd_rFbPIoNucNQCt9YJND4SaXhmJWM0OcZJ9JkrSkWzRRrx0wkHn6k4zj9srtupgrrTFnWewepT3Lx_12Z-yidrJ_GaKA7oNGNKoLt6sD8c9O7rAb_1DTASxs3H1aNF7M3R0-mLC1Swd47Z6QsTLCaEBQDAbAvEDbPE_3_J_ZZMMms/s320/IMG_3306.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A map of affected areas on my arm.</div><p>Six weeks later, I'm still having symptoms. In fact, one of the veins crossing my wrist into my hand is now swollen and tender. That would be Area Four of this growing problem. My body starts to have general aches, like a cold.</p><p>One morning, I wake up and look at my left hand. It is very swollen. My frustration of this situation has met a snapping point of sorts. I take a photo of my two hands, showing the difference, and I write up a brief history and send it to my primary doc along with the photo. (I do this using the online patient portal.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLL_JKZL4-_P9B5xUWupZr3oFUvNZt0PNzqmuQk_qRPw2G43csiXxvhAm1aP1v8aEDi23lbHjN9fbmz3YQYKEHYx6FtnhACZU90x-9_0Q_Kk8UDtJXub8IeA8Z9fycuPJZGivF34q1wOzfM5_J9eOqBEmVUBBk5HdoQT5IBQZMOCS9o0mCU/s2048/IMG_3372.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DVT-UE" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKiLL_JKZL4-_P9B5xUWupZr3oFUvNZt0PNzqmuQk_qRPw2G43csiXxvhAm1aP1v8aEDi23lbHjN9fbmz3YQYKEHYx6FtnhACZU90x-9_0Q_Kk8UDtJXub8IeA8Z9fycuPJZGivF34q1wOzfM5_J9eOqBEmVUBBk5HdoQT5IBQZMOCS9o0mCU/w320-h240/IMG_3372.jpeg" title="The picture that saved my life?" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">The picture that (maybe) saved my life</p><p>Expecting nothing more than an appointment with the doc, instead, my phone rings. It is the nurse. She tells me: "Go to the ER. We're sending the same instruction to you via your patient portal." I'm stunned. I ask for some reasoning, but don't get a lot. I read the email from her in my patient portal, and it also says to go get emergency services. ??? It mentions a possible blood infection.</p><p>I walk around the corner to Kathy's home office, and tell her that we are heading to the ER. She is as puzzled as I am; she can hardly believe it.</p><p>The experience at the ER takes five hours. </p><p>So I'll cut to the chase: you already know that Emergency Rooms can be a hell hole of frustration, right?</p><p>They triage me in and assign me to an ultrasound of the arm.</p><p>That turns out to be a spot-on idea: the ultrasound reveals that I have a blood clot in a vein in my left arm. The NP discusses the chronology of events with me. I am once again struggling to understand how I have a blood clot. What was the sequence of events? How did it start in my elbow and move towards my wrist? More questions and assumptions than answers. The diagnosis is a Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Upper Extremity (DVT-UE), which is exceedingly rare. It also has a very high mortality rate. (Since I'm alive, diagnosed, and on appropriate medication, I assume I've dodged that bullet.)</p><p>Good news: It's not occluded, or my hand would be the size of an orange.</p><p>Even better news: a $500 per month drug will solve the problem if taken for a minimum of 3 months.</p><p>Even better better news: the first month is free. The second month has a discount coupon.</p><p>I am advised to make a follow up appointment with my primary care physician on my ER discharge instructions. It says to see the doc within "1-2 days". I call my doc's office the next morning: first available date is 2 weeks away. I indicate that I'm happy with that, but what about seeing them within 2 days, per the discharge instructions? The scheduler replies: "that's just a suggestion."</p><p>Bottom line: I was trying to solve the bradycardia slow heart rate issues, and I ended up with a blood clot in my arm. It's kind of like planning to go to the party, and you somehow end up in the sewer, floating downstream.</p><p>I'll try and be a little less bitter in my next post. I'm currently on day six of Xarelto. I will be taking blood thinners for 3 months.</p><p>If you enjoyed reading this post, you should also read my prior post on FAA medical issues relating mostly to depression and anxiety. The link is here:</p><p><a href="https://jameswiebe.blogspot.com/2022/10/failing-medical-for-emotional-reasons-i.html">Standard Pilot Blog: Failing the Medical for emotional reasons? I had some anxiety about that too. (jameswiebe.blogspot.com)</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-50432243431423414552022-09-21T13:43:00.002-05:002022-09-21T13:43:36.832-05:00Electronic Production Inflation Blues<p>I took nearly 3 weeks off. The time was spent communing with moose in Wyoming. Yeah, really, ran into 3 of the critters over the course of my camping trip. One got very close to the blue chair that I was sitting in, and a few moments later I took this pic.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPfHG2NbzMyhLpSF_aAxJtSgj9hro8a0OD9x2AxD15d0sQCn5Iw9_LBE7XSk5yHLu3Jtc7-yg7LTIsj-rQ4AxIyjKGNO-8RC9JUdNY1NtuuaIv5B7RPdkRrG_uZ7WMEhBXBrmObY9MDjOekH6MPJd6bXx7HiFP23S1VA1Tg3064kR9fLUOMI/s2048/IMG_3062.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPfHG2NbzMyhLpSF_aAxJtSgj9hro8a0OD9x2AxD15d0sQCn5Iw9_LBE7XSk5yHLu3Jtc7-yg7LTIsj-rQ4AxIyjKGNO-8RC9JUdNY1NtuuaIv5B7RPdkRrG_uZ7WMEhBXBrmObY9MDjOekH6MPJd6bXx7HiFP23S1VA1Tg3064kR9fLUOMI/w430-h323/IMG_3062.jpeg" width="430" /></a></div><p>Nice lady, isn't she? She's a pretty big gal, and she's definitely looking at me. Defnitely looking bigger than I remember moose to be.</p><p>Which, of course, naturally leads me to my topic of inflation & a small electronic business. (Sorry for the abrupt turn.)</p><p>I've seen social media posts talking up a general mistrust in "supply chain issues", especially as it relates to electronics. Such as electronics for automotive production, or in my case, experimental avionics. Some people mock the reality of these issues.</p><p>Here's my reality.</p><p>Around two years ago, I started using a very accurate air pressure sensor, as a basis for the air speed sensor within my line of aircraft instrumentation. Drilling down to the exact part in question, it is a Honeywell SSCDRRN100MDAA5. It accepts a Pitot line (from the ram air) and also a static line (used to establish the differential pressure), thus providing a basis for digitization and eventual display of airspeed in the cockpit of the airplane.</p><p>Here is the invoice from two years ago:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOKdyUPDSVa3ECZnFKZ43lH3Z5jzG7bj_QekOQ0QF_XIOjapntjbUJC7lo1sLDTJKF6IS4202d6LH8wA5XkjWeGQ01MfyEyJkDnTHsttQD33R-TsqACtcbVqeuYk73VPKeororkzVPNeEoQBhV_ybT1YZKmbPJe1UqcBOXfUHTat31Lb0PFU/s1024/Sensor%20Invoice%202020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="868" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOKdyUPDSVa3ECZnFKZ43lH3Z5jzG7bj_QekOQ0QF_XIOjapntjbUJC7lo1sLDTJKF6IS4202d6LH8wA5XkjWeGQ01MfyEyJkDnTHsttQD33R-TsqACtcbVqeuYk73VPKeororkzVPNeEoQBhV_ybT1YZKmbPJe1UqcBOXfUHTat31Lb0PFU/w364-h430/Sensor%20Invoice%202020.jpg" width="364" /></a></div><br /><p>And you can see that I paid $31.52 for each sensor.</p><p>Here's the invoice from today, as I bought parts to fill orders from customers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvCZR5qeVys98Eq3N8rTmH_dlG8m80n5SVAezh9QVoifupy1hwRSH1bSvZRjucHn8UbY-kBpuEhAWXZdFwZIEVwKeldqFqu-IceNRqLQV_Of0Tvwd9eBMqDrVLTcqYUEI4rz-EgBruzgYZpdWqgLjj1UbFULR2IhqayyKilrJ26PeD0SUKw0/s1216/Sensor%20Invoice%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1216" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvCZR5qeVys98Eq3N8rTmH_dlG8m80n5SVAezh9QVoifupy1hwRSH1bSvZRjucHn8UbY-kBpuEhAWXZdFwZIEVwKeldqFqu-IceNRqLQV_Of0Tvwd9eBMqDrVLTcqYUEI4rz-EgBruzgYZpdWqgLjj1UbFULR2IhqayyKilrJ26PeD0SUKw0/w358-h267/Sensor%20Invoice%202022.jpg" width="358" /></a></div><p>Over the course of 24 months, the price has gone up from $31.52 to $53.79, an increase of 70% on this part. </p><p>Yes, I bought less. And other electronic distributors are posting lower prices than Mouser, from whom I most recently ordered. But the other distributors have zero stock.</p><p>You can see this for yourself by using the global chip finder which is: FindChip.com, and inserting the part number SSCDRRN100MDAA5 into the search field. Every part in the distribution system on the planet will show up. Most distributors have zero stock; the ones that have parts have high prices. Pick your poison: ship nothing and suffer; or buy parts and kill your margins.</p><p>Meanwhile, I have not passed any cost increases on to my channel or distributors. And I'm going to be the bad guy by eventually passing these increases on... except I'm not. I'm just a small businessman trying to maintain margins, on average, across the board.</p><p>Which gets me to the bad news: The promotional prices for Radiant Instruments Gen-2 instruments ends at the end of September. Our older instrument product line will also go up in price starting October 1. As of this writing, Aircraft Spruce has placed some orders at lower prices, and so they will be receiving some stock of our classic instruments (for instance, Radiant Turn Coordinator) and will be able to honor older pricing while their inventory holds together. You can always find out what's in stock at Aircraft Spruce by searching Radiant in their website search bar. Most of our product line comes up, and things that are in stock are identified.</p><p>Arrgh.</p><p>Back to production tasks, now. I promised Kathy that we would ship some orders tomorrow. </p><p>...Hoping to repair the gross margins next month as prices go up. Hoping people still buy my stuff.</p><p>Best Regards,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLI9HMX9L20fnFiagZMjCMRvYXWffry1OaF_cBIgnvVsy8gRyQgmU_C47taNPizi-TIad9KtPUP2HB4sDCVqudXRRHn9wVM2qHFkQ_6nFzwJeW_LeHTuUXG3govLh-sbsyIWKVlQ3WZHTqk64Je_JttCY7rpmGW34WWKnqaMIIa5HQDBrI90/s124/James%20Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="124" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLI9HMX9L20fnFiagZMjCMRvYXWffry1OaF_cBIgnvVsy8gRyQgmU_C47taNPizi-TIad9KtPUP2HB4sDCVqudXRRHn9wVM2qHFkQ_6nFzwJeW_LeHTuUXG3govLh-sbsyIWKVlQ3WZHTqk64Je_JttCY7rpmGW34WWKnqaMIIa5HQDBrI90/w187-h127/James%20Signature.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-56839703458692670172022-01-08T17:20:00.004-06:002022-01-08T17:20:51.990-06:00Details on Ultralight Honeycomb Cabin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm now 34 hours into the build of a Chipper ProCub / UltraCub 2022 prototype aircraft. The design has the following characteristics:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Safety first, with an enclosed robust cabin</li><li>Compliant with FAR Part 103</li><li><span> - single seat</span></li><li><span><span> - empty weight of 254 pounds</span></span></li><li><span><span> - stall speed of 28 mph or less</span></span></li><li><span><span> - full power cruise speed of no greater than 62 mph</span></span></li><li><span><span> - maximum fuel capacity of 5 gallons</span></span></li><li><span><span>Easy to build</span></span></li><li><span><span>Classic good looks, unapologetically an airplane </span></span></li><li><span><span>Inexpensive</span></span></li><li><span><span>Quick building</span></span></li><li><span><span>Folding wings</span></span></li><li><span><span>Fantastic flying manners</span></span></li><li><span><span>STOL capability is a plus.</span></span></li></ul> A shoutout to my friend Landon!, who painted the seat in the photo. This seat was made for and first flown in my skydock design, and it looks great with the old Belite logo and gloss blue color. Everytime I do work on an ultralight, I find this seat and set it in the design to see how things are shaping up. I do have a list of brief skydock videos,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/eI_arV4mu_A" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/eI_arV4mu_A</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/5Q_JC0GhLQw" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/5Q_JC0GhLQw</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/qJH9cKjkH5I" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/qJH9cKjkH5I</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">but I digress. Back to the business at hand. Here's the visual progress report on this Saturday:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitRDb0rG761KjZKLx4acrh37zUfCCARkcdbGPTyL6vv4dy3E6o9YAdq6SjwCwzcrLXuMJ45V5PaPh8TDKhOTILBX3do1sOd7isTNEy-a0c7byimUQ4XJN73koDPy9HU-XVCOCCe9DaVSxcXsJNocp81IkLj1N0-1JWMCOEATIdLKcPtT7YDxE=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitRDb0rG761KjZKLx4acrh37zUfCCARkcdbGPTyL6vv4dy3E6o9YAdq6SjwCwzcrLXuMJ45V5PaPh8TDKhOTILBX3do1sOd7isTNEy-a0c7byimUQ4XJN73koDPy9HU-XVCOCCe9DaVSxcXsJNocp81IkLj1N0-1JWMCOEATIdLKcPtT7YDxE=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is a closeup on that seat. It is resting on two honeycomb bulkheads, along with the backrest honeycomb cross piece. The honeycomb has been cleaned up with an aluminum cap on the heavier 3/4" rear bottom honeycomb and backrest cross piece. The front cross piece has a vinyl cap. Look carefully into the small 'windows' in the sides of the cabin, and you can see where I've begun to install aluminum tape over exposed honeycomb.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIFCk8Gi5j6s56CanGzJFBFGCxkRX4I0e6VC-kbRArkTjRH9Fwl5vnTTCzPwz8jSJkYjek6pvT7KRFx4hAfgDoW__HD38N0dchi2WSBzEVzOYtbeLpuCtJ41kWckBXUYaeQsKrcQjdv2Fzj9FEMtpOZTLxIiKNc2MfpFD8gokR4vPvxifhtg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrIFCk8Gi5j6s56CanGzJFBFGCxkRX4I0e6VC-kbRArkTjRH9Fwl5vnTTCzPwz8jSJkYjek6pvT7KRFx4hAfgDoW__HD38N0dchi2WSBzEVzOYtbeLpuCtJ41kWckBXUYaeQsKrcQjdv2Fzj9FEMtpOZTLxIiKNc2MfpFD8gokR4vPvxifhtg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another photographic point of view. The cabin is currently in 'flintstone' mode as the bottom skins aren't yet installed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsfvai5LJG6pEswODIU5CVKUi-igrDGhsAt1KZwi0fXOp--p3FYhJ9_9nxfdfod--1wp3qh7BqmjjPpObFCTINH66efYGsZ1TDIhvGgi72ABGz1GPVmMt9q9FhTmExQ8QIKdje8f0HIffpx9neUGtBf5pqoTudcIqhESZO9cxxb0QXxOmFZOg=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsfvai5LJG6pEswODIU5CVKUi-igrDGhsAt1KZwi0fXOp--p3FYhJ9_9nxfdfod--1wp3qh7BqmjjPpObFCTINH66efYGsZ1TDIhvGgi72ABGz1GPVmMt9q9FhTmExQ8QIKdje8f0HIffpx9neUGtBf5pqoTudcIqhESZO9cxxb0QXxOmFZOg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday, I designed a couple of new gussets for the top of the cabin. They are highlighted in green:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0RAUm1yU5dPAeZBMy35vtY4bFcNlEVzXj-FvqbzT75swMZop_mVn1rYb6L051Gn0L8oBIiphdaI9N_GZtfH2JgDrp8pTCnSZAWifK5eoUDb18Mt6kls3D0YgeZNZil6F7d4Nfhi3Wjz1CjTgtQSuU_7aDNNjXJFrRJd9aHcxkkfHfe0Bh1q0=s2200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2200" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0RAUm1yU5dPAeZBMy35vtY4bFcNlEVzXj-FvqbzT75swMZop_mVn1rYb6L051Gn0L8oBIiphdaI9N_GZtfH2JgDrp8pTCnSZAWifK5eoUDb18Mt6kls3D0YgeZNZil6F7d4Nfhi3Wjz1CjTgtQSuU_7aDNNjXJFrRJd9aHcxkkfHfe0Bh1q0=w400-h220" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, I cut them on the shopbot and installed them. Here's the forward gusset. You can see the mirror part on the opposite side of the cabin as well. I pre-primed them before I installed them. The tab is intentionally overbent to keep the sharp edge away from the pilot-occupant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsqPXU_zn37sVHfbSFjncAKKg0o1RbhDfOxfq2iheowQaMLhKt3z2PR_Sl08K75U_VCpwFhdVke4fZ8Z6VYKu-vOKF-QDEciCmoQ0lBmO3Jf9XoCa9_pqnSlswQJMq6lkrwli42flGW9FeVEbxD_AGIjFjUtec3Pum5Y3Ml_2LlLQqSQS8X4s=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsqPXU_zn37sVHfbSFjncAKKg0o1RbhDfOxfq2iheowQaMLhKt3z2PR_Sl08K75U_VCpwFhdVke4fZ8Z6VYKu-vOKF-QDEciCmoQ0lBmO3Jf9XoCa9_pqnSlswQJMq6lkrwli42flGW9FeVEbxD_AGIjFjUtec3Pum5Y3Ml_2LlLQqSQS8X4s=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For that matter, all of the gussets are bent with safety in mind. The tabs almost always face away from the occupant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I already mentioned the backrest cross support piece. It is fabricated from 3/4" honeycomb, and then held in place by pairs of aluminum angles which were bonded using epoxy. I prefer 3m 2216, but I had original formula JB Weld on hand, so I used it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih7pdTUYFECng8LMKwq6tmO6KMIz03oxNevCQtqEITLExTlLLdO0ITaUj_pbbhlygc-vVK8dxKUCUne7i9jI03Aq5LGNLnNHOgsLWpRRk4AE3LXxWisSXvtluh9cQRXMA3XZWIUHOArIXq4gsDESpQW6E_eVRdQeguMWoPSWOqYUx1kEP8U60=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEih7pdTUYFECng8LMKwq6tmO6KMIz03oxNevCQtqEITLExTlLLdO0ITaUj_pbbhlygc-vVK8dxKUCUne7i9jI03Aq5LGNLnNHOgsLWpRRk4AE3LXxWisSXvtluh9cQRXMA3XZWIUHOArIXq4gsDESpQW6E_eVRdQeguMWoPSWOqYUx1kEP8U60=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The photo shows the parts bonded together and held with temporary bolts. As the rear fuselage side skin is not yet installed, these bolts will eventually be replaced and redone with washers along normal practice lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4oSS2tzsX_-e7gkqC0c_srQtN5pL7mzmqR6fKCla4Q4d4MjB6a4LBnYmqStHsXkiOGXYmlae5T5CrCWAbj7Ssw2iKtM0xKQpvOjEahTUQ3af1dkG3X0JYZg5yCfuUPR9oraEFAYq-T_Cby72lB7c0xaHHenpdezFZtEFBf0VDRNMRIu23IME=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4oSS2tzsX_-e7gkqC0c_srQtN5pL7mzmqR6fKCla4Q4d4MjB6a4LBnYmqStHsXkiOGXYmlae5T5CrCWAbj7Ssw2iKtM0xKQpvOjEahTUQ3af1dkG3X0JYZg5yCfuUPR9oraEFAYq-T_Cby72lB7c0xaHHenpdezFZtEFBf0VDRNMRIu23IME=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Changing my focus to the front box, I'm really pleased with the quality of the CNC parts; the general fit, and the way this is beginning to look. I'm excited for how things will be when the windshield and engine cowl are added. I'm designing a new cowl which reflects the fresh new look of this airplane; I won't be using the old radial bump design anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQGkDAbsCTIieC5lwpfCPx6xhRoo6ZZM0fKUat7Ec6ROQflQAK4Zbd048MeW9K_ZwMhRysp7b7jyT9KSqcvbPrNkaBtfDRCQa2IDZOceVTxiAG79rcD0we4yrCRpzpy3RNryjmDCG6hqLG9VBYRyukkQgpKKzmV9QoXuBPhrXhJ81weGFWe5o=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQGkDAbsCTIieC5lwpfCPx6xhRoo6ZZM0fKUat7Ec6ROQflQAK4Zbd048MeW9K_ZwMhRysp7b7jyT9KSqcvbPrNkaBtfDRCQa2IDZOceVTxiAG79rcD0we4yrCRpzpy3RNryjmDCG6hqLG9VBYRyukkQgpKKzmV9QoXuBPhrXhJ81weGFWe5o=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mentioned earlier that the cabin was still in flintstone mode (no bottom skin yet); these photos show the detail of the structure as seen from the bottom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia5Axwv08jpgcbkPJpzIJuP-CdRIKoCvPOsUmvhszNgc-pvUVR26SNoxPzg-ea522YBA8QrFARxGs_PvvlirCzUXC28tilBNIB-hC6vR3s8r18Pty0T8GF7xWfZJbVwdkBq01HOuK2af7AEJcUZ20SLVbykFIRLAz-1zBDm08fd1-qrWJm86M=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia5Axwv08jpgcbkPJpzIJuP-CdRIKoCvPOsUmvhszNgc-pvUVR26SNoxPzg-ea522YBA8QrFARxGs_PvvlirCzUXC28tilBNIB-hC6vR3s8r18Pty0T8GF7xWfZJbVwdkBq01HOuK2af7AEJcUZ20SLVbykFIRLAz-1zBDm08fd1-qrWJm86M=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBTvL3guv-d95lXrZT-hSkWSrPi3lurcTpnJbCKeogCxmYFSUkFgMqdsbsV6uyn1DNUqPz9IoKHbXdAIxqlJ2P8od5Gcy6fW1_CxV1lmVOmVeYX6Sn5T4XzWhnSnEAFpNzsuux1SqjH4BZjeXio7YF7b3d54Lbi7svXBln68crMUxdgD7FdH8=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBTvL3guv-d95lXrZT-hSkWSrPi3lurcTpnJbCKeogCxmYFSUkFgMqdsbsV6uyn1DNUqPz9IoKHbXdAIxqlJ2P8od5Gcy6fW1_CxV1lmVOmVeYX6Sn5T4XzWhnSnEAFpNzsuux1SqjH4BZjeXio7YF7b3d54Lbi7svXBln68crMUxdgD7FdH8=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Make sure you've seen my youtube videos which show this evolving project:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one talks about adding metal skin to the rear fuselage in CAD:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/VmcgWRY3bb8" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/VmcgWRY3bb8</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one talks about using Sketchup to make this design:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/rUkmoWByCws" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/rUkmoWByCws</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, as I am in bootstrap mode, I get a lot of enthusiasm and deeply appreciate my patrons. $10 per month gives you the rights to the blueprints for this plane (terms and conditions apply) and $35 per month indicates that you plan to purchase a kit. $80 indicates that you plan to purchase a Ready To Fly; I've set the price for the first 3 RTF planes at $30,000 in taildragger configuration and basic instrumentation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Become a patron here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">www.patreon.com/jameswiebe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for reading,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNr-Fzt6-gVbDWZWBFbbufh4igr_QpGUWLeAsFVogB9mSFTjjaN6UJAFynJT_FZ4WeQOJEzcNUh6nnCkFxQRkeePTcqPtducMwIIclpgqhGvXXRCW7Bx7EqPVexty7iGnmBHRJc8kM-OEWINJTJS7ZHrCRb7SDtTwIZ9fHATfchvXqsOjhdaU=s124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="124" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNr-Fzt6-gVbDWZWBFbbufh4igr_QpGUWLeAsFVogB9mSFTjjaN6UJAFynJT_FZ4WeQOJEzcNUh6nnCkFxQRkeePTcqPtducMwIIclpgqhGvXXRCW7Bx7EqPVexty7iGnmBHRJc8kM-OEWINJTJS7ZHrCRb7SDtTwIZ9fHATfchvXqsOjhdaU" width="124" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S., this is how the cabin CAD looked on December 12, a little less than one month ago. It's come a long way!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnUsrFtEqJfmfpVvujX-Q0T0vnL5gNahUbfMO6vKES-wifV2sOn7ZmNA3SO4r-3GQO-E83bmrND2QhI43L7fQgT20ds_5dzy-inRSidM3R-ihmN4JM-Cc5W4dEEOYSrWqnZb5DnF4tBynWFEj5_LNKXCbpN4WQS8eDHj7GtymbOZ1Y-0BEnI=s2272" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2272" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnUsrFtEqJfmfpVvujX-Q0T0vnL5gNahUbfMO6vKES-wifV2sOn7ZmNA3SO4r-3GQO-E83bmrND2QhI43L7fQgT20ds_5dzy-inRSidM3R-ihmN4JM-Cc5W4dEEOYSrWqnZb5DnF4tBynWFEj5_LNKXCbpN4WQS8eDHj7GtymbOZ1Y-0BEnI=w400-h214" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-52100699991674802412022-01-05T19:57:00.002-06:002022-01-05T19:57:11.695-06:00Honeycomb Ultralight Cabin <p>The last two days have been spent starting to put together my ultralight kit aircraft. I'm pleased with my progress; I currently have 19 hours in the build. When finished, my Chipper UltraCub will look a lot like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0VRiErAgjXUxTkzuvBlFkRGkJd0eAaS_F6NCVjZWRUFhXu3sWjDq_lKR1wxQcNNKAvoCWYiUunGt0DQya1bsG7ViJhfKx5kzFtmdy9ibp3MIvJQmjrB9TIvoAy6ca1uYbcd07TyOy5Vl6L_-BKSsEvor2sHXEHMZEe3UfFVBG5t9kmewLhUA=s2200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2200" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0VRiErAgjXUxTkzuvBlFkRGkJd0eAaS_F6NCVjZWRUFhXu3sWjDq_lKR1wxQcNNKAvoCWYiUunGt0DQya1bsG7ViJhfKx5kzFtmdy9ibp3MIvJQmjrB9TIvoAy6ca1uYbcd07TyOy5Vl6L_-BKSsEvor2sHXEHMZEe3UfFVBG5t9kmewLhUA=w648-h356" width="648" /></a></div><p>Yeah, you have to use some imagination to make that real plane. An engine would help. Also, a propeller, a windshield, a coat of paint, and some control systems.</p><p>My efforts this week are focused on the cabin and rear fuselage. Drum roll, please... here's some photos at the end of today, Wednesday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixsS4qqBJV3qE6SxTyzc6qyyK0eP8yTSU06d3SUK0pNgraLk4rsR8LyM1OPyHhp0ZPQHktdRSBVm3EhyFAx_zbPijZOEa0RGeznz6VtlycYJXlKeEkrTMLr99jzURcaChDS2IAU6WW2BPnybbGY7N6YO6AeUp4bHHqmVP0Z-7VPx_x40izveA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixsS4qqBJV3qE6SxTyzc6qyyK0eP8yTSU06d3SUK0pNgraLk4rsR8LyM1OPyHhp0ZPQHktdRSBVm3EhyFAx_zbPijZOEa0RGeznz6VtlycYJXlKeEkrTMLr99jzURcaChDS2IAU6WW2BPnybbGY7N6YO6AeUp4bHHqmVP0Z-7VPx_x40izveA=w645-h483" width="645" /></a></div><p>What you are looking at is a cabin which is very similar to earlier ProCubs and UltraCubs from Belite Aircraft. Structurally, it is built from honeycomb aluminum and a lot of sheet metal. The honeycomb is used very smartly, using pre-cut strips, so very little is wasted.</p><p>I am providing the plans for this ultralight to my Patreon subscribers for $10 / month. Terms & Conditions apply. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.patreon.com/jameswiebe">www.patreon.com/jameswiebe</a> You can also indicate your desire to purchase a kit for $35 / month. I need the support, and I appreciate it very much.</p><p>Looking inside the cabin from the rear, here's the view:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUnPpsUJ6rgeHwH2kdoYRHQxmwqOCSPG5CYkS54vTDjc1DzOROWlKic4A-JY0wTn16dkSIcpq8ESfG3FcIp-dLNpsCfzRYB85v3D5QmWzh7ynQwssSS83-vKarB7QYQWdRi3jRKL_MDHdToVKtl3qhl5oF1gxY14rDWDsKc9jHLBRjlIlPqB4=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUnPpsUJ6rgeHwH2kdoYRHQxmwqOCSPG5CYkS54vTDjc1DzOROWlKic4A-JY0wTn16dkSIcpq8ESfG3FcIp-dLNpsCfzRYB85v3D5QmWzh7ynQwssSS83-vKarB7QYQWdRi3jRKL_MDHdToVKtl3qhl5oF1gxY14rDWDsKc9jHLBRjlIlPqB4=w635-h846" width="635" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's another view.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHj2Z8CaT7YzQaYuD6tKCINacPdySyewRlqv2m0u4ZkZpxuwV19vyMklpQislNr4xTjQLEhMn7Sz8Wuo-ITgMGOdoHSmqQdiFOC7OzJpPdrOFLJ8nh91QANrrVY9E4V4DVr1tlZepCjuh0Y_72pQ_O66uQC6mvQuUrBDdiKKQS-YQPaYcU3M=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuHj2Z8CaT7YzQaYuD6tKCINacPdySyewRlqv2m0u4ZkZpxuwV19vyMklpQislNr4xTjQLEhMn7Sz8Wuo-ITgMGOdoHSmqQdiFOC7OzJpPdrOFLJ8nh91QANrrVY9E4V4DVr1tlZepCjuh0Y_72pQ_O66uQC6mvQuUrBDdiKKQS-YQPaYcU3M=w624-h469" width="624" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main idea in this design is to surround the pilot with a cage, constructured of honeycomb and extruded aluminum, so that the occupant is well protected in the event of an accident. The size features are similar to my past commercial designs, a tall person will fit well, and a big person will fit as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The exterior width is 25", and I am 6' 2"+. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For example, the firewall frame is constructed from 3/4" thick honeycomb. These pieces are brute strong, yet very light. This is 12 ounces of honeycomb:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSthFmqeTE3UZIG0WzDEfipfQZM7Yol4pFm_fBJOf42Bq8ai0sog0luCjYLw-8nkthfaxTqxKezvH4mSeFEjjcwQEDaKdpjkfFk84_hhAUQkEXW0Fb4pMt0HTcLOEU_LgAdURAQUvcoaRkoI2tLPmqm2d2IT-mKtq71_j3LjD_Q1LFZscKThA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSthFmqeTE3UZIG0WzDEfipfQZM7Yol4pFm_fBJOf42Bq8ai0sog0luCjYLw-8nkthfaxTqxKezvH4mSeFEjjcwQEDaKdpjkfFk84_hhAUQkEXW0Fb4pMt0HTcLOEU_LgAdURAQUvcoaRkoI2tLPmqm2d2IT-mKtq71_j3LjD_Q1LFZscKThA=w596-h794" width="596" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used my shopbot to cut various gussets, providing exact fit and awesome quality. Here's some samples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMg0D6v4Yup0y3wNS94UZ5BocynmgXn0ovSugYiFRyqmYFC-Oi5A8QMbRqVN2DKKMeuagiQKIO6Wy_1Mh3Br06ODSd3wxwc-XFTA4Hbtfsmx5cQaSiSOOBFI-mOQivsndhnHfeiL76PSncAqmkDAOFmtwvUSXPwaH9_I_86X3C727cyPh5-u8=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMg0D6v4Yup0y3wNS94UZ5BocynmgXn0ovSugYiFRyqmYFC-Oi5A8QMbRqVN2DKKMeuagiQKIO6Wy_1Mh3Br06ODSd3wxwc-XFTA4Hbtfsmx5cQaSiSOOBFI-mOQivsndhnHfeiL76PSncAqmkDAOFmtwvUSXPwaH9_I_86X3C727cyPh5-u8=w602-h451" width="602" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most impressive gusset so far in this project is the side gusset. It ties together the forward cabin, a lot of honeycomb, and the rear fuselage while weight very little and providing predrilled holes for easy assembly. It's nice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZtTXJBeQe585TUNJbZua1a1oqJm_yUat8m41s_oa9o1xUiS_loJJrY53_3VDZeZ_Z5dgioCS-aoOc3rm_e2_qUs3v0v8vGqvMrcfUQER5sG7liPz0oLPpZVI9Xw2qUdPmc9gytbopEbgqFqMleWEV1YixqveOijk-T6M67r7F6lRwYkXOWbw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZtTXJBeQe585TUNJbZua1a1oqJm_yUat8m41s_oa9o1xUiS_loJJrY53_3VDZeZ_Z5dgioCS-aoOc3rm_e2_qUs3v0v8vGqvMrcfUQER5sG7liPz0oLPpZVI9Xw2qUdPmc9gytbopEbgqFqMleWEV1YixqveOijk-T6M67r7F6lRwYkXOWbw=w612-h458" width="612" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm also using stock aluminum structural angle, which requires hand drilling. Here, I've marked a part with a drill pattern.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2LWI_UQeUqlx2lRfESNKBuhsW1YDmS5jpr9i5BP-k6MD22aRqD-99XkxHZdzan4w35MU9q1JqzNVqJn7qSN11sH4fXQ0JjZKd7YImfutQWUBQyqcqr4XKUNMjrE-1lE76pdTqE_iGD7SaOllSHu93euMXeMyfC9Z7n2joUonsjonJvOpp19A=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="804" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2LWI_UQeUqlx2lRfESNKBuhsW1YDmS5jpr9i5BP-k6MD22aRqD-99XkxHZdzan4w35MU9q1JqzNVqJn7qSN11sH4fXQ0JjZKd7YImfutQWUBQyqcqr4XKUNMjrE-1lE76pdTqE_iGD7SaOllSHu93euMXeMyfC9Z7n2joUonsjonJvOpp19A=w603-h804" width="603" /></a></div><p>You can see that part attached to a bulkhead, in the below photo. Also note how my predrilled angles have been used to attach the bulkhead to side honeycomb.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiI48p5lgW1KSPqqTQ5cFs_g_hM1htrXaXr59hYa8kJfunSbormGCmaWhHWKUdeF1PaIusnW0Xz2RbIaD7vneQMjF8AtzSuTLYpXxxBywMPM8OKGh3aSjAFK4w5hRn9w7Qg5H_DHTuVEnuFqZ1R3jxu4sPIMRtje67VhZVKVmK5V4q2v9g7fA=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="838" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgiI48p5lgW1KSPqqTQ5cFs_g_hM1htrXaXr59hYa8kJfunSbormGCmaWhHWKUdeF1PaIusnW0Xz2RbIaD7vneQMjF8AtzSuTLYpXxxBywMPM8OKGh3aSjAFK4w5hRn9w7Qg5H_DHTuVEnuFqZ1R3jxu4sPIMRtje67VhZVKVmK5V4q2v9g7fA=w629-h838" width="629" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I indicated before, I am providing the plans for this ultralight design to my Patreon subscribers for $10 / month. Terms & Conditions apply. Here's the link: <a href="http://www.patreon.com/jameswiebe">www.patreon.com/jameswiebe</a> You can also indicate your desire to purchase a kit for $35 / month. I need your patreon support, and I appreciate it very much!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The most requested feature is folding wings. Naturally, this design has wings that fold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY2zBMs78x-qNH7OTbkm0HPgNKfv1niCxnaxmJWfEYHsAdQw2jYUOZe1ejgcwV9r9gPFj0YUXtzKphEp4yrUKlcEKFczXiDzsj0TgSleRWdMp9Yzj1AnJgugLYuMynPPkxyHsy9L-05QA5_vhr1TP210ErLbLLLxyfi4AQNAQAcIssZuD7mb0=s2272" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="2272" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhY2zBMs78x-qNH7OTbkm0HPgNKfv1niCxnaxmJWfEYHsAdQw2jYUOZe1ejgcwV9r9gPFj0YUXtzKphEp4yrUKlcEKFczXiDzsj0TgSleRWdMp9Yzj1AnJgugLYuMynPPkxyHsy9L-05QA5_vhr1TP210ErLbLLLxyfi4AQNAQAcIssZuD7mb0=w636-h340" width="636" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-57508359673797467102021-12-27T10:28:00.001-06:002021-12-27T10:28:39.100-06:00Service Bulletin #5 Correct Wheel Alignment<p> Service Bulletin #5 Correct Wheel Alignment</p><p>This SB #5 is advisory in nature.</p><p>When assembling landing gear, particularly wheel assembly, take care to ensure that alignment of the wheels is correct. The lineup of the wheel should be straight to ground travel path; toe-in and toe-out must be avoided. Toe-in will cause landing gear chatter.</p><p>Alignment is ensured by correct rotation of the landing gear shaft before pinning in place at the upper bulkhead fitting.</p><p>The following picture shows correct alignment. The green line denotes the vector of the ground roll relative to the tire.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJbbd5fVNcRHC8Fpazk2cF2kIj0fvQEQbO7ZDVhdDLjC3UAVNnn3tPsv2KH6Rq0AaATs7LcxYqA2mBKyDO2N04VYdBGl5s2BMiW51IwZMLLCRMJKVxldFSt9p8qe080fKq6J26W_VlyFo1xbk6c-qosvbcxFVMOvihyR4i6UUoGTNB-X8oDN8=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="789" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJbbd5fVNcRHC8Fpazk2cF2kIj0fvQEQbO7ZDVhdDLjC3UAVNnn3tPsv2KH6Rq0AaATs7LcxYqA2mBKyDO2N04VYdBGl5s2BMiW51IwZMLLCRMJKVxldFSt9p8qe080fKq6J26W_VlyFo1xbk6c-qosvbcxFVMOvihyR4i6UUoGTNB-X8oDN8=w592-h789" width="592" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following picture shows incorrect alignment, which causes minor to severe gear chatter on takeoff and landing. The orange line is as incorrectly assembled; the green line is what it must be reset to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKYK8M6vgFg0C3V9DxCHSsXoAqnr1SOSMB30-gw4tu-mASF_2aMuIsEyfPjybRJzws9yupV-YyR8shBYH1yCMEpTnvEWogmXXPg3CvctqZs4rAFyRe7vYzSU0Cm0arClh1au3i1lulyx_9GstJQQno9q8xMxSUqPwsHcEREAPsQawWPA85uMI=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="786" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKYK8M6vgFg0C3V9DxCHSsXoAqnr1SOSMB30-gw4tu-mASF_2aMuIsEyfPjybRJzws9yupV-YyR8shBYH1yCMEpTnvEWogmXXPg3CvctqZs4rAFyRe7vYzSU0Cm0arClh1au3i1lulyx_9GstJQQno9q8xMxSUqPwsHcEREAPsQawWPA85uMI=w590-h786" width="590" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-49873950890741535462021-12-21T13:16:00.001-06:002021-12-21T13:16:30.304-06:00James launches a Podcast!<p>In this age of social media, I'm loving the way that I can connect my passion for aircraft with you!</p><p>I've been doing this in multiple ways: this blog, Facebook, email communication, patreon, Youtube, instagram, and now... drum roll please... an occasional podcast.</p><p>Well, it's really more like a video podcast. </p><p>In yesterday's very first episode, I explain some of the design decisions behind the Chipper ProCub / UltraCub, along with a tour of some of the FAR Part 103 features that the design has.</p><p>You can see and hear it on YouTube, here:</p><p><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-info" href="https://youtu.be/iBtjWFirmBA" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: nowrap;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/iBtjWFirmBA</a></p><p>You also get to see my messy office.</p><p>I'm looking for ideas of topics you'd like me to cover. I'm looking for feedback on how to as interesting as I can for you!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_RlKaXJqpe4ss_8nkVeI15jMvPL167uUe806w7GYYALzmjkDJd2UQt2ol0J0SpO_4Awn0WZwgsdizT2rnLrZ48-5boXLTka3Wz7x8FmHZUAP71XETh7UEXPy25rg-IVRFd2l_3pAx2y2n1-A371cVcwUdlB97lSK4UXZPPxMgcNg6u5Jgm2M=s7000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3400" data-original-width="7000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_RlKaXJqpe4ss_8nkVeI15jMvPL167uUe806w7GYYALzmjkDJd2UQt2ol0J0SpO_4Awn0WZwgsdizT2rnLrZ48-5boXLTka3Wz7x8FmHZUAP71XETh7UEXPy25rg-IVRFd2l_3pAx2y2n1-A371cVcwUdlB97lSK4UXZPPxMgcNg6u5Jgm2M=w653-h315" width="653" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-20614813951080729742021-12-19T16:35:00.002-06:002021-12-19T16:35:48.151-06:00Mandatory Service Bulletin #4 - Installation of stronger gear head bulkhead<p>Mandatory Service Bulletin #4</p><p>Supercedes MSB #1</p><p><br /></p><p>The purpose of this MSB is improve the strength of the main gear head bulkhead, replacing the original 5.25" x 0.25" machined part with a solid, larger part.</p><p>The desired outcome is a bulkhead which will enlarge the footprint spread of the landing gear brackets, which reduces torque caused by landing stresses, and also allows for a greater distance for bolt holes to the edge of the bulkhead, reducing or eliminating the problem of cracking.</p><p>Also included is a much larger angle piece for each side, allowing for better transfer of landing gear loads into the side 1/8" aluminum pieces.</p><p>This MSB also contains directives for potting bolt locations within honeycomb, substantially improving strength. </p><p>This MSB also contains directives for bonding metal surfaces such as angle and flat sheet, which will substantially improve the strength of connected components and provide improved longevity for the airframe over time and service cycles.</p><p>This MSB allows future use of the bulkhead for hard points such as floats, shock absorbers, ski's, under fuselage storage container.</p><p>This MSB is required prior to installation of shock absorbers, which will be required for a possible future Gross Weight Increase to 1320 pounds.</p><p>Estimated time to install: 60 hours</p><p>Review and understand ALL INSTRUCTIONS prior to performing any work. As an example of one possible sequence error, potting of honeycomb for bolt installation is mandatory and must be performed prior to assembly. Without reviewing this material first, you may find it difficult to pot your honeycomb in sequence.</p><p>Supplied Materials:</p><p>1) this MSB manual, complete with large printed illustrations</p><p>2) 41" x 6" x 0.25" 6061T6 aluminum bar, solid</p><p>3) 41" x 2" x 2" x 0.188" 6061T6 aluminum angle, cut with dogleg angles at each end</p><p>4) 6" x 3" x 2" x 0.188" 6061T6 aluminum angle, cut to shape and pre-drilled (advise if you do not want it drilled)</p><p>5) 2" x 2" x 24" x 0.040" 6061T6 aluminum angle, bent to shape and predrilled with rivet location holes</p><p>6) AN nuts, washers, bolt kit</p><p>7) 1" aluminum square tube, separately used to actuate flaps (not a part of this MSB, but missing from many kits).</p><p>Needed but not included:</p><p>1) scrap material: honeycomb aluminum</p><p>2) bonding adhesive, such as 3M 2216</p><p>3) rivets</p><p>4) 80 grit sandpaper</p><p>5) acetone</p><p>The original design is similar to the following CAD illustration, where the main gear bulkhead has lightening holes. Other details within this CAD illustration are not consistent with shipped kits.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV2xKjI7TO8-QNJJ0DEJ5NMn2PcY9Pa_dwH_EWGG1Wk42NDe-1J4-1h6-Vy5C_6BKC1kuc1uutO_txrtimKUJ3XfaIjdhdqXv--wV5sHiZWqXRKmxkI5dlemFiowBHORuKScQaiUeWYDYNi76dK_pWYK341bT7aTTz9WmHL6gQvYrQ3rD-DD0=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjV2xKjI7TO8-QNJJ0DEJ5NMn2PcY9Pa_dwH_EWGG1Wk42NDe-1J4-1h6-Vy5C_6BKC1kuc1uutO_txrtimKUJ3XfaIjdhdqXv--wV5sHiZWqXRKmxkI5dlemFiowBHORuKScQaiUeWYDYNi76dK_pWYK341bT7aTTz9WmHL6gQvYrQ3rD-DD0=w644-h363" width="644" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Remove existing structure and test fit solid cross bar. <div><br /></div><div>Roughen surface of aluminum and of facing honeycomb with 80 grit. Clean with acetone or similar. Bond with adhesive and consistent pressure.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAiP62cCJHjCiv_uiGF4gZETumtkG4QScA5f0gkZqcbtnMKWuUMdlxGN1CsHft2G3_n65K2Z5msiicfiZhMiSNU2cJBIHMo6RLHKbWGThtHVzprYWf56U6ccSgjv4TIfqShx1lJHy75bRs1L4ZA1g7Ki-XN6lJSkINIciflrpdinyiYS1aLXE=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAiP62cCJHjCiv_uiGF4gZETumtkG4QScA5f0gkZqcbtnMKWuUMdlxGN1CsHft2G3_n65K2Z5msiicfiZhMiSNU2cJBIHMo6RLHKbWGThtHVzprYWf56U6ccSgjv4TIfqShx1lJHy75bRs1L4ZA1g7Ki-XN6lJSkINIciflrpdinyiYS1aLXE=w647-h363" width="647" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut a scrap of aluminum honeycomb to fit in the reverse top gap, sand, clean and bond as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSSFrhstZRST31E_ndKoSi11ZjTZfeWHH0rl4l717q1NE-32ZYRZR4GJDGoljMNlqnUJXl55WdVpOy9ymiCoE2XJchp3I0pnm2D_1KU9zPaTzq3-4IoU9SHmeM91cOPh8Qr6GfUF_py1l-SiyTvNO5tv7H_9K5sMKnWJ69cgI9SSuLA74t6Xg=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSSFrhstZRST31E_ndKoSi11ZjTZfeWHH0rl4l717q1NE-32ZYRZR4GJDGoljMNlqnUJXl55WdVpOy9ymiCoE2XJchp3I0pnm2D_1KU9zPaTzq3-4IoU9SHmeM91cOPh8Qr6GfUF_py1l-SiyTvNO5tv7H_9K5sMKnWJ69cgI9SSuLA74t6Xg=w646-h363" width="646" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reverse side showing scrap honeycomb bonded in place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUb90KtEFZ17Iq_7ij80CZmxM05lLYX9FipVyRTGZtb9aXJWDDu3qJ0su6P1xniOXHiMQveT8Ww_kVmbyOiUxQnO1sN-U4MdKpGXGFphVWC9kW32NJ_5Y26A5j0YIhewS8UTmiRojDdIyGV8sE1tRnjSbLTXIe4LiSbZERXLXqQPvLZs7XwUk=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUb90KtEFZ17Iq_7ij80CZmxM05lLYX9FipVyRTGZtb9aXJWDDu3qJ0su6P1xniOXHiMQveT8Ww_kVmbyOiUxQnO1sN-U4MdKpGXGFphVWC9kW32NJ_5Y26A5j0YIhewS8UTmiRojDdIyGV8sE1tRnjSbLTXIe4LiSbZERXLXqQPvLZs7XwUk=w647-h364" width="647" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 2" x 2" x 3/16" angle piece looks like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj76GkmFM3peiol5mbHkI-WQA6Ov7GofCNBHrmVusv5rTG7aPDUBqRLOOOPAkrb6QtGPmyKC6Gamgqh3VVcAprroZzFgKMlPSmUOetroY79VtBelKFuoqPB7-I0k2ya45XdcHJ7vkcJ7LPuLFlI3fX06omOopn1CIWI8L-Jnp7Qd4-bUgvpQbE=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj76GkmFM3peiol5mbHkI-WQA6Ov7GofCNBHrmVusv5rTG7aPDUBqRLOOOPAkrb6QtGPmyKC6Gamgqh3VVcAprroZzFgKMlPSmUOetroY79VtBelKFuoqPB7-I0k2ya45XdcHJ7vkcJ7LPuLFlI3fX06omOopn1CIWI8L-Jnp7Qd4-bUgvpQbE=w650-h365" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And it is also prepped for bonding on the facing surface. Bond it in place:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ28aETaT_dlJ0M9Gt1x8t8qQMtD6kUP8GQTyrmTNLrs6HVp0dv7JcoGWpMphQ3XRs0RzfV7vDQfiolv0heWvHZShZvD4pjkhCqdRKlq50g1TdkN8tHUm_2eqt_Pvis1FAV3o7eqI_84lNRPyPv1WHfwXuz5NrNlaouL4u3yqUdrsL_esHgqA=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ28aETaT_dlJ0M9Gt1x8t8qQMtD6kUP8GQTyrmTNLrs6HVp0dv7JcoGWpMphQ3XRs0RzfV7vDQfiolv0heWvHZShZvD4pjkhCqdRKlq50g1TdkN8tHUm_2eqt_Pvis1FAV3o7eqI_84lNRPyPv1WHfwXuz5NrNlaouL4u3yqUdrsL_esHgqA=w646-h364" width="646" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 3" x 2" x 6" angles come pre-cut, as shown. Also pre-drilled. Please advise if you do not want them pre-drilled (for instance, to match existing hole locations at assembly).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFQ4nXWTRB4hZuKfk07oHKXFfAuyFffXXDC3vfnzYOLqBFW_iXDCAshsMS7epsw9jqUXit5HjVEuc4jD46dqXD6Kf2McJiCdM6UjS7Rctb6f2X4WV6rEuY_1qvlWkMsJsf_pNP-54ha-V2lPfrjiKFcKtjzssdZEVo0Ktxopm63zRlBImCScE=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFQ4nXWTRB4hZuKfk07oHKXFfAuyFffXXDC3vfnzYOLqBFW_iXDCAshsMS7epsw9jqUXit5HjVEuc4jD46dqXD6Kf2McJiCdM6UjS7Rctb6f2X4WV6rEuY_1qvlWkMsJsf_pNP-54ha-V2lPfrjiKFcKtjzssdZEVo0Ktxopm63zRlBImCScE=w641-h361" width="641" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtV4v7u5Q4HUMvMbdtAHbYYUOpUfR3uLTeWAOSNpFeeEP-DgQXpwEXKEnyEF5d_GO8p7q8TLRBbxb3A0aRfghgITvRZXM-2d4Y1fn1Xrlc227nHj1mU-xy4qvilzMh2IwfqBG3MwaHH6PCTecdvwWY2udBFo33RVhJSVnKcaZqkWdf9kZ9kxo=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhtV4v7u5Q4HUMvMbdtAHbYYUOpUfR3uLTeWAOSNpFeeEP-DgQXpwEXKEnyEF5d_GO8p7q8TLRBbxb3A0aRfghgITvRZXM-2d4Y1fn1Xrlc227nHj1mU-xy4qvilzMh2IwfqBG3MwaHH6PCTecdvwWY2udBFo33RVhJSVnKcaZqkWdf9kZ9kxo=w634-h356" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Surface prep them by sanding and cleaning, then bond in position with adhesive and clamps. Do not crush honeycomb when clamping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">The bottom angle is constructed of .040 6061-T4 aluminum and is pre-bent and predrilled. Surface prep, bond in place, then rivet in place.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnJK06lg95cM2Csui-9dcWdt82UXE8ZZrcUwKYco6Wc74lPuuBsVuxmOKj6gJihF4HyBL8O4IvWE_2OI3sJVC4W1PLxJpjrLmeJ_hOhlv6oThuFs4PobVb3ut8JYKDmrBYWC38w_Dm6t2-C_pJwOOuBZi6-mNhWbIkL1ijyf52WT_LT-G9xA0=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnJK06lg95cM2Csui-9dcWdt82UXE8ZZrcUwKYco6Wc74lPuuBsVuxmOKj6gJihF4HyBL8O4IvWE_2OI3sJVC4W1PLxJpjrLmeJ_hOhlv6oThuFs4PobVb3ut8JYKDmrBYWC38w_Dm6t2-C_pJwOOuBZi6-mNhWbIkL1ijyf52WT_LT-G9xA0=w639-h360" width="639" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Bolt locations going through honeycomb must be potted with epoxy prior to bolting. The six bolts going through the corner angle are AN4.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid5r6OHISzowGYtqvYfSZL6XHdyN-tJbLo11jlKp0-rvgzs83WeGiXS8jAMn9ndkLwfHue1ZGvxJRN88IS4kTDYDndLeTPAdfnQ2hLwkHrAmG_niZE6Y1ljWByQy9pZtFRqogNgDJm_aqkYeSkU2WwmgHppO1FhS-KST6vtoJPacnfmK2mQek=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEid5r6OHISzowGYtqvYfSZL6XHdyN-tJbLo11jlKp0-rvgzs83WeGiXS8jAMn9ndkLwfHue1ZGvxJRN88IS4kTDYDndLeTPAdfnQ2hLwkHrAmG_niZE6Y1ljWByQy9pZtFRqogNgDJm_aqkYeSkU2WwmgHppO1FhS-KST6vtoJPacnfmK2mQek=w635-h357" width="635" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Anecdote: also shown is the recommended location for the AN3 shear twist bolt, going into the top landing gear bracket.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The exact location of the landing gear brackets is provided in the final document accompanying your upgrade kit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir2aPdFlUQ38oAoK42bA6zwfszkYjvMViqRWJrf82L64656kI6WcruSyl1SEnIunka9h-ZBMA6PEjMeLzNMCMZl1Us-sZOPD-BAegoRXXcf7wSD52yb9U88lA1QPJ60Q3je32JAsed7fM_Q1ZEkFjuOG0-SDOWv7cW44LS6T94GfFnjEwmVgk=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEir2aPdFlUQ38oAoK42bA6zwfszkYjvMViqRWJrf82L64656kI6WcruSyl1SEnIunka9h-ZBMA6PEjMeLzNMCMZl1Us-sZOPD-BAegoRXXcf7wSD52yb9U88lA1QPJ60Q3je32JAsed7fM_Q1ZEkFjuOG0-SDOWv7cW44LS6T94GfFnjEwmVgk=w630-h354" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two AN4 bolts are installed into the top, spaced 13" apart and 0.75" below the top line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The center stick support is installed. Note the bend in the support and shimming as necessary for exact, friction-free, and backlash free use of the stick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNspd5mRuA1-Pbs-uS91q2LzVpEIKv47rax--JVa1GzeZYzVFQvvbWG-BOANm6xkzEB83etREsJZ77LEF5ePvAUb7b1Kd4zXlfHap2X9w9RmvBLqFHBSlLbVLkJHD8dsyF7F54RJ7Do7MXhz10nxTA2dgzt1D-Y3Vy4EzMOpsSwbuz9KdUXCk=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNspd5mRuA1-Pbs-uS91q2LzVpEIKv47rax--JVa1GzeZYzVFQvvbWG-BOANm6xkzEB83etREsJZ77LEF5ePvAUb7b1Kd4zXlfHap2X9w9RmvBLqFHBSlLbVLkJHD8dsyF7F54RJ7Do7MXhz10nxTA2dgzt1D-Y3Vy4EzMOpsSwbuz9KdUXCk=w629-h471" width="629" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Drill and route fuel lines, rudder cables, etc., as required for your unique installation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv8c6doCxzE2X7v_qMgDRXxhSJR5G7xBYVnkv43q73bkIlcF27k4I-o4ZNuUeMD4W2rX3QDhgkAc17edfmrxoOeC_6fM6X7OCuWktqciNujfTQ-9x9wbWyG0WSbvGcwGOl8X9VNvguLJ5rvR-0UIXVxP63gPskcfj_fNbn7qvfFv0DetK3z2k=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiv8c6doCxzE2X7v_qMgDRXxhSJR5G7xBYVnkv43q73bkIlcF27k4I-o4ZNuUeMD4W2rX3QDhgkAc17edfmrxoOeC_6fM6X7OCuWktqciNujfTQ-9x9wbWyG0WSbvGcwGOl8X9VNvguLJ5rvR-0UIXVxP63gPskcfj_fNbn7qvfFv0DetK3z2k=w624-h468" width="624" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-79568245086081315372021-12-16T12:32:00.001-06:002021-12-16T12:32:41.725-06:00Curious Evaluation of Oil Chip Detectors<p> While enroute to Alaska, after a fresh rebuild with an engine performance upgrade on my Rotax 912UL, I experienced rough engine operation. Subsequent mechanic work at Watson Lake, Yukon Territories attempted to find the source of the rough engine operation. A variety of things were checked; I believe the final conclusion was that a carb cleaning had somehow solved the problem.</p><p>One of the things that was checked was the magnetic chip detector, and it looked like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5H-LACu0PD67WA_wCK4LWksgz85LThr1VKmQRlozpafU8_4yjFqkZQ7RcBkKhXLXRMoK_4FmQHy-Nri8RV2YUOL4eZfn-hIswgKzT8oXLEH2sD5rxlg9tdxIUFcZbb-nKAh7SHzxGTliwbP1culgOpCHxEr0uoeggnGVgxy8C8u7K5dziHTQ=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5H-LACu0PD67WA_wCK4LWksgz85LThr1VKmQRlozpafU8_4yjFqkZQ7RcBkKhXLXRMoK_4FmQHy-Nri8RV2YUOL4eZfn-hIswgKzT8oXLEH2sD5rxlg9tdxIUFcZbb-nKAh7SHzxGTliwbP1culgOpCHxEr0uoeggnGVgxy8C8u7K5dziHTQ=w609-h456" width="609" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently, I posted details associated with the accident I subsequently experienced at Lake Hood. If you haven't read it already, it's a must read. It includes references and excerpts from the final NTSB report.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://jameswiebe.blogspot.com/2021/12/chipper-2-ntsb-final-report-lake-hood.html">Standard Pilot Blog: Chipper 2 NTSB Final Report Lake Hood Accident N3748 (jameswiebe.blogspot.com)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, if you haven't already read it, another engine upgrade to my Rotax failed before this one, in Alabama. You can read it here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://jameswiebe.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-curious-in-flight-engine-failure-of.html">Standard Pilot Blog: The Curious In-Flight Engine Failure of N3748 in Alabama (jameswiebe.blogspot.com)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After I posted recently, a couple of Deep Throat information friends have emerged to give me additional info. One of them provided me with a copy of a page from the Rotax maintenance manual. Wish I had it handy that day. Here's what it shows:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj3Ud34YlPV6i8CaUrQMB77sIxD5dU6LSE_EAY2HrIZ8AOyqbc66cqw6ZoU4bq5jeb4UIe7uFsHd80aLpflqUsUzIFBn2nVjDH0eLDJh9Khc8Lyuu5GIHcgjtGlqXWcd9qY4jU4Iw2pGIyJ3ao-3yymo8nIgQRS6CACXJo4mghPobL_4DyoI4=s792" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="777" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj3Ud34YlPV6i8CaUrQMB77sIxD5dU6LSE_EAY2HrIZ8AOyqbc66cqw6ZoU4bq5jeb4UIe7uFsHd80aLpflqUsUzIFBn2nVjDH0eLDJh9Khc8Lyuu5GIHcgjtGlqXWcd9qY4jU4Iw2pGIyJ3ao-3yymo8nIgQRS6CACXJo4mghPobL_4DyoI4=w605-h616" width="605" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well doggone, if that 'non acceptable' picture from Rotax doesn't exactly match my photo.!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish I'd stopped my journey at Watson Lake. The heads could have easily been removed, and it is possible (and I believe likely) that the witness mark on the top of the piston would already have been there from the valve strike. I wouldn't have ended up in Alaska, but I also could have avoided that useless trip to the emergency room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But that was then. Meanwhile, my experimental aviation journey has taken a new path. I am loving my ULPower 350iS engine and I just did my first oil change on it, on Chipper 2, N318KW:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ydYqobNhsI5qeUOa8pu62vvAJ6-c1iJmbKhN7lUnT9-agYM2rL-fyNpAa9Sh3Y9iCB5DycEkRzMdHsHJjWydGX1lp4MTpjpIJmubFegm3yQFGYg2_gKt8IeTCsyl6g-JENBf-DIFI_lDzTjsadvvXKK19BqkvY1uyRnl_UwIS4ZgNPVq8is=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-ydYqobNhsI5qeUOa8pu62vvAJ6-c1iJmbKhN7lUnT9-agYM2rL-fyNpAa9Sh3Y9iCB5DycEkRzMdHsHJjWydGX1lp4MTpjpIJmubFegm3yQFGYg2_gKt8IeTCsyl6g-JENBf-DIFI_lDzTjsadvvXKK19BqkvY1uyRnl_UwIS4ZgNPVq8is=w510-h383" width="510" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTfyV00WKfkc-LB64RxzbK90Mfptl5C1y96Vlx4NAFGadI0WnGvmKyJQDi21OAVQ0KojtSvfpigASjUOdLUsY78_pkrMx3HvdNFQjthPgCVvKMdOy3IWINSbtCf8Td0lQXYWlbdWS-bme0bWx0usV7hDvaoV2nJpFsmF6FMwmSyLwvXOxreE=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjcTfyV00WKfkc-LB64RxzbK90Mfptl5C1y96Vlx4NAFGadI0WnGvmKyJQDi21OAVQ0KojtSvfpigASjUOdLUsY78_pkrMx3HvdNFQjthPgCVvKMdOy3IWINSbtCf8Td0lQXYWlbdWS-bme0bWx0usV7hDvaoV2nJpFsmF6FMwmSyLwvXOxreE=w512-h385" width="512" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">After removing the chip detector from my ULpower engine, I saw no metal on it. I smeared the oily residue onto a paper towel, and with the help of an A&P/IA friend, he examined it under a magnifying glass. Absolutely nothing found! Yeah! That's the way it ought to be. Back to flying.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-21181509987470048792021-12-14T12:18:00.001-06:002021-12-14T12:46:02.623-06:00Chipper 2 NTSB Final Report Lake Hood Accident N3748<p>In 2020, the NTSB released a final report on my 2018 accident in Alaska. Just about everybody missed this publication. The NTSB certainly makes no announcement of the publication of a routine GA report. It is buried within the Carol system, which is an accident database query system which the NTSB uses. If you know the details, you can find the report. </p><p>Ironically, the NTSB identified my airplane, N3748, as a Pipper, not a Chipper. The story behind this is well worthy of another article and involves the first, forgotten name of Chipper, and a threatened lawsuit from Piper Aircraft causing the name change Pipper --> Chipper. But there you have it; technically N3748 was a Pipper, not a Chipper. Knowing that detail helps ease the discovery of the NTSB document.</p><p>Another piece of required reading is the earlier post,</p><p><a href="https://jameswiebe.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-curious-in-flight-engine-failure-of.html">Standard Pilot Blog: The Curious In-Flight Engine Failure of N3748 in Alabama (jameswiebe.blogspot.com)</a></p><p>...which details the catastrophic failure of the upgraded Rotax 912UL engine while returning from a successful Sun N Fun show in Florida. </p><p>I will get to that NTSB report in due course, please keep reading.</p><p>After the failure in Alabama, N3748 was trucked to Wichita for repairs and additional upgrades to the Rotax. To my recollection, it received a different crankshaft, a new cam, and new pistons / cylinders from Edge Performance. An Edge Performance rep flew in from Canada to Wichita to perform the work.</p><p>After the work was performed, this forgotten video was made:</p><p><a href="https://vimeo.com/267140891">Chipper STOL Test Flight on Vimeo</a></p><p>And I left for Alaska. Along the way, some strange engine behavior was observed, causing me to pause the journey in Watson Lake, Yukon Territories for engine work.</p><p>Watson Lake is famous for its sign forest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilVKigr9_TlPDopQUYj4OMo7lC-DFRA7qnsM_w7csOpODUesQIpUSagGAf5EWM9l-zBSdLcoR1-jvbQFwyKBCWlSN1BtGjP5ar6aXVWFFQDVP2DhnALGZh3a29WqoPdPouDl_x2WlYZ-g35KukjVpqKLrgJIv-TuqAyc18MEH4Wwsjhawtkr8=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilVKigr9_TlPDopQUYj4OMo7lC-DFRA7qnsM_w7csOpODUesQIpUSagGAf5EWM9l-zBSdLcoR1-jvbQFwyKBCWlSN1BtGjP5ar6aXVWFFQDVP2DhnALGZh3a29WqoPdPouDl_x2WlYZ-g35KukjVpqKLrgJIv-TuqAyc18MEH4Wwsjhawtkr8=w483-h362" width="483" /></a></div><p>And I met another Chihuahua, which reminded me of my dog, Cocoa.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvY2ecc5GJ8hb4LbAoYOjDXZ1-4lgZwHkArGoWNw8FCmTo2nCCr1ybjrTljeYso04ZMJ3pXwEglfjB44vxUmwoMXu2WCSUbeXutnekie-34Pwsjw0NWkoqyLCzoMKQwOgqt0Mxt7X20D6816Kv8vmTUA63sOH1GOA7qagm6mBvQFTwB_CwylE=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvY2ecc5GJ8hb4LbAoYOjDXZ1-4lgZwHkArGoWNw8FCmTo2nCCr1ybjrTljeYso04ZMJ3pXwEglfjB44vxUmwoMXu2WCSUbeXutnekie-34Pwsjw0NWkoqyLCzoMKQwOgqt0Mxt7X20D6816Kv8vmTUA63sOH1GOA7qagm6mBvQFTwB_CwylE=w492-h369" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yeah, I know that's not why you are reading this. Back to the point. With the help of the FBO, I explored why the engine was running rough sometimes. We looked at the carbs, because of some known issues with sinking floats. (This was not the problem, but we looked.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSIOmv9L1jARNvls4LoDo-ChPXtefgmlriU2P2YREbMaJKE_ISPkH1ifNMuLxgy6ZRF4qI95M-8BgvS-gtXZmrQGeIqEu6v4WTJP4c33wcSTwcXABqA03tU8_ZwTZimcPkss3LMJQ_Z-sJIgVqAUH0hSzZK1gGFdFZB9jJVDEhBKP1V2LlYbY=s2168" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2168" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSIOmv9L1jARNvls4LoDo-ChPXtefgmlriU2P2YREbMaJKE_ISPkH1ifNMuLxgy6ZRF4qI95M-8BgvS-gtXZmrQGeIqEu6v4WTJP4c33wcSTwcXABqA03tU8_ZwTZimcPkss3LMJQ_Z-sJIgVqAUH0hSzZK1gGFdFZB9jJVDEhBKP1V2LlYbY=w492-h442" width="492" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we looked at the chip detector. The crazy thing is that nobody seemed particularly alarmed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoYZ7kn5Z-Ua-1m5wHqcrDuGUpenANRti5FVGjQ0cFEJZiZB5FG_NsSkVZl1zq4FpGuoi2lLhN75z-H3zDWEjpLHxtdyZJ9Fy-qcY0BanInUSiJhRJ08tbFFfXCLZmAN3Lw80Ypu1en-21J-252t_Sop0sW4cWz-p897vk7sb6r9nf-eHGRCw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoYZ7kn5Z-Ua-1m5wHqcrDuGUpenANRti5FVGjQ0cFEJZiZB5FG_NsSkVZl1zq4FpGuoi2lLhN75z-H3zDWEjpLHxtdyZJ9Fy-qcY0BanInUSiJhRJ08tbFFfXCLZmAN3Lw80Ypu1en-21J-252t_Sop0sW4cWz-p897vk7sb6r9nf-eHGRCw=w505-h379" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After doing some things, the engine ground tested smooth running again, and I continued the flight to Alaska. For those of you that have flown the Alaska highway, been to Tok, seen 40 Mile Air, here's some memories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZzyuklAieXl9DN8LOr-yIvviql7LPxpRWKz7ks7pDeNlJUufTKe5xVA6sS9NsNi0eAFDdG-_2F_qkRIvNBXzNmLceX-bC9XcKIM368vx5TOrPaHSBGlZn4qkDQHYb_cCUk9I3GQ0O7h5aXf-5dwgixr_Y8c7FVxGDPHL1k0FTP2PTyVQ2wY=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOZzyuklAieXl9DN8LOr-yIvviql7LPxpRWKz7ks7pDeNlJUufTKe5xVA6sS9NsNi0eAFDdG-_2F_qkRIvNBXzNmLceX-bC9XcKIM368vx5TOrPaHSBGlZn4qkDQHYb_cCUk9I3GQ0O7h5aXf-5dwgixr_Y8c7FVxGDPHL1k0FTP2PTyVQ2wY=w508-h381" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5enyCVUTO65uQxqQbLb9sy38Is7gT2i6y0ABnIu66SbsJh6orA8EyL_YxCuDYGmen2IDRQV0jB9qmpnSbN2SIDAAgUFPUCqpKONzxtUXXKtvce-4Ryw-Tj6dmHn8THIgmIdL9IEmTpi29FOOrhPe86nvqADy1blFVD071TNOpLqFzHlYUxSM=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5enyCVUTO65uQxqQbLb9sy38Is7gT2i6y0ABnIu66SbsJh6orA8EyL_YxCuDYGmen2IDRQV0jB9qmpnSbN2SIDAAgUFPUCqpKONzxtUXXKtvce-4Ryw-Tj6dmHn8THIgmIdL9IEmTpi29FOOrhPe86nvqADy1blFVD071TNOpLqFzHlYUxSM=w512-h384" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSOIK8w-bQHwyia4C2YJoLEJX6VUJUdRM2n8vMG43o7aO5q4GS26AOMOluiOld1cOXeyYsdwRN5clSepLOetNM7Lmlbi-JiiXOdikqJQMB5Zn9rcjndLoZAIMCAxLLbg1gRD3pqKl7hzZtmFVjQ_fpO61e2ihY1Xf45b6PUQTKdGMphIeC0GI=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSOIK8w-bQHwyia4C2YJoLEJX6VUJUdRM2n8vMG43o7aO5q4GS26AOMOluiOld1cOXeyYsdwRN5clSepLOetNM7Lmlbi-JiiXOdikqJQMB5Zn9rcjndLoZAIMCAxLLbg1gRD3pqKl7hzZtmFVjQ_fpO61e2ihY1Xf45b6PUQTKdGMphIeC0GI=w514-h385" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, arriving at Lake Hood (Anchorage) very late in the evening. It was a phenomenal experience. The dusk conditions, clouds and mountains made everything surreal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKhYGv0IutpRnnFIz1-VL2kGgzap0KtFrxK3Hd06qKEEmWdx9Um4vbj77sFIggNF0oQzWwwBHBOu50TIIen44oYiP-WsmFDXb6pXJdocqBcz23YTGMp6nZXp7DC8gl1NWDsonzo7JNKurxG5McGroNQvrC5j7znw6cwt92bCUbZ4BJD2EJLhA=s3774" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1926" data-original-width="3774" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKhYGv0IutpRnnFIz1-VL2kGgzap0KtFrxK3Hd06qKEEmWdx9Um4vbj77sFIggNF0oQzWwwBHBOu50TIIen44oYiP-WsmFDXb6pXJdocqBcz23YTGMp6nZXp7DC8gl1NWDsonzo7JNKurxG5McGroNQvrC5j7znw6cwt92bCUbZ4BJD2EJLhA=w513-h261" width="513" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yeah, I'm still working towards that NTSB report.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the course of the next couple of weeks, I gave demo rides, exhibited at the Alaska Airman show, met Steve Riedel in person and discovered that he was a pilot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh79ky7tfl-UVhJdwra2t3FlkWf1LEwAuFkphh_FQang2GVSnbV4oiOooSimt7TzOQOg3vJyjjP4J7BD-6t6E-Rj4F1z4brXq4Z1fbUWNu_7nd9RxMoZy375Myy-iu1XTSt8m0kqGOp3iNGGA-8ao6aWlw82s9xx7YmgK-F_tbyksF8um6-KQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh79ky7tfl-UVhJdwra2t3FlkWf1LEwAuFkphh_FQang2GVSnbV4oiOooSimt7TzOQOg3vJyjjP4J7BD-6t6E-Rj4F1z4brXq4Z1fbUWNu_7nd9RxMoZy375Myy-iu1XTSt8m0kqGOp3iNGGA-8ao6aWlw82s9xx7YmgK-F_tbyksF8um6-KQ=w518-h388" width="518" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(He and his daughter Emily are recurring characters in one of the Gold shows.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While flying close to Anchorage, the engine started to run extremely rough. I consulted with a local mechanic and he indicated that conditions were prime for Carb ice. I agreed with the conclusion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later, the engine started to run rough again and I did a precautionary landing at a military base. After a few minutes on the ground, everything returned to normal, and N3748 went back to Lake Hood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At that point, I fully involved a local mechanic in conjunction with tech support from Edge. They suspected a fuel flow issue, so we rebuilt the fuel lines. My fuel system included an electric pump which could force gas into the carbs. We had equipment for testing fuel pressure. At some point, my mind concluded that the engine was using gas faster than what could be supplied, so I repitched the prop for lower horsepower. Finally, the engine ran OK.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In hindsight, I do not believe the carbs on the 80HP engine were up to feeding gas to the cylinders at the 122HP rate of the upgrade. Perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself. My speculation as to why this didn't happen until I got to Alaska is easy to understand: it was the first time that the engine upgrade was flying close to sea level, along with cold temps, causing the density altitude to plummet, and the gas requirements to rise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the afternoon of May 23, after an extended and successful ground ops check of the engine, I taxied to the Lake Hade gravel airstrip, which is on the same extended area of Anchorage airport. The gravel strip and the adjoining lake support GA traffic for the thousands of small airplanes based in Anchorage. The control tower gave approval for takeoff, and I advised that I would be closed pattern. I climbed out and made right traffic. Later that day, I was to head to Fairbanks and continue showing off Chipper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Coming down final on this test run, everything was perfect. For reasons that are not clear, I decided to take a second trip around the racetrack, and I advised the tower of my intentions; they approved. I was climbing out at about 150' AGL when the engine went to idle power and the aircraft started to descend. Looking forward, I saw my dilemma: insufficient runway remaining for landing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I mic'd and called tower. I don't remember my exact words, but I do remember my tone of voice: urgency, urgency, trouble. "N3748 lost engine, landing."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tower responds: "Cleared to land."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next sequence is like a video game, where the great big obstacle is approaching you and you're trying to figure out what can stop certain calamity. My mind is thinking slip, but it is hopeless. Suddenly, a solution emerges: touch down at the end of the runway, bounce like crazy, clear the 8' chain link fence, and land in the following bog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a good plan, but it didn't work. I hit the end of the runway and bounced. The gear caught the chain link fence, N3748 stopped flying right then, the propeller spinner nose of N3748 hit the ground, all forward motion stopped in that exact moment, and the plane flipped over on its back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was upside down, suspended in my four point harness, looking at the swampy bog which the airplane was sitting in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOlxAaJu9I3EIjIlHJUPsSXw6ffvTPKprVbG4aa_g9YMzr5XUhoLtl-Cq8OEvQhAkSVflQ9J7nt-sc83B1hbEo6Jqgd_7pKK7_H4-GvpZ8x7B_9D9ctyw-_GU0EKRKvW0rw9JovpPmYfh87ACCSzvEiFY-EQqYJMrSSTzRi3jCK6RSunY3psk=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2127" data-original-width="4032" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOlxAaJu9I3EIjIlHJUPsSXw6ffvTPKprVbG4aa_g9YMzr5XUhoLtl-Cq8OEvQhAkSVflQ9J7nt-sc83B1hbEo6Jqgd_7pKK7_H4-GvpZ8x7B_9D9ctyw-_GU0EKRKvW0rw9JovpPmYfh87ACCSzvEiFY-EQqYJMrSSTzRi3jCK6RSunY3psk=w648-h342" width="648" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(This photo was taken a little later in the day, the wings have been cut away from the cabin.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could hear sirens in the distance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought, "they are coming for me."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I reached down to the ground. I could feel dampness, was that fuel? Remember, I'm still upside down, in my harness.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I checked my body. I felt pretty good. Nothing broken.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I fumbled for my harness and I couldn't get it to release. The problem was my weight tension on the clasp. Forcing myself up by pushing on the roof of the cabin, the clasp popped and I dumped my body downward to the windshield; now to get out of the airplane.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The door and frame were distorted and I couldn't get the latch to pop. I put my legs into the problem and the door popped open. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I climbed out of the cabin and onto the wing. Just as I got that accomplished, two men ran up to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My resting spot was in a bog, over a fence, about 375 feet from the end of the runway. In the following photo, the fence was cut later to get access to the site.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Q6Wk_VBW9H-UV8tLchzwb8ZkkpmDTDMbDD49w5635cZJ7NAysvRpQpMSoB6RIrZ3kvdTPFcF-m2i0ppMH1hTZ7-_3nYb3-zjH6fNc6Czibev87SqLYJkkk9j3vWgY8IktMG7dJWygXtg2ym6_Kld-P0oMHlr5CjJS8pLi8myjFwdmTANlFg=s4011" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1942" data-original-width="4011" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1Q6Wk_VBW9H-UV8tLchzwb8ZkkpmDTDMbDD49w5635cZJ7NAysvRpQpMSoB6RIrZ3kvdTPFcF-m2i0ppMH1hTZ7-_3nYb3-zjH6fNc6Czibev87SqLYJkkk9j3vWgY8IktMG7dJWygXtg2ym6_Kld-P0oMHlr5CjJS8pLi8myjFwdmTANlFg=w630-h305" width="630" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are seeing the plane in the exact spot where it hit the ground. Things stopped fairly quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lot of what happened from that point forward is very blurred. Fire trucks, ambulance, a trip to the emergency room (what a waste of thousands of dollars), NTSB investigator, Uber driver taking me to a hotel, people contacting me with offers to help, Anchorage news, Facebook comments, call to my wife: "I've rolled the plane into a ball" which wasn't true, but expressed my state of mind, trying to find an immediate commercial flight home, all flights full, frequent flyer miles, a room in a hotel, talking with Kathy at 1:45am in the morning, pleading with American Airlines to find me a way home, finding a flight to Seattle that had a seat, getting AA to fly me on miles from Seattle to Wichita, getting home, having an interview with Mike Ross (Anchorage TV news) via Skype.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From the hospital ER:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5oTDy7aIjnNPkq_yOkPS6WnIhrpLyQ4LwjiwFqs1qULRXyunMcdMA1ZBjkJl7jI0Mp-vzRvvq1rWPIBdGH6zOqsE5VXb4vzbw4ShI1lUkPZlGf8GL_oaTwZ0Qeam4u9Q2qWK_6f_lq7bKxaigmak0E03qVmqTvGrMP5V0xo0WcolC6ViSLW8=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5oTDy7aIjnNPkq_yOkPS6WnIhrpLyQ4LwjiwFqs1qULRXyunMcdMA1ZBjkJl7jI0Mp-vzRvvq1rWPIBdGH6zOqsE5VXb4vzbw4ShI1lUkPZlGf8GL_oaTwZ0Qeam4u9Q2qWK_6f_lq7bKxaigmak0E03qVmqTvGrMP5V0xo0WcolC6ViSLW8=w546-h410" width="546" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That was where my knees hit the panel, which was most of my injuries. I think I had a scratch on my head, probably from hitting the ceiling when I released the seat belt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But there is that NTSB report.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglbfj7-kjKWrTpIMx664tw1bpCNZaVoO7BKHq2FTQG0wVDYzk59vvN2VAELG616JEsOs1ycTRNVhRrhPEY7aNRYkrVoyIyLSI3F0PifIkG1ls8olx8aw9ZG9D0PHpzH_dqQk07HivLJAamuVH39T8kLI-h5nbfI-Rj6Ytu9A0PwG_yeTsYWfg=s1146" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="886" height="806" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglbfj7-kjKWrTpIMx664tw1bpCNZaVoO7BKHq2FTQG0wVDYzk59vvN2VAELG616JEsOs1ycTRNVhRrhPEY7aNRYkrVoyIyLSI3F0PifIkG1ls8olx8aw9ZG9D0PHpzH_dqQk07HivLJAamuVH39T8kLI-h5nbfI-Rj6Ytu9A0PwG_yeTsYWfg=w622-h806" width="622" /></a></div>from the report:<div><br /></div><div>"Because the carburetors were not altered, it is likely that the engine was not receiving enough fuel for full power operation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power during the go-around attempt."</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's another page from the report:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiZG4psCZeoN0w6FxvIxZ2NecJ8d5DDUGRz1A7wSKFtjg7jvxW5sNah7wmEwKLEwGP9Cu8qB9Ev-NK7n3QErwtfnLP20ojU8efmAgXjKr_v1G5TgqNkPE59qW6QoEsvLkbH5N7fZZkaFo88fk_oefgO3pkL9TEPoc-y9Bgi3eTUU7Im7txPGE=s1116" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="880" height="789" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiZG4psCZeoN0w6FxvIxZ2NecJ8d5DDUGRz1A7wSKFtjg7jvxW5sNah7wmEwKLEwGP9Cu8qB9Ev-NK7n3QErwtfnLP20ojU8efmAgXjKr_v1G5TgqNkPE59qW6QoEsvLkbH5N7fZZkaFo88fk_oefgO3pkL9TEPoc-y9Bgi3eTUU7Im7txPGE=w621-h789" width="621" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>More curious stuff:</div><div><br /></div><div>"All rocker arms exhibited discoloration consistent with high heat exposure."</div><div><br /></div><div>"When the number 4 cylinder was removed, the valve was discovered fractured and a witness mark was present consistent with piston contact."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXuX7-EpjNngD58B_xwzzlFE5RkYeeZlXwuGB7_1UIeZzVil6CtOSSXxd86zDsORZE9YG0TdCRrIDmU4b_t07ZFBJ0PMD6YJdAlNpMEHTYEUuliWBobHL90VmnOhAxZQ5W0dR9OV9WmOaT0N5kwJ2gJA50mU7Ijy-cBFjQNDCiEAraO80Dki0=s1047" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="787" height="789" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXuX7-EpjNngD58B_xwzzlFE5RkYeeZlXwuGB7_1UIeZzVil6CtOSSXxd86zDsORZE9YG0TdCRrIDmU4b_t07ZFBJ0PMD6YJdAlNpMEHTYEUuliWBobHL90VmnOhAxZQ5W0dR9OV9WmOaT0N5kwJ2gJA50mU7Ijy-cBFjQNDCiEAraO80Dki0=w595-h789" width="595" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuEdxEWaoSS6j-6aN1U3f8fsFZrHJiUPOGS0kmUiwknTF0s31O4EvpFhtk3Ec_G1LGMpoWkCwzvyJfPVNPNWpz2ZI8TUs3Odu49JOL61hM7ABzxGP9XY4hS5dGVj8BqBkXTOZ9vCuHpUcwyht56VNDZ8LN0orwZpz0352bM2gj4ct6rx8VCx8=s1182" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1182" data-original-width="934" height="748" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuEdxEWaoSS6j-6aN1U3f8fsFZrHJiUPOGS0kmUiwknTF0s31O4EvpFhtk3Ec_G1LGMpoWkCwzvyJfPVNPNWpz2ZI8TUs3Odu49JOL61hM7ABzxGP9XY4hS5dGVj8BqBkXTOZ9vCuHpUcwyht56VNDZ8LN0orwZpz0352bM2gj4ct6rx8VCx8=w592-h748" width="592" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>You can read the full text version of the NTSB report here:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.accidents.app/summaries/accident/20180524X22838">Aviation Accident Summary ANC18LA038</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW1xrVt8bvIZodw99kTWO6MUAwtgfzGn51YyjoXHLj9imh5SlMxE0LirNkneBeTUwSMFC7PnRMKuBqjOitArPE1pPTIFLKg7DKaOEPL3n0qy8iY7A93MI4RHjfO9sJj7YgygIHhLaWSnlPRiDLaYkHfKvZkuUUVgvLp2YHhGnp2_dX6dj1vno=s2400" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="2400" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjW1xrVt8bvIZodw99kTWO6MUAwtgfzGn51YyjoXHLj9imh5SlMxE0LirNkneBeTUwSMFC7PnRMKuBqjOitArPE1pPTIFLKg7DKaOEPL3n0qy8iY7A93MI4RHjfO9sJj7YgygIHhLaWSnlPRiDLaYkHfKvZkuUUVgvLp2YHhGnp2_dX6dj1vno=w645-h304" width="645" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm restarting Chipper + Ultralight work now. I dealt with this accident and then I dealt with a horrible fire. Would you be willing to help me? Then support me on Patreon:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/JamesWiebe">James Wiebe is creating Experimental and Ultralight Aircraft | Patreon</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for reading. -- James</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p></div><br />James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-54387027933831261832021-11-29T11:30:00.002-06:002021-11-29T11:31:03.840-06:00Wonder of Wonders (WoW) Amazing aircraft paint scheme!<p> The Wonder of Wonders (WoW) Plane<span> </span></p><p><span>Ever had a great idea for an airplane paint scheme?</span></p><p>How about a scheme that's easy to do, distinctive, and inexpensive and unforgettable? You might think that's impossible. It's not.</p><p>The idea for the WoW paint scheme rose in my head. Why not paint a plane white and then cover it with a a variety of colored pre-cut vinyl circles?</p><p>And that is how WoW came to be.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rFtyQKWdJw/YaUMLFNYdHI/AAAAAAAAILE/02xUZbC9KdMnAni8FnNH8TbhyrpX1gw7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WoW-Climbout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7rFtyQKWdJw/YaUMLFNYdHI/AAAAAAAAILE/02xUZbC9KdMnAni8FnNH8TbhyrpX1gw7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w627-h288/WoW-Climbout.jpg" width="627" /></a></div><br /><p>I love the head on look of this plane.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nY0TKMExulQ/YaUN15cMfpI/AAAAAAAAILM/ca_jgaH0x_oJRTZAdJDrrMAsYfyEzTM8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2513/WoW%2Bhead%2Bon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="2513" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nY0TKMExulQ/YaUN15cMfpI/AAAAAAAAILM/ca_jgaH0x_oJRTZAdJDrrMAsYfyEzTM8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w624-h309/WoW%2Bhead%2Bon.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was fun to get it ready.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2JfnlNDcN0/YaUOBStjzkI/AAAAAAAAILQ/3w-FdKJ1fqI526U8pEU823BhgOC_M7E-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2012-03-10_13-06-22_385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="2048" height="347" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2JfnlNDcN0/YaUOBStjzkI/AAAAAAAAILQ/3w-FdKJ1fqI526U8pEU823BhgOC_M7E-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w617-h347/2012-03-10_13-06-22_385.jpg" width="617" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-91386879466717375902021-11-24T13:05:00.001-06:002021-11-24T13:05:56.522-06:00Improving strength in a landing gear bulkhead<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm working on upgrading my landing gear bulkhead. Jumping right in, this is how things look after I've removed the broken parts.The leftover angles are still visible, but I removed them later. It was easy to remove the fuel lines on the right hand side, but the rudder cable was a stickier wicket. I ended up cutting it at the thimble, and will reuse the same line and install longer stainless straps to resolve the shortened cable. Also in this photo, I've not yet removed the bottom aluminum. After everything else is done, I will re-sheet that section.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XqkHc49B4/YZ6Dn5viuhI/AAAAAAAAII8/tHZyZN_HfRIf1emMW-PNvmGSxsad_SH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="455" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8XqkHc49B4/YZ6Dn5viuhI/AAAAAAAAII8/tHZyZN_HfRIf1emMW-PNvmGSxsad_SH7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w607-h455/IMG_1977.jpeg" width="607" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the left side of the work area. The 1/8" material remained bent. It had reached yield load but not ultimate. After consultation with CW, I concluded to leave it. The new angle was clamped and bonded into place, and the new top and bottom bolt holes are substantially to the left o the existing holes. The new middle bolt hole is centered between the old holes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2C95uFGHkP4/YZ6Eid1c-PI/AAAAAAAAIJE/skuimvllRcszllDt7HsPHVJRl16hx87SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1980.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="455" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2C95uFGHkP4/YZ6Eid1c-PI/AAAAAAAAIJE/skuimvllRcszllDt7HsPHVJRl16hx87SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w606-h455/IMG_1980.jpeg" width="606" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Right hand side with old angle finally removed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5TWbP9DulA/YZ6FsmfdFtI/AAAAAAAAIJM/ysQPwzmZWjwI1Wp-1NQiJV1-9kOZv-QSgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1981.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5TWbP9DulA/YZ6FsmfdFtI/AAAAAAAAIJM/ysQPwzmZWjwI1Wp-1NQiJV1-9kOZv-QSgCLcBGAsYHQ/w609-h456/IMG_1981.jpeg" width="609" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, I drill out rivest and cut out the bottom skin. I should have done this earlier, it makes everything easier.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iT8zSG6bv4/YZ6GLQSFVTI/AAAAAAAAIJU/wRcyJXFHVaos-IcgdrgOC2nVhqxgdesBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1982.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="466" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1iT8zSG6bv4/YZ6GLQSFVTI/AAAAAAAAIJU/wRcyJXFHVaos-IcgdrgOC2nVhqxgdesBgCLcBGAsYHQ/w622-h466/IMG_1982.jpeg" width="622" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Seizing opportunity, I removed rust from the 1 3/8" steel tube. It will get blued or painted. I also discovered that the AN3 bolt holding on the bushing was over-tightened, which made the oilite bearing not work smoothly, thus diagnosing a minor background squawk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Octany2ZZ0/YZ6GpjhT1II/AAAAAAAAIJc/bOcb9ng2XH4zaZ9CwGN0HBKDdWDGFGXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1983.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Octany2ZZ0/YZ6GpjhT1II/AAAAAAAAIJc/bOcb9ng2XH4zaZ9CwGN0HBKDdWDGFGXlQCLcBGAsYHQ/w616-h462/IMG_1983.jpeg" width="616" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cocoa cuddle break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0GiCcV3tEM/YZ6IICs4ghI/AAAAAAAAIJs/l_4_560PNckHbi9Fi0-ye0viaUbiM_5lQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1989.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0GiCcV3tEM/YZ6IICs4ghI/AAAAAAAAIJs/l_4_560PNckHbi9Fi0-ye0viaUbiM_5lQCLcBGAsYHQ/w613-h460/IMG_1989.jpeg" width="613" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unused rivet holes are filled with epoxy. This restores the integrity of the HC. Do the same with unused bolt holes.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeWsl9VgyZs/YZ6InbW51BI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/dYuMvXSoDTQoETYbsNuIXu0qopT0XJC_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1994.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="823" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeWsl9VgyZs/YZ6InbW51BI/AAAAAAAAIJ4/dYuMvXSoDTQoETYbsNuIXu0qopT0XJC_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w617-h823/IMG_1994.jpeg" width="617" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It would be better NOT to drill out the outer skin, but I did. Use something (for instance, a very small allen wrench) on an electric drill to clear out ALL of the honeycomb for an area equal to or greater than a fender washer. Pot all holes with high tensile epoxy compatible with aluminum. JB Weld original formula; 3M 2216 are good choices. I did it when the hangar was very cold so it made it easy to do with masking tape and no dripping. YMMV. My glue wasn't runny. It was glop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is new required procedure for all bolts going thru HC. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z42okc8krkM/YZ6JFO6gJoI/AAAAAAAAIKE/svaX_A8BdKMw1hns3NQ5wYzfXDzVaHHrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="460" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z42okc8krkM/YZ6JFO6gJoI/AAAAAAAAIKE/svaX_A8BdKMw1hns3NQ5wYzfXDzVaHHrQCLcBGAsYHQ/w614-h460/IMG_2002.jpeg" width="614" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Same thing from the inside. You can see the epoxy which has oozed through the drill holes.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Au4TCRNyT3Q/YZ6KZVz056I/AAAAAAAAIKM/eSHHFi996XIZ2Ox0FIxJnCEcVmp8inhCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="803" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Au4TCRNyT3Q/YZ6KZVz056I/AAAAAAAAIKM/eSHHFi996XIZ2Ox0FIxJnCEcVmp8inhCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w601-h803/IMG_2012.jpeg" width="601" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The top angle is bonded into position, as the are the left and right side attach angles. All surfaces between bulkheads and angles need to be heavily roughed (grinder or 60 grit), cleaned, attached using appropriate metal bonding epoxy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uX5QBYX_dtk/YZ6LXa7zoFI/AAAAAAAAIKc/qcN0HThufMQq47V5he5s-KxXFiLRw7qGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2017.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uX5QBYX_dtk/YZ6LXa7zoFI/AAAAAAAAIKc/qcN0HThufMQq47V5he5s-KxXFiLRw7qGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w607-h456/IMG_2017.JPEG" width="607" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's the left angle, which was machined to fit, partially bolted in place. The red wire is power going to the flap and droop linear servos. Not all bolts are done. The lower angle (which is impossible to see) is not yet in place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubv19HrTVlI/YZ6L5J_fz7I/AAAAAAAAIKk/nSDFHEEkBAgcPKQdJVeCebRzd0eBMKmHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2018.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="457" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ubv19HrTVlI/YZ6L5J_fz7I/AAAAAAAAIKk/nSDFHEEkBAgcPKQdJVeCebRzd0eBMKmHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w609-h457/IMG_2018.JPEG" width="609" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The right angle bonded and partially bolted in place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpwWkWepcDs/YZ6MigjP9CI/AAAAAAAAIKs/nFDcQPTAPngeM-DP5LxeVlcblp5F1BXqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2019.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="459" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WpwWkWepcDs/YZ6MigjP9CI/AAAAAAAAIKs/nFDcQPTAPngeM-DP5LxeVlcblp5F1BXqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w611-h459/IMG_2019.JPEG" width="611" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>To be continued....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-76269738937963990082021-11-23T10:24:00.000-06:002021-11-23T10:24:05.270-06:00How to make a plug for Composite Amphibious Floats <p>Ever wanted to fly on water?</p><p>First of all, this is a work-in-process. The plug is not yet complete. In fact, as I write this, it is in storage, ready for next steps. That next step would be to finish the plug, and then use it to either make a mold or start making parts.</p><p>Secondly, this is just a pictorial journey. </p><p>As a brief overview, I created a design for a float in CAD, then exported into slice files for cutting in foam. They were stacked and shaped, then glued to a plywood bottom base. Fiberglass was applied for strengthening, also some aluminum rails.</p><p>And that is where the project sits now. It's in storage. :-/</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-111WZKg1PsE/YZ0VNprpZCI/AAAAAAAAIHc/VCDUlK0MhVMjgtlyO8kNCH4EiH0SFdBiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-111WZKg1PsE/YZ0VNprpZCI/AAAAAAAAIHc/VCDUlK0MhVMjgtlyO8kNCH4EiH0SFdBiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJTxYrf4Rzs/YZ0VNUsK8DI/AAAAAAAAIHY/RZisGYgqHe44nICplFIy8w3Idpzf2ytfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJTxYrf4Rzs/YZ0VNUsK8DI/AAAAAAAAIHY/RZisGYgqHe44nICplFIy8w3Idpzf2ytfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4046.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-azF51gcSA/YZ0VOljXf5I/AAAAAAAAIHg/DtxhrOPbGOEO_fIaUpBAXIcnMhHQs8Q3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-azF51gcSA/YZ0VOljXf5I/AAAAAAAAIHg/DtxhrOPbGOEO_fIaUpBAXIcnMhHQs8Q3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_da4-SE6NY/YZ0VO8OQXgI/AAAAAAAAIHk/DOt5b0rscXk0sy2eOAYE-OZRnNtTwMNigCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4080%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_da4-SE6NY/YZ0VO8OQXgI/AAAAAAAAIHk/DOt5b0rscXk0sy2eOAYE-OZRnNtTwMNigCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4080%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj3skgFQAwE/YZ0VP2pDgVI/AAAAAAAAIHo/hT6xrLhi8tsb9iN5hy8pZfFupZkIcCSUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4147%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj3skgFQAwE/YZ0VP2pDgVI/AAAAAAAAIHo/hT6xrLhi8tsb9iN5hy8pZfFupZkIcCSUACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4147%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SngERWxaQ0/YZ0VTLbSqoI/AAAAAAAAIH4/OrlZU8GTo60XCQReaRiecKVTP83AKE5bACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6SngERWxaQ0/YZ0VTLbSqoI/AAAAAAAAIH4/OrlZU8GTo60XCQReaRiecKVTP83AKE5bACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-285uwBTUrbY/YZ0VRhpkdiI/AAAAAAAAIH0/l7pX1_k9mHIMaDnCCrb_Bdlsoalw4tWfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4176%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-285uwBTUrbY/YZ0VRhpkdiI/AAAAAAAAIH0/l7pX1_k9mHIMaDnCCrb_Bdlsoalw4tWfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4176%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVC96p1HDTA/YZ0VRdVu3SI/AAAAAAAAIHw/n90spamWFVcvi-TH71r78RFzeY64jTOaACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4175%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVC96p1HDTA/YZ0VRdVu3SI/AAAAAAAAIHw/n90spamWFVcvi-TH71r78RFzeY64jTOaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4175%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDzMsnVMCaM/YZ0VQcoRckI/AAAAAAAAIHs/-cY9a9zD9lM9nSfyRDPmFMU8e3c6WXdfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4149%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDzMsnVMCaM/YZ0VQcoRckI/AAAAAAAAIHs/-cY9a9zD9lM9nSfyRDPmFMU8e3c6WXdfACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4149%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfSOJuAVGFE/YZ0VUUQP5pI/AAAAAAAAIIA/R8XkNRm-QOscIsDP4qHkvJPxi1H2juwagCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfSOJuAVGFE/YZ0VUUQP5pI/AAAAAAAAIIA/R8XkNRm-QOscIsDP4qHkvJPxi1H2juwagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-75745285017266777872021-11-22T20:00:00.001-06:002021-11-22T20:10:57.408-06:00Breaking the Landing Gear Bulkhead on my Chipper 2<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stupid Pilot Tricks...</b></span></p><p>I had just installed the new oil thermostat in my Chipper 2. I pulled the plane out of the hangar, eager for a break in the routine. (I was early in the process of installing shock absorbers on the plane.) It was a beautiful afternoon, the sky was blue, the grass was green, and the plane was gorgeous. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYjn9Mm51-Y/YZxACh8oODI/AAAAAAAAIGw/FUjZz6SDxp0quazPkrIpyaF_kKGgrDycwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/N318KW%2Bfor%2Btshirt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2048" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYjn9Mm51-Y/YZxACh8oODI/AAAAAAAAIGw/FUjZz6SDxp0quazPkrIpyaF_kKGgrDycwCLcBGAsYHQ/w564-h456/N318KW%2Bfor%2Btshirt.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Chipper 2 N318KW stock photo, before recent events.</div><p>As usual, my UL350iS powered up without a hitch. My goal was simply to warm up the engine and check oil pressure & temps. The process of warming up was taking a long time (it was a little chilly) and I advanced power while keeping the brakes engaged. This went on for several minutes. I edged the power up a bit more. My brakes were having a hard time keeping the plane from creeping forward. I'd ease back on the power, hold the brakes a little tighter, and advance power again.</p><p><i>All of this was extremely poorly thought out.</i></p><p>After advancing power again, the plane started to list to the left and settle down to the ground, like it was kneeling. Realizing that a prop strike was imminent, I retarded throttle. The tip of the prop cut into the soft grass and dirt, carrying through several blades before all became silent.</p><p>I broke my plane.</p><p>I did not take a picture. I was flaming mad. My hangar mates swiftly emerged from a hangar backroom, having heard the commotion, and walked towards me as I got out of the kneeling airplane and looked at one gear leg bent backwards. I realized that I had twisted the gear attach bulkhead. (The gear leg was not hurt.)</p><p>Then I realized I had forgotten to re-install the trailing links, so I had just ripped my gear out because of my forgetfulness.</p><p>With the help of my friends, we rolled the wounded bird back into the hangar. </p><p>The inside of the cockpit looked like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2G4kwgPJo/YZxCmI4s_RI/AAAAAAAAIG4/TZaR0YQOFqQ3Am3_YCpNxHoMHWN-H8AGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="439" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_r2G4kwgPJo/YZxCmI4s_RI/AAAAAAAAIG4/TZaR0YQOFqQ3Am3_YCpNxHoMHWN-H8AGACLcBGAsYHQ/w585-h439/IMG_1973.jpeg" width="585" /></a></div><p>And after several days of drilling out rivets, chopping out aluminum bulkhead, and cutting / pulling / fussing / fuming, the removed bits looked like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tf__-5IsaHc/YZxEAhJAWSI/AAAAAAAAIHI/BmM29FGI3ksagHJhKKw8SXZrJYL3E1W9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1978a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="445" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tf__-5IsaHc/YZxEAhJAWSI/AAAAAAAAIHI/BmM29FGI3ksagHJhKKw8SXZrJYL3E1W9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w592-h445/IMG_1978a.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><p>Over the course of the Thanksgiving holiday, I will be stepping you through what I have learned on how to repair this problem in my Chipper. I have also been using this opportunity to solve some other problems.</p><p>1) Improved bulkhead assembly for potentially higher gross weight</p><p>2) Shock absorber installation for potentially higher gross weight</p><p>3) Improvements in mounting techniques for bolts in honeycomb</p><p>4) Improvements in bonding techniques</p><p>5) General proof that this structure is repairable</p><p>And as I head into the Thanksgiving break, things are much improved. Here's a photo of how things were looking earlier this afternoon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVMG2jXTLGo/YZxFTNAL4NI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/zeG6YomgVVMMj9sIIl9cUmuX-aij_eBMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2014.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="439" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVMG2jXTLGo/YZxFTNAL4NI/AAAAAAAAIHQ/zeG6YomgVVMMj9sIIl9cUmuX-aij_eBMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w584-h439/IMG_2014.jpeg" width="584" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do all my airplane stuff at 29KS, which is the Wichita Gliderport. It has many very smart aviation people who hangar there and build / rebuild / repair things there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The benefit of this unfortunate event is that I am receiving honeycomb repair and assembly advice from another of these hangar mates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to take a moment out to brag on some of my aviation friends:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> N.: ex-CTO of Mooney Aircraft</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span> CW.: A&P/IA, formerly with Textron, traveled the globe fixing King Airs, versed in everything including honeycomb</span><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> D.: A&P/IA, formerly built parts for Mosquito Helicopters, currently starting a Piper Cub parts company, currently rebuilding 3 Cubs, has built 7 Pietenpols lifetime to date, with the last one nearly done right now</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><span><span> CP: 50 years with Cessna engineering, knows everything about any piston aircraft they designed. He can tell you why various Skylanes had weight changes, cabin changes, structure changes, feature changes. He is the walking and talking encylopedia of Cessna singles. </span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> K: Designed composite propellers for McCauley, currently working for Textron special ops.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In particular CW has taken an interest in Chipper 2 and its proper repair. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bottom line: after this rebuild, I believe that the gear mounting bulkhead will be strong enough so that failure will not occur when the trailing link is not installed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for reading. Please "Follow" this blog by clicking on the Follow button. You'll be advised every time I post the next article.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Live & Learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-22163307605183915102021-10-29T11:43:00.003-05:002021-10-29T11:45:01.610-05:00Is Now the Time for Electric Ultralights?<p> The biggest use of ultralight aircraft is to enjoy flight. To that end, is now the right time for an electric ultralight aircraft? I've been there and done that and want to share my history with you.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">My History with Electric Ultralights</span></b></p><p>I've designed and flown electric aircraft. I threw a lot of money into this one, which featured a carbon fiber fuselage and wing. It is called "SkyDock". I developed it with a gas engine as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmhwJzpWdA0/YXwYauymgrI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/xSNa8yc4BLUI4PZ0gCPqmIKF1xbP7Pb5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Electric%2BSkydock%2Bon%2Bground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric Ultralight Aircraft" border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TmhwJzpWdA0/YXwYauymgrI/AAAAAAAAIFQ/xSNa8yc4BLUI4PZ0gCPqmIKF1xbP7Pb5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w624-h271/Electric%2BSkydock%2Bon%2Bground.jpg" title="Skydock Electric Ultralight Aircraft" width="624" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgjv36H2xxY/YXwZI5AtVtI/AAAAAAAAIFo/MTPGQ77JGak_gBJC-XN3L1lDwLDBk8_rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s838/Electric%2BSkyDock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric Ultralight in flight" border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="838" height="304" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wgjv36H2xxY/YXwZI5AtVtI/AAAAAAAAIFo/MTPGQ77JGak_gBJC-XN3L1lDwLDBk8_rQCLcBGAsYHQ/w619-h304/Electric%2BSkyDock.jpg" title="Electric Skydock in flight" width="619" /></a></div><p>A couple of years before that, I adapted an electric motor to a classic Belite ultralight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awe63uk7nk8/YXwY1JwQOeI/AAAAAAAAIFY/2Hj4aiqX3gcN6R66_2Cbn93DiOrqJP70QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Electric%2B036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UltraCub ultralight with electric motor" border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awe63uk7nk8/YXwY1JwQOeI/AAAAAAAAIFY/2Hj4aiqX3gcN6R66_2Cbn93DiOrqJP70QCLcBGAsYHQ/w634-h422/Electric%2B036.jpg" title="UltraCub aircraft with electric motor" width="634" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nw8R_0mSdY/YXwY1BCaYuI/AAAAAAAAIFc/4vkePgoiX1c49QSRPm3NJWbQf6DS_cbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Electric%2B045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="UltraCub Electric Aircraft in flight" border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1600" height="383" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nw8R_0mSdY/YXwY1BCaYuI/AAAAAAAAIFc/4vkePgoiX1c49QSRPm3NJWbQf6DS_cbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w630-h383/Electric%2B045.jpg" title="UltraCub Electric Ultralight in flight" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">To help answer the question:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Ultralights are flown for fun; and electric flight is super fun!</li><li>Electric motors are available with incredible value and excellent power;</li><li>The best batteries ever are now available;</li><li>U.S. ultralight law allows individuals to do this experimentation easily;</li><li>Even a company or two (eg: Chip Erwin and Merlin) are publicly showing their work with electric ultralights.</li></ol><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Electric Installations:</span></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Consider a single vs dual motor installation. The SkyDock was setup with two motors, while I flew the Belite with one motor. One of my customers used a very interesting single motor design for his converted UltraCub.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V82R5INm5E/YXwddh4r2XI/AAAAAAAAIF0/qCiuk8o0kPYASTWWuC8qn7IjnRRamfRbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20170523_181619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric Motor on UltraCub Ultralight" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V82R5INm5E/YXwddh4r2XI/AAAAAAAAIF0/qCiuk8o0kPYASTWWuC8qn7IjnRRamfRbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h348/20170523_181619.jpg" title="Electric Motor on Ultralight Aircraft" width="618" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUlwQpEB5vw/YXwddiGsvRI/AAAAAAAAIFw/fYWlY7k-fGMRdhmlPWjfx_ti5XRsHQuzACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20170523_181625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric Motor on Ultralight Aircraft" border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XUlwQpEB5vw/YXwddiGsvRI/AAAAAAAAIFw/fYWlY7k-fGMRdhmlPWjfx_ti5XRsHQuzACLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h348/20170523_181625.jpg" title="Electric Motor on UltraCub from Belite" width="618" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flqWgaAIhMM/YXweRcEwFxI/AAAAAAAAIGA/9Gp7TzDfpG8gBQJvev7zhrwSY1sG2GfNACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="SkyDock with dual Electric Motors" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-flqWgaAIhMM/YXweRcEwFxI/AAAAAAAAIGA/9Gp7TzDfpG8gBQJvev7zhrwSY1sG2GfNACLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h464/IMG_1668.JPG" title="Ultralight with dual Electric Motors" width="618" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Want to see the electric motors on Skydock doing their thing?:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnwyR6HRaiIU8fDzE8KnTNhS16wFXathVje4RZ1idytawobIrI75hswPpFzYTHHK05jzTpL_O_haw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And even more details of how the Skydock Electric motor installation was designed:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUML8sTgNRA/YXwfGR5CvXI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/mePhAmfPHxADz7i_vSs44iRfEjdfvrs7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric Motor Installation in Skydock" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUML8sTgNRA/YXwfGR5CvXI/AAAAAAAAIGQ/mePhAmfPHxADz7i_vSs44iRfEjdfvrs7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w618-h464/IMG_1628.JPG" title="Electric motor installation in ultralight aircraft" width="618" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lDfQ_2Ctu4/YXwfGKCGEdI/AAAAAAAAIGM/8yd4pdGTnzUGkdK8U_fYgHU91xy5jVdDACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric motor in Skydock" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="463" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lDfQ_2Ctu4/YXwfGKCGEdI/AAAAAAAAIGM/8yd4pdGTnzUGkdK8U_fYgHU91xy5jVdDACLcBGAsYHQ/w617-h463/IMG_1629.JPG" title="twin electric motor in ultralight aircraft" width="617" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSvVyXxHrlY/YXwfGNcscdI/AAAAAAAAIGI/xNl7uBYvIAkvfCYLsWuaPWS7cBFe_XglgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Electric motor development for ultralight" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qSvVyXxHrlY/YXwfGNcscdI/AAAAAAAAIGI/xNl7uBYvIAkvfCYLsWuaPWS7cBFe_XglgCLcBGAsYHQ/w616-h462/IMG_1630.JPG" title="Electric motor development for ultralight" width="616" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Is Now the Time for Electric Ultralights?</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, it is.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Electric flight in ultralights is proven by myself and others.</li><li>Batteries can produce acceptable flight times for ultralight aviation.</li><li>FAR 103 and Experimental rules allow it.</li><li>Bonus: Electric motors are less expensive than gas motors. (Although offset by battery acquisition costs.)</li><li>Electric flight has a unique sound signature, better and different than any gas motor. It's just the prop and the airframe, no combustion sounds!</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">For further exploration:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">I recommend you join this Facebook group, run by Bill Esker:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/ultraelectric">Ultra-electric: do it yourself electric ultralight conversion | Groups | Facebook</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-35909893610807764272021-10-28T17:13:00.002-05:002021-10-28T17:32:30.060-05:00The Curious In-Flight Engine Failure of N3748 in Alabama<p>I was flying N3748, the very first Chipper 2, and I was in cruise, home-bound from a successful Sun-N-Fun in a stiff headwind. One moment, a very choppy but normal aircraft experience. The exact next moment, the propeller was dead-still, and had come to that dead-still position in just one or two revolutions of the crankshaft. It was the kind of violent engine stoppage that screams that all is not well, and that your 'full and undivided' attention needs to be on resolving the emergency of the moment. I looked down, as I scanned the area for a place for an immediate dead stick emergency landing.</p><p>I took some critique recently for editing and posting a YouTube video which was described as click-bait. This article is not that; I will tell you exactly what happened, how I responded, and what we found in the engine. I have witnesses who were there, and I have photos of the aftermath of the engine. I won't belabor this story; I've kept this as a short and easy read.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Sun-N-Fun, 2018</span></b></p><p>But the first order of business for this curious tale is to backup just a few days, to Sun-N-Fun, 2018. I was there with Chipper 2, and it was a success story. Chipper 2 N3748 performed without flaw, showing outstanding takeoff and landing capabilities.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phwI72nSLu8/YXsMjIuixpI/AAAAAAAAID4/D0O33sjP_NAFjf1DOL7BsHhHEJxPNbJnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/IMG_5017.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chipper 2 at Sun-N-Fun" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="391" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phwI72nSLu8/YXsMjIuixpI/AAAAAAAAID4/D0O33sjP_NAFjf1DOL7BsHhHEJxPNbJnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w588-h391/IMG_5017.PNG" title="Chipper 2 performing STOL takeoff" width="588" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>To my delight, it even got the cover of General Aviation News. Describing the airplane as "Chipper in Paradise", it helped fuel good PR, sales, and momentum for Chipper Aerospace, my company.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhwPb2CmYfk/YXsPSHGuUbI/AAAAAAAAIEA/QBpyzkFZiZ4a0Sojf_I1h53ce31yMuAWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chipper in Paradise" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="437" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhwPb2CmYfk/YXsPSHGuUbI/AAAAAAAAIEA/QBpyzkFZiZ4a0Sojf_I1h53ce31yMuAWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w583-h437/IMG_5020.JPG" title="Sun-N-Fun Chipper STOL takeoff" width="583" /></a></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Engine Changes</span></b></p><p>Chipper had started out as a two place aircraft project. I originally saw it as an airframe powered by a 60HP engine. To that end, I'd purchased a used Japanese HKS 700e engine, installed it on the plane, and discovered that the engine needed an overhaul. So Chipper never flew with 60HP.</p><p>After much consideration, I purchased a new Rotax 912UL, an 80HP engine, brand and spanking new. Everyone who flew it loved it. It did not disappoint at 80HP, and was bucking the trend that light sport aircraft needed to have 100HP engines. Hogwash; I showed them otherwise and proved it.</p><p>Yet there was that lust for power, for an improvement in ground roll, for an increased angle of climb. Without changing to yet another engine, the only way I could squeeze more performance out of my Rotax was to upgrade it using an aftermarket kit. When the engine had about 150 hours of use on it, I decided to purchase an engine upgrade from Edge Performance. </p><p>The kit was ordered and received. It was principally installed by a local A&P mechanic. I never touched anything; I'm not an engine guy.</p><p>The upgraded engine on N3748 was what I took and showed in Florida.</p><p>And its performance was fairly phenomenal. Here's video proof, which I took in-cockpit while taking off in front of a crowd at Sun-N-Fun:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='318' height='265' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzGP3lzJKYY3mvK13aYvPpTL-u0U36TNX4KR_RAFXBzrenQt4RTDV7XvX4Afg_QB1yubJZ1BCR65UA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Flight Home</span></b></p><p>This is what I remember about the flight home. First of all, the wind, blowing on the nose of the airplane, making every effort to slow my progress. I tried low altitudes. That increased airspeed, at the expense of bitter, angry jostling of the airframe. I tried high altitudes. A smoother ride, at the expense of speed. For a long while, I was just a few hundred feet off the Alabama forests, with no landing options but with faster speeds. For whatever reason, before I reached Evergreen, Alabama, I climbed up several thousand feet.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">When it Gets Real</span></b></p><p>While in cruise at approximately 4000' altitude, I experienced a sudden and complete loss of power of N3748. One moment all was well, and the next moment, the propeller was fully stopped. My body told me that a restart was not possible due to the shaking experienced while it shut down. Perhaps I touched the starter; perhaps I checked fuel. I am not certain and I knew it didn't matter. The engine had failed.</p><p>I had been traveling over endless miles of forest, with low or non-existent options for emergency landings. I knew I had been playing my odds wrong (I'm always looking for emergency locations.)</p><p>This time, I looked straight down, and I realized that I was over the midpoint of the east-west runway of KGZH, Evergreen Regional Airport (AKA Middleton Field). Having already established glide, I made a left turn to reverse course and establish a dead-stick pattern downwind. I looked up the frequency for the airport, and quickly dialed into my radio.</p><p>I said: "Evergreen, are you there?"</p><p>An angel said back: "This is Evergreen Regional, I read you."</p><p>I said: "Evergreen, I am dead-stick overhead your airport now, landing. Can you observe my landing?" I don't remember using the emergency word, but I know that my language conveyed emergency, urgency, and fear, all in one.</p><p>The angel said: "Wilco, I'll hop in the truck and see you on the ground."</p><p>I think I got all that done while on downwind. A little voice in my hide was nagging me on the irony of dead-sticking into a huge paved airport, and then ending up short on final. That would be an insult wrapped in a tragedy inside of an emergency. I didn't want that to happen.</p><p>Adjusting glide, I added flaps and also added a little droop aileron. I listened to the electric linear motors driving the flaps and droop mechanism. I listened to the air flowing around the aircraft.</p><p>I turned base.</p><p>I turned final.</p><p>I passed over the threshold, probably 100+ feet off the ground.</p><p>I touched down. It was a pretty good landing. I was one-third down the runway, with a thousand feet behind me and two or three thousand ahead of me.</p><p>I rolled to a stop, and off to my right the Angel drove up in a pickup truck.</p><p>Tears / crying, but I was alive and unhurt.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Engine Teardown</span></b></p><p>Let's cut straight to the cause: the engine failure was caused by a failure of and/or improper installation of a clip. The engine had clearly been operating for some time with the failed condition.</p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwVblHGmBBc/YXsZxStjBtI/AAAAAAAAIEI/hAWJDd_q3dUV2qw4Mf4jROEPVAzGyLAYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Failed Piston in upgraded Rotax" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwVblHGmBBc/YXsZxStjBtI/AAAAAAAAIEI/hAWJDd_q3dUV2qw4Mf4jROEPVAzGyLAYQCLcBGAsYHQ/w448-h336/IMG_5097.JPG" title="Failed Piston in upgraded Rotax" width="448" /></a></b></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVyGFvQkF2Y/YXsZ14dj3PI/AAAAAAAAIEM/Y3eizmyXEkM7LaSJmx1GIrCA3MqNYk40wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Failed Rotax Cylinder with upgrade" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="601" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVyGFvQkF2Y/YXsZ14dj3PI/AAAAAAAAIEM/Y3eizmyXEkM7LaSJmx1GIrCA3MqNYk40wCLcBGAsYHQ/w451-h601/IMG_5079.JPG" width="451" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpF2NZHC-0A/YXsaAROjtcI/AAAAAAAAIEU/wPSirEkmZcoFoXWDfAOINmCiuYdhXonUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spark plugs in failed upgraded Rotax" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="602" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zpF2NZHC-0A/YXsaAROjtcI/AAAAAAAAIEU/wPSirEkmZcoFoXWDfAOINmCiuYdhXonUACLcBGAsYHQ/w452-h602/IMG_5049.JPG" title="Spark plugs in failed upgraded Rotax" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYhnj-OC3Jo/YXsaHje4THI/AAAAAAAAIEo/hCb0Vg0ZMFUcHOLepeIXi4_BbRPUFpCPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Failed Crankcase and Connecting Rod" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="605" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYhnj-OC3Jo/YXsaHje4THI/AAAAAAAAIEo/hCb0Vg0ZMFUcHOLepeIXi4_BbRPUFpCPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w454-h605/IMG_5077.JPG" title="Failed Crankcase and Connecting Rod" width="454" /></a></div></b><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X6GO_drVok/YXsfmDcDuiI/AAAAAAAAIFA/HSkhbym-4XwmSmxOCT8Yh9-QvwRI5EDUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="603" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5X6GO_drVok/YXsfmDcDuiI/AAAAAAAAIFA/HSkhbym-4XwmSmxOCT8Yh9-QvwRI5EDUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w453-h603/IMG_5093.JPG" width="453" /></a></b></div><b><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b><p></p>Aftermath</span></b><p></p><p>After the teardown, the plane was loaded into a rental truck, and I drove it home. It eventually was repaired and received a couple more upgrades, before I flew it to Alaska, and it was destroyed after another engine failure. (Another story for another time.)</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Curious Questions</span></b></p><p>1) Why did the engine fail when I was mid-field over an airport?</p><p>2) Why did I upgrade the engine in the first place?</p><p>3) What could have been done to prevent this from happening?</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The Angel</span></b></p><p>The airport manager was a wonderful woman, whose name was Terri. She was emotionally and resource-wise helpful to me and spared no effort to make my stay in Evergreen comfortable. I got the use of the airport car, of course. :-)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2crInAqho1E/YXseT8WmvrI/AAAAAAAAIE4/nrv606Ydk5IcnWlUmyjEs-rT1JhofJk-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2crInAqho1E/YXseT8WmvrI/AAAAAAAAIE4/nrv606Ydk5IcnWlUmyjEs-rT1JhofJk-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w488-h366/IMG_5083.JPG" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1ScE2owe3o/YXsf9gnRK6I/AAAAAAAAIFI/eiVkOWB0FAcjtQxmY84jVKP0dtk1k-wHACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c1ScE2owe3o/YXsf9gnRK6I/AAAAAAAAIFI/eiVkOWB0FAcjtQxmY84jVKP0dtk1k-wHACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h376/IMG_5019.JPG" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-78732656860604318962021-10-26T10:52:00.000-05:002021-10-26T10:52:29.886-05:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem;">Friends, there's some honesty buried in here as it relates to experimental aircraft. Read it all and share freely.</span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"></span></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Squawk & Resolutions on N318KW</span></div><ol class="bi6gxh9e aov4n071 fjf4s8hc gg216y78" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-top: 8px; padding-left: 32px;"><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Brake Pedals in-op. Resolution: add 1" spacer to brake pedal. Permanent solution; works well.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">One of the tires is low on air. Resolution: add air.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Right brake in-op. Resolution: bleed brakes.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Right brake still in-op, next day. Resolution: bleed brakes using the correct procedure after reviewing youtube video on the topic.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Brake line leaks: Resolution: tighten fittings.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Braking action still poor: Resolution: brake fluid probably on brake pads / discs. Use brakes to refinish pads. Braking action now OK. Note: I have dual caliper brakes and they are mandatory for large tires. A single caliper brake wouldn't work.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Elevator range of motion incorrect. Resolution: adjust all fittings so that up and down are balanced. There are several points of adjustment affecting this from the push-pull fittings, the location of the push-pull collars, inside-cabin adjustments, etc.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">One of the tires is low on air. Resolution: add air.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Discovered critical bolt installed upside down in elevator reverser fitting. Bolt also was loose with standard hex nut. Loss of bolt would cause loss of control. Resolution: install bolt correctly, with nyLoc nut. Death averted. Question: how did everyone miss this?</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">On first flight, aircraft rolls left tendency. Resolution: adjust stick position via pushrod to aileron mixer.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">On first flight, aircraft has heavy elevator response. Resolution: add fixed trim tabs to elevator. Final resolution: in-flight adjustable elevator trim tab.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">In cruise, aircraft yaws left. Resolution: add trim tab to left aileron.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">On takeoff, quick application of full power causes aircraft to turn left REALLY QUICKLY. Resolutions: a) improve pilot skill b) don't do that c) resolve to use less powerful engine d) use full!!!!! right rudder. In the spirit of Draco, for crying out loud, your skill level needs to match the airplane and the powerplant. You can't jump into this airplane and expect it to fly you. You will have to fly it while taking off and even in ground roll, or you'll have an accident.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Long main gear is chattering. Potential resolutions: add shock absorbers, and yes, I am planning to do this. Meanwhile, every landing is best performed to 3 point and full stall. Don't even consider a wheel landing. I will follow up with a builder alert after I install shock absorbers.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Oil leak as evidenced by small puddle on floor of hangar. Resolution: temperature sensor was installed without teflon tape.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Oil leak as evidenced by even smaller puddle on floor of hangar. Resolution: pressure sensor was installed without teflon tape.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Airspeed Indicator possibly not functional at low airspeeds, due to high angle of attack. Resolution: smile and enjoy the slow airspeeds. Learn how to fly using butt feedback, not instrument feedback. This airplane will love you, if you give it the chance.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Yaw oscillation in cruise. This happens only when: a) cruise speed b) feet not on rudder pedals c) turbulence. The plane will *slowly* start to yaw left and then right, kind of like an old fashioned v-tail bonanza. Resolution: a) keep feet on rudder pedals -or- b) add rudder tension spring. You may notice that in yesterday's video posted here, there was no evidence of this. Seriously, the rudder tension spring is the solution.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Pitch oscillation in turbulence. This never happened in N3748, but I have seen some evidence here in N318KW. The reason is simple: the elevator on this plane is heavier, so that a gust acceleration upward causes the mass of the elevator to go downward. This is a precursor to flutter. Resolution: I will adding mass balance weights to the elevator. I will follow up with a builder alert on Chipper Builder.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Out of an abundance of caution, I am planning to add vertical stabilizer flying wires, which N3748 had but N318KW does not. Resolution: add flying wires. I will follow up with a builder alert on Chipper Builder.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Windshield cracked. Resolution: performed airworthy windshield repair. Longer term resolution: under thought now.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">One of the tires is low on air. Resolution: add air.</span></div></li><li><div class="bi6gxh9e" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 8px;"><span class="d2edcug0 hpfvmrgz qv66sw1b c1et5uql lr9zc1uh jq4qci2q a3bd9o3v b1v8xokw oo9gr5id" style="color: var(--primary-text); font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.9375rem; line-height: 1.3333; max-width: 100%; min-width: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Tailwheel steering in-op. Everything you see me doing to date has been done without any tailwheel steering whatsoever. I've gotten OK learning to feel the airplane, rudder, brakes, power and to taxi with confidence, without a steerable tailwheel. Resolution: need to install tailwheel steering.?!</span></div></li></ol>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-26739481270793216322021-10-19T20:05:00.002-05:002021-10-19T20:05:50.536-05:00Flaps, Fire, and Fatalities<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Flaps, Fires and Fatalities, of sorts". </span></p><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="desrd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="desrd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="desrd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Fire burned our facility 2.5 years ago, destroying the business. Chipper 2 N318KW survived because it was out at the hangar, but the flap extensions were in-town. They were recovered from the fire debris and have been sitting around ever since. They are still covered with soot.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="desrd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X2tYg4Qsck/YW9rKKeIm6I/AAAAAAAAICY/C1CKRTidHDIv7ByGNnfSiueYJNiRh--JACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/N318KW%2Bflap%2Bstubs%2Bwith%2Bsoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--X2tYg4Qsck/YW9rKKeIm6I/AAAAAAAAICY/C1CKRTidHDIv7ByGNnfSiueYJNiRh--JACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/N318KW%2Bflap%2Bstubs%2Bwith%2Bsoot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to tell you about installing them yesterday, but first I want to tell you a little more about the fire. Back up your calendar to June, 2019. Before Covid.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="bgbue-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bgbue-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span class="diy96o5h" data-offset-key="bgbue-0-0" end="11" spellcheck="false" start="0" style="background-color: var(--text-highlight); font-family: inherit;">Kathy Wiebe</span><span data-offset-key="bgbue-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> and I had gone out to eat, it had been a great meal and a great date night, our Friday evening tradition We were sitting in bed, late on a Friday evening. It was normality. It was about 11:15 and my cell phone showed an incoming call.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="5e19c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5e19c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5e19c-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">"This is the Wichita Police Department... There's been a fire at your facility. Someone needs to come."</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="uga0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="uga0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="uga0-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Kathy and I threw on clothes and rushed to our building. It was firefighting on full display; 20 emergency vehicles; firefighters walking around mopping up details; rolling hoses.</span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="uga0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJASv_LmQp4/YW9q-5H4_8I/AAAAAAAAICU/SjmeGyq4kxE_-49KEp5t7rPgc69J__qcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7506.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJASv_LmQp4/YW9q-5H4_8I/AAAAAAAAICU/SjmeGyq4kxE_-49KEp5t7rPgc69J__qcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7506.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEArht46i4Q/YW9q-7PZRHI/AAAAAAAAICQ/PoonL1X7elYjj-5bfKegVP7O2vPfTNPIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7509.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YEArht46i4Q/YW9q-7PZRHI/AAAAAAAAICQ/PoonL1X7elYjj-5bfKegVP7O2vPfTNPIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7509.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually, I went to the back of the facility and talked with a fire commander. I think we discussed possible fire origin points (the stupid CNC dust collector, of course) and I thought about the irony that one of our CNC operators was a recently retired firefighter.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="19ig8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="19ig8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="19ig8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">And then I thought about our shop cats. I asked the fireman whether they'd been seen. He motioned to the ground, directly by where we were standing. A lifeless body of a cat was on the ground. No motion. Sooted. Dead.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="7ffn9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7ffn9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7ffn9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I broke into hacking sobs, tears.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="9qabn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9qabn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9qabn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Back to those flap extensions.</span></div></div><div class="bi6gxh9e" data-block="true" data-editor="4d2bj" data-offset-key="9pjf8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 8px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9pjf8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9pjf8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Yesterday, I installed them for the first time. I have chosen to fly with them, covered with soot, and who knows, I may never paint them. They are a reminder of what was, how I felt, and also how far from then to now I've come. They provide an entry point of discussion for anyone who looks at the airplane -- why are those dirty pieces of s*** attached to that gorgeous airframe? And then I can tell the story, of which this narrative is a small part.</span></div></div>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-27695544325898485262021-10-18T14:32:00.004-05:002021-10-18T14:32:35.876-05:00First Flight of Chipper 2, N318KW!<p><span style="background-color: white;">I</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> am so pleased to report that my airplane and design N318KW Chipper 2 had its first flight! All squawks and paperwork were cleared; taxi tests were just fine, along with successful high speed taxi tests.</span></p><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taking the runway after all the gliders had cleared for the day, and with flaps set in mid position, and just a dash of droop aileron dialed in, I smoothly advanced power on the ULPower 350iS 130HP engine. Before full power was really achieved, Chipper 2 was off the ground. I reduced power immediately.... and proceeded to float down the runway.... and it finally settled down back to the ground.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">That's a wrap for the day. I am falling back in love with this airplane. It was smooth as silk and roomy on the inside, beautiful on the outside.</div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aCcifAaGIE/YW3LqM6OXXI/AAAAAAAAICE/B8dqmPMKtFsYNKs1ti2EuR6oMH7A6oJ-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2013/246072673_10159926283119824_4472327771826231165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="2013" height="322" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aCcifAaGIE/YW3LqM6OXXI/AAAAAAAAICE/B8dqmPMKtFsYNKs1ti2EuR6oMH7A6oJ-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w656-h322/246072673_10159926283119824_4472327771826231165_n.jpg" width="656" /></a></div><br /></div>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-4586761061341382712021-10-13T14:35:00.006-05:002021-10-13T14:35:50.253-05:00Is it possible for an Airspeed (ASI), Vertical Speed (VSI) and Altimeter, all in one Instrument?<p>How can I save money, time and panel space when shopping instruments for my airplane? Can I get an Airspeed (ASI), Vertical Speed (VSI) and Altimeter, all in one?</p><p>The answer is yes. We're posting a short video on our Multi-Function Instrument, which combines all three functions into one brilliant lightweight display. As I mention in the video, this instrument is superior because:</p><p>The speed ranges are customizable, including the green, yellow (caution) and red (redline) range for your airplane. You can set it up in knots or MPH. You also get a moving short term history of your airspeed, which is really useful for seeing how you're doing on your aircraft pitch stability.</p><p>Aircraft Spruce usually has it on sale. You can find it here:</p><p><a href="https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/radiant_10-07141.php?clickkey=8338323">BELITE RADIANT MFI (ASI / VSI / ALTITUDE) | Aircraft Spruce</a></p><p>and you can see our video, where I quickly describe its features, on Youtube:</p><p><a class="style-scope ytcp-video-share-dialog" href="https://youtu.be/ewE8S_NsP1Q" id="watch-url" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: var(--ytcp-font-subheading_-_-webkit-font-smoothing); background-color: #f9f9f9; font-family: Roboto, Noto, sans-serif; font-size: var(--ytcp-font-subheading_-_font-size); line-height: var(--ytcp-font-subheading_-_line-height); text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ewE8S_NsP1Q</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-48039188860955199692020-08-22T17:00:00.004-05:002020-08-22T17:00:42.920-05:003 views of Chipper Single Seat 2021 Engineering Doodles<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op9C4n1MOKM/X0GU_osad_I/AAAAAAAAHoE/Rp1Jx25Icq4mUEjDRYpOyyq5R3OE9l6SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1976/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1976" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Op9C4n1MOKM/X0GU_osad_I/AAAAAAAAHoE/Rp1Jx25Icq4mUEjDRYpOyyq5R3OE9l6SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BFront.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chipper SS 2021 coming at you (perspective view)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2TZHJiAnFw/X0GU_sojk6I/AAAAAAAAHoM/wcmSspE3Uu0_USB1sPnCACf696KrYwwEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1976/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BLeft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1976" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2TZHJiAnFw/X0GU_sojk6I/AAAAAAAAHoM/wcmSspE3Uu0_USB1sPnCACf696KrYwwEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BLeft.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of Chipper Single Seat 2021<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2TZHJiAnFw/X0GU_sojk6I/AAAAAAAAHoM/wcmSspE3Uu0_USB1sPnCACf696KrYwwEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1976/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BLeft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiNOtzi_0Zc/X0GU_lvn3gI/AAAAAAAAHoI/lB_3bEfaND0XzZWnT2cIRUTNaGrvdy1tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1976/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BTop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="1976" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiNOtzi_0Zc/X0GU_lvn3gI/AAAAAAAAHoI/lB_3bEfaND0XzZWnT2cIRUTNaGrvdy1tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Chipper%2BSS%2B2021%2BTop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top view of Chipper SS 2021 <br /></td></tr></tbody></table> <p></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-46248038109423439862020-08-17T15:50:00.002-05:002020-08-17T15:52:46.185-05:0061 year old gets Biannual Flight Review in 74 year old airplane with Mr. Cessna<p>It's so good to be back, talking about building, flying and adventure.</p><p>I'm James Wiebe. I've done a lot and seen a lot, but I'm just a kid at 61, looking forward to another 30+ years of fun.</p><p>The photo illustration for the Blog header is my pilot blogbooks, both of which were damaged in the fire which put Chipper Aerospace under for the last 15 months. My desire to design, build and fly has come back, and it's great!</p><p>Today's post: The Biannual Flight Review (BFR). It was administered by Charles Pate. Charles is a young 82, and he worked for Cessna in piston aircraft engineering for more than 50 years, so anything you want to know from the factory perspective concerning Cessna 120's through a Cessna 310, he's the man. He can tell you about how marketing drove a bunch of engineering decisions. His history is officially Above Average.</p><p>Speaking of the C120, that's what my BFR was in. This particular plane was built in 1946, making it a very pleasant 74 years old and doesn't have flaps. We did a preflight tour of the plane, with Charles providing engineering and marketing commentary on various parts. The order of the following photos isn't correct, but it doesn't matter.</p><p>I had a wonderful time. I can still aviate, and I had some really sweet landings. The takeoff performance was extraordinarily anemic compared to a Chipper 2 or any of the Polini powered ultralights I've been designed, but flight manners were very gentle and landings were a slippin' Jimmy breeze. ("Better Call Saul" - a fun digression!) And finally, the ground manners were slightly less straight tracking than my Chipper 2. YMMV.</p><p>Enjoy the photos, with pieces of commentary. If I got anything wrong in the captions, the fault is mine in translation, not Charles. He is an encyclopedia of Cessna everything.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlgE7XeEzE/Xzrpuy9OIqI/AAAAAAAAHmU/7loCz_zufCYN7UQZLvhxKkORu0jpTq90gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9399.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JKlgE7XeEzE/Xzrpuy9OIqI/AAAAAAAAHmU/7loCz_zufCYN7UQZLvhxKkORu0jpTq90gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9399.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air Vent tube, evolved into similar vents on C172 and other later Cessna aircraft.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-nnNCkHfVw/Xzrpu075P2I/AAAAAAAAHmQ/u-TnU9THu8sqDV8SN9FLQ7rQCa0r_ZR1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9400.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-nnNCkHfVw/Xzrpu075P2I/AAAAAAAAHmQ/u-TnU9THu8sqDV8SN9FLQ7rQCa0r_ZR1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9400.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudder Pedals, these castings showed up in other Cessnas as well, for instance, the C310.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka7EdIvPlm4/XzrpvBuDcVI/AAAAAAAAHmY/w-nSVFh4CcIHMV1PClmGbqixjDmirC4FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9401.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ka7EdIvPlm4/XzrpvBuDcVI/AAAAAAAAHmY/w-nSVFh4CcIHMV1PClmGbqixjDmirC4FACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9401.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tapered shaft design with steel coupling. Engine changed to an integrated flange later (in O200, for instance.)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yOKQpxTZgQ/Xzrpvm7vrmI/AAAAAAAAHmc/0GqA9nlhaco7SaO-3hZrc7z_EiBbeBFUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9402.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2yOKQpxTZgQ/Xzrpvm7vrmI/AAAAAAAAHmc/0GqA9nlhaco7SaO-3hZrc7z_EiBbeBFUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9402.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This aircraft was owned early on by University of California, Davis, as a flight trainer. Lots of fixed cuts and scrapes early in its life. Cracks here and there too. Maintenance never stops.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXbBZ1TgkvI/XzrpwFDkG3I/AAAAAAAAHmg/UcRxy9P6wgICcSUYSqU0jTP1Od_YLdGTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9403.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SXbBZ1TgkvI/XzrpwFDkG3I/AAAAAAAAHmg/UcRxy9P6wgICcSUYSqU0jTP1Od_YLdGTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9403.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landing gear, wheels, brakes. These were Goodyear brakes, hard to service.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H75WEp3-MXg/XzrpwnNlmuI/AAAAAAAAHmk/G-H5_DR_zOgCveGaK11BizeoW0SJZYovQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9404.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H75WEp3-MXg/XzrpwnNlmuI/AAAAAAAAHmk/G-H5_DR_zOgCveGaK11BizeoW0SJZYovQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9404.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitot tube and static tube, with attached mud dawber stopper. Later on, the external static port was eliminated, as it had little difference on this slow airplane design.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLlmHWqNaU/Xzrpw5WJQYI/AAAAAAAAHmo/oKwJRps4hPYk9Rytsui_px9q88TZT--8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9405.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jPLlmHWqNaU/Xzrpw5WJQYI/AAAAAAAAHmo/oKwJRps4hPYk9Rytsui_px9q88TZT--8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9405.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tie down rings were an option. Washout on the wingform adjusted via the eyebolts.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tplsXYrlndk/XzrpxQnML2I/AAAAAAAAHms/dB-hIG1A464l5AsJjMeaE8xyDFpV7F_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9406.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tplsXYrlndk/XzrpxQnML2I/AAAAAAAAHms/dB-hIG1A464l5AsJjMeaE8xyDFpV7F_mQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9406.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tail skins are corrugated 0.016" aluminum. Hmm, that's the thickness I'm using for a lot of Chipper Single Seat stuff.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-O1BeJJdg/Xzrpx3XerpI/AAAAAAAAHmw/Por4Au7LOBMoF8RGl2SPva-EBj8D04dOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9407.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NB-O1BeJJdg/Xzrpx3XerpI/AAAAAAAAHmw/Por4Au7LOBMoF8RGl2SPva-EBj8D04dOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9407.JPEG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the elevator. No aerodynamic or ballast counterweights whatsoever.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMouyf5wtFk/XzrpyA4SGCI/AAAAAAAAHm0/IpEbwMiSm4YWNNa1Tu1HE5kDgwGICqp_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9408.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oMouyf5wtFk/XzrpyA4SGCI/AAAAAAAAHm0/IpEbwMiSm4YWNNa1Tu1HE5kDgwGICqp_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9408.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fuel indicator is a sticky mechanical design. We also had a great discussion on how Cessna changed the tank outlet position and number over time, so that marketing could get better endurance numbers. Also how flight testing was done to enhance the marketing message.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9AyUAX_PqQ/Xzrpyh6HnQI/AAAAAAAAHm4/d9alR2FTPO4N8CkS0FKRvhtbhP6gs4hMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9409.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9AyUAX_PqQ/Xzrpyh6HnQI/AAAAAAAAHm4/d9alR2FTPO4N8CkS0FKRvhtbhP6gs4hMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9409.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple panel. Starter knob connects to huge starter / contact via a bowden cable. There is no electrical system in the aircraft.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bunWofxljBg/XzrpzLCPEhI/AAAAAAAAHm8/UK35TCtl9qgKF9yxKD5MD6v03bdLRSnfACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9410.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bunWofxljBg/XzrpzLCPEhI/AAAAAAAAHm8/UK35TCtl9qgKF9yxKD5MD6v03bdLRSnfACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9410.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles checks the oil?</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BW_RHDkZSds/Xzrp0BUVsqI/AAAAAAAAHnI/8OjSrZi1WGMrLKt0VRZiQ2t8e7Nmb6bBACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9413.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnaKengy6CA/Xzrpzw3VO2I/AAAAAAAAHnE/vj9KjoNGk0ItQNcunqBSIMcob0G3kRnUACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9418.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tnaKengy6CA/Xzrpzw3VO2I/AAAAAAAAHnE/vj9KjoNGk0ItQNcunqBSIMcob0G3kRnUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9418.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah!!!! First flight for me since May of 2019.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZBIeHqG328/Xzrpu-B64pI/AAAAAAAAHmM/fWzp9Tk5H30-aCIQpF0bqbfvLS1B-Dn5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9398.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZBIeHqG328/Xzrpu-B64pI/AAAAAAAAHmM/fWzp9Tk5H30-aCIQpF0bqbfvLS1B-Dn5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9398.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guys who worked at Cessna were farmers in 1946. They used tractor parts, and the fuel selector valve is one of them. Note it is not intuitive: Left, Right, Off as shown.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-78725836510575834382013-07-10T22:45:00.003-05:002014-03-25T11:13:50.846-05:0020 Pound Carbon Fiber Float?Please note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit <a href="http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/">http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/</a>. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!<br />
<br />
<br />
Hey Eugene:<br />
<br />
While nosing around in the Belite shop earlier this evening, I noticed that they were preparing to pull the wraps off their new aircraft floats. It is clear they plan to announce at Oshkosh: but at what price?<br />
<br />
I was able to gather some basic technical information, and also take some pictures, which I've pasted below.<br />
<br />
The note said:<br />
<br />
* 19 pounds, 13 ounces as shown (still missing a couple of attachment hardware fittings)<br />
* Up to 3 layers of Carbon Fiber cloth overall<br />
* Carbon Fiber over foam construction<br />
* Pre-cut foam pieces<br />
* Inexpensive<br />
* Final all up weight estimated at 22 pounds (straight); 35 pounds (amphibious)<br />
* Superior to earlier Belite and other aluminum floats (much easier to construct; inherently more waterproof due to foam design)<br />
* 620 pound maximum gross weight<br />
* Belite will be selling float kits for a special price during Oshkosh and shortly thereafter<br />
<br />
These are clearly a significant product offering for experimental aircraft... looks to be a game changer for anyone who wants to fly off water. If Belite has truly pulled off a carbon fiber composite float which sells for a reasonable $ amount... wow. That will be so cool.<br />
<br />
The float in the following pictures was not quite complete. It needed some sanding and some other stuff, but it sure looked like a float to me. <br />
<br />
Your Friend,<br />
<br />
Billy Bob.<br />
<br />
P.S.: Have a look at these pictures:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z74_TbGpjc/Ud4oxiOiNHI/AAAAAAAAFHs/kiSz9CLxSKs/s1600/Carbon+Fiber+Float+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z74_TbGpjc/Ud4oxiOiNHI/AAAAAAAAFHs/kiSz9CLxSKs/s400/Carbon+Fiber+Float+1.jpg" height="151" title="Carbon Fiber floats for ultralight aircraft" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon Fiber Float from Belite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1MDjsq9VA4/Ud4oxZagsJI/AAAAAAAAFHo/3qP3ZT5KmqU/s1600/Carbon+Fiber+Float+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B1MDjsq9VA4/Ud4oxZagsJI/AAAAAAAAFHo/3qP3ZT5KmqU/s400/Carbon+Fiber+Float+2.jpg" height="153" title="Carbon Fiber floats for ultralight aircraft" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon Fiber Float from Belite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czT5XXay4ic/Ud4ox53w_uI/AAAAAAAAFIE/R0tdkc_5PKo/s1600/Carbon+Fiber+Float+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czT5XXay4ic/Ud4ox53w_uI/AAAAAAAAFIE/R0tdkc_5PKo/s400/Carbon+Fiber+Float+3.jpg" height="168" title="Carbon Fiber floats for ultralight aircraft" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon Fiber Float from Belite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIQ6A7vCU2o/Ud4oxwRNnoI/AAAAAAAAFHw/FRjHynJOxrU/s1600/Carbon+Fiber+Float+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIQ6A7vCU2o/Ud4oxwRNnoI/AAAAAAAAFHw/FRjHynJOxrU/s400/Carbon+Fiber+Float+4.jpg" height="153" title="Carbon Fiber floats for ultralight aircraft" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon Fiber Float from Belite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIQ98ql1jJk/Ud4oyEvvLHI/AAAAAAAAFH8/EBlGIRFGoP4/s1600/Carbon+Fiber+Float+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jIQ98ql1jJk/Ud4oyEvvLHI/AAAAAAAAFH8/EBlGIRFGoP4/s400/Carbon+Fiber+Float+5.jpg" height="157" title="Carbon Fiber floats for ultralight aircraft" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carbon Fiber Float from Belite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Special note to Mickey: thank you for encouraging me to think outside the box.James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27543764.post-90276818814263393652013-06-27T21:49:00.001-05:002014-03-25T11:14:22.107-05:00HarvestPlease note: James' blog has moved to a Wordpress site. To access it, please visit <a href="http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/">http://jameswiebe.wordpress.com/</a>. All posts have been transferred to the new site, and all new posts will only be accessible via Wordpress. Thank you for your interest!<br />
<br />
<br />
Weather is finally allowing some flying. Got to see God's view.<br />
<br />
Today, while I was waiting for my guys to get a particular piece of work done, I had Christian prop the UltraCub so I could get flying. I was aloft a minute later. <br />
<br />
90+ degree heat on the ground turned to air conditioning as I climbed thru 100'. Lovely feeling as the air pressed by on either side of me.<br />
<br />
Still skies. Even in the heat. Pulled back to probably 50% power and loitered at 800' while turning lazy circles. Kept the air conditioning on. Didn't do anything stupid. Just puttered around. <br />
<br />
(Can't understand why the world isn't beating a path to Belite's door. Just can't.)<br />
<br />
****<br />
<br />
Yesterday evening, I flew over my friend Kevin's house and left behind a friendly offering (a teddy bear with a parachute, cleanly deposited in his front lawn.)<br />
<br />
Flew over to Benton and shot a whole bunch of touch and goes on the grass, and even one on the pavement. Loved the folks watching me. Kept a constant eye out for traffic, as I was NORDO. (No Radio.)<br />
<br />
I also flew around and looked at the harvest. Big plumes of dust headed up and north as the evening wind and heat lifted wheat chaff upwards.<br />
<br />
Pictures show the story:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHiPDPIgqvY/Ucz4Gn-9lPI/AAAAAAAAFF8/O3Jm7j2ew20/s1600/Fields+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GHiPDPIgqvY/Ucz4Gn-9lPI/AAAAAAAAFF8/O3Jm7j2ew20/s400/Fields+1.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kansas Sunset approaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gASRlhmsxM/Ucz4G7nijMI/AAAAAAAAFF0/-WpKn8tRx_4/s1600/Fields+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gASRlhmsxM/Ucz4G7nijMI/AAAAAAAAFF0/-WpKn8tRx_4/s400/Fields+2.jpg" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kansas beauty in June.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0F8xSVwBrk/Ucz4H90Kt3I/AAAAAAAAFGI/oDNn_oH8M4s/s1600/Fields+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0F8xSVwBrk/Ucz4H90Kt3I/AAAAAAAAFGI/oDNn_oH8M4s/s400/Fields+4.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut Wheat Field. Interesting effect.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elTPBhzAnB4/Ucz4IorS4-I/AAAAAAAAFGQ/0VtHqJOWXTI/s1600/Fields+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-elTPBhzAnB4/Ucz4IorS4-I/AAAAAAAAFGQ/0VtHqJOWXTI/s400/Fields+5.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another cut wheat field.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmGz0t6b6V0/Ucz4ItJfRcI/AAAAAAAAFGU/pAM9hPkLBOI/s1600/Fields+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmGz0t6b6V0/Ucz4ItJfRcI/AAAAAAAAFGU/pAM9hPkLBOI/s400/Fields+6.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the harvest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJm6cK4THCk/Ucz4JtEt9_I/AAAAAAAAFGo/1kwNVX-zDv8/s1600/Fields+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KJm6cK4THCk/Ucz4JtEt9_I/AAAAAAAAFGo/1kwNVX-zDv8/s400/Fields+7.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's got a long ways to go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cf-eeAFcBqg/Ucz4KHtXl7I/AAAAAAAAFGw/Umro0xj3slo/s1600/Fields+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cf-eeAFcBqg/Ucz4KHtXl7I/AAAAAAAAFGw/Umro0xj3slo/s400/Fields+8.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But he's working on it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After both of the flights, I still haven't refueled -- burning less than 5 gallons combined.<br />
<br />
I also had opportunity to do a speed check. Yes, I was marginally concerned that the UltraCub was speeding over the FAR 103 limit of 62mph. With full power, it clocked in at a cruise speed of about 60 - 61 mph. I can relax.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />James Wiebehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11438321768553512574noreply@blogger.com1