Tennessee Waltz...

Monday June 13, 2011

Breakfast at six ...no Hans! 06:10 still no Hans? I am talking a quick look to see if he,s already at the car; Nope, better call the room. Found him! He's had the same problem as me with the alarm on the room phone ...it did not ring! Quick coffee, check the radar for the route ahead and all looks good and sees us in the air by seven. Terry came out to bit us Good Bye and wish us a great flight. We really liked Pell City.

Flight Briefing in Pell City

 What a beautiful morning flying over NW Alabama from Pell City to Muscle Shoals. With Hans on the controls for the first leg, I have time so sit and look around at the scenery flowing past below us. The view from the Aircraft is outstanding. There is no better way seeing this countryside than right from where we are. No topless sports car, motorcycle or RV could give this view, because you'd never get out of the trees on the country roads below. This Hill Country here, at the foot of the Appalachians, is simply beautiful.

Somewhere...

Giving Birmingham Airspace a nice buffer to the NE we end up with 1.9hrs flying from KPLR to KMLS. Arriving there you get the red carpet treatment. A smile comes to my face imagining Nick with marshaling sticks and a red carpet pinched in his armpit at the 108. That'll be the day. I would be seriously worried about him! :-)

Nice airport, about Williams Lake size and with a certain sterility that comes with the slightly larger, and a bit more jet oriented airports, but friendly never the less.

After a quick brake, another weather consultation, we notice it is really building once again over southern Missouri and we decide to add only another 0.9 to the trip and end up landing in Savannah, TN. Nice airport, smaller again and the same friendly folks that seem to come with these installation. Montille, the airport manager, offers us once again a courtesy car and we are off to Wendy's for a bite to eat ...after the plane was tied down as good as we could. Just in case! We landed by 10:45 and it was building up, and getting already lumpy again. This should be interesting on the next few legs ahead.

We luck out once again with a hangar space, and Paul the Assistant Airport Manager helps us move the birdie into place. Filled up, pre-flighted and off to Town for a hotel. The first one, Days Inn, is booked up and we head across the parking lot to the the Comfort Inn. Their prices are out to Lunch, pardon my french, to say the least. What is this? Vancouver, downtown, with a view of the Lions. Get a Grip! READ MY LIPS (next sentence) ...don't come here, the bang for the buck is not in line at all with the offerings. This is a first on this trip, twice the money for half the room, but it seems the only 2 left in town...

Hans on the "Red Carpet" in Muscle Shoals

Gosh, I am looking forward to get across the Ozarks and out of Tornado Alley. Slightly cooler, drier air would be good too! Well are we even in it? We did notice the damage all along below us for the last hour of this mornings flight. Not a pretty sight, uprooted trees, buildings with no roofs, signs of natures fury everywhere.

So tomorrow we will have to get going even earlier. We need to cover a bit of country and hopefully get into Missouri before the "Lunch Time Tennessee Waltz" starts playing, tossing the little 701 from wing to wing and from tail to prop...

Sweet Home Alabama...

Sunday June 12, 2011

A little delayed start this morning, but beautiful flying conditions all the way up from Eufaula to Auburn, AL. Cruise Speed as high as 80mph, we are moving now, NNNAAATTT!!!

Alabama is not what we expected and in discussion with Hans, we were not really sure what to expect. Some huge farms along the way, and the parking lot across the botton of Runway 18 is certainly large enough to land if you can't make your climb out in the hot humid air. What we consider a Walmart Super Center up north, appears to be larger cornerstone down here. Everything is just bigger, larger super sized and so is the friendliness, outgoing fun attitude of the folks. That certainly goes for Pell City our second stop for the day and final one also.
After arriving, we were offered the courtesy car to get some lunch, a few miles from the airport and arriving back there about an hour later and nothing too soon as some black clouds building rapidly. A quick check on the radar certainly cancelled the flying idea, so lets go and tie down the bird for a few hours and catch some rest.

                                                  Alabama Storms ...shaken & stirred!!

Grabbing the rope kit from the back and taking a look down the runway, I am telling Hans that it is certainly coming. Not a black wall like at home but a white one...
Now this storm cleared a few miles in a few minutes, barely enough time to get three ropes onto the plane and it hits with a ferocity that is just not what one is used to coming from the Cariboo. Pummeling rains, gusting winds to about 30 kts and Hans and me jump into the plane to add some weight. Not that we had any intention to cross the apron without scuba gear. In the mist a red truck apears and barrels in, stops just beside the windward wing to break the force of the wind a bit. Meanwhile sitting inside Hans and me get pretty wide eyed wondering if we gonna get rolled down the apron, ropes, airplane and all. As fast as it starts it comes to an end. Puddles about 4" deep everywhere and as the sun comes out the steam feels like the Silvertip Sauna after someone added too much water. We instantly drench the rest of our clothing, this time from the inside out, of what didn't get wet while we tried to secure the plane. WOW! Glad to be on the ground! This is not something the little Zenair would handle too well in the air. Just too light! Pictures of sun and fun come to mind. Thanks to Emery Wheat for his quick thinking and placing the truck in front ...it made the difference!

                                                          Safe for the night again!

As the climatic conditions once again normalize, we follow (taxi) Emery down to an empty shade hangar. Go ahead, put it in here for now! ...followed by a "Not sure, wat yu awl want to do, but we'll have a potluck dinner at FOUUR at the Hangar on the end" Now I can't write this in the southern drawl that he speaks, but we love the sound of it. The drawl and the potluck. The rest of the afternoon is spent with the local folks here at KPLR wandering around hangars, peeking in on some planes, projects and than back to the hangar. Okay, potluck southern style, supersize too, 20 or so folks mingling, talking planes, politics, and the usual topics of American life. Not much different from the socials at home, and a lot of fun and some good laughs. Of course there is the usual grilling of past aerial mistakes and some stories that seem to get better each time they are being told, or at least the presentation is.

Emery & Hans

Part of the crew is Terry Capps, rolling around in his wheelchair and an avid flier and builder of Breezes. He is on number 3 now and a total inspiration to us! He modified the Breeze so he can use the rudder by hand and by talking to him you really get the sense of the passion for aviation he carries in his chest. Smoke Kit on the Breezie...? Now that tells me that someone is out there having fun. He also flies a modified Jabiru 250... there aint nothing slowing this man down. Good on you!!!
What a great afternoon! We could not have hit it any better, had one planned it this way. Crossing people's life by chance... in "Sweet Home Alabama"

Leaving Florida...

Saturday June 11, 2011

Early bird gets the fresh Bagel!

Something I am not going to miss for the next little while. How about some good Canadian Breakfast? Eggs, Bacon, Toast or even better some Pancakes slathered in butter and maple syrup. At this point just different sounds good.

With the Rental car returned to Tampa yesterday, followed by an outstanding Dinner at "Benetto's" in the Land of Lakes, Russell does the final honors and gives us a ride to the Hangar. A few photos, couple of folks to see us off, and we are finally starting the engine for the trip home. Spot Tracking is on, GPS up and running, no leaks, no sqeeuks, and communication a 5/5 minus a minor headset or intercom glitch. Did we get all those switches right. Is one on ISO? Hmmm? I wish all intercoms were "3S" intercom's, simple, solid and the same!

Looks like Hans can't hear me, and he has a hard time triggering the mic on his side. But at this point let's just get going. Enough fixing in KZPH, we can deal with that one along the way.

A last window polish, and with the run up done to the active 04 northbound it is. We are waddling along the taxiway like an overweight duck looking for a pond, more so than to take flight. We kept our luggage to a minimum, but it is funny how things always get bigger over time. The heat must have swelled our packs, I am sure. Blame it on the heat, after all the heat don't care, and seems everyone is complaining about the heat already as it is. Tampa Bay Tribune front page this morning 8 x 92 = HOT. Boy did we pick a time to do this!

Easing forward on the throttle, last check on the gauges, getting a little extra roll going before a slight back pressure lifts us in the air. I can only describe the rotation of a 701 as aggressive, being followed by what compares to translation in a helicopter, wondering if we going to settle back down or actually climb out. No worries, the moment is brief and the little Rotax is pulling us skyward at a steady pace. "Zephyrhills Traffic, Zero, Zero, Mike Echo is off zero four and departing northbound". I've been waiting to make this call for about a week now, to bad Hans can't hear it. He is just giving me an inquiring glance seeing if I am talking to him, patiently waiting for the "You have control" and getting some stick time in his nice new toy. First leg on the GPS is for KCGC and than up the coast for a little and on to Perry-Foley, 40J for fuel. It is a busy day in the air today. Passing Crystal River we a get call from an RV wishing us a great trip north. One of our visitors to the hangar from last week. Flying low level, combined with the bubble doors makes for some of the best Florida sightseeing yet. Easy to miss things when you never have mountain to take a good look around. But be forewarned they do have nearly 2000' high towers near the Georgia border...

The seat is not well padded and an hour in, my rear-end is already complaining bitterly, sending little pain messages down my legs. Missing the dual density seats from the Beaver and the accompanying leg room too... They build an 801 too, now that would be more my size!

2.3 hours later we roll up to the pumps in Perry Foley. Quick run to the air-conditioned pilot lounge, bathroom, internet, close one flight plan and shortly there after open the next. On the way back to the Pumps we notice we got company. A somewhat familiar, and very mint looking Carbon Cub from Cubcrafters in Yakima. I know this plane, I have seen this paint job, ...as it is being pushed back from the Pumps to make room for us. N711..? help me out here; "are you the fellow that wrote the article in Kitplanes about the trip from Yakima to Florida?" a big grin rolls up on his face, both arms go up in the air and a smiling ..."that would be me!"
Small world! Just before we left, I've tried feverishly to find this article to look at their route through the Rockies for reference. Anyhow they, yes the better half's a pilot too, are off to Yakima once again. He hands me his AOPA flight plan... tempted, but we'll go a bit further north first, before we head west. But Moab does sound good! Next Time!
Off on our next leg to 70J Cairo - Grady, as a reference only to avoid the Tallahassee Airspace and than over KEUF, Eufaula, Alabama. Repeat after me, Euphelia, NO, Eufaula as in "u folla" me? That's closer! U'AWL get it in TEEEIIIME! OKAY, we have entered the deep South.
The air is a getting a bit choppy as the day goes on and we see the OAT flicker up to 43c and this thing is placed well hidden from sunshine and air-cooled.
Hans watches in dismay as I change the GPS from 70J to KEUF and it offers another 1:57 minutes over an 106 mile course. No one ever said a 701 is a speed demon. About 20 minutes short of our planned destination Hans has had enough and is ready to just land.
Ah, let's just carry on and end up as planned! KEUF, "U FOLLA" with air-conditioned pilot lounge, bathroom, town, internet is just so much more appealing than spending the afternoon heat in the afternoon heat on some unknown tarmac. I am wearing a bit thin by now too and really look forward to a break. Just short of 5 hrs of flying with the last 1.5 being a bit of a climatic challenge. Arriving at KEUF, Hans is about 23 minutes of rough air past, and a few smiles short of a good time ...and I am not lagging much behind!

Looks like Aviation Lesson 102.1 has just made it's mark on us; "It a'int always as glorious as you think!"

"But Hey" ...blame it on the heat! Seems like everything else is being blamed on it these days! And while you are at it, might as well include the looming thunderstorms to the NW blocking our way. As we look over the radar maps on Foreflight we simply decide to call it day. Just as well! 4.9 hrs on the first day is being off to a pretty good start!

Eric the Airport Manager here at KEUF looks over our shoulders onto the displayed radar map, and promptly offers us a slot in the hangar to keep the plane out of the potential rain and/or hail. His wife Ruta, fluent in German, compliments the hangar offer with some fresh homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies. To top things off, Mark from Murray Aviation Services drops us at the near by hotel. Talk about getting spoiled!

                                                   N500ME put away for the night!

Or maybe simply put; "Southern Hospitality at its finest"!

Let us extend our sincerest gratitude, as for on this Journey it is really you, the good people we have met and keep meeting along the way, that make this Journey!

Chill'n, Deal'n and God will'n...

Friday June 10th, 2011

Hans was off early to the hangar to meet with Russell and get on the leaks and trace them. Looking over the plans last night, our feeling is that it is probably the seals on the fuel probes. Their installation height lines up with the amount remaining in the tanks. I did question the signs of leakage, on the both undersides of the wing, during the pre-purchase, but it was somewhat brushed aside with an overfill, expanding gas in the tanks and the hot hangars. Makes sense, but a hunch is a hunch and we've just got the confirmation running right down the side of the plane. But why both sides?

Now the question lingers if we will fly home 701 or 737?!

But as usual, Russell is stepping up to the plate... (in his humble and apologetic manner I must add) trying to reduce the blistering hurricane in Hans's Sails to mere breeze. And he's doing a great job at it! Gotta love it! He rolls in with Stan and Bob in tow and off come the panels. Yup, leaky sending unit it is! Get new seals, while we are in there change a leaky float and by 2 PM it is all back together. That's the boys at Flight Crafters for you. No arguing over what the problem might be, but rather getting on fixing them instead. My respect!

   Note: There would be access from the bottom (under fuel line) but insufficient to do the job properly!

                                              GO TEAM!!!! Looks like flight via 701 after all.

                      Russell adding the final touches to the windshield. Ready for the Georgia Rain, are we?

As I am sitting here, typing away like mad in the hotel room, somewhat chill'n and reflecting on the journey so, far it becomes apparent that Aviation still connects people and while maybe no longer in its past glory, a certain spark has remained. I find this spark is glowing more brightly on the recreational side than the GA. It is certainly were most of the activity is these days. It is these folks with their common goals and interests that makes this so much more fun.

Call us dreamers, adventurer's, crazies! If I have choice I'll take the grass strip and a cold beer under the wing, over a fancy FBO any day. The same goes for a good hangar talk over a boardroom meeting. And I've had ample opportunity for both. But maybe thats just were I am the most comfortable, at grass roots flying, no fancy shirt, certainly no tie, and barely call them shoes, flying something I've built with some friends over countless hours, and uniquely handcrafted and finished (with some CNC help up front)reflecting our, and what normal people might find a bit quirky, personalities.

At the onset of this endeavor when Hans asked me to join him and what we might be faced with, I've tried to shine a bit of reality onto the conquest. Expect at least 1 week to 10 days here in Florida alone, if all goes well. And you'll need to bring 2 things, PATIENCE and a VISA, ...as in, it will take time and money! Welcome to aircraft ownership!
Now, with the "Aircraft Ownership Lesson 101, Chapter Warm-Up" completed we are 10 days in and counting. Well, the patience is wearing a bit thin here and there, but looking back we have met great people, made new friends, overcome new challenges, learned and grown ourselves, seen most of KZPH's culinary establishments, certainly worn down the Visa, but add it all up and you'll see that the experience as a whole was/is priceless. Not to forget the acquisition of a beautiful aircraft and at the same time pretty much dealt with most of the personalizing, plus a few unbeknownst hick ups.

It is the stuff lasting memories are made of and blogs been written. :-) Or at least this one!

But the best is yet ahead, the long flight home starting tomorrow. God will'n, there be great grass strips to land, more good folks to meet and lasting memories made!

...there is still the Clean up to be done! What? We didn't drink them all?

Heat, Humidity and Hang Up's...

Wednesday June 8th, 2011

I wont repeat the morning routine here since by now you know it, I'm sure! Only thing I would like to add is, that it is fair to say that one is tired when the garbage can gets your cream and your coffee cup the empty container.
Leaving the Hotel around 08:00 local and it being ONLY 82F's I am almost feeling a slight chill. Maybe my brain is adjusting to the heat and it is only my body that hasn't gotten the memo. Heat rushes in some low light areas starting to bug me and once in the hangar the only good place seems really close to the 4'fan. Worst place is up in what Helicopter AME's refer to as the "Hell Hole", in the case of a 701, the rear fuselage area which is accessed through a removable panel from the bottom.

                                                          Hans up in the "Hell - Hole"!

Not that laying under the Dash is any better to sort the wires. I am getting a little testy with trying to accomplish three things at once, the constant heat, humidity and would much rather proceed air-conditioned, "Canadian Style" with crackling fire, in a systematic manner, one thing at the time, while the snow flies outside the window. Sick, isn't it?!
But N500ME (by now lovingly referrred to as - Nearly500MinorErrors) is coming back together nicely and by the end of the day things are looking rather good. We are only short a few connections. HMMm, aren't we all?! Just hope it all still works when the switch flicking starts. Always nice when you can remain in the hangar during that procedure and there is no smoke billowing from the doors.

The evening was spent with some major flight planning and using the Ipad and Foreflight seems to be the new cool and easy way to go. We will certainly put all them electric Gizmo's to the test. Hans is having a bit of fun trying to download the MGL data onto his card, but seems to have succeeded too. There was a bit of "Swiss Lingo" associating his efforts...

                           MGL - GPS Antenna and Spot Tracker monted with good view of the sky!

              The AHRS & Compass Modules mounted in the new tray, placement is the Baggage Area

                             New Overlay with Compass, MGL and Airspeed Indicator in place.


Thursday June 9th, 2011

By the Hangar at 08:00 and finishing off the last little items. Vacuuming inside and out, removing all last little drill and grinding chips, blowing off the electrics, vacuum again and by the time we are getting ready, Jim rolls in and finishes the last few connections on the MGL. With things looking up, I've decided to head back to the hotel and get going on some paperwork, and pack a few items to be mailed home that really don't need to fly across the USA in our limited baggage room. Done by lunch and back to the hangar once again. Time to roll out the plane, somewhat reluctantly flicking the master switch and By Golly ... it all works! Not even a little puff of smoke or spark. That's what you get for hiring professionals, it just takes all the fun away. Great Job Jim!!!

Jim "The Professional"

With the cowlings still off we do a run-up to bring the oil up to temperature, which in the afternoon heat probably takes less time than me typing this sentence. While we are having some fun, engine running and all, color TV(MGL & 296) on, we might as well do some circles on the compass rose and see how the new installation works. Wwweeell, the standard panel mounted Compass runs up on the stops on both N and E with a few degrees short of either, while the MGL is so precise, it is nearly upsetting me. OOKKAYY, I am convinced!!!
A quick scan shows all systems a go, shut the engine down and roll back into the hangar for the last job left, oil and filter change. Finally, with 4 PM just around the corner we finish off, run up again, dip the oil, close up the cowling, and at least over to the pumps we go. Time to fill her up and and take her for a test flight to assure all that looks well actually is well. Mexico, Missouri here we come!!! Baby, we're outta here!!!
As I am returning the ladder and turn back for the aircraft I notice in absolute dismay that we have fuel pissing out of both wings. Now this is not just a leak but a small blue 100LL freshet pouring down over the just polished (by Hans) Lexan Windows, dripping off the door onto the fuselage, leaving some pitiful blue streaks on the shiny white paint. WELLWHATDAFFNOW?! Quickly pushing the plane back from the Pumps and off to the Hangar we hurry, taxi, burn some off, ...but the drip is there the second we stop and getting worse. No time for a shut down; Fine, Okay, get out, let me go fly some off, ...and up I go on 04  into a nice headwind. After slipping the earthly bonds for about half an hour or so and a few Touch & Go's later I arrive at back to the hangar. Shut down, check the tank drains, Yup, it is still dripping, both sides, worse on the left.

Quickly, grab a Jerry Can and start draining from the bottom sump. 20 liters and some seriously sore arms later it finally subsides... Fuel gauges are down to half. In the hangar she goes, close the doors and without looking back, ...go for a very much needed cold drink. Not the best day after all! Here I expected a Sunset landing tomorrow at Cedar Key. To say that Hans is pretty much turned off airplanes by now would be the understatement of the 21st century. This is really turning into an Adventure now..., Summit Camp just got avalanched out and without a doubt we will have to slug up "Setback - Mountain" once again to make this Journey home happen.

The "Leaky Full Tanks" Dismay!!!

                                        On the "Bright Side" it does look good and all works!

           Larry, Mr. Peptalk, good Laughs and always showed up with some cold Water! THANKS!!!

...and down she pours!!!

The evaporative process is quick at 98 F's

Me, I really really need to go and chill out right about now and be done for the day! Sure, a Beer sounds good! Thanks Larry for stopping by the hangar, the encouragement, the cold water and a good laugh in a time of dire need!

Rolling back into Zephyrhills slightly expedited now to get to a local watering hole, Hans looks over and goes, "...but it flies nice, JA?". "JA, it does fly nice, but for some reason it reminds me of the Spider Motorcycle Commercial from Bombardier. Of all the things you've flown, it's similar to none! Why, you ask? Now how often have you flown in an LSA, Supercub, Taylorcraft, Luscombe, Kitfox, you name it, with two guys up front, neither being a slouch, half fuel, power at cruise setting, nose pointing frighteningly skyward at about 35mph flying gentle turns left and right, and didn't just fall out of the Big Blue?!"

Thanks Ed, for the impressive introduction to CH-701 flying characteristics and showing me what this little aircraft can do with a seasoned pilot. It was a great lesson!

To sum up today..., there are always some hang-ups in life, especially and probably more so if you choose to meddle in Aviation, countless little things to overcome, major challenges to meet and they are all as certain as tomorrow, and most of them are best dealt with that way! TOMORROW!!! What really counts at the end of tomorrow is not only the success in each of those, but more so, how well you dealt with them!

Getting "Trip-Ready"...

The view over Tampa Bay near the FSDO

Monday,June 06th,2011

Up at 06:30, quick coffee and Microtel Breakfast, which really is becoming Groundhog Day at the Buffet and we are off to Tampa to get my US License from the local FSDO office, which stands for Flight Standard District Office and is referred to as "fisdo" down here.

Unmarked building, not even a reference or sign outside nor is it labeled which door or suite at the elevators. But you can google it on Maps and other means to find out were it is. HHMMmm, am I missing something here? Are they trying to confuse you at the very end? The door is locked, always, and you feel like you are about to enter Area 51 and not just an Office trying to get a simple piece of paper that allows you to fly south of the 48th. Did I mention we stood in front of the very same door on Friday, called the posted number on the door to hear it ring behind the door, to set an appointment. This was after we left three failed phone messages to set a date.

Filling in the forms, now comes number 4 with the same info as the one sent out to Oklahoma City to get the process started. That included a "Visit by a Foreign National" form and once again the same form as before. Than it got typed out on a small form that is the in-term license with the actual plastic card being sent out to my home address in Canada. This new card includes the airmans number which gives you access to DUATS for those that are familiar with it. Nice folks though, once you get in, and I am just happy I walked out with a ticket to fly an N numbered aircraft, YEAH!!!

Back in 45 minutes to Zephyrhills and started ripping the panel apart. After several attempts to make the KX135A GPS side work the decision was made to remove it, add to this a complete Com failure during my second Check-ride with Ed and making me extremely uncomfortable thinking of the prospect of a major cross country with some unknown Gremlins living in that radio.

KX 135 A - "King of Gremlins"

Russell being the nice chap he is offered us a Icom A200 as a replacement, if we look after the installation. Some discussions arose around the idea and pretty soon the radio came out and we were re-fitting.

But let me take you back a few days to Friday afternoon, when we did a trip to Lakeland/Linder to visit Gulf Coast Avionics to pick up a mount for my 296. It appears to me that there seemed to be an immediate attraction on Hans's behalf to the Dynon Displays of EFIS's. Do I need to say more? Oh Yeah, the other thing was the compass, that was part of the reason.

The Basic Unit, but there is more...

Maybe panel mount a new one so we don't end up with an ugly hole and cover, in this beauty of an aircraft. Let me add this up, 11.95 for a mount, 89.- for a compass, 6.99.- for a reducing plate from 3 1/8th to 2 1/4 and we are looking at, ...you'll do the math! But that is like watching Black & White TV on a 2586 mile flight... color for sure would be nice and look what all those features these little gizmos can do?!! OKAY, you had me at color!!! But how to you spell KAAA-CHINNGG?!

Back to the Hangar and the EFIS scheming for N500ME with Russell gets on its way and is picking up momentum. Be aware the man is bad influence when it comes to fancy toys ;-)
Pretty soon an order was placed for an MGL Extreme to make sure we have color TV, other than my trusty Garmin 296, for the way home. No, no,no, it's not that. Now we have fuel flow, yup love it, AHRS, EFIS, EMIS and a bunch more four letter words that are all being usually summed up into one, generally starting with an S or an F, followed by profuse Pilot sweating when lights go out on that one. Redundancy is a key word. So the the airspeed indicator, RPM, engine gauges, and a new compass stay for now. Besides that, we would end up with even more holes and covers. Now, who wants that?
The pressure rises proportionally with the heat in the Hangar and by 5:30 PM, Russell appears with a case of cold beers. Did I mention the he's bad influence? Was it Monday today?

                                      Is it me or the beers? Hey Hans, which way is north-west?

                                       Russell patiently grinding away on the new Overlay Panel.

Tuesday, June 07th, 2011

Back to hangar after Groundhog Bagel and Coffee. While we are enjoying our stay here, be fore-warned of the 60 grit towels and their exfoliating properties. If you are getting a bit short of hair you may want to be careful, if you are looking for a back wax to polish your tattoo, have at her.
Well, time to call in troops at the hangar, in this case Jim the Radio-Tech, to deal with removing the old tray and wiring the new radio. Slightly out of our league and best left to a Pro.
We are concentrating on the simpler things like cutting a new overlay panel, fitting it, adding the sensors and modules, filing, building yet another tray for some of the before mentioned four letter parts, more drilling and filing, gruntingly approving our own handiness of which no one besides us seems to notice. Boy, we do fine work!

                                                          ...adding a few little details
8hrs later, nearly running on empty and the temperature reaching a whopping 102... that is blinkedeeblank HOT even for the local crowd. Never mind a token Canuck! But we are making progress. When we arrived here we found a flight ready aircraft, and it is a beauty, but flight ready certainly differs from trip ready, like a local circuit differs from the anticipated long trip home. But are we ready?

                                ...almost ready! Just needing paint and a few minor adjustments!


Hans really wants to get going, me on the other hand wants to really make sure that when we get going we actually can keep on going and not end up on some strip between here, there and nowhere with no means to fix anything. Better get it done at the source and at this point I can not express enough gratitude to the guys here a Flight Crafters and their efforts in getting this Adventure and us off to the good start. Maybe they just want their hangar back? Did I mention they are a bad influence? GEEE, EASY NOW, I got my current project to finish before I can look at that 750 (as in ...better talk to the much better half first, hint, blink and wink honey) and, YES, we agree they for sure look good! Hey Mike, hurry up and git R dun, maybe we'll be back for that one next spring.

First Flight, Impressions and Decissions...

Mike Ethridge the owner of N500ME joined us and the convoy rolled out to take a peek into the hangar across the field that housed "Mikey's Toy".

...and about the Price? Ahhaa, MMMhha, Soo, MMMH, Yup, AAhhaa, but, MMMh, okay!
And now the story really begins and so does the paperwork...

Remember, you are not legal to fly until the weight of the Paperwork outweighs the gross weight of the Aircraft.

Let's hear it for the LSA! Can't be that bad, right!? Think again!

Yup, it is about as clean as it looks and on go the cowlings and time for a first flight! Unfortunatley we got cut short a bit with the first real taste (for us anyhow) of how hard it can rain down here. WOW... we must have gotten the annual rainfall for 100 Mile House in an afternoon. Cause, a tropical depression that crossed over from the Atlantic and carried a good front with it. Lesson learned, if you see it coming, get down and ideally get into a Hangar. Good time to pull all covers, get the flashlight out and start looking into all the nooks and crannies most builders would you rather not have stick your nose in. But all I can say, they have done a nice job on this aircraft and now several hours of flying later, I can only add that it flies as nice as it looks minus the quirkiness of the 701. But don't all birds, aside from a 172 maybe, have their own little things you want to be aware off. Big Thanks goes out to Ed, his efforts and hours spent to get me checked out on the aircraft!