Log 90

Meeting some of the greatest people along the way is part of this journey.

Jeff LaVelle, a Glasair III pilot and Reno Air Race winner looked over my plane for the second time with very few squawks on Saturday. Jeff had been talking about assisting with the testing but may be busy.

I just started advertizing my 1966 Cessna 150F on Barnstormers and had an email from Ken Krueger from Oregon. I suspected it could be the same Ken who worked for Van's forever. Sunday, I worked on the glasair for a while than washed the 150. Ken arrived from Oregon in his RV4 while I was washing and helped out. He also needed a local ride so we talked and he didn't mind hanging out with me. We flew the 150 to Harvey Field then back to Paine Field and to the glasair to close a few panels up and go to the big runway for a taxi run. I dropped Ken off by the west hangars while I taxied to the 9,000 ft 16 right runway. Here's another learning experience for me. I heard a very small noise from the right main wheel at the end of a previous taxi run. I should have turned back to the hangar and inspected, but completed another taxi run. With about 5000ft, that right brake issue became hot. These are never used but original brakes from the 1980's and maybe hadn't set correctly or had FOD in them. When I pulled off the runway, Ken radioed me regarding the visible hot right wheel as I pulled up. All was OK but, now back to the hangar and will replace a few brake parts before my next taxi. This was a good, safe experience to get past. I'm also glad Ken was around to watch and to have dialog with after the test run. What a great experience.

Log 89 Airworthiness Inspection Complete

March, 2013

I now have my airworthiness certificate! Thanks to a new DAR for me from the FAA. They were so very helpful to get a new DAR.

Another great milestone along the way. I'm preparing a few items for flight test now.  I have a few small squawks which all require research, some design and some labor, but all's good!

Here's a taxi video I forgot to load for viewing from March 5th.

I'll be working on the 40 hr phase 1 test flight period now. First flight will kick that off soon!

Log 88

Another day of a few small items that are left. I also went out and taxii'd three higher speed runs where I had the tail in the air with some braking. I was between 40 and 50 mph airspeed and the plane handled well. Put in another 5 gallons at the pump in the main tank too. May have an airworthiness inspection tomorrow. Couple photos below...

Log 87

Me: Got my tailwheel endorsement from Arnold Ebeneter in the Aeronca Champ (pic below) at Harvey Field. Arnold is a very highly admirable person who loves flying. I could tell he wanted the stick during my training. We also had some test flying discussions following the lesson.

The Glasair: Got a few more items done and have the brakes working the way I like now...no binding. Turnbuckles with safety wire per AC-43.13 , fiberglassed a few items such as cowling access door support and second stall strip for wing leading edge. Plane is ready.

I taxiid around on Sunday in nice weather fairly fast down the runway. I also got the tail off the ground at slow speeds checking prop force and all was very stable. I'm held for FAA/DAR paperwork for airworthiness inspection.

Log 86

I was a little pre-mature regarding the airworthiness inspection on my last post. My plane should be twice as safe as others. Saying that, I mean the DAR, Matt who was supposed to finish my paperwork after congratulating me on his airworthiness inspection backed out. Almost 3 weeks later, while waiting for the paperwork, he informed me,

"I am sorry but I am not going to be able to support certification of your aircraft.  I have no openings in my schedule for the foreseeable future and I am turning away requests for assistance."

This isn't just a shock to me but to the FAA and other's who've built aircraft. It has nothing to do with the current economic sequestration as he is an independent. There are only about 4 qualified DAR's in the state and I've found the third now, than may work with me. We've discussed it and I look forward to another DAR inspection.

center console to seats	5		attach, cut, finish fasten.
intercom sticker	1		complete
aileron interference	4		rh all clear, also rigged down to match flaps.
fuel line	1		fires sleeve pump to firewall, safety wire ends
trim autopilot bolts	3		rod end bolts reversed for more clearance
passenger shoulder strap	1		bolt longer
Rudder Pedals	4		cross brackets more spacer, rh pilot.
furthest aft bulkhead	5		reverse 10 bolts, backplate and torque seal
rudder fasteners	1		5 places add tinnerman washers
heaterhose by muffler	1		rub cowl, cut muffler, silicone, support added.
elevator	1		tighten cap bolt & torque seal
seatpan &seat belts ready	3		mod pans, mod belts.
spinner	3		remove & relieve, silicone, check, cover on front plate
alternator	1		re-safety wire
power (battery) cables	1		seperated & secured more
oil cooler flange	2		cut to clear and silicone
oil fill tube	1		re-safety wire
torque seal	1		cooler, everywhere if missing, mech fuel pump…
throttle body	2		star washers - throttle/mixture
mech fuel pump			drain extended
engine mount			separate zipties
baffling	2		secure, add more, silicone
electronic ignition	1		star washers 2 mag hole
ground wire to fuel flow
landing gear			add two nuts for wheelpants
throttle body			check for gasket to engine….good.
manifold line			safety wire
camera			new camera front.
baffling	1		RTV and remove duct tape
intercom	2		No Power - light is off. Bench tested, jumper complete for flight test.