Went Flying Today........2019

[AK7GCBC]

Commercial operation, this particular flight was bringing out building materials.

 

[Rick]

Left the Citabria in the hangar today. Took advantage of a weather window to reposition the T-6 for replacement Nav/Com (Garmin 255) and ADS-B out/in transponder (Stratus ESGi) which is supposed to start early next week.

My guest was an older gentleman who I know from my local field. He flew T-6s in the South African Air Force (and Tiger Moths, DC-3, Dornier Do -28 then on to fly Mirage III and F1). He later went in to deliver 777s across the globe for my employer. He had been hoping for a ride just to feel the radial so I have kept his contact information handy.

Well today was the day because the weather is going to tank tonight. Tony showed up exactly on time and off we went. With a bad COM in the plane I have to use my hand held, which means no intercom when I may need ATC. Once safely in class echo I plugged into the plane and had him do the flying.

He's a pro. I was head down checking weather at our destination and prepping frequencies and he was doing steep turns. He had a blast.

The flight could have been under ten minutes but that hardly seems worth warming up 10 gallons of oil for, so I let him go for a while.

Weather at our destination appeared to be going down even though the ATIS was favorable. Rather than get stuck out on top I decided to get us on the ground. Once past the low scud the airport was indeed as advertised.

The best part is that he's going to teach me acro in my Citabria.
View attachment 1880

Great looking T-6!! Was that in Oregon?

 

[Rick]

Have to take advantage of the Wx here in the Pacific Northwest this time of year!!

 

[aftCG]

Great looking T-6!! Was that in Oregon?

Thank you. The reposition flight was from Tacoma Narrows to Olympia. It took longer to get the oil up to temp than it did to fly that far.

 

[Bartman]

It's not much of a photo, New York City is about fifty miles off the nose, but it's flying! Seems straight so far, very happy.

 

[Goodyear]

Congrats. Big project. Nice weather!

 

[Bartman]

Went flying again today, the mission was to tool around at a high power setting and kinda sorta break in the engine after the long sit. While I was up there I ran the engine (O-235-C1) at about 2450 RPM and saw about 107 mph. At one point I went to max throttle and the airplane accelerated to a needle's width below 120 with the engine turning just about 2700 RPM. I was surprised it went that fast and was expecting the engine to max out at around 2550 RPM.
Next flight we pull some g's and make sure the big pieces stay attached.

 

[Bartman]

Went and put another 2.2 hrs or so on the engine to get the five we're shooting for before changing the oil.

Flew up the northwest corner of New Jersey where NJ, NY, and PA all meet. High Point Monument marks the highest spot in New Jersey and there are multiple hiking trails that branch out from the base of the monument. Lots of bears in that area!


Then looped around past Sussex County Airport where Leo Loudenslager called home and flew by what was called Vernon Valley/Great Gorge back when I learned to ski there in 1972!

 

[Bruce]

A few different flights around Knoxville TN area

 

[Bruce]

Then on the 20 about noon someone gave me a ride in this I’d encourage all to try gliders very nice relaxing flight of corse my pilots has one bronze and one silver women’s world championship metals in gliders and she’s headed to Australia in January for next competition that’s my wife with me.

 

[Bartman]

Nice pics Bruce, glider rides are fun!