Activity Stream

Activity Stream

  1. 1avidflyer added a post in a topic N139AH   

    Bummer about the battery, but better now then when in the air.  Plane looks very nice in the pictures.  I looked at your landing gear, and can see that it uses bungees instead of springs.  I had thought bungees might be better as they would be more adjustable (another wrap if needed) and lighter.  Did someone make the gear for you or do you have plans for the bungees instead of springs?  Thanks,  Jim Chuk
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  2. High Country added a post in a topic N139AH   

    One step forward and two steps backwards. guess that's how it goes sometimes. I made my first engine start and taxi this past weekend all was great up until my earth x battery had a major meltdown. once I get that all fixed I will be pretty close to having the DAR come out and take a look





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  3. High Country added a topic in Avid and Kitfox parts Suppliers   

    Earth X Battery Warning!!!
    So I finally made my first engine start this past weekend! all was good went through the rotax break in procedure then did a little taxing, (love the extra wide gear)]when I pulled back up to my hanger I notice blue liquid dripping down into my floor boards followed by lots of white smoke. when I finally had the whole instrument panel to firewall soaked in water and got the battery out it was not a pretty sight. bad ending to an otherwise great day. as it turns out its not too uncommon for these earth x batteries to just have a major melt down like this I'm just grateful I wasn't in the air when it happened. I was hoping to be ready for inspection in a week or so but now im a couple more weeks out as I have to go and fix all the damage. also plan to relocate the battery to the engine side of the firewall in case there ever were an incident again it would at least be going down the fire wall to the ground rather than on my feet. I will not be using nor would I ever recommend an earth x battery to anyone after this and reading about many others who have had this exact same problem. when I get my money back I'm going with a different brand.
     




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  4. EDMO added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    Me too - just cant take all those bumps like when I was young  - years ago I hit a hole in the sky in a 150 and when I hit bottom something tore in my center chest - hurt so bad I had to find an alternate airport and get another pilot to bring me and the plane home - had a real bad day - real careful now.
    - Not early morning person tho - I fly late and hope my lights get me by as the sun goes down -
    My flying buddy is the opposite - he gets me up before daylight, and I wake up about 2 hours into the flight!
    EDMO
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  5. EDMO added a post in a topic Supereyes borescope   

    I would like to buy one, but probably couldn't learn how to program or use it.
    Looks impressive tho.
    EDMO
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  6. Bandit added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    The technical stuff is all Greek to me. Turbulence scares me that's why I fly early mornings and late in the day.
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  7. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    Scattered storms on Saturday. Will probably fetch you with ground transport.

    I'm hoping I'm able to get the plane over there in the am...
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  8. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    How much luggage do you have?
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  9. akflyerbob added a post in a topic Supereyes borescope   

    Thanks Doug, called it up and got one ordered.
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  10. EDMO added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    Bandit,
          I agree with what you said because it sounds logical - However, physics is not the same as we think logical.  It has something to do with vertical velocity, stall angles and kinetic energy - You are going to have to go to an engineer for the explanation - I have read it several times, and it sort-of makes sense.   something like comparing a rock with a kite???   This is partly why ultralights cant handle wind and rough air - I think the dividing line is somewhere around 6 or 7 lbs/square foot? 
    Like feeling the bumps in a J3 compared to a smoother ride in a Comanche.
    EDMO
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  11. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    I arrive Into Green Bay about 230pm on Saturday. After that I am a hitchhiker and totally flexible to whatever it takes to make things as easy as possible for Larry.
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  12. Bandit added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    I new what you meant Ed, I agree, a heavier airplane will take turbulance better, but wouldn't a lighter plane have less stress on the airframe in rough air? It would be like hanging 200lbs in the middle of a 12ft 2x2 with a guy on each end and bouncing it as hard as they could,then hang 50lbs in the same spot and do the same. I think there would be more stress on the 2x2 with the heavier weight.
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  13. EDMO added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    Bandit,
          Sounds like you have done a great job making and flying a plane that suits your needs.
    The "ultralight" comment was not a critical comment, just comparing your light bird with most others of the AFF family.
          I know that the comment about "light weight planes cant take turbulence as well" defies logic, but we have gone thru that scenario on this site and others, and it actually holds true scientifically, but hard to imagine without some proven facts being written.   Wing-loading is the deciding factor.  Heavier wing-loaded planes don't get tossed as violently as lighter ones.
    Wishing you "Good Flying" and Congrats on your successes.
    EDMO 
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  14. lv2plyguitar added a post in a topic Merlin GT   

    Wow,  that is a great setup.  Hope I get mine together soon.  I have got to do something about that landing gear.  Its to small.
     
    Thanks
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  15. Luked added a post in a topic Merlin GT   

    Hi Jeff,
     
    I was searching around on google, and ran across this:
     
    http://crufc.ca/classifieds/macair-merlin/
     
    Made me think of your project since it's got an O-200. Looks like an old ad, but thought it was still interesting.
     
    Luke D.
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  16. lv2plyguitar added a post in a topic Merlin GT   

    Hi Chuck,
     
    Jeff here.  Can you bring the seat cover for the Merlin to the EAA meeting.  Randy will be there to get it.  I cannot make it.
     
    Thanks
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  17. Bandit added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    When are you getting in Joey? We are going to leave Friday after work then drive halfway out, but I know how that will go. If I'm three hrs out I will drive the rest of the way and get there late Friday night.
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  18. C5Engineer added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    Getting excited! Less than a week away now!!
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  19. dynomike added a post in a topic plane camping , Sullivan and McGregor   

    not too many on landing but about 40 when I took off
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  20. Av8r3400 added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    A little warm, but well make doo...
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  21. Bandit added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    It is not a ultralight, it is a Mark IV Avid. It should handle turbulance better than a heavy airplane, less stress on the airframe. I kept it light and simple. No finished interior, only the basic legal instruments, sling seat, stol wing, recoil start, no electrical system, no radio or gps, no al leading edge, cargo compartment but no door, lightweight Stits fabric with minimun coats of dope on it. The fabric looks just about as good today as it did in 1996. Just a couple of small cracks under the door where my hip hits when starting. I started out at 456 but installed the plastic tanks and the bush gear with the Aero Classic 6x800x21 tubes and tires which added a few extra lbs. Same engine 3 overhauls. First one around $1500, 2cd $1200 no new crank, last one $4000 everything brand new except carbs,reduction case and crank case. Its has been a great airplane. The only thing is I use it for local flying only. At 7O mph it is not much of a cross country airplane.
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  22. Bandit added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    Perfect!
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  23. marksires added a post in a topic Airventure 2014   

    Looking at the 10 day weather guesser, it looks like Oshkosh may be kind to you Alaska guys this year - highs in the low 70's, lows in the mid 50's.  I better make sure my campers propane bottles are full, looks like I'll need heat! 
    Mark
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  24. EDMO added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    480 and 1000 hours are both amazing.   How many engines / overhauls?
    EdMo
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  25. Guest added a post in a topic Empty weight   

    480 is amazing!
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