FredStork

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Everything posted by FredStork



  1. FredStork added a post in a topic New legs for the Avid   

    4130 for landing gear?
    All is in the first line... I assume 4130 / 25CrMo4 is the correct steel for the landing gear - in the appropriate thickness 0.049 or 0.058, any advice?
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  2. FredStork added a post in a topic A 1900's board game   

    Great (and very decorative)! So what happend at the different steps? 
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  3. FredStork added a post in a topic F7 part for differential ailerons on Avids   

    https://avidkitplanes.com/orders
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  4. FredStork added a post in a topic Scimitar Propellers   

    Works well and looks great!
     
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  5. FredStork added a post in a topic Repairs & Mods: custom cowl, new gear,etc   

    10 dollar spinner... I got a 12 cm half sphere iceream mould of the web  https://www.cerfdellier.com/5235-calotte-demi-sphere-inox-de-buyer.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlpXnlen23gIVDvlRCh1H7QvZEAQYDCABEgLOL_D_BwE#/498-taille-o_12_cm Perfect snug fit on the hub plate, drilled a center hole and spray painted it. 
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  6. FredStork added a post in a topic New Airport is open   

    Top secret airport apparently... I get the same message when clicking http://www.nwestiowa.com/scnews/regional-airport-grand-opening-on-nov/article_c17194ec-e43b-11e8-8724-07ded6c8b903.html (also) from France..
     
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  7. FredStork added a post in a topic 582 enricher   

    Matthew,
    So when you say "enriching system" do you mean a primer system that inject a small amount of fuel directly in the carburetor like this "primer kit":
     
    or the choke that is normally built in to the Bing carburetor and pulled by a cable?
    The primer works well but is unpleasant as it brings fuel right to the dashboard and as they have a tendency to leak... not nice...
    The chokes are hard to pull but with a lever installed it works fine:
     
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  8. FredStork added a post in a topic Cutting off the motor mount   

    Hi! What is your concern with the engine upside down? The only real issue I see (and have experienced now on my second upside down 2 stroke) is the tendency to to get oil in the spark plugs when not flying for a longer time (but we have the solution to this, just use "P" model spark plugs).
    The lighter the Avid is the better it behave and the more fun it is to fly. I know everyone want 4 strokes today but personally I think even the 912 is too heavy. 
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  9. FredStork added a post in a topic MY AVID Mk4 RX-1...build   

    Very impressive! 
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  10. FredStork added a post in a topic Landing at my home strip in Blighty   

    That looked pretty good to me Alan. I guess after Flitzer G-ERTI anything is easy to land!
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  11. FredStork added a post in a topic Mk iv or C?   

    It is most likely a model C with later modifications retrofitted. Upgrades like luggage compartment, horisontal split cowling (both "D"), and round rudder (not sure when it was introduced) are very frequent. Model C Serial numbers are in the range 250 - 900 according to most sources. There is an avidflyer.wikia page that list the serial number ranges and major differences.
    http://avidflyer.wikia.com/wiki/Models
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  12. FredStork added a post in a topic Reduced Dihedral   

    If it ain't broke don't fix it...
    I know some would argue we are "experimental aircraft" and should therefore not bother what someone else is doing - but this doesn't sound like a good idea.... Turbo list some good reasons.. to start with... 
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  13. FredStork added a post in a topic Would you use it ?   

    Very true. One simple and cheap thing that could save you when the unbalanced prop ripps the engine mount is a safety cable connecting the engine to the airframe behind the firewall.


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  14. FredStork added a post in a topic Getting close for an engine choice   

    I’m running a Simonini Victor 2 since several years without any issues - and I am in contact with serveral owners around the world (but none in the US) with the same positive experience. It is a modern 2 stroke engine but with higher power and lower consumption than 582. Mine give 92hp and consume 13 l/h. This model is no longer sold, the corrent model give 100hp and similar consumption. Same weight as a 582, similar price and the same attachment point (but the shape of the engine might require some modification to the engine mount.
    More info on my blog...
    http://avidsimonini.blogspot.com/
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  15. FredStork added a post in a topic Cabin Heat   

    You know how to test it! ;-)
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  16. FredStork added a post in a topic Cabin Heat   

    Well, maybe we should define “sufficient”... as mentioned I would suggest one of the larger models unless you engine is running really hot even below freezing... Mine don’t so the result is not “warm” but rather “less cold”. But as you don’t really start undressing in an Avid the extra degrees are really pleasant and do make a difference.
    But ...to you and Buckchop... if you plan to dry a wet dog a cold winter day this might not be the solution...
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  17. FredStork added a post in a topic Cabin Heat   

    Mark, here is a cheap and light air condition for you:

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  18. FredStork added a post in a topic Cabin Heat   

    Buckchop, in theory you are obviously right but in reality, and in the far from airtight cockpit of our favorite planes, it has never been a problem.  
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  19. FredStork added a post in a topic New forum category! A place to introduce yourself. Please Post!!   

    Welcome! Looks like a great project.
    You will find a lot of information in this forum and there is always someone to answer any question. I made a full rebuild a few years ago with some documentation on a blog http://avidsimonini.blogspot.com/search/label/Rebuilding the Avid Flyer if that could be of any help. 
    Do robots have first names?
    Regards
    Fred
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  20. FredStork added a post in a topic Cabin Heat   

    Agreeing with Yamma-Fox's comment on "safer" I installed a water heater with an electric fan from T7 Design Thermal Solutions (they have distributors in the US) https://www.t7design.co.uk/products/heating/heaters.html  (~115 USD including VAT)

    I have the 2.2 kW Micro Heater 12 volt model (1.3 lbs). As my Simonini doesn't get that hot maybe I should have gone with the 3.5kw Lightweight model. And I can confirm that it can be used for cooling in the summer. When it is really hot even my Simonini can get warm and turning on the "heater" brings down the temperature. 
    It is connected via a simple T after the water pump and another T just before the main radiator. No valves, i.e.always open, it is therefore always warm but unless I turn on the fan it doesn't really heat the cabin so no issues in the summer.
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  21. FredStork added a post in a topic Would you use it ?   

    Better safe than sorry... Unless you can send up your mother-in-law as test pilot I would send the blade to Power Fin for verification.  
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  22. FredStork added a post in a topic Avid MK4 braking effect   

    Yes, I always land with flaps (except on some mountain strips) to land at lowest possible speed. It is a good practice for the day you need it. Slower speed also reduces the tendency to bounce (as does killing the flaps...). When it pitches forward to keep the speed but just pull the stick back and see how wonderfully slow the Avid can fly. 
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  23. FredStork added a post in a topic Avid MK4 braking effect   

    I have my throttle on the left side of the seat, with the left hand always resting on the throttle so I pilot with the right hand and now also brake with the right hand. I got a 20 euro motor cycle brake handle from china, works great...  
    The (my) only inconvenience with the right hand on the stick is for killing the flaps at touchdown. If you fly with the left hand and throttle with the right hand the right hand will be free for the flaps (flaperons)... Thinking about how to make a double command for the flaps on the left side of the seat... Another winter project... 
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  24. FredStork added a post in a topic Avid MK4 braking effect   

    Yes, and the interesting part is that even if I just use the common main and brake on both tires I can still maneuver very well. Obviously not super sharp turns but when applying moderate brake and rudder you can turn surprisingly sharp. If I didn't do mountain flying (where the room for maneuvers, like in bush flying, sometimes is limited) I would onbly have the stick hand brake and not bothered by the switch.  
    Being able to easily apply equal brake force when you need to slow down quickly really makes a difference. It is also easy to raise the tail before starting the take off roll and keep it up while decreasing the brake power when gaining speed. A little dip of the tail and you are of the ground. Just like the big boys.
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  25. FredStork added a post in a topic Avid MK4 braking effect   

    I just moved to hand brake system with a common main on the stick and selector for narrow « around the wheel «  turns. See my earlier post http://www.avidfoxflyers.com/index.php?/topic/6194-new-legs-for-the-avid/&do=findComment&comment=57314
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