Recent content by brianwallis

That's the great thing about a free country. I can't make you do anything Mr Tim Winters. There are various financial and life risks associated with buying an airplane. I can only advise and don't get in the middle of the business deal. I'm an AP/IA that does this on a regular basis, not a desk...

I typically don't pull a jug on an airplane for a prebuy UNLESS like was stated - has not flown in a long time. Then if the owner does not want it pulled, I advise the buyer to look somewhere else because the owner is clearly worried about something and possibly trying to hide something. It's a...

A W&B only takes me about 20 min if it's ready. I make all my customers do one if theirs is more than 20 years old. The airplane has to be washed, cleaned of all junk, full oil, full hyd fluid, full toilet fluid and drained of fuel (these are the norms unless stated otherwise) and I roll it on...

The champ is the most comfortable if you are a big guy. Don't worry about IFR yet. None of those airplane scream IFR to anybody. Get used to hand starting unless you do some paperwork and get an electric start Champ. They fly great, tube and fabric is a dying art so make sure your fabric is good...

Before you do anything, do your research. I would personally steer clear of anything like that. It has the potential to be super expensive. It's a BUYERS market for sure. Do a FULL annual for your prebuy and pull a cylinder to look at the lobes. Look for an airplane that is regularly flown, one...

Here is what I've found after balancing props in Atlanta for years. Check the track of the prop first (track has an effect on balance but balance does not have an effect on track.) Once your mech has checked the track, you run it at whatever rpm you use the most (usually about 2400). The basic...

Make double sure you get the torque values right on the wheel halves, use baby powder and don't forget about the red dot for balance. If you try and balance the wheel, take the bearings out first. Use a valve stem removal tool every time. Best, Brian

If it's sat for that long, pull it apart for rebuild. If you want to confirm your guesses, pull a cylinder off and look at your lobes. Hopefully you can find an engine shop that will let you participate in the process. Best, Brian

It varies per mechanic. Some guys want to be there for the entire thing. The mechanic really should be there in person to supervise the activities. I have plenty of smart customers that I trust and a few that I would not dare give a screwdriver to even in an emergency. It's the mechanic's ticket...

It all comes down to your mission profile. If you have a business, it could be a great deduction if you use it for business purposes. Don't break the law there for sure. If you just want to learn to fly and enjoy yourself, you have several questions to answer. 1- can you justify the budget? 2-...

Good news and bad news. 1. The person had to take time out of their day to be there with you to help you with your personal goals 2. That person could of been making money somewhere else 3. Even the preacher gets paid at a wedding - CFI's are on the hook for what you do and don't do. 4. They...