Recent content by camorton

The 275 has a built-in VFR GPS. You just have to connect an antenna. It won't log that position and altitude with the engine data? C.

Self-balancing? Uh, no. Self-unbalancing? Sure. You can line up the red dot with the valve stem of the tube and hope for the best with a new tire. Kinda works most of the time. I found a go-kart wheel balancer on eBay that works well for a static balance for very little $$$. If you're trying...

To be clear, the reason the insurance for a retractable will always be 2x (usually more) than an equivalent fixed gear model is because of the possibility of a gear-up (and all the associated repairs). Very little of the premium is due to your lack of experience in type. C.

Yeah, I actually witnessed this activity at KSZP about two months ago. It seemed so crazy at the time, I thought I must have misunderstood what was going on. Glad to hear the FAA stepped in before someone got hurt. C.

There is a lot of stuff here: http://www.aeroelectric.com/Installation_Data/

I'd never say a generator is better than an alternator. All else being equal, I'd go for the alternator, too. But that's not the case here. The OP is looking to trouble-shoot an existing system that has worked well previously. If he can find the actual fault, the solution is probably a .50...

Owner takes 60 year-old airplane to the shop with charging issues. A&P replaces generator, then the regulator, then the battery in succession - still intermittent problems! Owner drops $2K plus another $1K in labor to install alternator conversion kit (which BTW happens to come with all new...

I would advise exactly the opposite. The generator system is stone-simple, reliable and a heck of a lot cheaper to fix than dropping $2K on an alternator kit. I'm sorry I can't tell you exactly what is wrong, but I do know this: 1. Don't replace the expensive parts (generator, regulator)...

I don't usually go for personalized plates or N numbers, but back when I learned to fly at Van Nuys airport there what a guy with a plate that read 'FLY2VNY'. I thought that was cool. C.

Magman is thinking of the earlier 182s that did have clamps on all six risers. It's a problem area as leakage at the junctions is common. It's tempting to over-tighten the bolts to reduce leaks but that just results in a cracked clamp ($$$). The stacks distort over time with heat cycles and...

I say go for it. I've installed the GPS175 (and I'm an ME not an EE!). Really only a handful of wires. Read the docs, all you need to know is in there. C.

You haven't heard about the new 'Learner Pilot Certificate'?

I'm just going to say it: vanity N-numbers are lame. You earned a pilots license. You own your own freaking plane. Still concerned people aren't impressed? You feel the need to paint your initials on both sides 12" high? I don't get it. Someone please explain.

Much as I respect the knowledge of the group, I doubt you'll find your answers on here. I've heard some very successful people say essentially that great ideas are a dime a dozen, it's all about the execution. As for the content, I think it's irrelevant. It's all about your personality and...

Street price is $4,650 for the GNC215 which is about what you'll pay for any new similar box. The GNC 255 which it replaces is around $4,500. Hell, a 30 year-old KX155 in good condition will still fetch $2,500. C.