Recent content by Craig Valentine

I don’t recognize what trike this is but it’s likely very well made with the structure of the wing, wheel pants and BRS. Most likely it has 100 HP Rotax engine, an excellent engine and is a Light Sport. This is not a cheaply made, thrown together aircraft. I flew trikes for about 1200 hours and...

At the risk of * inhales deeply *: At my airport a couple months ago, a new factory replacement engine for a 4 seat airplane had severe pitting in the cylinders and cams on an engine a couple months old and 25 hours, discovered by borescope at an oil change. The factory immediately sent out a...

I’ve had Rotax engines for about 15 years and use gas from the corner station with ethanol. The only issue I’ve ever had is the need to keep the gas fresh, unlike Avgas, so if I haven’t flown for a month or two, I siphon some gas out and run it through my truck, and put in fresh. I’ve never had...

Wing X Pro used to be fantastic for Trip Planning. They had all the facilities listed at each airport along with what they did and phone numbers. Additionally, lists of hotels and restaurants, and the distance to them. Also, lists of taxi companies as well as if there was an airport car and...

Any automotive spray on detailer should work. I use Prolong Lubricant Waterless Wash and Shine. It’s similar to Lucas Slick Mist, but not as heavy of wax. Both are fine products.

It looks like an accelerated course will work best for me. Any recommendations for any here in the west? I live in Northern California and the Carolina’s and Florida are too far.

Back in the summer of 2012 when I was still flying trikes, I flew to each of the 48 states in a continuous loop. The attitude I had already developed, is that every airport can kill you and every airport can be a pussycat. So the advice you are getting here is very good. Read the weather and...