Recent content by MajorTurbulence

I may be completely wrong, but I do not remember the database updates from Garmin or Jeppesen being serial number dependent. Maybe on initial service startup, but the particulars escape me. If not dependent, then this would not call attention to a swapped radio of the same kind. So where would...

In my area, the basic annual is about $2100. But when you add the discrepancies and other preventatives, practically it is more than double or triple. Not surprisingly, our airplanes are aging and those add ones will tend to be a bigger factor. I considered myself fortunate this past annual only...

Have we reached the point where it is prudent to take your GPS Navigator home with you after the days flying is done?

My 1980 PA28-181 has floor vents that are very powerful and useful to cool me off when hot. The roof vent alone or supplemented by the fan also works well. Haven’t seen any door vents on my model.

Finally have feedback to report. Annual is done but don’t have the bill yet. But all my research with all your contributions really made this a simple process for my A&P to just change the transistors in their very accessible location. So, the result is that the panel lights now work like they...

Is there any benefit to using a clay bar on aircraft cleaning preparation?

The use of chemicals seem to offer the most promise for me, and those suggestions require me to learn more about them. If I’m reading it right, there is the need of some kind of abrasive compounding and elbow grease to accomplish at least the initial steps to rejuvenation.

Thanks to the commenters about the DA polisher. It is clear that it should be reserved for destroying my Corvette paint, should I choose to use it.

Nice idea. I don’t have a hangar for the same reasons. Unfortunately my paint shop, Prestige, is just under 2 hrs away by plane north of Burlington, which is difficult since not open on weekends.

This has probably been asked before so apologies. But I’m interested in tips for paint restoration. My paint job is about 14 yrs old and still looks good from a distance, but has much of the surfaces exposed to to light and uv with oxidation as the plane has been tied down outside. There has...

Yes, that seems to be what dictated my flight from Charleston to Clearwater recently. I was IFR at EVEN thousands when in JAX but going further south and west, ATC was insisting I go down to Odd. They changed my waypoint to almost south.There were areas of cumulus and turbulence that I was...

I have the Claw but never used it. Most of the designs are very similar in principle although some may have their merits in certain conditions. What failure points did you actually witness on the Claw?

Those Columbias were pretty much my often thought of pinnacle upgrade from my PA28-181. While the 400 would have given me the most options, I still dreamed of a 350 or even a 300 in great shape. Even looked at the sibling Lancairs. But your post illustrates the sheer folly for my circumstances...

I had smoke and electrical smell in my 1980 Archer2 about 5 years after new. The smell came from a KX170B. It was easily and inexpensively repaired back in 1985. In your case, you did say the audio panel flickered. I would look there if no other electrical devices or lighting was noted to be...

IMO, when traveling long cross countries in my 48 useable gallon Archer2, it is better to plan to fully exhaust fuel after first switching tanks initially after 1 hr (or 10 gal with fuel flow sensor) for balance, and then waiting for the other tank to go 2hrs ( or 20 gallons). At this point...