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I got my private in 1997, took instrument ground school at a community college but never did any training. Fast forward a bit, and my 17 year old is about to take his private check ride and he wants to fly commercial. Have any of you done instrument training with a partner or did you do it...

Narrowing my auto engine searches and I'll need a speed reducer. Most of the off-the-shelf options are geared or cog belt designs, and most of these are airboat products. I'd love to hear some firsthand experience with psrus and the pros and cons. I'd prefer to build my own, but I'd like to...

When your experimental, amateur built aircraft is inspected and registered with FAA as an experimental, what obligation does one have to inform the FAA of a significant modification? If its all kit parts when certified, does replacing, say, the wings with certified Cessna wings, require...

My son took our 172B up to practice slow flight before his check ride and on climbout, he noticed the airspeed bouncing between 0 and 40 knots. He turned around and landed without incident and the A&P on the field ruled out a blockage or leak in the pitot/static system, recommending we replace...

Do multi engine airplanes offset the thrust angle from centerline more than a single? I understand some if not most singles have the crankshaft centerline offset slightly to counteract left turning tendencies. Since asymmetrical thrust is a bigger issue with a multi, would angling both engines...

My son is working on his PPL in our 172B. He got a job loading cropdusters for the summer and now he wants to fly them. His boss said he needs 500 hours of tailwheel time (among other things, depending on how desperate they are at the time). Is it worth it to rent a Luscombe or Taylorcraft for...

I just took delivery of a 172B with a high time O-300. It seems fine for now, but I'm getting bids for overhauls and its all quite shocking. Ive had estimates as high as $44k and as low as $33k not including removal and installation. I think I could get a Franklin 220 swapped in for less than...

I just closed on a 172 and it will have to be tied down here in SW Idaho. I'd like to keep it cool inside and I'll use reflective window shades when its parked, but does anyone use a solar exhaust fan to circulate air or is that a trivial pursuit? As a kid, my grandpa was fond of the JC...

Hello- Im about to pull the trigger on a 172B. Its pretty squared away except theres only intercom jacks for the front. If I want to replace the ash trays with intercom plugs, do I need to pay an A&P or can I DIY? FWIW, Ive wired lots of automotive abd household stuff and I've yet to let...

We have had a wireless home weather station for about 8 years. Bought at costco, Accurite brand. It was neat to see the highs and lows, wind speeds, pressure trends, etc. but the years in the weather took their toll on the outdoor measuring unit and the plastic housing failed, causing the...

Android guy here. I've always disliked Apple products because of their incompatibility with non-Apple stuff as well as their far left political contribution. I dont Facebook either. Yeah, one of THOSE guys. I'm getting back into aviation and my kids are just starting out, and it seems like...

I searched the forum but couldnt find anything. Im building a kit but considering the purchase of an old 172 to fly until the kit is done and hopefully get instrument rated along the way. We arent super rich, but we try to limit our tax liability whenever possible and clearly legal. My wife...

Hey kids- Im considering the purchase of an experienced 172....1961 model. It appears to be in great shape. Needs an annual and probably a major overhaul in 1000 hours or less. I can probably handle that if I can get it at the right price, but an acquaintance of mine has his 182 in the shop...

I gather they can be expensive for certified aircraft, but would experimental category make this a viable alternative to the Lycoming 360? I think I'm sold on the franklin 220, but it seems like there are a lot of these Continentals out there for cheap, at least compared to the lycomings which...

Hello- choosing a powerplant for my Zenith 801 and leaning towards a 220 Franklin. I gather from forums that parts can be hard to find, but has anyone here had difficulties getting parts and being grounded because of it? I'm also considering an O-360. I like that the cylinders on the...

I got my ppl in 1997 and logged about 150 hours before I got busy with career and family. My kids want to fly now, and I'm back to it, assembling a kit plane. Avionics have come a long way since the garmin 530 et al and trying to plan my panel makes me feel like an old guy trying to get his...

Do any of you home builders repair your own legacy engines? Im researching an engine for my Zenith 801 and I dont think I can afford to pay a shop for an "overhaul" let alone a factory reman. I've rebuilt 4 auto engines and do 99% of my car repairs myself. Do any of you non-A&Ps repair or...

Pretty excited as its a big step towards a lifelong dream. Its about 50% complete and I'm researching engine options now...leaning towards an O-360. I'd like to find some transition training before its first flight. Any leads on one?

I've been thinking a lot about auto conversions and since most use a reduction gear, the torque is multiplied significantly. The last plane I flew was a 206 for my high performance endorsement with 300 hp. It was an impressive step up from the 172s Ive been flying for sure. It got me...

Considering a Cherokee 6 but i found a Lance in my price range. The insurance on a retractable will kill me, but an A&P years ago mentioned that a 210 can be made a fixed gear. Im sure it can be done with a Lance, but will the insurance company go for it? Once I build more time, I suspect...