July 28th, 2009
I flew 1.0 on the Hobbs and 8 landings this morning. My annual cross-country to Franklin with the family is this weekend, and it always helps me to practice stabilized pattern flying shortly before hand to keep the flight comfortable for Van and Khai. The power-off landing for today had me slipping to mid-field. I was too high to push the landing unless it was an emergency, so I went around instead.
I am experimenting with altering my pattern speeds by decreasing the upwind climb from 80kts to 70kts to keep me closer to the airport, delaying the first 10 degrees of flaps until base and keeping my speed at 80kts until the base turn. This makes for a more stabilized approach so far.
Tags: Closed traffic
Posted in GA flights | No Comments »
July 16th, 2009
I was inspired by this posting on N617AR (an RV-6) showing where the aircraft has flown. It’s been a while since I have made a map like this (previously it was with a world map and my travels) and I had fun putting one together. Both the entire map, and detail for California are below. Highlights for me are Oshkosh Airventure 2004 (N99-KTOL-KOSH, KOSH-KMBS-N99) and Kitty Hawk (N99-KFFA, KFFA-N99) with Kelly in N9144P, Casey and Deron’s wedding (KPAO-KIZA, KIZA-KPAO) and the annual trip to Franklin (KSQL-F72; F72-KSQL) with my family, and flying Dad to Charles Schultz (KSQL-SF Bay Tour-KSTS, KSTS-O69-KSQL).
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July 15th, 2009
Last week I ordered the Info Pack/DVD from Van’s Aircraft. I have been infatuated with the RV-8 since Airventure 2004 while I was still flying Citabrias. Recently, I am torn between it and the RV-9A, as the latter represents a potential trainer for the boys (that includes Shane) and a comfortable, easy-flying, fast cross-country aircraft for us in the future. Dare to dream!
Making the Decision - Your Estimate
Price Breakdown Low High
RV-8 QuickBuild kit $30510 $30510
New Lycoming IO-360-M1B 180HP $28400 $32425
Hartzell constant-speed prop $6590 $10920
Prop governor and cabling $1350 $1350
Firewall forward accessories $3400 $4800
Analog flight instruments $700 $1000
VFR cross country instruments $1100 $1100
Nav and landing lights / strobes $890 $890
VFR cross country avionics $2800 $5000
Basic electrical system $400 $1000
Cushions / harnesses $900 $900
Professional paint $6000 $6000
Tool kit / power tools $2000 $2000
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Total Kit $85040 $97895
Tags: RV-8 RV-9A Van's Aircraft
Posted in Experimental Aircraft | No Comments »
