Building a Kit Plane – Part 7
The only thing that makes me realize when an entire month has passed by is when Joel Pierce sends the “Hangar Talk article deadline” email. Writing the articles help keep me grounded and reminds me of the progress since last month. Here are the latest developments:The ground adjustable propeller was installed, and the blade pitch… Read more »
Building a Kit Plane – Part 6
When you first think about tackling any project, the end result motivates you to get started. As you progress, you might diminish your motivation by wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into. Next time you see me, ask me about gutting the plaster out of a room and drywalling. After I roll my eyes about that… Read more »
Put-in-Bay
Spring is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about quick warm-weather getaways. A favorite around here is Put-in-Bay (3w2 is the identifier). The best route from Smith Field is KSMD KPCW 3w2. As you look at your charts, you’ll notice this route will keep you safely clear of the restricted airspace near the… Read more »
Medications and the FAA
Now that spring is upon us and it’s allergy season, have you given much thought to what medications you are going to take to combat pollen — especially if you plan to fly in the next few days? This might be a good time to take a look at the FAA’s medical web site. You… Read more »
Young Eagles
Have you been at SMD on a Saturday during the summer and saw a lot of kids and parents milling around the ramp by Hangar 2? Did you wonder what was going on? It was a Young Eagles Rally, but what is a Young Eagles Rally? Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) developed the Young Eagles Program… Read more »
Missing the Forest for the Trees
With my takeoff checklist complete, I lined up on runway 14 at Dove Airstrip (MO81) in Christian Wings for the World‘s C150 with my instructor, Lionel Smith. I applied the brakes while pushing the throttle full forward, then released the brakes and began accelerating down the narrow, short, and tree-lined airstrip. As the little airplane… Read more »
Building a Kit Plane – Part 5
Thinking back to being in school and longing to hear that we had a 2-hour delay brings back fond memories. However, as the Zenith CH750 project comes together, I cringe at the thought of any disruptions in the flow of planning and assembly. Fortunately, we aren’t working on any sort of a deadline. Instead, personal… Read more »
Building a Kit Plane – Part 4
As the seasons continue to change, the Zenith project is blooming into what will soon not just look like an airplane, but actually be a flying machine. Since the last update, many small items have been fabricated or assembled and installed. A pair of auto pilot servos are now in the plane and hooked up… Read more »
Building a Kit Plane – Part 3
Have you ever read a book that was so good you just couldn’t put it down? I’m finding out that building a plane is a very similar scenario. The story changes every day, though the scenery doesn’t always.Since last month’s issue, we’ve made some significant progress. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s happened. The wiring,… Read more »
Building a Kit Plane – Part 2
It’s amazing what can be done in a few weeks time. On December 16, the wings and tail were in the (nearly) completed state you read about in Hangar Talk last month. Since then, the fuselage and finishing kits have arrived, and the firewall forward (engine, mount, and accessories) and BRS airframe parachute have been… Read more »