Settling in

[MidlifeMark]

Here's my plane in its new home. The bonus is that now I've got a better place to work on my bikes, too.

http://mlutian.smugmug.com/photos/57112805-L.jpg

And while I'm at it, here's a good shot of the instrument panel.

http://mlutian.smugmug.com/photos/57123544-L.jpg

Today my mechanic and I will start pulling the engine out for its overhaul. Stay tuned!

[BobFV1]

Mark - way cool! Give us a couple of specs on the motor in that thing - HP, cylinders, layout, air or water cooled??? Looks like you do have plenty of room to tear apart your bike too!

[geechie]

Man, that is so cool. Please call me if you ever fly down to Charleston. I want a ride! Charleston Executive Airport is just down the road a piece.

In the meantime; enjoy!

George

[MidlifeMark]

Bob,

Here is a link to the engine specs:

http://www.oceanair.ca/O470R_engine_specs.pdf

George,

I'm bound to be passing through Charleston at some point. I'll let you know when.

[geechie]

I'm bound to be passing through Charleston at some point. I'll let you know when.

OhboyOhboyOhboy!

G

[MidlifeMark]

Well, the engine is at the overhauler. In 6-8 weeks I'll have it back in. Lots of little odds and ends to take care of in the meantime (engine mount, fuel line, baffles, etc.), not to mention the honey-do list at home. So now I'm suffering from ADD (Aviation Deficit Disorder) as well as PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome).

[Deans BMW]

Mark, are you going to have the C/S prop overhauled at the same time?

[BobFV1]

Cool engine specs - sort of like a souped up Gold Wing - six cyl boxer motor, air cooled putting out 230 HP! A little heavy for use in a motorcycle, but it would make a really interesting "Monster Garage" project!

[Deans BMW]

Mark, following your new toy and looking at your pics are great. Closing my eyes brings the smells and sounds of my dads airplanes and create a lump in my throat. This morning, found two old pics of two of Dads aircraft. The first is his Cessna 182 Skylane that he and I picked up brand new at the Cessna dealer in Houston in 1958, I was in jr hi at the time. the second is a pic of his 8F Luscomb, 108 HP and aerobatic. I remember to this day looking out the windows in the ceiling of the cockpit and seeing the ground while dad flew loops and barrel rolls. Dad would strap both my younger bro and I in the same seat as the Luscomb was a side by side two seater.

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/57401508-L.jpg

Mark, you have brought a lot of memories to the fore front.:) Thanks.

[Gord]

Mark - very cool. I have nothing but respect for individuals who have the discipline and tenaciousness to pursue a pilot's licence. Let alone own their own aircraft. The price of entry is gianormous - let alone the ongoing operating costs - fuel and insurance. So kudos to you indeed.

I can't recall the show I was watching the other night - too busy watching Canada's 4 medal performance in Turin and flipping between other stuff - but it was commenting on how many USAF pilots and NASA astronauts are motorcycle afficianodos. A number of the pilots they interviewed talked about the affinity of skill required to pilot an airplane and ride a motorcycle.

My conclusion. We motorcyclists are an elite because we operate at a level of consciousness that only a small segment of the population can function at. Like pilots.

I wear my motorcyclist badge of honour with pride!

[MidlifeMark]

Dean,

The prop was overhauled in 2001 after a prop strike and has less than 200 hours on it, so it won't be overhauled this time around.

Those are really cool pictures of your dad's planes. Other than the instrument panel, there isn't much difference between his and mine (a little bit more dorsal fin, and I don't think the earlier ones had rear windows). When I make my way out to Show Low (and I will, you can bank on that!) we'll have us some fun flying.

Bob,

It would have to be a really well-funded Monster Garage project; this engine overhaul alone is costing me the price of a new LT!

Gord,

Tons of pilots I know also ride motorcycles. In fact, I was a bit of an oddball as a pilot because until about 4 years ago, I had never ridden a motorcycle. The sensation of "yankin' and bankin'" is pretty similar to carving up the twisties.

[Deans BMW]

Mark, Dads brand new '58 Skylane was, and I remember clearly when he wrote the check......was less than 20 K out the door, panel and all.....about the cost of a Major Overhaul on the non turbocharged opposed 6 cyl A/C engines today.

You are right, no rear window, but flys about the same, I seem to remember a cruise of about 160 MPH TAS, 75% 7,500 MSL

[BobFV1]

Bob,

It would have to be a really well-funded Monster Garage project; this engine overhaul alone is costing me the price of a new LT!

Ouch! I had no idea....Where is the cost - materials? Labor? Both???

[MidlifeMark]

Materials (each new cylinder assembly is almost $1500, and there are 6 of them), facilities (machine shop, high precision measuring & balancing equipment) and highly-skilled labor (FAA certification required).