So this morning, I went out to get the airplane flying again. As last reported, it's engine compartment was one big Starling condo, meaning that I couldn't run the engine until I got all of that straw out of there. So, 41 screws later, the top half of the cowl comes off.
Once cleaned and reassembled, I took the bird up for an hour and a half just to see how rusty I'd gotten. I did some area flying and saw some new sights, then I flew into Winchester, VA and shot a couple of touch-and-go landings on their field. I was going to go down to Front Royal too, but a line of dark rain squalls came up from that way while I was playing at Winchester. I was going to fly into it for a bit to wash the plane, but then I saw the lightning flashing and decided that my time would be better spent flying for home instead. I sure have missed flying this bird.
After tying the plane down, I headed over to the pistol range, where I aired the newish S&W M&P 40 out for a bit on the steel targets. Then I came home, stopping to buy some beer, some of which I'm now enjoying. And on the dog front, Murphy and Belle are wrestling on the floor like they so often do, and Belle just pissed Murphy off to the point where he chased her and she ran into my end table and knocked it over. Now she's trying to get one or both of us to feel sorry for her even though she's the one that caused it all. Sigh...women.
That is a bird condo and a half!
ReplyDeleteYou did that the right way. Some disassembly was required, and you did what had to be done.
ReplyDeleteYGBKM! Are you sure the Scarecrow didn't go homeless and look for shelter in your Skyhawk?
ReplyDeleteAs for the rest, sounds like you checked most of the boxes for a near perfect day!
I used to like to go out on a Saturday afternoon, and just fly into some little field. There was almost always at least a coke machine and a pilots lounge, and some old guy who would sit on the porch and visit with you. You're fortunate you are still flying. I can't pass the medical anymore so I think that hobby is one I won't be practicing again. Couldn't afford the aircraft rental these days anyway as I'm retired. We used to have an Air Force T141 here that they let you have when it was not being used by CAP, as long as you would fly it on CAP search and rescue when they asked you to. It only cost $15.00 an hour, wet. But it went the way of all good things, they took the plane when they cut their budget.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried mounting plastic or rubber snakes, owls or hawks on your prop when your planes unattended? I do realize the cowling plugs are a better solution but am thinking a more tiered approach might help here. As much as I'd like to own my own 172 its not in the budget so I'm looking at used Challenger II's or the like with an enclosed trailer.
ReplyDeleteThey aren't fooled by fake predators for more than a couple of days. If the fake snake/owl/whatever doesn't move, they just start roosting on that too.
DeleteSame thing with plastic owls on antennas.
DeleteIf the thing doesn't move or make noise once in a while, the birds just "filter" it out as clutter....
Told ja to kill them d-d things...
ReplyDeleteNow will you come find the mouse that seems to be living in my SUV? It pooped in my cup...
Can't you get some covers or "blocks" for the air intake to keep the critters out?
ReplyDeleteI could swear I've seen them on light planes back in the Midwest.....
I have them. They're lying on the ground by the toolbox in the top picture. Unfortunately they don't fit well and they either fall out or the birds peck and pull them out. Once they decide to go in, you've lost.
DeleteOOOPS!
DeleteJust noticed them laying on the ground....
You probably need an engine cover, not just the plugs.
ReplyDelete