Question Flying an Apache

 

A little "progress report". Since I had a heavy work schedule and wasn't going to have time for little airplanes we pushed on getting some of the lesser priority stuff done. So we got the left engine opened up (again!) and the ignition harness and spark plugs were replaced. Then we replaced the gaskets for the intake, air box and carburetor on that side since we had needed that on the right engine. And we replaced the hydraulic filter. We just need to finish bleeding the hydraulic system. While doing all that of course Annie had to have her say one more time! We found a primer line that had a pinhole and was getting ready to fail. So that had to be pulled off and replaced. So that has all been done. 

While that was being done we finally got news from Insight that they had checked the G2 gauge we sent back and they found the issue. Somehow it had the software from 1989! Obviously that's not going to work. So not sure how that happened and they will fix it under warranty and also replace the processor just in case. Hopefully that will be ready to install next week and that should be the final wrap up on that upgrade. We are still working on the flap gauge but that is lower on the priority list. After this smaller projects!

Steve, Good Question!

Somehow I think good old boring flying around will just have to do!

Hi Eric;
Thanks for the latest updates. It seems like it's always something with these airplanes.
One of these days there is not going to be anything that needs fixing.
Then what are you going to do??

Steve

Today wasn't very exciting but we did get progress on the gauges. The left G2 Insight Graphic Engine Monitor never had a proper display of CHT. After much going back and forth Insight told us today to return the unit. Hopefully they will repair or replace it. We have the right unit working OK and we did resolve an earlier issue with fuel flow that was a "known issue" with the Apache and Aztec. Once this is resolved we will have the update completed. The other gauge issue has been the flap gauge. While not hugely important we still should have the gauge working. In checking with John Talmage of DiamondAire we found out we may have an improvised repair on the back of the gauge. So we are checking on that and hopefully will have that resolved soon as well. 

We did run the engines today while checking the GEM and they ran perfectly. I am enjoying how easily they both start now. Also, the new tachs and manifold pressure gauges are very nice and accurate. I no longer wonder what the actual RPM is!

Today the annual that took forever finally got signed off! I went out this afternoon and after Eliu went over all the things we had to put in the logbooks he announced I need a new logbook. Really! We ran out of pages for all the updates and 337's and whatever. So a new logbook is being ordered. But the first thing was to get "Double Trouble Annie" in the air. Well, she did get in the air and absolutely no surprises either good or bad. We still have an issue with the left GEM that is not showing the CHT properly. Also, we are working on fixing the flap gauge. But everything else worked great. I am enjoying the new digital tachs and manifold pressure gauges. As I get more familiar with the Insight G2 gauges I'm sure I'll be happier with them too. But the main thing was the engines ran great after being so difficult.  So maybe Annie will become Annie the Agreeable. Or Annie the Amiable! I'd be glad to settle for Reliable Annie!
 

Two airline guys have to use a tug you know!



Post flight a happy Apache owner (finally!)

After what felt like forever... "Double Trouble" Annie has decided to cooperate! We got the prop governor reinstalled and the newly repaired support for the prop governor cable put in as well. With the new gaskets and new spark plugs and ignition harness we seem to have finally found the "sweet spot" for Annie. We test ran the engines and everything worked as it should. So before we could let Annie change her mind we took her for a quick run around the pattern. Everything worked great so we are happy to say Annie is ready to fly. Of course we still have a list of "upgrades" left to do but they should be able to be done while still flying the plane. During all of this the engines have gotten easier and easier to start. Some of it is due to the improved ignition but I think a big part has been figuring out that Annie likes 5 strokes of prime to start. She has a drinking problem!!

Happy Mechanic!
 

Annie after finally flying like she should.