Hi! Just a question if there are any mechanics here. What would the normal install time be for an S-TEC system 20 one-axis autopilot be into a 1968 Piper Arrow? Presuming the directional gyro/heading bug is OK, and the NAV instruments are up to it off course. Just to have an idea.

Recently one of my partners reported that the compass (standard whiskey compass, not a vertical card) on our Archer was reading 20-25 degrees off of runway heading at departure. Today a new partner was up with an instructor for his sign off and reported the same thing. I hadn't noticed, but we...

I've come to the point where I'm looking to get into owning an aircraft. However, I've read (and calculated) that the break-even point for owning comes after about 150-200 hours per year. I'm not going to be doing nearly that amount of flying. In fact, I don't know anybody other than a CFI or...

My friend just bought an airplane. He did the prepurchase inspection himself. That's not as bad as it sounds - he is an A&P/IA and has owned and restored many airplanes. The plane was an older model light twin and he got a great deal on it. On the flight home one of the nav's (the only one with...

I am considering purchasing a 1/3rd share of an LLC which owns a Cessna 206. The LLC is owned by three partners each with an equal share. The only other asset of the LLC is a bank account with maintenance reserve funds. My question is this... How does one go about purchasing a 1/3rd share of an...

Gentlemen, Ladies, How can one check Claims databases re aviation insurance claims? How can I find out about aviation loss claims and loss payment history of an insured individual or history regarding an insured flying club or partnership or corporation as it pertains to an individual (info...

Doug posted this over in RAP. I figured it might do some good in this group too. ------------------------------------- I've been working on organizing a few relief flights and have learned some things. In spite of AOPA tell GA to stay out of the way, there is a big need for transporting people...

Wanting to put our club's 430s on the upgrade list, I need to get the serial numbers. Is there a page with this in the unit itself? I looked the other day, but didn't spot it. Thanks... Andrew

Well, I did it again this year. I combined a trip to British Columbia with my final destination being Oshkosh, this time in my Amphib equipped Aviat Husky. I am not sure how many bytes I can post in one message, so if it doesn't all make it, I'll post the rest later. Trip Report 2003 Well, where...

The FAA Cashed my check for registration how long dose it take to get the registration card? How long dose it take to show up on the faa site ect.

The alternator on my 180hp Lycoming is putting out a whine in my headset. My a/p recommends a replacement. It's 7 yrs (about 600 hrs) old. Is this reasonable time frame for an alternator to last?

An OT query for folks here. While discussing things that can happen between the jetways, I posited that it's a really bad to be aloft in Big Iron in a medical emergency, etc. -- based on how long it takes to get on the ground. That brings up the question of how long that time really is.... So:

My Hertzile (?sp?) has almost 900 since its been torn down. I've heard different things from different mechanics. I know the actual TBO on the prop is now something like 20,000 hours. However, I don't want to get stuck somewhere with a problem. How much time do most people here put on their...

Next time your A&P tells you the bad news... think of Herb Keller.... http://blog.flightstory.net/437/follow-up-southwest-engine-failure/ (And I too thought the cowling was supposed to.....) -- A host is a host from coast to & no one will talk to a host...

Greeting to All, I am investigating the possibility of purchasing my own plane in the next 12 months. With the soft prices on twin airplanes, they are starting to look a little more appealing to me than a big single. I have spent a lot of time investigating costs associated with maintenance so I...

I did the Google search for previous discussions, found the Bogert Kit http://maxpages.com/bogertaviation/Copper_Cable_Kit, but didn't find an estimate of the number of hours needed to install the kit. The answer will bias the decision wrt DIY under supervision or just have it done. My A&P lacks...

In the US we have a set of aviation regulations all made up by the FAA. In Canada they have a different set of rules all made up by Transport Canada. They don't blindly follow the American FAA system. When in Belize I walked through the capital to the general aviation airport and talked to a...

I searched the archives, and found discussion on problems that corrosion has caused, but haven't found any dealing with the role of corrosion in the sale of an airplane. I know most of you steadfastly maintain that ANY corrosion is bad. But, in reality, how many of you have purchased anyway,...

The pitch trim jackscrew in our 74 Archer seems to have a lot of play in two places. There is play at the bottom, where the nut is attached to the rod for the antiservo tab, and there is play at the top, where the bearing is linked to the attachment plate (by what appears to be some sort of...

Hello - our 1972 skyhawk with original engine (2300 hrs) is in major overhaul. The crank was sent out and found to have a crack and is supposedly unusable. The mechanic quoted $3,000 for a used replacement and $4,000 for new. Engine is Lycoming O-320-E2D, getting upgraded to 160 HP + powerflow...