As March drew to a close, the Eagle's condition inspection was complete and she was airborne again, it was time to turn my attention to the Wolf Pitts. One diversion first, help a fellow Eagle pilot with a fuel flow issue he'd been having. Checked the whole system but found no issues other than the wobble pump couldn't be opened to look at the filter. Someone had put some Lock-Tite type adhesive on the threads and it was very difficult to open. So we removed it for him to send out for rebuild, hopefully the state of the filter will tell us more.
So back in February I had a fuel line fail, which was a signal to me to replace my hoses, 15 years is long enough on one set. Two other needed projects included removing the right magneto for it's 500 hour inspection (about 500 hours late..) and removing my wobble pump for overhaul. It gets very difficult to operate when the temperature rises above 85 degrees.
Down to the hangar I go with wrench in hand! First off, get the fluids out of the system, fuel and oil. Lift the tail, open the fuel drain and start emptying into 5 gallon cans. Then I open the oil quick drain valve to empty the case. Eventually, I see oil all over my drip pan. Huh, everything from the drain valve is going into my oil can, whats up? Big streak of oil down the firewall... uh oh...
As the season ended in 2011, I noticed more and more oil on the belly. I spent a couple weekends chasing down possibilities when I found that a number of my hose clamps were loose. Triumphantly, I tightened them all thinking I found the oil leak. Nope, if found an oil leak. Turns out my prop governor is leaking where it mates to the adapter plate.
A quick assessment revealed the only way to properly remove the governor is to pull the engine off the airplane. Crap.
I haven't even started my annual condition inspection yet and I'm looking at $2,500+/- in new parts, inspections and repairs. Gotta love airplane ownership!!
Don't get me wrong, I love the Wolf Pitts and wouldn't trade it for any other airplane out there. And I knew that I was facing issues like this before I ever got in her to fly home. 15 years and 1000 hard aerobatic hours are tough on an airframe. But as he current caretaker, I'm glad to put in the time.
But I need to end this post on a high note... Last Saturday was Arlington Airport Appreciation Day. Since KAWO does so much for the Arlington Fly In and has to be the greatest general aviation airport on the planet, I felt that I had to take part. I hopped up with the Eagle and flew a few Young Eagle rides.
My favorites were two 16 year old twins that had never been in an airplane before. Not even a big aluminum mailing tube. They showed up at 8am to help set up and planned on leaving after helping tear everything down. When we had to wait for a rain burst to pass through, they offered to help wipe down the Eagle. Very polite and considerate boys.
The flights were great, both did a fantastic job flying the airplane, both showed some real enthusiasm and wonder at the experience. That is the reason I like to fly Young Eagles. Unfortunately, kids like these are far and few between. I hope it made a big enough impression that we'll see them around the airport again.
Ended the day with watching a local B-26 Invader pilot beat up the pattern at Renton when I got back. The sound of the radials is pure heaven....
