Hangar Flying

Bounce is a brand name for your clothes dryer fabric softener sheets that your wife/girlfriend uses to keep your dirty socks smelling better.

You're right!  The wax really helps and I've been using your method for almost 4 years now.  But, if you don't wipe them off right away, they weld themselves on to the leading edges and then I use warm water.

But for me, the Bounce works best so far.  They just disolve and I carry a damp hand towel to take off the residue.

Hello guys, guess I should have been more exact on technique and procedures regarding the upwind and thoughts on the FAA.  For the most part the FAA does a good job and we of course would have an absolute mess without them!

But, as Drew pointed out there are other ways to enter the pattern than the 45 degee downwind.  And regarding spins (not a real problem for Ez's) if you are taught properly to enter and break a fully developed spin, you are a safer pilot and will instinctively know when you are about to enter one at low altitude or possibly in the pattern.  Each and every pilot, from the ATP to the 10 hour student (and we are ALL students) will benefit from an hour in a Pitts S2B with a competent instructor practicing spins and/or unusual attitudes.  What is your first instinct when you see the ground comming at you over/under the nose?  In an emergency, you will revert to your training and do what you were trained to do.  If you aren't trained then it's a crap shoot.

I have been lucky enough to be able to use my Long for business transportation and average about 250-300 hours a year covering the western states.  As a rule when traveling to major cities, I use non-towered airports because they are less busy and I can get in and out easily and fuel is a little cheaper.
Usually, when I'm about 10-20 miles out,  I listen in on the ATIS for basic information, then go from Approach Control to CTAF to see who is inbound/outbound, closed traffic, crop dusters working in the area or whatever.  The pattern entry is kind of like getting in line, if you butt in, everyone behind you gets miffed.  Proper entry will allow those behind you turning crosswind or early downwind to extend and let you in.

But you can't always see everyone!  Especially while decending and manuvering to get the 45 degree midfield entry while you have 2 more inbounds doing the same thing.  That's when it (to me) makes more sense to overfly at 500+ above pattern to see the sock and identify traffic.  Then, align for the offset upwind entry.  By adjusting your speed, you have the options of:
1. Entering the crosswind behind the aircraft taking off for another touch and go.
2. Making an early crosswind behind the aircraft taking off for another touch and go and following the aircraft already established on downwind.
3. Extending your upwind to allow the other inbounds to enter the pattern, whether they are 45 degree downwind or any other pattern leg.

Of course the object is for everyone to get down safely and without seeing rivets or swaping paint!  Our ability to see and avoid is directly related to how well we judge each entry and make the correct decision as to the best way to proceed.

Fly smart, be courteous and safe.  Get as much training doing 'different' things in airplanes as you can and you will be a better pilot!

Nothing like a good day of killing bugs to relax a man!  Now to get them off the leading edges and canopy.  Anyone have the 'best' way to get the critters off?

I've used Pledge spray wax, comet non-abrasive bathroom cleaner, spit and 409.  Everything but the Pledge has to be waxed over before your next bug-squashing flight or the damn things weld to the leading edges!

Thanks Drew, I'll get right on it!

The 296 has alerts for airspace and terrain.  I tested the terrain feature in clear air and it's pretty darn accurate.  Wouldn't fly IFR with obsured mountain tops inroute, but it keeps you safe on a dark nights.

I flew the anywhere map for a couple years and like the Garmin much better for view-ability and call for a flight brief to pick up TFR's/SFR's enroute.

Drew, I checked out your web page which you did a nice job on.  What is the check valve you used for the breather onto the #1 exhaust?  I've been fighting the breather system for way too long now.

Good 1st step.

Cut a 'T' from 1/4" nylon so that the top part is longer than the throat is wide and you have to angle the T into the hole.  Then attach your lanyard and fuel cap to the long part of the T.  You can then pull on the cap and it will not come out of the hole (if you cut it long enough) but you can still angle the T to remove it and cap if you want.

Welcome aboard!  Come up to LMT sometime and visit.  Great xc over the Syskiyous.