Please join me in congratulating the newest U.S. Private Pilot in the world, Lisa L., who earned her wings yesterday with DPE Ken Earl in Cessna 1ES.
Way to go, Lisa!
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In other news,
The planes are making a maintenance face at us. Here's what I know:
Cessna 630 is down pending investigation of low oil pressure. We expect downtime either through tomorrow (Saturday) or potentially next week if we find something nasty.
Cessna 68U is wrapping up her 100hr, and we hope for a return early next week. We have been delayed by parts.
Cessna 20U is running great. Thanks, 20U!
Cessna 1ES is running great. Thanks, 1ES!
Cessna 17J is humming along fine. Thanks, 17J!
Cessna 25R continues to baffle mechanics both here and in Oakland where she has been vacationing for 3 weeks now. There is talk now of opening the engine to investigate, and if we do that, we will continue to a full overhaul, which will spell 4 more weeks of downtime.
Why would we overhaul an engine before it is due? Opening an aircraft engine, and the necessary inspections amounts to an $8,000 undertaking. To replace necessary parts while we are there, and convert it to a full major overhaul, only adds an additional $5,000. We think 5 grand now will provide proven reliability later -- so we may just bite the bullet. 25R's engine is just past mid-life at 1,300 hours.
More as I know it on this topic.
Piper 85Y is wrapping up her Annual. If our distractions subside, we expect her return in 2 or 3 weeks' time.
Woof.
To add insult to injury, June Gloom is here! Mornings through 11 or noon have been socked in with fog, which returns later in the night at around 10. Limited opportunities for blue skies, but the instrument flyers are lapping it up!
Fly Safe!
- Mike
