Aerodon

Maybe just a timer to check things like fuel enroute?

That's kinda neat for its time. So if you have landed, then flip the switch on and all the lights light up. Press them one by one as you go through the checklist and they go off. Then flip the switch when you are ready to land and they all come on again? Never used one, but that's my guess. Aerodon

Springbank CYBW is a good option. Not sure if customs is available. My recommendation is to clear customs at the easiest place to the border. Both directions. CBP are less than understanding about headwinds, ATC delays, diversions etc. Looking at your route, Regina CYQR looks like a good customs airport. Not as busy as Winnipeg, more or less on your route. If they are open all day, less of an issue if you miss your arrival time. Aerodon

Not offended by the comments at all. Someone will need one when the screen fails. The GX60's are still nice comms, and even with an out of date database the G50/60/65 GPS can interface with a JPI, MX20, Sandel etc. Aerodon

I'm in Vancouver BC, no big deal in shipping from here or WA state. Don

I had a C172N amphibious floatplane that was impossible to fill up and takeoff with pilot without exceeding the forward limit. We carried 2x25 lb water bottles in the baggage area - big advantage is that once we had burned off fuel we could dump the water and return from the lake a whole lot lighter. Wheel takeoffs at 2550 lbs were OK, on water you want to be as light as possible. My Seneca is much nicer to fly (land) with an aft CoG, it tends to run out of control authority at forward CoG limits. There is a chart in the maintenance or parts manual that shows the recommended Charlie weights with your particular empty weight and CoG. I took out the standby vacuum in my 252 and my thinking was to put 'remote avionics' in the aft avionics bay (vs. Panel avionics). I also got two used Charlie weights so I put those in. And I did the Encore upgrade. Aerodon

That was an interesting read. So the sailing distance for records is 21,600 which is the distance around the world at the equator. The aviation distance is 19,850, the distance around the Tropic of Cancer. If you are going to chase records, seems to me understanding the rules is the very first step? Aerodon

The C172 type certificate includes the following note. A late model 172R probably weighs 1700 lbs and has a gross of 2550. 50G fuel is 300, pilot 200, ferry tanks 100. So still another 250 lbs fuel. The 30% over gross is another 750 lbs, so it is possible to carry 1300 lbs fuel total, or 215G. At 9 GPH this is 24 hours. This flight is at 18 hours, 2.5 to go. So 20.5 and maybe 2 or 3 hour reserve. Never mind fuel, I would worry about an oil filler system? Aerodon >>Special Ferry Flight Authorization. Flight Standards District Offices are authorized to issue Special overweight ferry flight authorizations. This airplane is structurally satisfactory for ferry flight if maintained within the following limits: (1) Takeoff weight must not exceed 130% of the maximum weight for Normal Category; and (2) The Never Exceed Airspeed (VNE) and Maximum Structural Cruising Speed (VC) must be reduced by 30%; and (3) Forward and aft center of gravity limits may not be exceeded; and (4) Structural load factors of +2.5 g. to -1.0 g. may not be exceeded. Requirements for any additional oil should be established in accordance with Advisory Circular AC23.1011-1. Increased stall speeds and reduced climb performance should be expected for the increased weights. Flight characteristics and performance at the increased weights have not been evaluated. Flight Permit for operations of overweight aircraft may be found in Advisory Circular AC21-4B.

I have a manual for you - M18LA - with prop RPM minimum and maximum Aerodon

I don't doubt that he will fly more. But it is the 'course' that counts.....

I'd rather make a new one than have to deal with a half worn out one with the mounting holes in the wrong place? Aerodon

>>For powered aviation, the course of a round-the-world record must start and finish at the same point and cross all meridians; the course must be at least 36,770 kilometres (19,850 nmi) long (which is approximately the length of the Tropic of Cancer). The course must include set control points at latitudes outside the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Pieter shows his route as : TOTAL 19,462 nm I trust he finds a way to add the missing 400nm.....

Yeah, lets start a new thread and follow him around the world. 14:10 on 176G https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N5810T/history/20240805/1800Z/PADK/RJCC

Here's another trip to follow: https://www.pieternel.net

I have one of each of these for sale with good displays. $600 for a GX50, $1200 for a GX60/65. Aerodon

Yes, my local avionics shops subcontracts the neighbouring shop to install the brackets, cables and servos. There is surprisingly little wiring with a GFC500 compared with say a KFC150. And it is feasible to pre-manufacture the harness for a GFC500. Aileron servo connector needs to be installed after pulling the wires through. The elevator servo connectors can be pulled all the way through on an M20K. Aerodon

I think it is misleading to say there is a lot of work in removing the old autopilot. An installer has to open up all the side panels and instrument panel anyway. Once it is all open, I think it took me about 2 hours to remove the old KFC150 autopilot. The KFC150 aileron servo mounting can be reused for a GFC500 autopilot, I figure this saves several hours labor. Without a doubt, a GFC500 would be a great addition to a 1991 M20J. Aerodon

Not my airplane or trip. But a 252 with long range tanks has 106G and will burn about 12.7 GPH at 75% and 190kts TAS at 18,000 feet. Or about 155kts TAS at 9.7GPH. That flight had a really nice tailwind, so probably landed with about 30g of fuel. aerodon

It's not that hard to remove a drain valve. Get a couple of new ones, they tend to corrode and start leaking anyway. I'd rather have the proper amount of unusable fuel, the proper zero reading in the proper attitude. Setup a spreadsheet and plot a chart for both left and right sides. Use this for cross correlation to the fuel totalizer, and to make finer adjustments in the future. Aerodon

>>not my flight https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/N12JZ/history/20240727/0800Z/CYYR/BIRK#google_vignette Germany to Canada to Oshkosh and back. Goose Bay to Reykjavik in 6:22, average speed over 200kts. Don't even need ferry tanks if you have the Monroe tanks. Aerodon

How would this be any different to installing any other inspected and traceable part? Yes I get it that rubber has a shelf life. Aerodon

Not possible to re-assign by software. If you need some JPI thermocouple wire to extend any of the wires, send me a note, I have offcuts. Also replacement ring terminals and screws and nuts. Aerodon

You got my attention so I looked it up. My guys have always used 'aviation grade' Dow Corning RTV. I think Garmin are trying to re-iterate not to use RTV from your local hardware store, and this applies to the rest of your airframe too. >>Do not use construction grade RTV sealant or sealants containing acetic acid. These sealants may damage the electrical connections to the antenna. Use of these type sealants may void the antenna warranty.

I have a complete KFC150 system removed from a 28V airplane. I see the serves are labeled 14/28V so may be compatible. The computer is 28V, you may be able to trade for a 14V one. The harness is still intact with connectors on both ends. The aileron wiring had a splice in it, so I cut it there rather and cut the connect off. It was feasible to remove intact, so it will be feasible to install again. I have my GFC500 installation kit, and will have the complete aileron servo installation kit leftover. You will need to make sure you have the correct fuselage bulkhead behind the avionics tray to install the trim servo. And that attaches to the pitch servo tray. I am removing the two son alerts from the roof panel. And I will be removing the valuable trim switch and PTC etc from the control column. Installation manuals for the system are available, but I think you will be on your own for installation of the brackets. And I think you will be up against a brick wall if you need to get a permission letter to use the BK STC. You will need to install a KI256 attitude indicator and a KEA130A altimeter. I think it is technically feasible. But, just like you can't take a steak to a restaurant and ask them to cook it, anyone with the ability to install an autopilot would rather be selling you new hardware and spending the same or less time installing. aerodon

The STC paperwork with my 1986 M20K says 17G per side, or 14.5 with speed brakes. Add that to 78.6 / 75.6 useable from the POH, you get 107.6 / 104.6 useable. I'm told that if you fill right up to the cap you can get a few more gallons. When I calibrate my JPI I plan to check this accurately. Aerodon