Well - I finally finished up the annual inspection of N41768. I took her out for a spin this morning for a RTS flight - first flight in almost a month..WOW! It was nice to be back in the saddle again. Not too many problems here at the 400 hour mark. Did a little engine work - remounted my carb with a new style filter and a air/fuel mixer in the intake - hope to mix the fuel better before it seperates to the two heads - EGT seems to confirm a better mixture - the two sides were within 70 degrees of each other on all throttle setttings (thanks to Pete B. for the insight). Did a little fiberglass repair on the tailwheel cover (all those grass strips). Repaired a leaky brake hose. Ive been very pleased with the Corvair engine the last two years. It hasnt been uneventful but this engine/plane combination is better than I could have hoped. I never expected to have flown as much as I have and I know others that feel the same way. It has put the "fun" back into aviation without the worry of the expense. I worry more about paying for hanger rent and hamburgers on the trips than about plane costs. Now I have to save up for the "other" airplane. Everything seems to be looking good for a safe flight to the Gathering this year.
I expect that Elaine will be able to go with me this time. She is to make a little video for her class about the event to show when she gets back. Im sure yall will provide some good footage for her. I finally arrived at my "New Years Resolution" for 2004. I made two that year. 1) Finish the KR and fly it to the Gathering. Accomplished! 2) Lose 15 pounds and get back to my original weight of only 20 lbs overweight......Failed Well, not anymore. With a little dicipline and hunger Ive lost 25 lbs from my weight at Gathering 04. However now it seems I could still stand to lose a little bit more....So if you catch me "hogging" on chicken at the gathering - or two helpings of prime rib (I could get shot there) take me aside and reprimand me. I hope to be down a few more lbs by Christmas. The KR is going to also lose a few lbs as well over the holidays, if I have time... So, life is good. I hope that as many as can fly in to the Gathering in two weeks and have a fun time. I plan to be there and see all you there. Drive and fly safe.....Those who cant make it - shame on you. Your only excused if you spend the entire weekend working on your KR.... Bill Clapp and N417678 --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1ยข/min.
