[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on October 14, 2022 at 2:25 pm #21622

The Apache made it outside the hanger into the sunlight of day for the first time in a year (almost!). We had to do a little work on the pilot’s seat to get it to work with the new (thicker) seat rails. Then we got the plane out and confirmed that the battery was really and truly not going to start the plane. So we got the FBO to give us a jump off. The fact that the GPU receptacle had been fixed earlier was a nice plus!

At that point we found out the magneto switches were installed upside down and once that was figured out we got the engines started right up. No oil pressure indication on the left engine so we will investigate that. Most likely a blockage in the line.

So a new battery and few more fixes and we still have a couple things left to do with the upgrades but they will be done as we close the plane up. So maybe flying in a couple weeks….???

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on October 13, 2022 at 4:41 pm #21620

The “new” seat tracks got installed today. We actually finished the Annual part of the work and started clean up duty! We ran out of time today so tomorrow we will test run the engines and try out the new gauges. If everything looks good it should be time to close it up and fly!

Attachments:

• seattracks_2022-10-13.jpg

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on October 11, 2022 at 5:50 pm #21612

The mission continues! We added a cigarette lighter socket on the right side. Plan on adding another one on the left. Just about everything is hooked up. We have two engine gauges that will need to be connected tomorrow and we should be done.

The panel is quite the show when powered up now! Lots of lights and graphics as the instruments power up.

We did the required gear retract test and added some air to the gear struts while it was on jacks.

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on October 5, 2022 at 7:32 pm #21604

My predictions on when we finish the upgrade continue to be WAY off! We had a medical emergency in my mechanics family followed by a hurricane named Ian so once again we got delayed. However we still got some progress and will hopefully have a little more accomplished than we originally planned. Today I got these pics from my mechanic as I am back at work and won’t be able to “help” him.

All the gauges are connected and powered now. We are doing the “wrap up” items now so it’s nice to see everything lit up!

The co-pilot headset plugs and USB plugs are now installed on the right. The uncovered area will get a new panel made to complete the look.

Right side panel is close to the final configuration. We still need to relocate the ALT OUT lights.

Attachments:

• allgauges.JPG

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on September 23, 2022 at 2:41 pm #21574

Everyone gets in on the act! I got to make a new sheet metal backing for the carpet on the cabin sidewall. It looked pretty tired so it got replaced. We used a thicker gauge so we can consider it an upgrade! I’m sure it’s quieter or more smooth or…. something!

We missed some workdays this week but we are still on track to finish next week. At least I hope so!

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on September 20, 2022 at 4:41 pm #21570

All the leads have been attached to the engine and all wiring has been pulled for the right engine now. Time to start connecting everything and see if it works!

All the wires have to be labeled and kept track of so everything goes to the right place

Today we had some good news. We had been planning on replacing the Starter Relays on the Apache since the Master Relay had croaked after much engine cranking. So we planned on replacing the Starter Relays during this upgrade period. However, try as we might we never could figure out where Mr. Piper has hidden them. Finally I contacted Kent and asked him to direct me to someone that could point us in the right direction. He got ahold of Tom Pentecost at DAS Flightline and Tom sent us a diagram. When we looked at it we realized there were NO Starter Relays, just the Master Relay we had already put in. So we were looking for something that wasn’t there! No wonder we couldn’t find it!

Also, the “cooling box” (plenum?) around the right engine is in good shape so we don’t need to refurbish it any more than just clean it up and paint it. Less work is good!

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on September 20, 2022 at 4:27 pm #21567

Jen D” wrote:
That’s awesome! Clem looks a little perturbed! Long hours at the Piper factory?? :silly: :lol:

And now Clem has been stuck inside the sidewall of my Apache! I’d be perturbed too! 😛

[Jen D]

Jen D on September 12, 2022 at 10:18 am #21545

That’s awesome! Clem looks a little perturbed! Long hours at the Piper factory?? :silly: 😆

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on September 9, 2022 at 7:32 pm #21539

Here are the gauges taken out of the Apache for the upgrade. There is still one more gauge to go that has not been removed yet. The newer gauge installation takes up way less instrument panel space and they weigh less too.

[Eric Parks]

Eric Parks on September 9, 2022 at 7:29 pm #21537

Say “Hi” to “Clem”! While installing the OAT sensor on the side of the fuselage I found this bit of “art” drawn on the inside of the outer left fuselage skin of the plane. I didn’t see it until pulling back the insulation. Not sure if it was drawn when the plane was made or by later mechanic.

So now you know an “inner secret” of my Apache!
BTW, no, I do not call my plane “Clem”.:cheer: