budyerly(at)msn.com Guest
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Posted: Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:56 am Post subject: Sun'nFun was fun....For a change. |
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<?xml:namespace prefix="v" /><?xml:namespace prefix="o" /><![endif]--> To all:
Due to some short notice changes in funding and site availability for the Sun 'n Fun Fly In, we scrambled a bit and made it all happen this year, as I assured folks we would be present.
A great crowd was in attendance this year with more airplane folks than sight seers... No tornados, no drama, no accidents, I am a relieved guy and happy with the overall show. This year I was adjacent to my new friends at Spitfire (a 90% replica with a Chevy LS-2 Corvette car engine). We had our own little British Corner at site N-20 and enjoyed one another's company...
Troy Maynor, John Wigney, Chuck Reinas and of course my 12AY flew in during the show.
Ira and Linda Rampil along with Jerry Hope and Jim Glover plus our visiting owners helped with the tent operations. Jim Glover is a new owner of Phillip Michaels Mono and has converted it to a Trigear. He is based out of Baja Mexico, and was essential in talking to our South American visitors. If anyone wishes to fly the Mexican airspace, Jim is the guy to talk to as he has many airport, and Mexican Federal contacts. My staff was helping other areas that were short of volunteers which was a trend this year. Jerry Hope helped my chapter's area in the mornings and my son Eric and his new bride Emily filled in and helped for breakdown. We are all EAAers and I was pleased to see our Europa owners and my staff serve the areas not blessed with sufficient qualified volunteers, which made the fly in go smoothly. As a result, the fly in and air show was a success overall.
For those who flew in, Troy was parked out at airshow front and John was in homebuilt camping. Chuck only flew in for two days and was with the transient line. On Tuesday, the first day, the homebuilt judges began looking for Troy to open up his bird and let them see it up close. We all know Troy's bird is a beauty and the judges finally got a chance to see what we all knew already, Troy did a terrific job. Unfortunately, I couldn't get any info from the judges and the decision was not available when Troy left and still wasn't final when I had to leave on Sunday night. As you all know now he was awarded "Best Composite" late Sunday. A fine tribute to a true craftsman. Congrats again to Troy and of course to his wife who supported him in his efforts.
Many Europa owners were able to stop by and chat a bit. It was a pleasure to talk to Jim and Lynn Puglise, Curtis Jaussi, , Jim Katra, Bryan Allsop, Bill McClellan, and Peter Lewis and Ivor Phillips both from the UK. Memory serves me that there were more, but the beers of the "engineering meeting" and daily sun stroke dims my memory right now.
As for the show, some long time vendors did not show this year or they downsized to smaller sites. The inside of the hangars however was full of new and improved airplane stuff though and was crowded with buyers. Even I had to buy some new trinkets. I was surprised at how many South American contacts came up and asked for information on the Europa and Airmaster Propellers, as the long range and efficiency of the Europa and Airmaster combination is tried and true. Jim Glover was indispensible for communicating with them as I can only order drinks and dinner in Spanish anymore. As for the US airplane crowd, it appeared that many folks were looking for manufactured aircraft rather than kits. A trend that has taken root a couple years ago and is increasing...
Hot new engine stuff:
We were visited by our friends at Rotec of Canada and Lockwood of Florida over the new 912si as they call it. It is the new fuel injected 912S. Mark and Rob of Rotec are using a Europa for their engine testing. We discussed the fuel system limitations, installation concerns, timing control, fuel control and efficiency of the new engine. Advertisements indicate the engine is nearly 20% more fuel efficient at altitude over the Bing Carbs and current ignition system. This will no doubt put a dent in the 914 sales, so I expect a fuel injected 914 in the future. Alas, this new engine is not capable of being retrofitted if you have an existing 912S. I was pleased to see each dealer is putting this new engine on a test-bed aircraft and updating their staff training to present this aircraft engine in the best light and have it operationally tested fully, rather than just factory tested before clients install them. A credit to our Rotax dealers. Rotax dealers are taking orders and deposits at this time but not delivering the si engines quite yet. Actual delivery is expected soon.
Jabiru has a new valve pushrod mod which should improve the oil distribution to the head. This is great for the new hydraulic lifter engine folks. There is also a mod for the cylinder through bolts. The carb jetting and new oil coolers have really made the engine much better at cooling according to our distributor.
I spent a bit time with a UL engine distributor, and sales are moving on and so far no major changes are anticipated. We watch and wait with anticipation as the engine looks promising. I am pleased to see the torque of the engine is quite good due to improved electrics and injection timing controls on the injected model. Cooling issues will require dedicated ducting to assure trouble free operations.
Overall, Sun 'n Fun was a success for the show, venders, and of course our Best Composite Award winner Troy Maynor.
Regards to all,
Bud Yerly
Custom Flight Creations, Inc.
www.customflightcreations.com
(813) 653-4989
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