Simple & Cheap Tricks for your plane

[Jay Honeck]

This thread was actually started on the Cherokee 235/236 owner's group a
couple of days ago, and it was quite interesting and informative. However,
that group is quite small by comparison to rec.aviation -- so I thought I'd
open this topic up for everyone here.

The challenge is this: Post all the cheap and simple little "tricks" that
you've come up with to make your aircraft or your flying easier, cheaper,
and more comfortable! I'll bet we come up with quite a list of ideas.

Here are mine:

1. The shoulder harnesses in our plane were a constant pain in the butt to
stow and reach. We were always fishing them off the floor before each
flight. One day I noticed there were snaps installed in the webbing of the
harness, so I went to a sewing shop and bought the "male" mates to those
snaps. I then installed the co-pilot's male snap in the ceiling, using an
existing screw, and the pilot's male snap in the plastic above the left
window, also using an existing screw.

Voila! We now just snap our shoulder harnesses up and out of the way after
each flight, and the harnesses are always within easy reach.

2. Hand-held radios are very handy things to have on board (I used a
hand-held to get into Minneapolis International one night, after a com
failure), but where to put them? They've got to be within easy reach, but
also out of the way. But I didn't like keeping one in the seat backs, since
those always seem to be over-loaded.

So, using left-over leather from our recent interior job, I hand-tooled a
pouch for our little ICOM unit. On our Cherokee there is a little space just
ahead of the door on the co-pilot's side that is perfectly sized for this
pouch. Again, using an existing screw I installed a snap, and we now have
our hand-held (and the headphone adaptor, which is crucial in a noisy
airplane) right by the co-pilot's knee -- handy, but not in the way!

3. When we had the interior re-done, I had the upholstery shop install an
extra pocket on the pilot's side, down by your left ankle. This cost
practically nothing, and essentially doubles the storage space on the
pilot's side -- a real God-send for stowing flashlights, checklists,
leatherman tools, etc.

4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee. It swings
out into the slip stream on a hot summer day, and literally pipes the prop
wash directly into the cabin. It's cheap, and very effective.

5. For the luggage compartment, we bought one of those wheeled under-the-bed
plastic storage containers at WalMart. It fits perfectly, is easily removed,
and solves the never-ending fight against clutter.

6. Also for the shoulder harnesses we bought a couple of those cheap
velcro-on fleece pads, available at any automotive shop. They make the
shoulder harnesses MUCH more comfortable, especially for Mary. Those
harnesses catch her right in the neck!

Those are mine -- what have you done to make life easier in the cockpit?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Troy Towner]

Ehh don't forget you'll need to update the weight and balance for the minor
seatbelt adjustment.. ahah just giving you a hard time..

One thing I found really helps out for the many 172's I fly is a weight and
balance spreadsheet I created. I basically open up the excel spreadsheet
enter the fuel I am going to use, the weight of all passengers, luggage, oil
etc.. and there it comes out with all the data in a heart beat. And look
right below the spreadsheet is the weight and balance envelope, inserted
into the file. My calculations are right, yet if on the edge I would
recommend rechecking with a notepad and pencil...

Cost: $FREE
If you would like the spreadsheet I would not mind lending it out...
email me Subj: C172 W&b Spreadsheet

Troy T.


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:hCCUb.101328$U%5.507652@attbi_s03...
> This thread was actually started on the Cherokee 235/236 owner's group a
> couple of days ago, and it was quite interesting and informative.
However,
> that group is quite small by comparison to rec.aviation -- so I thought
I'd
> open this topic up for everyone here.
>
> The challenge is this: Post all the cheap and simple little "tricks" that
> you've come up with to make your aircraft or your flying easier, cheaper,
> and more comfortable! I'll bet we come up with quite a list of ideas.
>
> Here are mine:
>
> 1. The shoulder harnesses in our plane were a constant pain in the butt to
> stow and reach. We were always fishing them off the floor before each
> flight. One day I noticed there were snaps installed in the webbing of
the
> harness, so I went to a sewing shop and bought the "male" mates to those
> snaps. I then installed the co-pilot's male snap in the ceiling, using an
> existing screw, and the pilot's male snap in the plastic above the left
> window, also using an existing screw.
>
> Voila! We now just snap our shoulder harnesses up and out of the way
after
> each flight, and the harnesses are always within easy reach.
>
> 2. Hand-held radios are very handy things to have on board (I used a
> hand-held to get into Minneapolis International one night, after a com
> failure), but where to put them? They've got to be within easy reach, but
> also out of the way. But I didn't like keeping one in the seat backs,
since
> those always seem to be over-loaded.
>
> So, using left-over leather from our recent interior job, I hand-tooled a
> pouch for our little ICOM unit. On our Cherokee there is a little space
just
> ahead of the door on the co-pilot's side that is perfectly sized for this
> pouch. Again, using an existing screw I installed a snap, and we now have
> our hand-held (and the headphone adaptor, which is crucial in a noisy
> airplane) right by the co-pilot's knee -- handy, but not in the way!
>
> 3. When we had the interior re-done, I had the upholstery shop install an
> extra pocket on the pilot's side, down by your left ankle. This cost
> practically nothing, and essentially doubles the storage space on the
> pilot's side -- a real God-send for stowing flashlights, checklists,
> leatherman tools, etc.
>
> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee. It
swings
> out into the slip stream on a hot summer day, and literally pipes the prop
> wash directly into the cabin. It's cheap, and very effective.
>
> 5. For the luggage compartment, we bought one of those wheeled
under-the-bed
> plastic storage containers at WalMart. It fits perfectly, is easily
removed,
> and solves the never-ending fight against clutter.
>
> 6. Also for the shoulder harnesses we bought a couple of those cheap
> velcro-on fleece pads, available at any automotive shop. They make the
> shoulder harnesses MUCH more comfortable, especially for Mary. Those
> harnesses catch her right in the neck!
>
> Those are mine -- what have you done to make life easier in the cockpit?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[Prime]

"Troy Towner" > wrote in
om:

> Ehh don't forget you'll need to update the weight and balance for the
> minor seatbelt adjustment.. ahah just giving you a hard time..
>
> One thing I found really helps out for the many 172's I fly is a
> weight and balance spreadsheet I created. I basically open up the
> excel spreadsheet enter the fuel I am going to use, the weight of all
> passengers, luggage, oil etc.. and there it comes out with all the
> data in a heart beat. And look right below the spreadsheet is the
> weight and balance envelope, inserted into the file. My calculations
> are right, yet if on the edge I would recommend rechecking with a
> notepad and pencil...
>
What I did was buy a black smaller size 3-ring notebook. I filled it with
lined paper and a few clear paper holders. In the paper holders I put a)
shrunk printouts of the aircraft checklists; b) a sheet with local
frequencies; c) a sheet which is a printout of the most common loading
problems for W&B: full fuel, full 'std 170lb' passengers, and remaining
luggage to bring a/c up to max gross; tabs fuel + max passengers possible
+ luggage to make up difference, etc.

In this way I always know the range of W&B tolerances I can take without
redoing the problem every time. In our Cherokee 140 (not a weight hauler,
I know), we can take full fuel, 2 170lb pilots, and 80 lbs luggage and
fly for 4 hrs + reserve; or we can take 3-170lb adults, tab fuel, and 15
lbs luggage.

I store one of the aircraft keys in this notebook, along with a
mechanical pencil. The other aircraft key is on my regular key ring, so I
always have a spare.

Tim Long
CMA, CA

[C J Campbell]

A little dab of paint on the lowest point of the sidewall of the tire when
the filler valve is lined up with the access door on the wheel pants.

[Ross Oliver]

Sunshade for bubble canopy: plastic-mylar window insulation from hardare
store (thin bubblewrap with silver mylar on both sides). Cuts to shape
with common scissors, stiff enough to hold its shape, attach to canopy
with suction cups, or to frame with Velcro(tm). Also would work well for
window sun covers.

Plastic baseball card holder, $3/dozen at comic book stores: velcro to
instrument panel to hold cheat sheets. Mine holds a table of all the
local airport ATIS, tower, and ground frequencies.

Partial panel instrument cover: forget the post-its and rubber covers
that fall on the floor and leave rings on your DG. Take a sheet of 8x11
paper, fold into thirds like you are mailing a letter. Hold
vertically, and poke a hole just above center using a pen or pencil.
Hang on the AI adjustment knob. Covers the AI and DG perfectly. My
CFII gets credit for this one, thanks Greg!

Is the black coloring on top your glareshield fading to tan-gray?
The black color is there for a reason: minimize reflection in the
windshield. Buy a yard or two of black craft felt at the fabric store,
and cut to fit. You may be suprised by the improved visibility.

Is that handwritten compass deviation card getting a little hard to
read? Not in the best location? Transcribe into Excel, then laser
print and attach to panel with double-sided foam tape. Mine is
in vertical column format between the #1 OBS and radio stack.

These aren't exactly in the cockpit, but still good Cheap ******* tips:

Homemade chocks: take a 6-ft length of 2-inch angle aluminum, apply
hacksaw, obtain 3 pairs of lightweight, easy-to-store, weather-resistant
wheel chocks.

Substitute pitot tube cover: 35mm film cannister with "X" cut into top.
Be sure to remove before flight!

Another use for 35mm film can: fill with coins and carry in flight bag
for raiding airport vending machines.

(I just bought a new digital camera intended to replace my 35mm SLR.
Now I will have to find a substitute source for those incredibly useful
little plastic containers!)

6-ft length of 12 guage bare copper wire: I have a canopy cover for my
Grob. Whenever I am by myself and it comes time to put the cover
back on, the straps inevitably are dangling on the downwind side,
and I have to crawl under the aircraft to grab them. So I now keep
this length of wire in the car trunk (where the cover is stored while
flying) formed into a hook to snag the straps.


Happy landings,
Ross Oliver

[Dan Thompson]

Cool. This is like Heloise meets Sky King!

"Ross Oliver" > wrote in message
...
> Sunshade for bubble canopy: plastic-mylar window insulation from hardare
> store (thin bubblewrap with silver mylar on both sides). Cuts to shape
> with common scissors, stiff enough to hold its shape, attach to canopy
> with suction cups, or to frame with Velcro(tm). Also would work well for
> window sun covers.
>
> Plastic baseball card holder, $3/dozen at comic book stores: velcro to
> instrument panel to hold cheat sheets. Mine holds a table of all the
> local airport ATIS, tower, and ground frequencies.
>
> Partial panel instrument cover: forget the post-its and rubber covers
> that fall on the floor and leave rings on your DG. Take a sheet of 8x11
> paper, fold into thirds like you are mailing a letter. Hold
> vertically, and poke a hole just above center using a pen or pencil.
> Hang on the AI adjustment knob. Covers the AI and DG perfectly. My
> CFII gets credit for this one, thanks Greg!
>
> Is the black coloring on top your glareshield fading to tan-gray?
> The black color is there for a reason: minimize reflection in the
> windshield. Buy a yard or two of black craft felt at the fabric store,
> and cut to fit. You may be suprised by the improved visibility.
>
> Is that handwritten compass deviation card getting a little hard to
> read? Not in the best location? Transcribe into Excel, then laser
> print and attach to panel with double-sided foam tape. Mine is
> in vertical column format between the #1 OBS and radio stack.
>
> These aren't exactly in the cockpit, but still good Cheap ******* tips:
>
> Homemade chocks: take a 6-ft length of 2-inch angle aluminum, apply
> hacksaw, obtain 3 pairs of lightweight, easy-to-store, weather-resistant
> wheel chocks.
>
> Substitute pitot tube cover: 35mm film cannister with "X" cut into top.
> Be sure to remove before flight!
>
> Another use for 35mm film can: fill with coins and carry in flight bag
> for raiding airport vending machines.
>
> (I just bought a new digital camera intended to replace my 35mm SLR.
> Now I will have to find a substitute source for those incredibly useful
> little plastic containers!)
>
> 6-ft length of 12 guage bare copper wire: I have a canopy cover for my
> Grob. Whenever I am by myself and it comes time to put the cover
> back on, the straps inevitably are dangling on the downwind side,
> and I have to crawl under the aircraft to grab them. So I now keep
> this length of wire in the car trunk (where the cover is stored while
> flying) formed into a hook to snag the straps.
>
>
> Happy landings,
> Ross Oliver
>

[Jay Masino]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.

That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
(as a spare) if you want.

--- Jay


--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino/ ! ! !

Checkout http://www.oc-adolfos.com/
for the best Italian food in Ocean City, MD and...
Checkout http://www.brolow.com/ for authentic Blues music on Delmarva

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, Prime > said:
>What I did was buy a black smaller size 3-ring notebook. I filled it with
>lined paper and a few clear paper holders. In the paper holders I put a)

That notebook is a good place to record your VOR checks for IFR flight as
well.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
Flying is the perfect vocation for a man who wants to feel like a boy, but
not for one who still is.

[Jay Honeck]

> A little dab of paint on the lowest point of the sidewall of the tire when
> the filler valve is lined up with the access door on the wheel pants.

But then I wouldn't be able to hear Mary cursing while I pushed the plane
back and forth! :-)

Good one!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Bushy]

> Substitute pitot tube cover:

Brightly coloured squeaky dog toy. Once your dog chews a hole in it and the
squeaker won't work unless you hold your finger over it to confuse your poor
puppy, then you can use it knowing that it will be visible and remembered
during preflight.

> Now I will have to find a substitute source for those incredibly useful
> little plastic containers!)

Drop into your local photo lab when you are shopping and ask. Most will have
a bucket full they haven't taken out to the industrial bin that day and are
happy to have them go to a good home. It also saves the shop assistant a
trip out to the bin!

Peter

[EDR]

(Probably others have already been doing this, but new for me.)

I have been using two Large/X-Large duffle bags ($15, Eddie Bauer
Outlet) for family travel.
Campmor has large Columbia, wheeled, 6000 ci duffels on sale for $40
($140 retail).
Now that the kids are big enough, I have decided that they can pull
their own weight on trips, as well as the luggage across the ramp,
through the hotel lobby, etc.

[James M. Knox]

(Jay Masino) wrote in news:402386b6$0$25481
@dingus.crosslink.net:

> Jay Honeck > wrote:
>> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>
> That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
> found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
> (as a spare) if you want.

I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.

Tacky looking? Probably... What was "irritating"?

-----------------------------------------------
James M. Knox
TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
Austin, Tx 78721
-----------------------------------------------

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, "James M. Knox" > said:
>>> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>
>I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
>one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
>with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.
>
>Tacky looking? Probably... What was "irritating"?

We've had them on a couple of our club planes. Generally the plane
captains for the planes buy things like that (and the little plastic fins
that go on the strobes so that you can see that they're on). I personally
broke one of them off with my elbow getting into the plane, and the other
plane that has one also had it broken off soon after getting it.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
Kyoto dealt with Global Warming. Disposing of lawyers cuts down the
production of Hot Air, and thus is encouraged by the Kyoto Accords.
-- Keith Glass

[Dave Butler]

Jay Masino wrote:
> Jay Honeck > wrote:
>
>>4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>
>
> That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
> found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
> (as a spare) if you want.

I had to replace the side window after it cracked starting from the rivets
attaching the Kool-Skoop. I won't have another one.

Dave
Remove SHIRT to reply directly.

[Jay Honeck]

> > 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>
> That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
> found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
> (as a spare) if you want.

Sell it on Ebay.

Everyone I know that has one, loves it. It makes taxiing on a hot day MUCH
more bearable.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> That notebook is a good place to record your VOR checks for IFR flight as
> well.

Speaking of notebooks, we keep a small, leather-bound notebook (like a small
day-planner size) in the pilot's pocket. In it we record all flight time --
start, finish, destination, who was flying, etc.

It's very handy for determining when oil changes are due, and for
differentiating and recording business flights versus personal flights.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Now that the kids are big enough, I have decided that they can pull
> their own weight on trips, as well as the luggage across the ramp,
> through the hotel lobby, etc.

Each of us (2 kids, Mary and me) has our own soft-sided luggage. Mary and
mine are (is?) the luggage that came with our '86 Honda Goldwing. Over the
years, Mary has sewn on patches of all the states we've visited, and
patches from all the EAA conventions we've attended.

In fact, the luggage is now primarily held together BY the patches! :-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Paul Tomblin]

In a previous article, Dave Butler > said:
>Jay Masino wrote:
>> Jay Honeck > wrote:
>>>4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>> That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
>> found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
>> (as a spare) if you want.
>
>I had to replace the side window after it cracked starting from the rivets
>attaching the Kool-Skoop. I won't have another one.

Rivets? Ours were glued on.


--
Paul Tomblin > http://xcski.com/blogs/pt/
The Borg assimilated my race & all I got was this T-shirt.

[Jay Honeck]

> Cool. This is like Heloise meets Sky King!

Another thing we've done for both the planes we've owned: Fix up the log
books.

When we bought our Warrior, the logs and associated paper work were in a
cheesy plastic zipper pouch -- basically a glorified zip lock bag. This
seemed odd to me, for something so valuable, so we bought a soft leather
briefcase, and had a brass plate made for it with the make and "N" number on
it.

When we bought our Pathfinder, the paperwork was a little nicer, but not
much. So, we bought ANOTHER leather briefcase, and had another brass plate
made for it. This time we got the kind of briefcase with a ring-binder in
the center, which is GREAT for holding all the service bulletins, receipts,
etc. that you want to hang on to. Just 3-hole punch them, and pop them in.
All the various log books stow neatly in the many pockets in the briefcase.

Now everything is easily transported to and from our A&P or avionics shop,
and in a suitably classy case.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Ray Andraka]

Mine was always in the way during flight. When retracted, it is right at chest
height in front of your arm. You also need a spot of velcro on it and on the
window to keep it from swinging out in front of you during the flight. It
doesn't fit well on framed windows, and frankly, you get a bunch more comfort
by popping the door open, at least in a Six. I took mine off after putting up
with it for more than a year.

"James M. Knox" wrote:

> (Jay Masino) wrote in news:402386b6$0$25481
> @dingus.crosslink.net:
>
> > Jay Honeck > wrote:
> >> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
> >
> > That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
> > found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
> > (as a spare) if you want.
>
> I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
> one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
> with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.
>
> Tacky looking? Probably... What was "irritating"?
>
> -----------------------------------------------
> James M. Knox
> TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
> 1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
> Austin, Tx 78721
> -----------------------------------------------

--
--Ray Andraka, P.E.
President, the Andraka Consulting Group, Inc.
401/884-7930 Fax 401/884-7950
email
http://www.andraka.com

"They that give up essential liberty to obtain a little
temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-Benjamin Franklin, 1759

[Jay Masino]

James M. Knox > wrote:
> Tacky looking? Probably... What was "irritating"?

My elbow/arm kept hitting it.

--- Jay



--
__!__
Jay and Teresa Masino ___(_)___
http://www2.ari.net/jmasino/ ! ! !

Checkout http://www.oc-adolfos.com/
for the best Italian food in Ocean City, MD and...
Checkout http://www.brolow.com/ for authentic Blues music on Delmarva

[Jay Honeck]

> I had to replace the side window after it cracked starting from the rivets
> attaching the Kool-Skoop. I won't have another one.

Rivets? Both of mine have been installed with (extremely strong)
double-backed tape.

I would NEVER drill holes in the side window to install a Kool Scoop.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Mine was always in the way during flight. When retracted, it is right at
chest
> height in front of your arm. You also need a spot of velcro on it and on
the
> window to keep it from swinging out in front of you during the flight. It
> doesn't fit well on framed windows, and frankly, you get a bunch more
comfort
> by popping the door open, at least in a Six. I took mine off after
putting up
> with it for more than a year.

Hmm. When mine is retracted, it is behind and at approximately shoulder
height. It was in FRONT of you when retracted?

Mine can't swing open without my input, since I have lean to the right a bit
to swing it into position. The hinge is pretty stiff anyway, (and it is
tension-adjustable with a phillips screw driver) so that shouldn't be a
problem.

I wonder if the storm window on your Six is in a different position
(relative to the pilot) than in my Warrior or my Pathfinder?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Dave Butler]

Paul Tomblin wrote:
> In a previous article, Dave Butler > said:
>
>>Jay Masino wrote:
>>
>>>Jay Honeck > wrote:
>>>
>>>>4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>>>
>>>That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
>>>found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
>>>(as a spare) if you want.
>>
>>I had to replace the side window after it cracked starting from the rivets
>>attaching the Kool-Skoop. I won't have another one.
>
>
> Rivets? Ours were glued on.

It's been a while, maybe my memory is shot. No, on second thought, I -know- my
memory is shot... but I remember rivets.

Dave
Remove SHIRT to reply directly.

[Blanche]

I took all the checklists and emergency procedures, printed them
on paper 4 in wide, 5.5 in high. Laminated and GBC bound into
a little book that's 9 x 5.5 Couple rubber bands and it fits
perfectly on one of those black plastic clip boards ($1.50 at a
local office supply store). What makes this so useful, is that
it fits perfectly inside the yoke of my cherokee. I have one of
those broom-handle/big paper clip chart holders that clips to the
tube of the yoke to steady the clip board.

I'll post photos one of these days.

Everything always handy.

As for W&B -- since I don't need to do that while flying, I've
got CoPilot. I've got the Type Cert for my aircraft and compared
the details among the 3 ways (to make sure I have a warm, fuzzy
feeling it's correct).
1) hard-core, hand calculations using the TC, latest W&B and
getting the numbers
2) Excel spreadsheet (with the TC values loaded) that someone (I
forgot who but they are on this newsgroup) created
3) CoPilot

I'm a happy camper with CoPilot. And anytime the official W&B
changes, I print a number of the spreadsheets with various options
and keep them in the folder along with the official W&B, POH,
etc. in the aircraft.

[Blanche]

James M. Knox > wrote:
>I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
>one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
>with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.

James:
I've got one for use in the summer (Denver). Absolutely wonderful.
Open the side door and it's fantastic.

Warning -- the adhesive only lasts about a season. Hardware store
for that 3M double sided sticky foam tape.

[Dale]

I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.

I used about 1.25 OD PVC glued together to make a |__| shape. The
distance between the uprights being enough to slide around the main
tires. They are a little bulky but light. I had them for 8 years and
never had the airplane move. <G>

--
Dale L. Falk

There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simply messing around with airplanes.

http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html

[Blanche]

Saw the ad (Sporty's? Spruce? Somewhere) about the ABS box that holds
oil, spout, tools, etc. $140 or so.

Back to the local hardware or household store. RubberMaid box (with
top) for $10. Holds minimum tools, roll of paper towels, quart of
oil, landing light, gloves, strainer, tie-down ropes. Goes into
the corner of the baggage area.

[Blanche]

Is anyone collecting this list?

[EDR]

In article >, Dale
> wrote:

> I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.
> I used about 1.25 OD PVC glued together to make a |__| shape. The
> distance between the uprights being enough to slide around the main
> tires. They are a little bulky but light. I had them for 8 years and
> never had the airplane move. <G>

Custom sized for the aircraft's tires, with/with-out wheel covers.

[Dave Stadt]

"Dale" > wrote in message
...
> I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.
>
> I used about 1.25 OD PVC glued together to make a |__| shape. The
> distance between the uprights being enough to slide around the main
> tires. They are a little bulky but light. I had them for 8 years and
> never had the airplane move. <G>

They are great for tailwheels.

> --
> Dale L. Falk
>
> There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
> as simply messing around with airplanes.
>
> http://home.gci.net/~sncdfalk/flying.html

[Bob Chilcoat]

I've been looking for a cargo net that will hold down the stuff that's
stored in the baggage area (two quarts of oil, small tool box, tiedown kit,
etc. I have this image of having to remove the tool box from someone's head
after landing out somewhere. Anyone seen one that will work well in an
Archer?

--
Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:hCCUb.101328$U%5.507652@attbi_s03...
> This thread was actually started on the Cherokee 235/236 owner's group a
> couple of days ago, and it was quite interesting and informative.
However,
> that group is quite small by comparison to rec.aviation -- so I thought
I'd
> open this topic up for everyone here.
>
> The challenge is this: Post all the cheap and simple little "tricks" that
> you've come up with to make your aircraft or your flying easier, cheaper,
> and more comfortable! I'll bet we come up with quite a list of ideas.
>
> Here are mine:
>
> 1. The shoulder harnesses in our plane were a constant pain in the butt to
> stow and reach. We were always fishing them off the floor before each
> flight. One day I noticed there were snaps installed in the webbing of
the
> harness, so I went to a sewing shop and bought the "male" mates to those
> snaps. I then installed the co-pilot's male snap in the ceiling, using an
> existing screw, and the pilot's male snap in the plastic above the left
> window, also using an existing screw.
>
> Voila! We now just snap our shoulder harnesses up and out of the way
after
> each flight, and the harnesses are always within easy reach.
>
> 2. Hand-held radios are very handy things to have on board (I used a
> hand-held to get into Minneapolis International one night, after a com
> failure), but where to put them? They've got to be within easy reach, but
> also out of the way. But I didn't like keeping one in the seat backs,
since
> those always seem to be over-loaded.
>
> So, using left-over leather from our recent interior job, I hand-tooled a
> pouch for our little ICOM unit. On our Cherokee there is a little space
just
> ahead of the door on the co-pilot's side that is perfectly sized for this
> pouch. Again, using an existing screw I installed a snap, and we now have
> our hand-held (and the headphone adaptor, which is crucial in a noisy
> airplane) right by the co-pilot's knee -- handy, but not in the way!
>
> 3. When we had the interior re-done, I had the upholstery shop install an
> extra pocket on the pilot's side, down by your left ankle. This cost
> practically nothing, and essentially doubles the storage space on the
> pilot's side -- a real God-send for stowing flashlights, checklists,
> leatherman tools, etc.
>
> 4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee. It
swings
> out into the slip stream on a hot summer day, and literally pipes the prop
> wash directly into the cabin. It's cheap, and very effective.
>
> 5. For the luggage compartment, we bought one of those wheeled
under-the-bed
> plastic storage containers at WalMart. It fits perfectly, is easily
removed,
> and solves the never-ending fight against clutter.
>
> 6. Also for the shoulder harnesses we bought a couple of those cheap
> velcro-on fleece pads, available at any automotive shop. They make the
> shoulder harnesses MUCH more comfortable, especially for Mary. Those
> harnesses catch her right in the neck!
>
> Those are mine -- what have you done to make life easier in the cockpit?
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>
>

[John Galban]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message news:<hrOUb.105938$U%5.547068@attbi_s03>...
> > I had to replace the side window after it cracked starting from the rivets
> > attaching the Kool-Skoop. I won't have another one.
>
> Rivets? Both of mine have been installed with (extremely strong)
> double-backed tape.
>
> I would NEVER drill holes in the side window to install a Kool Scoop.

Mine uses the same kind of tape. It's been there for over 10 yrs.
and still works great. On a 115F day in Arizona, the Kool Scoop is
the diference between being uncomfortable and melting.

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[John Galban]

(Ross Oliver) wrote in message >...
>
> Substitute pitot tube cover: 35mm film cannister with "X" cut into top.
> Be sure to remove before flight!
>

For Pipers with the blade type pitot/static, a tennis ball with a 2
inch slit cut into the top works great. A can of tennis balls is
about 1/10th the cost of what Sporty would charge you for a blade
pitot cover.

John Galban=====>N4BQ (PA28-180)

[Jay Honeck]

> I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.

Jim Weir made a pair for us last year -- with Atlas' "N" number on them and
everything!

They are very cool, and work very well -- but (as Jim warned us up front)
you DO have to be careful using them on grass with wheel pants. Park your
plane at Sun N Fun for a few days, and it WILL sink so that the wheel pants
are setting on top of the chocks!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> Warning -- the adhesive only lasts about a season. Hardware store
> for that 3M double sided sticky foam tape.

Another data point: The adhesive has lasted since '98 on the Warrior (now
owned by friends of ours), and since '02 on our Pathfinder.

Guess I'm tough on LightSpeed headsets, but easy on Kool Scoops!? :-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Ron Natalie]

"Bob Chilcoat" > wrote in message ...
> I've been looking for a cargo net that will hold down the stuff that's
> stored in the baggage area (two quarts of oil, small tool box, tiedown kit,
> etc. I have this image of having to remove the tool box from someone's head
> after landing out somewhere. Anyone seen one that will work well in an
> Archer?

You can get elastic nets at most auto parts places. Just a matter of finding a
few relatively hard points to hook it to. The Navion isn't a problem as the
hat shelf behind the rear seat covers up the baggage compartment when the
canopy is closed (you could fold down the rear seat). To secure our scooters
in the back seat, I just run straps around the rear seat.

[[email protected]]

On 6 Feb 2004 09:27:07 -0700, Blanche >
wrote:

>James M. Knox > wrote:
>>I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
>>one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
>>with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.
>
>James:
>I've got one for use in the summer (Denver). Absolutely wonderful.
>Open the side door and it's fantastic.
>
>Warning -- the adhesive only lasts about a season. Hardware store
>for that 3M double sided sticky foam tape.
>

Our group has a Warrior shared by 16 members. We fitted a scoop about
7 years ago (stuck on). Nobody has complained, it hasn't fallen off
(yet!) and it works really well. It's based in Scotland so the weather
is cooler and probably has less effect on the sticky stuff it's held
on with.

Wouldn't be without it.

David


E-mail (Remove Space after pilot): pilot

[EDR]

In article >, Bob Chilcoat
> wrote:

> I've been looking for a cargo net that will hold down the stuff that's
> stored in the baggage area (two quarts of oil, small tool box, tiedown kit,
> etc. I have this image of having to remove the tool box from someone's head
> after landing out somewhere. Anyone seen one that will work well in an
> Archer?

I purchased one from the manufacturer of roof racks sold in outdoor
stores (Yakima?). It cost me $25, but is made of heavy bungie cord (red
or black) with nylon hooks. I attached smaller, steel S-hooks to attach
to the eyes in the baggage area of the C182 I fly. I bought it for last
year's AirVenture trip and have used it other times as well.

[EDR]

In article <fpTUb.108019$U%5.554166@attbi_s03>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> > I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.
>
> Jim Weir made a pair for us last year -- with Atlas' "N" number on them and
> everything!
> They are very cool, and work very well -- but (as Jim warned us up front)
> you DO have to be careful using them on grass with wheel pants. Park your
> plane at Sun N Fun for a few days, and it WILL sink so that the wheel pants
> are setting on top of the chocks!

Here is one I learned at Sun N Fun last year.
As I was directing a friend, who had just arrived, to a parking spot in
the Vintage Area, he stopped short of the line and shut down.
After climbing out, he rummaged through the area behind the front seat.
Not finding what he was looking for there, he then opened the baggage
door and pulled out two pieces of 12"x12"x0.75" plywood.
Placing them in front of the wheels, we then pulled the airplane
forward so that the wheels sat atop the pieces of wood.
The weight of the airplane is distributed over a larger surface area
and even when settling does occur, it is easier to pull the airplane
forward and pick up the wood pieces prior to starting.

[PaulaJay1]

In article >, "Bushy" >
writes:

>Substitute pitot tube cover:
>
>Brightly coloured squeaky dog toy. Once your dog chews a hole in it and the
>squeaker won't work unless you hold your finger over it to confuse your poor
>puppy, then you can use it knowing that it will be visible and remembered
>during preflight.

I use an old tennis ball. Cut a slit in the ball and squeeze the ball to open
the slit to make it easy to put on. Also two balls to cover the vents.
Attach a foot long piece of red spinnaker cloth to each.

Chuck

[Jay Honeck]

> After climbing out, he rummaged through the area behind the front seat.
> Not finding what he was looking for there, he then opened the baggage
> door and pulled out two pieces of 12"x12"x0.75" plywood.

That's a great idea. Yet another thing to bring to OSH!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Scott]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:fpTUb.108019$U%5.554166@attbi_s03...
> > I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.
>
> Jim Weir made a pair for us last year -- with Atlas' "N" number on them
and
> everything!
>
> They are very cool, and work very well -- but (as Jim warned us up front)
> you DO have to be careful using them on grass with wheel pants. Park your
> plane at Sun N Fun for a few days, and it WILL sink so that the wheel
pants
> are setting on top of the chocks!

Thus obviating the need for chocks in the first place...

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

[Don Tuite]

On Fri, 6 Feb 2004 15:44:44 -0500, "Bob Chilcoat"
> wrote:

>I've been looking for a cargo net that will hold down the stuff that's
>stored in the baggage area (two quarts of oil, small tool box, tiedown kit,
>etc. I have this image of having to remove the tool box from someone's head
>after landing out somewhere. Anyone seen one that will work well in an
>Archer?

Go to the West Marine site and look for their cargo hammock. To give
you an idea of its size, we used to have one to hold the kid's stuffed
animals. You might be able to modify one.

Don

[Ron Natalie]

"PaulaJay1" > wrote in message ...

> I use an old tennis ball. Cut a slit in the ball and squeeze the ball to open
> the slit to make it easy to put on. Also two balls to cover the vents.
> Attach a foot long piece of red spinnaker cloth to each.

A friend of mine with a 195 uses a stuffed duck as a pitot cover. It
gives the appearance that the duck was skewered from the rear.

[Bob Noel]

In article >, Blanche
> wrote:

> Is anyone collecting this list?
>

yes

I'll give it a few days, and then try to summarize.

Then people can have fun correcting me. :-)

--
Bob Noel

[Jay Honeck]

> A friend of mine with a 195 uses a stuffed duck as a pitot cover. It
> gives the appearance that the duck was skewered from the rear.

I believe I saw his 195 at OSH.

Great looking bird(s)!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Dave]

The answer to the Texas summer is to fly a Grumman <g>... on the ground
you can slide the canopy back all the way and really feel the fan blow.
In the air you can slide the canopy back 6" or so (legal to do) and let
the 125mph slipsteam cool you down nicely.

Ok ok, with the low wing you will get wet when you open the canopy in
the rain, but I am not IFR certified and so never have that problem.
Someday maybe... getting a KLN89B installed this weekend...

Actually I have been reading on the homebuilt list about an electrically
powered Denso AC compressor that Toyota is using in their hybrid cars.
Interesting idea if you have a liberal FSDO I guess...

Dave

James M. Knox wrote:
> (Jay Masino) wrote in news:402386b6$0$25481
> @dingus.crosslink.net:
>
>
>>Jay Honeck > wrote:
>>
>>>4. The Kool Scoop is the best thing ever invented for a Cherokee.
>>
>>That's a silly statement. My plane came with one, 12 years ago, and I
>>found it irritating and tacky looking. I removed it. You can have it
>>(as a spare) if you want.
>
>
> I wish everyone would make up their minds. I've been thinking about buying
> one (wonderful Texas summers and all), as I frequently find myself taxiing
> with my hand stuck out the vent window to "scoop" a little air.
>
> Tacky looking? Probably... What was "irritating"?
>
> -----------------------------------------------
> James M. Knox
> TriSoft ph 512-385-0316
> 1109-A Shady Lane fax 512-366-4331
> Austin, Tx 78721
> -----------------------------------------------

[Jay Honeck]

A few more tricks that come to mind:

- Someone may have already mentioned this, but a permanent marker (Sharpie)
touches up the paint on your panel easily and perfectly. (It also works as
a temporary cosmetic fix on chipped wing-walk material.)

- Hairspray dissolves ink on vinyl or leather.

- A cheap sleeping bag and two straps with velcro can be used to make a
custom-fitted cowl cover for less that $25.

- If you don't have cylinder heaters, lay a trouble light on top of the
engine, and lay a sleeping bag over the cowl. Combined with a sump heater,
you will have 85 degree oil at every start.

- A temperature-sensitive cube (comes on at 35, goes off at 40) can be used
to control your Tannis heater in your hangar.

- Metal tape (NOT duct tape) makes a great oil cooler baffle in winter.

- Fill all the little gaps in your engine baffling with high temperature
RTV. You'll see you CHTs go down noticeably.

- Silicone spraying your yokes will make your landings better.

- Labeling your tow bar with your name and airport identifier is a good
idea.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Daniel]

Dan Thompson wrote ...
> Cool. This is like Heloise meets Sky King!



Now THAT's funny!

Daniel

[G.R. Patterson III]

Dale wrote:
>
> I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.

I'm old-fashioned. I ripped mine on the tablesaw from 2x4 scrap. Screweyes in the
ends and a bit of clothesline, and done. They take up next to no space in the
plane, too.

George Patterson
Love, n.: A form of temporary insanity afflicting the young. It is curable
either by marriage or by removal of the afflicted from the circumstances
under which he incurred the condition. It is sometimes fatal, but more
often to the physician than to the patient.

[EDR]

In article <8RYUb.234255$I06.2627994@attbi_s01>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> - Silicone spraying your yokes will make your landings better.

Is that so when you pull all the way back it slips out of your fingers
just at the moment of touchdown? ;-)

[Blanche]

I'm looking for a cargo net also. The baggage area in my cherokee
has two long straps (diagonal the entire width, made of seatbelt
webbing) but that doesn't hold down the small stuff that can
get loose.

[Jay Honeck]

> Is that so when you pull all the way back it slips out of your fingers
> just at the moment of touchdown? ;-)

Hmm. Okay, maybe that should read "Silicone spraying your yoke *shafts* will
help your landings"?

:-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Drew Dalgleish]

On Fri, 6 Feb 2004 15:44:44 -0500, "Bob Chilcoat"
> wrote:

>I've been looking for a cargo net that will hold down the stuff that's
>stored in the baggage area (two quarts of oil, small tool box, tiedown kit,
>etc. I have this image of having to remove the tool box from someone's head
>after landing out somewhere. Anyone seen one that will work well in an
>Archer?
>
>--
>Bob (Chief Pilot, White Knuckle Airways)
>
My cargo net is from the trunk of a mid-size chevy sedan. I think they
were standard equipment in the 90's. I got mine at the wreckers for
$5.

[Drew Dalgleish]

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 03:49:40 GMT, "G.R. Patterson III"
> wrote:

>
>
>Dale wrote:
>>
>> I made some cheap light wheel-chocks from PVC pipe.
>
>I'm old-fashioned. I ripped mine on the tablesaw from 2x4 scrap. Screweyes in the
>ends and a bit of clothesline, and done. They take up next to no space in the
>plane, too.
>
>George Patterson
> Love, n.: A form of temporary insanity afflicting the young. It is curable
> either by marriage or by removal of the afflicted from the circumstances
> under which he incurred the condition. It is sometimes fatal, but more
> often to the physician than to the patient.
mines from a 4x4 cut on the diagonal complete with lightening holes. I
used to just block one wheel with the canada flight supplement.

[Jay Honeck]

> I'm looking for a cargo net also. The baggage area in my cherokee
> has two long straps (diagonal the entire width, made of seatbelt
> webbing) but that doesn't hold down the small stuff that can
> get loose.

This is why we went with the "fits-under-the-bed-on-wheels-plastic-box"
instead of a cargo net.

It fits in the compartment perfectly, has a flip-up lid, and keeps all the
stupid little stuff contained. Unless you get a really tight-mesh net, all
the little stuff will just come through it.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[G.R. Patterson III]

Blanche wrote:
>
> I'm looking for a cargo net also.

These are sold for SUVs.

George Patterson
Love, n.: A form of temporary insanity afflicting the young. It is curable
either by marriage or by removal of the afflicted from the circumstances
under which he incurred the condition. It is sometimes fatal, but more
often to the physician than to the patient.

[Blanche]

I'm 30 miles away from airplane and manual...anyone remember the
width & length of the cherokee 180D baggage area? Floor dimensions,
I mean. Or, Jay, what are the dimensions of your
under-bed-on-wheels-plastic-box?

thanks

[Jim Weir]

- A Tuffy (mesh diswashing scrubber) in the air vent tubes to keep the air
flowing and the bees out.

- A low-milliamps voltage regulated 13.4 volts trickle charger wired in to the
"keep alive" breaker (clocks and such) to keep the battery going between long
periods of aircraft disuse. It makes it much easier to use if you remove the
cigarette lighter and replace it with a little 2.1mm power connector tied in to
the keep alive circuit.

- A trouble light on the top of the cylinders and an oil dipstick warmer for
winter easy starts (remove before flight {;-) )

- A long (repeat LONG) wooden dowel marked off in PENCIL in 5-gallon increments
to dip each tank. The LONG part keeps it from falling into the tank. Pencil
will not dissolve in fuel; ink will. Do NOT varnish or finish as you will not
be able to read the dip level.

- Small USA and state flags with knotted rubber bungees (or VERY heavy rubber
bands) to tie to the prop. (Comes in very handy for campaigning, too!!!) The
lateral curvature of the prop keeps them from blowing off.

- For emergency high-wing ferry use, a small aluminum bracket drilled out to
the size of the tie-down bolt, with a BNC connector and a rubber duck antenna
mounted to the plate and strung in to the cockpit along the strut with STRING
(not abrasive ribbed nylon) ties will serve as a decent temporary com antenna.

....

Jim


"Jay Honeck" >
shared these priceless pearls of wisdom:

->A few more tricks that come to mind:
Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com

[Jay Honeck]

> - Small USA and state flags with knotted rubber bungees (or VERY heavy
rubber
> bands) to tie to the prop. (Comes in very handy for campaigning, too!!!)
The
> lateral curvature of the prop keeps them from blowing off.

I've re-read this several times, and I still don't get it.

What do the flags do? Is this a patriotic display? Or a way you can find
your plane more easily in the crowd?
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Jay Honeck]

> I'm 30 miles away from airplane and manual...anyone remember the
> width & length of the cherokee 180D baggage area? Floor dimensions,
> I mean. Or, Jay, what are the dimensions of your
> under-bed-on-wheels-plastic-box?

I'm only 30 seconds away from my hangar, but it might as well be 30 miles
today. :-(

You may get to measuring before I do, Blanche. The box we bought was just
the "regular" sized under-bed storage unit, available at Wal or K-Mart.
The next size up was obviously way too big for the luggage compartment, so
you may not even need to measure -- just get the one that obviously fits.

The unit doesn't fill the compartment completely, so you can still put
"tall" things on the floor. It's very handy for keeping survival food,
water, batteries, cold-weather gear, hand-warmers, tools, etc.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"
"Blanche" > wrote in message
...
>
> thanks
>

[Don Tuite]

Jay, if you hit moderate turbulence, wouldn't you just get hit in the
head with the box, instead of a lot of odds and ends? Wouldn't that
hurt more?

Don

On Sat, 07 Feb 2004 20:16:57 GMT, "Jay Honeck"
> wrote:

>> I'm 30 miles away from airplane and manual...anyone remember the
>> width & length of the cherokee 180D baggage area? Floor dimensions,
>> I mean. Or, Jay, what are the dimensions of your
>> under-bed-on-wheels-plastic-box?
>
>I'm only 30 seconds away from my hangar, but it might as well be 30 miles
>today. :-(
>
>You may get to measuring before I do, Blanche. The box we bought was just
>the "regular" sized under-bed storage unit, available at Wal or K-Mart.
>The next size up was obviously way too big for the luggage compartment, so
>you may not even need to measure -- just get the one that obviously fits.
>
>The unit doesn't fill the compartment completely, so you can still put
>"tall" things on the floor. It's very handy for keeping survival food,
>water, batteries, cold-weather gear, hand-warmers, tools, etc.

[EDR]

In article <ZIbVb.246513$na.408378@attbi_s04>, Jay Honeck
> wrote:

> > I'm 30 miles away from airplane and manual...anyone remember the
> > width & length of the cherokee 180D baggage area? Floor dimensions,
> > I mean. Or, Jay, what are the dimensions of your
> > under-bed-on-wheels-plastic-box?
>
> I'm only 30 seconds away from my hangar, but it might as well be 30 miles
> today. :-(

My Dakota manual lists the following:

- compartment volume... 24 cu ft
- entry width... 22 in
- entry height... 20 in

No interior dimensions listed.

[Jay Honeck]

> Jay, if you hit moderate turbulence, wouldn't you just get hit in the
> head with the box, instead of a lot of odds and ends? Wouldn't that
> hurt more?

Any turbulence that could toss that plastic box full of stuff clear up and
over the back seats, over my passengers, over the back of my seat, AND hit
me in the head would most certainly tear my plane to shreds.

The box is about 6 inches high, and fills most of the baggage compartment
floor. It's probably got 50 pounds of stuff in it, and usually some stuff
on top of *it*.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Ross Richardson]

Jay, It would be great to place these on your web site. Some are just
great to save.

I place a trouble light on the rudder peddels and let the warm air get
up under the panel to keep the instruments a little warmer when I use
the engine preheater.

I really liked the idea to mark the valve stem so you know where it is
under the wheel covers. I would have never thought of that. I just stick
my fingers up under there and roll the plane.

Ross

[Blanche]

Right now the survival kit is a knapsack (easier to grab in case
of a real emergency). But I'm thinking the rest of the little
stuff -- oil, some tools, paper towels, ropes, chocks. whatever.

I found a number of "under the bed" boxes (Home Depot, Container
Store, Bed Bath & Beyond) about $10, 31 in long, 16 in wide,
6 in high.

I'm now curious as to how sturdy they are. How much can I pile
on top (e.g. luggage) before there's a problem.

Tomorrow morning -- tape measure in hand!

[Blanche]

EDR > wrote:
>My Dakota manual lists the following:
>
>- compartment volume... 24 cu ft
>- entry width... 22 in
>- entry height... 20 in
>
>No interior dimensions listed.

I can always bring the box in over the seats from the door.

Tape measure time!

[Jay Honeck]

> I'm now curious as to how sturdy they are. How much can I pile
> on top (e.g. luggage) before there's a problem.

We've loaded it up pretty good without difficulty, but we have soft-sided
luggage.

Actually, for OSH and Sun N Fun, we remove the box completely. We simply
don't have room for all the "survival gear" when we are carrying a weeks
worth of clothing and camping gear for four people.

Those are the two times per year I wish I had a Cherokee Six! :-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[EDR]

For Oshkosh, Sun N Fun, and other major outings...

Last year I purchased three of the 12 gallon ACRO-MILLS KEEP-BOX
containers. These the rectangular plastic carry-alls with the
inter-locking flip open lids. They do not have handles (occupying
useless volume) and the lids hang straight down when open. During the
Tuesday storm last year, I had minimum water intrusion. They were left
outside under the airplane except for the food box) for the entire week
I was there

They measure 21.5"Lx15"Wx12.5"H

They easily fit through the baggage door openings of most commercially
produced GA aircraft flying today. I went to the airport and measured
the openings on PA28's, C172's, C182's as well as the interior baggage
compartment dimensions before purchasing them. I can fit four of these
containers in the baggage compartment of a C182 (two on the floor, two
stacked on top) and still have room for more camping items.

With the 100 pound weight limit on the floor, it is easy to pack more
than 25 pounds in each container. The additional 20 pounds available in
the baggage compartment is alloted for the tent, tarp and poles and gas
grill.

[Paul Sengupta]

I seem to remember the PA-28s I've flown had those snappy
bits already there to pop the seatbelts on to.

Other planes (PA-28? 172?) have a little plastic tray there to
fold it into.

Paul

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
news:hCCUb.101328$U%5.507652@attbi_s03...
> One day I noticed there were snaps installed in the webbing of the
> harness, so I went to a sewing shop and bought the "male" mates to those
> snaps. I then installed the co-pilot's male snap in the ceiling, using an
> existing screw, and the pilot's male snap in the plastic above the left
> window, also using an existing screw.

[Paul Sengupta]

Hah! That's exactly what I did...

Actually not exactly, I folded the bit around the hole and
tore out a nice round bit (well half round but folded so it
eventually made a round) to fit over the knob.

Paul

"Ross Oliver" > wrote in message
...
> Take a sheet of 8x11
> paper, fold into thirds like you are mailing a letter. Hold
> vertically, and poke a hole just above center using a pen or pencil.
> Hang on the AI adjustment knob. Covers the AI and DG perfectly. My
> CFII gets credit for this one, thanks Greg!

[Paul Sengupta]

"Scott" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> news:fpTUb.108019$U%5.554166@attbi_s03...
> > Park your
> > plane at Sun N Fun for a few days, and it WILL sink so that the wheel
> pants
> > are setting on top of the chocks!
>
> Thus obviating the need for chocks in the first place...

Indeed, this is the natural state of my plane where I park it. Had a
few gales over the past couple of years...it hasn't moved an inch!
Just need about 1500-1700 rpm to get going.

:-)

Paul

[Paul Sengupta]

"Bushy" > wrote in message
...
> > Substitute pitot tube cover:
>
> Brightly coloured squeaky dog toy.

Seen lots of rubber chickens. Mostly on the web, but seen a
couple of them in real life.

Paul

[Paul Sengupta]

"Ross Richardson" > wrote in message
...
> I really liked the idea to mark the valve stem so you know where it is
> under the wheel covers. I would have never thought of that. I just stick
> my fingers up under there and roll the plane.

Neat aerobatic trick if you can do it.

Paul

[Paul Sengupta]

"Dave" > wrote in message
...
> The answer to the Texas summer is to fly a Grumman <g>... on the ground
> you can slide the canopy back all the way and really feel the fan blow.

At Compton Abbas the other week I moved my plane from the
fuel pumps with the canopy open and no headset on. It was about
1 or 2 degrees (C). I couldn't feel my ears by the time I shut down!

> In the air you can slide the canopy back 6" or so (legal to do) and let
> the 125mph slipsteam cool you down nicely.

Is that noisy? I can do that in my Bulldog but haven't plucked up
the courage in normal UK weather to open it yet. :-)

Paul

[smackey]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message news:<hCCUb.101328$U%5.507652@attbi_s03>...
>> 1. The shoulder harnesses in our plane were a constant pain in the butt to
> stow and reach. ...


Jay,

You're obviously stowing them in the wrong place. ;)

[hlongworth]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message news:<hCCUb.101328$U%5.507652@attbi_s03>...
here.
>
> The challenge is this: Post all the cheap and simple little "tricks" that
> you've come up with to make your aircraft or your flying easier, cheaper,
> and more comfortable! I'll bet we come up with quite a list of ideas.
>
Jay,
Here are some of things which I have done and planned to do to
increase storage space and efficiency:
1. Bigger door pockets: In replacing the original material in the
lower panel doors, I also enlarged the pocket areas and made them at
least 4 times as big as the old pockets.
2. We are in the process of making a cockpit organizer to fit between
the two front seats. The space is really narrow (3") so it is next to
impossible to find a box or bag to fit. There are some commercially
available stuffs made out of alumnimum or plexiglass
(http://www.saicorp.com and http://www.cockpitcompanion.com) but they
are quite pricey. I have a bunch of old acrylic printer stands.
Tried to fit one in the plane yesterday and it fit perfectly. With a
bit of modification (adding few dividers using polycarbonate pieces
and acrylic cement), we will have a custom made inexpensive place to
keep our maps, books, hand held gps/radio, fire extinguisher etc.
3. Keeping stuffs organized in the baggage area was a big headache
until today. I had followed this thread and had looked around for
different kind of boxes, cargo nets etc. but nothing seemed suitable.
I wanted something which is lightweight, not too bulky and can hold
everything. Aside from the usual few quarts of oil, wheel chocks and
tow bar, we also have an aero step (indispensable for the strutless
cardinal), a ceramic heater and a big roll of extension cords (also
indispensable for northeast winter flying). Our baggage area is around
32"x32". The largest and bulkiest item is the 25" aero step. The day
before, I happened to think of the huge mesh gear bags which we use to
haul our diving gear. I measured the opening of one and it was just
the right size at 27". The mesh bag is quite heavy duty and the
zippers are of industrial strength (my dive stuffs weigh around 50lbs
dry and probably 50% more when wet). Brought it to the plane today and
was quite pleased to find that everything fit neatly inside the bag.
Now, I don't have to worry about things sliding about and ruin our
newly refurbished interior or get tossed around in turbulence.
We still have a few little projects to do. Rick had cut a hole out
of the plastic box covering the lower console. He planned to fashion
something to attach our water bottle. I am thinking of ways to
convert the two ashtrays in the seat backside plastics into something
useful (coin/candy pockets? barf bag or flower holders? ;-).

[[email protected]]

Great going, guys. I'll contribute:

- Abrasive-free handcleaner works like a dream on underside, inside
engine compartment, even under the floor during annual.

- PVC chocks can be filled with survival goodies: if needed, shatter
against a rock.

- Pledge towelettes, a lil' spray bottle with water, some cotton tee
paint rags (sold by box at Home Depot), comprise the ultimate
window-cleaning kit. Use bare hand with spray bottle first. Then, a
quick swipe with the Pledge, a lil' more water, and buff. Remember to
only wipe up/down!

- Track oil consumption along with your flight hours: use the blank
column in your logbook to record tach time, preflight oil quantity.
Guess when oil change is due, write across top of page, ahead in the
logbook. When oil is added, identify the event in your "oil" column
with a circle containing the number of qts.* Then, when filling out
your lab form, you can easily tally hours, qts consumed.

- No seatback pocket is complete without a heavy-guage freezer
ziplock bag, cheapee brown cotton gloves, a chem-light. Gloves can be
worn during fueling, preflight. Bags contain barf, if it comes to
that. Chem-light is a flashlight for emergencies at night for which
batteries are never a concern. 'Will bath cockpit in a warm, Hunt For
Red October glow.

- Velcro a carbon monoxide detector to the sidewall in your luggage
compartment. Those little plastic tags with an orange dot don't work!
Well, they might for a few months, and then you forget... I hung mine
by the EXHAUST PIPE of my car, and it STILL didn't change color! My
cheapee detector has identified TWO exhaust leaks to which I was
oblivious. Plus, it has a voice warning, which when tested, really
impresses passengers.

Okay, I'll stop. This thread has reminded me how much talent is out
there. Great job!

A

*Trivia question, RE oil: What do a turkey deep-fryer (1' dia.) and
the 777 Rolls Trent engine (16' dia.) share in common? Ans. The same
amount of oil is needed for operation of each: 16 qts.

ANDY'S HANGAR http://webpages.charter.net/andyshangar/

[Bob Martin]

wrote in message >...
> Great going, guys. I'll contribute:

Quick and cheap chocks for fly-ins-- take a 2 by 4, cut into 8"
sections, put an eyebolt in one end, and tie pairs together with rope.
Good when you're expecting 20-30 airplanes to come in.

The little vinyl covers you can get at the hardware store to cover the
exposed ends of screws work great on toggle switches. Get different
colors for vital systems and it'll be easier to find them. We have a
white one on the boost pump and a red one on the avionics master.

Rolled-up cardboard closed off at one end, held together with
electrical tape, and with a long streamer (plastic model-airplane
covering) is good for fuel vent and pitot tube covering. And, the
plastic flapping around is noisy in even a light wind--the sound will
help you remember to take them off.

Old thin chair cushions--put them in the seat so people don't ruin
your interior when stepping into the plane. Once seated, you can
either leave them there or roll them up and use as a back pillow.

Interim seats--if you're waiting for your nice fancy covered seats to
be finished, but you want your forty hours flown off, large foam
blocks work. Use above-mentioned chair cushion as a back pad.

We rigged up a little swinging metal cover that slides over the blast
tube for our oil cooler. A little pushrod from a model airplane runs
to the oil check door to make it ground-adjustable without removing
the cowl.

I painted little stripes on all nuts/bolts visible from the exterior
(and wing/stab/tail attachment bolts) to make checking for loosening
easier.

Wiping the canopy, leading edges, cowl, and prop down with water and a
sponge gets rid of the bugs while they're still fresh.

Tennis racket grip-tape works good on the stick/yoke and keeps it from
getting too slippery.

Don't hold anything vital too close to a door/window/canopy opening...
we lost a chart one time like that. The metal skirt around the canopy
bows outwards a bit while flying, and the pressure differential there
sucked a sectional right out of my hand.