Chapter 36 - Check flight and final packing of aircraft

Yesterday the LAMES said that a couple of the valves were tighter than the others but couldn't say whether that was the cause of rough running or not. Lyn and I rolled the Saratoga out for a check flight.

With me in the left seat of a Saratoga for the first time in about 17 years, I (we) went through the startup procedures, primed the engine and pushed the starter. This was repeated a few times before we called for the LAME. After checking fuel flow etc. he advised that everything seemed to be ok so we again tried two or three times without success. However, we got an instant start when Lyn reached up and flicked the magneto switches to 'ON'. I know it is not a good enough excuse, but I don't have separate magneto switches in my Arrow. Nicknamed 'Magneto Tom' I doubt I'll fall for this again.

Above is the fuel line from the fuel tanks inside, going via the 12v pump under the pilot's seat. Have small 12v emergency battery in event of aircraft electrical failure.

Great flight out  over Catalina Island and back to Torrance where we were given the shorter 900 metre runway, which was a good test for my first landing with 90 knots on final.

Ray had become frustrated with dealing with the local FAA office and called in a local aviation solicitor to represent him in getting authority to overturn the decision to refuse to allow him to continue as a ferry pilot. One day and $2000 of fees later, Washington Head Office overturned the local decision and Ray can continue to act as a ferry pilot in the future. However, as all the paperwork had been processed, young Jose is the authorised ferry pilot for this fight.

Last night Daniel arrived from Australia to fly the Mooney and this morning we packed the aircraft with the seats etc which had been removed while Lyn and Dan took the Mooney for another test flight.

David our LAME & Daniel our ferry pilot

Winds not good today but we are hoping for better conditions for Sunday.

Special hello to Angus who is in hospital and who I know is keenly following this event.