Barnstormer wrote:
Today we'll be flying up to Madera (KMAE) after I replace the 185's new starter.

Wait, WHAT??

Since I broke my back and can't take a full swing without falling down, I have found the trick to hitting a ball straight: Don't take a full swing like a young kid. Just hit it solid and it will go straight. Then hit it straight again. Take out all those unintentional doglegs and hunting balls in the desert, and I do about as well anyway.

glad you enjoyed yourself here in San diego... the seal thing in la Jolla is a sore subject here... that beach was orriginally left to "the children of San Diego forever " by the scripps family....unfortunately the environmentalists and seal lovers have co opted the beach for the seals... the stench of seal crap has impacted businesses and citizens living in the area severely... seal crap is absolutely putrid.... no one can use that beach and the tree huggers are stationed at the cove to ensure you don't go on the beach... but that's my two cents on the subject... my sentiments are if you are a tourist and want to see seals go to sea world or the zoo... or scripps oceanographic institute....at least you'll see them swimming around and not laying on the beach....nuf said...oh and the HMS Surprise was captained by Russell Crowe ......good movie.....

CapnMike wrote:

Barnstormer wrote:
Today we'll be flying up to Madera (KMAE) after I replace the 185's new starter.

Wait, WHAT??

When I landed at Eloy, fueled, and attempted to start the plane all the starter did was grind, like back in the day when we were learning to drive and left the starter engaged after we started the engine. It happened once before a few weeks ago, only when the engine and outside temp is hot/warm. But only happened these two times with a lot of hot starts in between. After the first one I asked my A&P/IA to call Hartzell and tell them what happened.

Naturally with all the light weight starter/starter adapter problems that was where my mind went first. But after looking at an exploded view of the starter adapter I knew the sound couldn't be coming from it. Since I'm back out in California doing the sick parent thing again I figured I'd cover all bases and buy another new Hartzell M-Drive and have my A&P/IA overnight me my old Energizer starter.

It took five calls to Hartzell's customer support over a weeks time before my A&P/IA got a call back. The short of it is the starter is what is making the noise (we still haven't been able to find an exploded view of it). Hartzell is going to warranty it and let us know what the problem is once they get it apart (not holding my breath for that phone call). BUT, the tech was of the unsolicited opinion that for serious backcountry flying with lots of shut downs and starts, and the consequences of a failed starter, that no light weight starter should be used because they are too delicate, only the big heavy Energizer starter. Hmmmmm not liking hearing that.

contactflying wrote:Since I broke my back and can't take a full swing without falling down, I have found the trick to hitting a ball straight: Don't take a full swing like a young kid. Just hit it solid and it will go straight. Then hit it straight again. Take out all those unintentional doglegs and hunting balls in the desert, and I do about as well anyway.

You are of course absolutely correct Jim. But damn I want to hit the ball as hard as I can. Character flaw no doubt.

iceman wrote:...oh and the HMS Surprise was captained by Russell Crowe ......good movie.....

Sure is. I wish they would have made the entire series.

Okay, so I was just a teeny tiny bit nervous about flying out of San Diego (scared to death) with all the layers upon layers of wedding cakes all collided with each other. But Garmin Pilot with its Smart Airspace came to the rescue, only displaying airspace that was relevant to me at my altitude. The more I use Garmin Pilot the more I love it.

Landed in Madera two and one-half hours later, a really nice looking airport.


While I'm in the process of tying down the 185 a life flight helicopter lands at the airport. A little later I glance up and it's pilot is walking my way. Of course I figure he's just coming over the check out the big tire bird. As he nears me he calls out "Hey Barnstormer". What? No way.

We shake hands and I find out he is "Bart" here. How cool is that. He was only coming to Madera to pick up a patient to transport to a bigger hospital. Had I not had to spend time replacing my starter we'd have never met. Very cool. Bart's a great guy. Thanks Zane for facilitating the introduction.



On to Bishop tomorrow afternoon.

Great meeting you today too Phil!

When I was on final I was telling the crew, "hey look, a skywagon on the ramp!" As if they knew or really cared what a skywagon is lol. Then once I recognized your tailnumber, I said, "hey I know that guy....well sort of anyways" im sure they were wondering just why I was telling them....I'm still getting used to having other people in the helicopter to talk to

Funny how things work out sometimes....to you comment about Zane facilitating the intro, I concur! I've met a lot of great people through this website...thanks Zzz!

Enjoy the rest of your trip, Phil! Hope you hook a lunker in Bishop

Glad you guys got to meet, that's cool. [emoji41]

Left Madera and flew over the Sierra's to Bishop.


Nice airport.



Called Enterprise Rent-A-Car, went to voicemail, still waiting for them to call me back. There is a "Dial-A-Ride" located on the field which is a cheap way to get to/from the airport and anywhere else in town. Kinda a screwy operation though, but it worked mostly.

Tied down near this big tire plane. Bummer.



Friday fly fished the Owens River outside of town. Caught 15 brown trout, 10"-11", one 14". Was great to be fishing again.

After seeing the upcoming Wx forecast for Sunday (today), I decided we needed to get home in one day. Problem was Dial-A-Ride didn't start running till 8:30am which meant we wouldn't make it. So I headed to the front desk of the hotel we were staying at, the Creekside Inn, and asked the desk clerks to "think outside the box, how can I get to the airport by 6:30am. I'm willing to pay". They both thought about it a minute then agreed that one of them would drive us to the airport.

We were in the air by 7:30am, climbed to 11,500 where we stayed out of the turbulence and caught a 30mph tailwind, and eight hours later we landed back home. Had one fuel stop and decided on Dona Ana County (5T6). Figured to save time I'd pay the extra dollar a gallon and have the Jet Center fuel us while the wife and I hit the rest rooms. Nice folks but slower then molasses. Would have been faster to do it myself (and $50 cheaper). A half dozen jet jockeys were hanging around eyeing the wagon. One came over to ask questions. Said he was surprised they were still making taildraggers (nice compliment).

Closing thoughts: Only made two hot starts on the new starter, worked fine but it sounds completely different then the other one. And spins much faster. Can't say my confidence for Hartzell M-Drives is real high right now. Believe I'll carry the old energizer with me for awhile.