sandpiper

Thanks everyone for your quick responses. Now it makes some sense!

Since the aircraft is still a Light Sport, why does that need removal??

Payson, AZ. There is a residential airpark there but maybe a little pricey. There is another residential airpark near Cottonwood, AZ that may be worth checking out.

YouTube.com thousands of videos covering all sorts of topics

Darrell, My concern too. Plus, would this blow contaminants caught in the filter back into the engine?

I ran accross this tool while cruising on the Vans Aircraft site. A little expensive. Should it have a place in our toolbox? I've done about 35 oil changes on my aircraft and rarely made a mess. So, what else could I spend $47.50 on? Any thoughts? https://antisplataero.com/products/asa-ez-oil-filter-drain

Mine doesn't have AOA or stall warning and I don't miss them. Some on this forum talk about how benign the CT stall is and how someone would need to be near brain dead (my words) to accidentally stall the CT. I agree. Then Corey referenced the average pilot and I got to thinking about the double fatality about a year ago in a CTSW I think. The accident was caught on security cameras that showed a go around with little altitude gain then a wing drop and that was the end for the man and his wife. Did this plane have AOA/stall warning and, if not, would these devices have saved them? I haven't seen the final NTSB report or if it is even out yet. Should be an informative read.

$6,000 last time I had it done about 2 years ago. Next time I will research total replacement cost and insure it for whatever that is.

I fly mine 50-60 hours a year. It relaxes me and gives me great pleasure. As long as I can afford it and fly safely, I won't sell it. I can't monetarily justify it but I don't care. Piloting an aircraft has been part of my life since 1965 so I know my time is coming to an end. Could be tomorrow, could be in 10 years. Good luck with whatever you end up doing but I sure would't lease to a flight school. My experience is that most people who don't own a plane don't have any concept about maintenance or repair costs. Some do but just don't care.

If you attached a picture, I don't see it.

A pitot tube like yours pulls out. You may need to carefully work it out with a pair of pliers. I wrapped mine with some duct tape and also used it on the jaws of the pliers. The pitot has a quick disconnect to separate it from the pitot tubing.

These planes creak. I’m not sure there is any way to cure this. If I taxi without my headset on mine is pretty noisy. With my Bose on it’s very quiet.

Years ago I managed to do the fuel sight tubes without removing the wings. It's easier and faster to just pull the wings.

While it is probably true that most people populating flying schools are after airline jobs, many (some) of them will be into GA as the years go by. Some will do this while still with the airlines and more will do it once they retire. Living in a large airpark community and a member of the local EAA, I see this frequently.That, and having lived in Alaska most of my adult life, probably colors my perception a little. OK, a lot. I'll use my FedEx daughter and her FedEx husband as an example. They own a Howard DGA and a Stinson 108. He is also an A&P/IA and is a GA junkie. So, there is hope but pilots will always be a very small part of the population. Unfortunately that means advancement in airframe and engine technology will be a long time coming. Avionics, on the other hand, have a much larger market and GA has benefited immensely.

I might modify mine to match RichardT's. His has 5 points of contact, the one I have has 4.

I've been using basically the same thing for over a decade. I got the design from this forum . It stays in place, doesn't move around.

I am of similar opinion as Tom, Corey, Jim, Madhatter and Andy. In fact, my background maintaining airplanes is very similar to Andy. Although an aircraft owner since 1973, they were mostly Cessna products and all maintained by others. I did basic owner maintenance such as oil changes and tire replace/repair but that was all. Immediately after buying my 2007 CTSW I went to Rainbows 3 week course and several Rotax courses. With that training, along with this forum and several contacts, I have felt comfortable maintaining this aircraft. Support from FDUSA has been excellent. Sure, I've had a few moments of unhappiness along the way but, overall, I've been a happy camper.

Won't discolor? Even with mogas?

Welcome to the forum and congratulations! Now that you have your license, and your own airplane, may you have many years of enjoyment. Like your wife, I have a fear of heights. Fortunatly not when in an airplane! Pick good days to take her up and involve her in the process. Have her plan a short flight and have her navigate. Teach her how to hold a heading and altitude. Her fears will fade away.

Jim Meade, Tom beat me to it. Yes 25mm. I actually measured and inch which is 25.4mm and it is curved.

My 2007 has the mylar on the bottom, Bolus on the top.

I replaced a 396 and my reasons were similar. A big reason was that the air gizmo mount for the 660 fit in the same panel space. If you have the opportunity to go larger than the 660 you should do it. Easier to see and identify all the ADSB-IN aircraft displayed.

Thanks Ed.

Looks good Ed! Did you do it or have it done? What product? What problem were you fixing? I know. To fix a leak. But, what are the particulars?

The parachute is expensive to maintain. Also takes away about 33 pounds of useful load and, except for flying to/from the shop for removal and reinstalling, the plane is grounded. This can take about 30 days and BRS seems to be taking longer turnaround and increasing price. I’m still happy to have it.