We went Flying today!

Maybe the title of this post doesn't mean much to you but for me, it was a big deal. Let me explain. Two weeks ago I made my normal 6:30 AM checks for a 9:00 AM Flight Lesson. Weather was marginal but Bruce is an advanced student and I was sure we could accomplish what I had planned. Something came up so he couldn't make it. The plane was ready, I was ready so I took the slot for my self.

Ducati Voltage Rectifier

Clean-up

The flight up to Zephyrhills was good. A bit choppy under the low clouds and visibility was about 7-8 miles in mist. Winds were light and southerly so the landing was on RWY23 (RH Pattern). Meat Missiles were in the air so I did a 360° before entering on the 45°. I landed in front of an Autogyro and watched him make a simulted engine failure landing as I taxied back. Looked like fun. As I approached the hold short line, the jump plane called on short final to land on RWY01. I had a front-row seat to the airshow today!

Sally and I departed to the south to head back to KVDF. As I began to set up my entry to RWY23 the winds changed to northerly so we switched to RWY05. Light traffic at home field allowed for easy pattern work. As I announced my exit Sally alerted me to low voltage.

Aaah, Leo had told me that he had experienced low voltage indications during his last solo. I suspected that the voltage rectifier was failing. I taxied back to the south hangars and put Sally away. It was 95°F at noon.

I ordered a new voltage rectifier from Certus. It would be my 5th replacement since new. A better device is available but hasn't been approved by Czech Sport Aviation for use in their S-LSA fleet. Too bad.

The next day the low-pressure system arrived. It had a cold/warm/stationary front and trough attached to it that made weather on the Florida west coast unflyable. The normal afternoon showers arrived offshore at sunrise with low cumulus clouds that would build into thunderstorms by mid-morning. Individual cells would roam the peninsula until sunset. Two weeks of flights were canceled. I replaced the part, cleaned up the new canopy guides, polished the paint and did other chores waiting for the weather to improve.

Today I got to fly with Joe on his first lesson. The weather wasn't great but we were able to get in some practice on the fundamentals and a little bit of taxi practice after landing.

He did well. I felt great. Sally was happy with her voltage.