It was dark and cold when I pulled N833DF out of the hangar this morning. I really don’t like winter much at all. My pre-heaters are working perfectly. Wam cabin for sure, and warm engines for the start.

I took off from KILG around 7am this morning and flew low and fast up to Lancaster. The ride was smooth and so were the engines. No vibrations.

This is the first time working with this shop. They appear to be busy and I was greeted at the front desk was a less than warm reception. I have asked them to do the IFR certification; update the Aspen PFD software and it’s battery; update the Garmin 530W software; update the transponder; and to clean the contacts on the Altimatic III control head. It’s been an hour and a half so far, and I have no idea how long this might take.

Starting up in the dark this morning, I noted that the right strobe light isn’t working. I spoke with Matt and If I get done in time, I’ll fly down to GED to have him help me figure it out. These lights are add-ons and not required for flight, so I’ll leave them off until we look into this.

I’ll update this post once the work is done and I can evaluate the experience. It will be interesting to see what the autopilot does after the contacts gets cleaned. wouldn’t it be amazing if all the issues there evaporated.

Fly safe.

 

By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.