Panel progress...

[SKYFLYER]

I would think that the mini ipad would yoke mount very nicely.  I gave mine away as it was just too small... actually I think my S8+ phone screen is easier to see. I very much like the speed and ease of viewing the Pro. But I know the real estate to mount the ipad is not easy to come by.

[Bruce Byerly]

You'll be so happy you have those radios at your fingertips Adam.  Looks like it's coming together for you.  Great to see.

[Huck-Mag]

My avionics shop installed a ball on the pilot yoke for an iPad Mini.

I currently use my iPad Air.  I contemplated putting it horizontally on the dash, to the right of the compass but I just like my clear window view.  In fact, I moved the compass up to gain more view. 

Hoping Santa brings the iPad Mini! I will probably just use the knee until then.

Brent

[ghancock]

Adam,

Looking great, have you flown it yet?  Also, I'm surprised the ipad pro smaller unit wouldn't fit in there and is a much better size to view than the mini.  Not that it matters now :-)

Glenn

[Adam Frisch]

No, have not flown yet. But avionics shop now basically done. I have a gyro that's getting overhauled as the GYRO flag wouldn't retract. Radio shop said it failed their test, so once that's overhauled (should be this week), she should be pretty much done. Then off to pressurization leak-plugging next door and then finally interior at Corona.

I tried to get the bigger Ipad to fit, but with the Guardian Avionics flush panel mount, there's a lot more stuff beneath that takes up some space, so just couldn't fit it. I have a plan for fitting a bigger Ipad over the pedestal below, but it will have to be a little custom job I have to deal with down the road. For not the Mini in the panel will have to do.

[donv]

Who did you find to do the work on the cabin leaks?

[Adam Frisch]

Just going to do it next door at the local A&P. I was planning on taking it to either Morris or AeroAir, but I'm just sick of waiting for stuff. Having the plane far away just adds complexity and time at this point and here I can literally taxi it 50 yards from the avionics shop to them. Plus, these guys have some Commander experience - they take care of Anthony Chan's 681 (he's the one who builds this little remote tugs).

[Bruce Byerly]

Do they have a pressurization cart?

[Adam Frisch]

Yes, I think they do.

But in general, I'm a little surprised at the low tech of all this. I've called a few service centers and it seems to me that most of them do the old "soap and bubbles" trick. Now, obviously not being a mechanic I could be talking out of my rear, but it seems to me that you won't catch any big floor leaks with that old trick on the Commanders, since the pressure vessel floor is separate from the outer hull. Any leak would dissipate before it reaches the outer hull at the bottom, so what good does soaping that do? You can't soap the floor on the outside and doing it on the inside is also pointless. Can someone explain how reliable results can be obtained in floor area?

Now, I do know there is an ultra-sound prod instrument that can locate hisses humans can't hear. This seems to be a superior tool, yet none of the ones I've contacted uses it.

[Bruce Byerly]

Adam - Soap and bubbles will likely add no value on a Commander test.  You've probably got a substantial leak and really need to go to someone who knows the system and get it checked with a proper pressurization machine. It will be much more efficient for you imho.  The low hanging fruit will be apparent in short order (a few hours of work) and you can make notes even if you don't contract with the facility right away for repair of the tough/expensive leaks. Floor ducts may have magnesium risers that can be corroded, not sure how they built your plane, but that's an issue in the 690's and just one of those can cause the system to lose most of its capacity. If the wing roots are bad and you have a bad underfloor duct hose or metal duct plus misc leaks such as a couple screw holes in the floor, you might only get a pound or so out of it.. If the machine flows enough air, you will feel the skin warm around leak areas.

[Adam Frisch]

But who does this more advanced leak testing? When I called AeroAir they said they did the soap and bubble thing...

[ghancock]

I thought they put some sort of smoke stuff in the cockpit to find leaks.  However, the floor, while it could be leaking would be my last worry.  it is very easy to seal up and if it has been off recently shouldn't be much of a problem.  The rudder pedals and wing roots would be my worry and there is no way you could soap and bubbles on that.  Throw a smoke bomb in there and let her rip :-)

Glenn

[Bruce Byerly]

I think if you hook up the huffer and walk around the plane with your hand around the windshields, seams, windows, door seal, emergency exit, etc, you will understand what I'm talking about. You can feel significant leaks. The air hits your hand and it's obvious. Same with outflow valves. The problem with the boots and floor ducts is that you need the belly opened up to reach up there and find leaks. The problem with the wing roots is the air leaks into the wing and exits somewhere else, you might feel it out weep holes down and under the wing.  Some poor guy inside can use smoke to find leaks too. If you get down to needing soap and water, it's a good sign!  Scottsdale would be another close option for you.  You might call Rob at EAM.

[Adam Frisch]

More panel progress. Just waiting for gyro to come back from overhaul and the new GNC255 Nav/Com from Garmin had faulty display and was sent back. Stuff gets back next week, so soon hopefully.

[SKYFLYER]

WOW Adam... looks so much better than before... I know that your ready to be flying that panel... not long now