Second Annual Maintenance

Great news!  It turns out that the alternator was not bad and that the wire going from the voltage regulator to the field coil of the alternator had just broken.  This is likely an inexpensive fix (rare on aircraft).  Aside from that I am working with my mechanic on an owner assisted annual.  This means that I can do some work under the supervision of an A&P IA and really get to know my airplane.  I cannot begin to explain how important this is and how enjoyable the work is.  We took all the cowling off and inspected the engine and part of the airframe.  Nothing major has come up so far which is a stark contrast to my last annual.  We had to stop due to lack of light but I bought an 8’ light bank for my hangar last  night so it should be easy to see tonight J  I am really looking forward to this.

6/26 Flight over the volcano!!

Today I went flying with my friend Tim and his girlfriend for a little scenery.  The weather was not great, an overcast ceiling at 3300ft and no sun to be seen, but it was good enough for a flight.  We took off from Pearson field and headed north toward Scapoose, OR.  About half way there the clouds started to open up and I could see that they were very thin.  I began a climb to 7000ft and pointed the airplane toward Mt. St. Helens.  The flight took about 20 min to get out there and we could see the “intact” side of the mountain.  I always forget how rugged and beautiful the terrain is around there.  We passed around to the far side and could clearly see the devastation that was left from the eruption in the early eighties.  After a nice view of the lake, which is still filled with the trees blown off of the mountain, I decided to climb to 10,000ft and fly directly over the top.  The view was fantastic.  Absolutely amazing view.  After we passed over I thought of the movie Finding Nemo.  Particularly the scene where he was being initiated as Shark Bait and the fish were chanting as he prepared to cross the erupting bubbles of Mt. Hockalougie.

Shark bait Oh Ha Ha J

Then on the return home I lost my fuel flow gauge, and then the GPS screen started to flash out, then the clock and turn coordinator!!  I lost all electrical.  I luckily had a hand held radio so I could make my radio calls and I was only 5 miles from Pearson field.  Landing was no issue and I put Serenity away.  Nerves are high though as I am sure that this is some sort of alternator problem and it will be expensive.