Thread: Going in for my annual/100hr inspection

My plane is heading to Tulsa for its annual/100hr. I'm planning on having the 2000hr TBO oil thing put on and also the Tanis engine warmer. Could you guys remind me of "must haves" for the plane during its checkup so I don't have to go it again for awhile? I know each plane is different, but I was just wondering any common issues.

1. Tanis engine heater install
2. Oil regulator valve for increasing TBO to 2000hrs
3. Autopilot facing needs replacing due to pixelation issues
4. Dynon software updates
5. Tighten up the water hoses as they were leaking antifreeze during the winter a little
6. ELT 406? Would you do it yet?
7. Skyview? Would you do the small screens yet (The large screens are cost prohibitive)
8. Retorque stab pivot
9. LED Landing light upgrade
10. Larger battery upgrade?
11. Plus the usual 100hrs stuff
12. I'd love to add the Tundra package because I'm flying into a grass field a lot but I think that'd also be cost prohibitive.
I'll add to it as I can remember...
Thanks again for your help

John

Hi John,

Rex Johnson in Tulsa does a very good job and he is thorough. I would mention to pull the stab and re-torque the stab pivot pin nuts. He may already do this, but I don't know for sure. I'm sure Rex will find a few loose items a long the way, too. He once told me that "every plane has something wrong and it's up to the mechanic to find it". For me I'm not replacing the old ELT, instead I'm getting a Spot tracker. I can get you one at a better price than what's on the web if you want one. I like the Spot because I can use it with anything and anyone can see where I am at any time. I like the messaging feature, too.
Save your money on a Skyview and take your nice wife on a vacation. You have been flying all these years and you never needed a Skyview before.

The SPOT is NOT a PLB or an ELT. When you activate a PLB (or EPIRB) the signal is transmitted through the COSPAS-SARSAT network and immediately notifies the nearest rescue agency. The SPOT signal goes to a private company which then has to notify the appropriate authority.
Each have their place. The SPOT is useful for sending position reports to friends and relatives. Many don't consider the SPOT a true replacement for a PLB or EPIRB or ELT.

Here is a link to a blog written by the USCG comparing the two-Spot and PLB:
http://uscgd13.blogspot.com/2008/10/...r-beacons.html

The SPOT is definately not a PLB or ELT, but I wouldn't poo-poo it's rescue abilities. Just go to their website and look at all the people it has helped save already in it's short life. I have no problem with their "private" monitoring center. Its a major international outfit offering security and rescue for large companies. They take ownership of the rescue and make sure someone shows up. There have been many instances of officials in "lesser countries" being notified of rescue situations and not sending out help. Many don't have the resources, or what they have isn't adequate. With the GEOS insurance on the SPOT, if necessary, they will mount a private rescue, using paid Search and Rescue people, and pay for up to $100K of rescue costs.
The tracking part of the SPOT may be the most important rescue feature, which EPIRB or PLBs don't have. If something catastrophic happens, and you can't hit "the button", people will still know where you are, within the 10-minute tracking window. Something like a Pelican coming through your window, or just a landing accident where you are incapacitated.
Check them out... http://www.geosalliance.com/index.html http://www.geosalliance.com/IERCC.html
Like I've said on here before... if you want to be REALLY safe, have a 406 ELT, SPOT, PLB, cell phone, and a satellite phone! and a rabbits foot...
Tim

I'm in for the rabbits foot. I just can't figure out how to fasten the crutch on the rabbit and make it stay there under a full run.

Thanks for your help guys. I've learned a lesson in this: I'm going to have a scratch pad next to the computer so when I see a new idea, I'll write it down so I don't have go hunting through hundreds of threads and two server changes. There were so many things that I wanted to do and now, my mind goes blank!

John

Catistrophic is when.....buttons don't matter...

SPOT vs PLB...You get what you pay for and if skimmping up front makes you feel better, then in your own vernacualr, why not.....add a jackalope to that rabbits foot.

We have Jackalopes in Arizona too. The is going to be a lot of three legged critters running around my part of the country soon. With all the missing feet there will be a lot of little fuzzy worms crawling around.

What about an LED landing light upgrade and the larger battery upgrade if it's possible?

John

I just updated to the 406MHz ELT. I think there is no cost too high for safety equipment. I don't have any urge to update to SkyView or anything else, however, I am with Roger on that one. I was getting by with paper maps before I had GPS. Of course, I don't get the navigation feature in my cars, either.