A photo documentation log of the complete restoration of a 1989 Van's RV-4, SN# 1775 with new paint, wiring, solid-state electrical buss and the latest in experimental Efis's, autopilots and engine management systems. Plus the conversion of a stock built -4 into one with a Sliding Canopy (ala RV-8) and a Harmon Rocket fastback turtle deck.
Friday, June 19, 2009
First Flight
6/18/09
U76 (Mountain Home) to WYS (West Yellowstone) Total flight time 2.1 HRS, 4:49 PM to 6:55 PM
First flight from Mountain Home Airport to West Yellowstone Airport. Upon arrival conditions were gusty. I attempted a landing and went around. On attempt to 3 I got "get-downitis" and forced the plane on to early and to fast. Subsequently there were a series of bounces...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Deal
This is what she looked like when I picked her up in Mountain Home, ID. The wheel pants are inside...
In order to make the deal I traded my 2002 American Ironhorse - "Legend" motorcycle and an arm and a leg.
I sure loved that bike and had it since it was new. The transaction took place online and over the phone since I was in FL and the plane was in ID. I shipped the bike out and came out myself commercial to meet the seller and make the trade and transaction.
Important Note: Always get a prebuy inspection from someone you trust and that is familiar with the craft you intend to buy. I did not and am paying a heavy price for it. Why didn't you? You may be asking. Well, not that any of them are valid excuses but; It was a unique deal in that the seller was willing to take my bike as partial trade, it was a long distance purchase over the internet, I was afraid something would be discovered, I was in a hurry. In retrospect of course all the more reasons i should have had it inspected.
When I picked up 26C it was sporting a pretty nice Fred Felix prop and a very undesirable red on orange paint job that was so poor it could be scrapped off in places with a credit card. Apparently the cowling was even bad enough that the previous owner conceded to just strip and prime it until the plane could be painted.
In order to make the deal I traded my 2002 American Ironhorse - "Legend" motorcycle and an arm and a leg.
I sure loved that bike and had it since it was new. The transaction took place online and over the phone since I was in FL and the plane was in ID. I shipped the bike out and came out myself commercial to meet the seller and make the trade and transaction.
Important Note: Always get a prebuy inspection from someone you trust and that is familiar with the craft you intend to buy. I did not and am paying a heavy price for it. Why didn't you? You may be asking. Well, not that any of them are valid excuses but; It was a unique deal in that the seller was willing to take my bike as partial trade, it was a long distance purchase over the internet, I was afraid something would be discovered, I was in a hurry. In retrospect of course all the more reasons i should have had it inspected.
When I picked up 26C it was sporting a pretty nice Fred Felix prop and a very undesirable red on orange paint job that was so poor it could be scrapped off in places with a credit card. Apparently the cowling was even bad enough that the previous owner conceded to just strip and prime it until the plane could be painted.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Van's RV-4 Blog Log #1
Well this is my first attempt at a "blog". I am hoping to use the blog to log my time and effort being put into this project. I will add pictures and dates backlogging the progress up to this point.
Until then here is some background on my project.
The project aircraft is a Van's RV-4 outlined below:
Until then here is some background on my project.
The project aircraft is a Van's RV-4 outlined below:
Airframe Info
| Manufacturer: | Makela Urho J |
| Model: | RV-4 Search all Makela Urho J RV-4 |
| Year built: | 1989 |
| Construction Number (C/N): | 1775 |
| Aircraft Type: | Fixed wing single engine |
| Number of Seats: | 2 |
| Number of Engines: | 1 |
| Engine Type: | Reciprocating |
| Engine Manufacturer and Model: | Lycoming 0-320 SERIES |
Aircraft
| Registration Number: | N2626C | |||||||||||
| Mode S Code: | 50504630 | |||||||||||
| Certification Class: | Experimental | |||||||||||
| Certification Issued: | 2009-10-13 | |||||||||||
| Air Worthiness Test: | 1989-02-23 | |||||||||||
| Last Action Taken: | 2009-10-13 | |||||||||||
| Current Status: | Valid |
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