How hard could it be?
That is what I said when I thought about upgrading the cabin interior and giving 3CD a fresh look, transforming the interior design from a G1 to a G5 SR20.
It turns out, it’s pretty hard! But luckily I had a lot of help from loyal pilots and friends. And for that parts that I couldn’t do myself, I found a few really good shops around the county. If you are looking for upholstery work, I can recommend Encinitas Custom Upholstery and Jim’s Auto Upholstery.
The upgrade includes new pilot, co-pilot and passenger seat covers and foam, new carpet throughout, alcantara-wrapped headliner, door panels and pillar trim, leather armrests and glareshield trim. I also painted the remaining cabin plastics to match the color of the other panels.
The result speaks for itself:
A couple of things I would like to mention:
- The seats have a shock-absorbing cushion that will save your spine in the unlikely event of a CAPS landing. Please NEVER step on the seat cushion during entry or exit. It will compress the cushion and render it useless.
- The best way to enter/exit the plane is to step with one foot into the plane, hold onto the grab handle, sit down and then pull the other leg in (reverse for exit).
- Absolutely no drinks or food, other than water. I found significant latte/cappuccino stains on the carpet and inside the center console. Use the cup holders. That’s what they are there for. Also, it keeps liquids away from electronics.
New door locks
Someone really tried to get into the plane. I don’t know what they used, but the door locks were basically broken. Anything incl. a toothpick would move the locks. So we had to replace them.
The ignition lock is still (and will remain) on the old key.
Replication of the new door key is prohibited. Please use the key from the lockbox and put it back after your flight. Never take the key further away than 10 feet from the plane.
Thanks.
Maintenance update
- 50hr inspection completed, incl. exhaust AD. Received compliments from Blackstone for the best oil sample this engine has ever produced. Lean-of-peak operation on cruise segments seems to make a significant difference. It is encouraged to anyone who understands how to set LOP correctly in cruise. Reminder to NEVER lean in any climb.
- (Still) Troubleshooting erroneous analog RPM readings. Replace the tach sensor. JPI-711 continues to shows accurate RPM readings and should be used for primary indication.
Oil
Oil consumption is at about 0.25 quart per hour. While this is perfectly fine and well within the OEM limits, please take that into account when you leave on 6 quarts and plan to fly multi-hour legs.
Please report your oil addition by scanning the QR code inside the oil box. If you add more than 1 quart, scan the code twice after finishing the first report.
Do not overfill the engine. Between 6 and 7 quarts is best!
Thanks for helping me tracking the oil consumption and changes in trend.
Rumor
There is a rumor that I am about to take the plane out of the club fleet. I want to address that the best way I can:
There are some changes in my life that will include a new job and relocation to the Los Angeles area. However, I have not decided to move the plane to another airport and/or to remove it from the club fleet. Until at least the end of August 2021, nothing will change.
I will obviously not be able to attend to the plane the way I do right now, but I have received offers for help from a few pilots that will help me keeping GPS databases up to date and coordinate any maintenance should it become necessary.
So for now, I don’t plan on changing anything. If I do, I will announce it here and with ample notice.
Here is your reminder to always book a standby schedule, even if your plans are not firm yet and may change. Lots of schedules get cancelled or rebooked. The odds are always in your favor.
Book your schedule today! Thanks for flying N173CD!
Happy Landings!
Phillip