*#@$!! Tires

[Michael]

I put my wheel pants back on for the winter; after another wrestling match with the valve stem through the little circular access door, I'd like to know what some of the rest of you use to inflate the tires. I've been using a foot pump...like a bicycle pump that has a fitting which fits over the stem and then you flip a lever down 90 degrees to make the seal. Very difficult and aggravating!

If only the tires held air! (we discussed that before).

Oh, and yes, I did "relocate" my amp meter...my eyes read amp but my brain said "volt!" I used to have an automotive VOLT meter that my mechanic pulled out during an annual.

Michael

[n2099x]

Michael: I unscrew the cap and install a stright two inch valve stem extension. They are available at your local parts store. Then I fill it with a portable air tank also from the parts store. Hope this helps.

Glen

[Pete of N978PB]

In the interest of our group's cummunal caring and sharing ...

At this time of year, aircraft tires will need less attention if owners check to be sure they (or their A&Ps) are using winter air.

It's more expensive, of course, because of its much higher density per cubic centimeter, but it does a nice job of maintaining temperature equivalency with outside air (known in the trade as "free" air), thereby minimizing loss via expansive degeneration.

It's available at many major service facilities north of the Mason Dixon line, but rather spotty to find in places like Baja, Florida, the Bahamas and south central Los Angeles.

Since I base 978PB at I69 where Sporty's is located, I know that because of the very harsh winter we've had Sporty's has none on their shelves at the moment.

However, I suspect Todd probably has some squirelled away in his back room vault (it's rather highly valued stuff in Kansas these days) if you find yourself in a pinch.

Cheers all.

Pete

[Todd Peterson]

Unfortunately my supply of winter air has been exhausted. As it has a short self life I only keep a small amount.

Further complicating the situation is that our winter air is unfortunately not like California's winter air. I also suspect after having talked with some California residents that the air in northern California is somewhat different than the air in southern California. At least that's what the residents of northern California would like me to believe.

[kwmoore]

With all of the interesting characters and proclivities that are evident around the Bay Area, I'm inclined to conclude that Northern California air may be a bit deficient in the "oxygen partial pressure" department!

However we have little problem with "inflation," especially in housing and fuel prices.

[Michael]

You guys may actually be on to something here! All we need is some "heavy" air. Perhaps Kevin has some in his lab? Some labs use heavy compounds (tagged with a radioactive isotope) to trace where the compound goes. If we get some heavy air we could figure out where it's going! Of course we probably have to put some new stickers on our planes that might attract some attention.

Michael

[Pete of N978PB]

That's absolutely brilliant, Michael.

With radioactive isotopes on board, we could have our own private 3 mile Nuclear No Fly Zones, thereby forever avoiding the possibility of a mid air.

Think of the potential benefits: Reduced insurance premiums ... no need to see and avoid ... read "War and Peace" while Otto does the job ... no unpleasant ATC holds "because of traffic" ... why, even the Mile High Club beacons anew.

A Nobel Prize awaits you, Michael!

(If you want it.)


[PS: Let's keep this just to ourselves, though, folks ... call it "Todd's Little STCecret" ... it will keep the market value of all 230/260/se/stol's nice and high]

As always - Cheers all!

Pete

[Michael]

Dang! I wish I had thought of that before I installed a TCAD! Would have saved me a few bones.

Michael