N19181 into N177MG
We picked up the aircraft towards the end of January 2002. Fortunately, we experienced a mild winter in the northeast and we were able to work on the plane outside. (It wasn't about to go anywhere.) If you read and looked at the pictures on the "Delivery" page, you might have gotten some idea what we were up against. Our goal at this time was simply to get the plane "flyable" not pretty.
Work done to make it flyable. (Not necessarily in order of work performed)
CLEANED!! - Not to make it airworthy, but if you looked at the interior pictures, you understand
Replace numerous missing screws and other hardware
Drained existing fuel - Existing fuel was contaminated with water and debris
Replaced flush Cessna fuel caps with Monarch fuel caps
Replaced fuel drain valves - Old ones were severely rusted
Reconnected engine controls, muffler, alternator, etc...
Replaced Magneto - Old unit was unable to produce a spark
Replaced Ignition Harness - Old harness was frayed and caused rough mag check on one side
Replaced SCAT tubing for fresh air vents - Old tubing rotted and causing spar corrosion
Reinstalled Interior panels / trim / seats
Replaced all tires - Old tires were dry rotted
Replaced brake hoses - Old units dry rotted
Replaced one main wheel - Old unit was cracked
Cleaned corrosion from wheel discs and brakes
Installed new stabilator tips and rudder tip - Old units were cracked beyond repair
Replaced ELT battery and Air filter
Installed seat covers - Old seat fabric was dry rotted
Assorted electrical work to gets lights and switches working again
HOURS, HOURS, and more HOURS of TLC
On July 12th 2002 the ship made it's first flight in over 5 years. For our first flight, we flew and remained directly above the airport for about an hour. Over the next few weeks we ventured further and found the ship to be reliable and certainly airworthy.
On August 10, 2002 we made our appearance at the Cardinal Flyers Sky Acres New York fly-in. We definitely drew lots of looks and questions. Just goes to show, it doesn't need to be pretty to draw attention.
Sorry, no pictures of actually getting the ship airworthy, only pictures to prove we did.
Cardinal Flyers Fly-in
