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> Doug, wrong e-mail, this is David Cook RV6A Rotary in MI,
how is your project going?
David:
Regarding the current status of my RV-9A that I've been piddling with for the pat 13 yrs or so...
I bought a derelict RV-3A in June of 2012 and spent 18-20 months restoring it after it sat for 12 yrs+ when the owner lost his medical. It took some 3-400 hrs. of work to make it flyable again, when I first thought it would only take 100-150 hrs. to fix up. As in most projects; multiple your initial estimate by 3 X's and you'll arrive at a more accurate estimate! :)
I eventually got it finished though and knocked a first flight last March; and from then until early June I put about 35 hrs. of fun flying on it. In mid-June I deployed overseas so all home projects have been on hold since then basically; but I did get a two week break (at the end of Sept - early Oct.) and flew the 3A up to Sioux Falls, SD to see my folks. Since the 3A has an O-290"G" (as in ground power unit), and was modifed to "D" standard, I sort of consider it an "alternative engine" :). On two cross-country flights it has shown itself to be pretty efficient by providing a 26 mpg avg. at about 145 mph.
I am hopeful that I will be able to return to the RV-9A w/13B this Winter and maybe have it flying by next Summer. It needs to have the plumbing finished up, as well as a muffler added and attached to the header, as well as creating baffling around the water / oil rads; and then finally SIKA gluing the canopy to the frame. Attaching wings and getting it ready for flight will then follow, and then hopefully threer will be another rotary to bring to our summer / fall rotary fly-ins! Oh, there is one last bit of riveting to do since the skin panel over instrument panel still needs to be riveted on prior to also gluing the windscreen on.
> Doug, if you don't hear from Jeff, give me a shout. I did similar
stuff on my install. Charlie England
Charlie: If you have some pictures you could send me of your radiator installation's welded fittings, etc., that would be great! I have some time on my hands over here, and it would be good to be able to plan out how I'm going to do the plumbing runs, etc. when I get home. I also am still planning on bringing the 3A down your way for a visit when we get some good weather in Jan/Feb; and at that point will be able to enjoy seeing your project in person...and who knows; maybe you will be at the point of a first engine fun by then? :)
Take care,
Doug
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