Getting things sorted

I originally planned to nip over to Malbec and do a couple of little jobs on the X-Air today as Wim and I are thinking of going for a shortish local flight on Sunday when the weather is expected to be pretty good for it. However, by the time I was ready to go it had started to drizzle and then rain a bit too hard to make it worthwhile, so I turned my attention to sorting out a few things for 28AAD.

And lucky I did, because the day ended up being very productive. First I ordered a rubber bulb to install in the fuel line to prime the system as I do in the X-Air. It works well and I can’t see the point of fitting MYRO’s old electric fuel pump as it’s just dead weight once the engine is started. The bulb (known as a ‘poire d’amorcage’ in French) is coming from Bulgaria, would you believe.

Then I ordered 5 metres of fire-proof 6mm rubber fuel hose – from the UK. French prices are just so expensive and delivery takes much too long. And finally I order two sheets of Makrolon polycarbonate – 1.5mm for a new front screen and 1mm for two new doors – from Germany, for the same reason as above. I do not understand how the French ULM accessory suppliers stay in business, quite honestly. 28AAD will look very smart indeed with all this new kit 🙂

And finally, I turned my attention to the voltage regulator that’ll be going onto 28AAD. Several months ago, someone vandalised 56NE’s voltage regulator at Galinat by slashing its wires and I got round the problem by replacing it with MYRO’s old one. Now I need one for 28AAD and luckily I hung onto the X-Air’s damaged one with the idea of repairing it should it be necessary.

Today was that day, so repair it I did, and here’s a shot of the repaired item on my bench and ready to go.

The job’s a good’un! All the damaged wires have been nicely reconnected by strong soldered joints and protected by shrunk rubber insulation. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t work fine and I’m pleased with the appearance as I don’t think it will look out of place when fitted on the aircraft.

So taken all round, a very useful day indeed and a few essentials sorted that needed attention. Now, when the weather gets back to normal I’ll be able to continue with other things knowing that the bits and pieces I ordered today will be on their way and be ready for when I need them 😉