Was that element p/n BA-4108? I installed some 3 year old elements no problems. Was it still sealed in its plastic pouch? Found 2 that leaked and dried out.
When I started flying, they made us bring a bicycle to teach us power/drag ratio. We had to ride the same distance slow, fast, downwind, and upwind. It's funny how fast everyone caught on. Too bad they don't do that anymore.
"By now most pilots are aware of the recent FAA NOTAM:
FDC 5/6289 ZZZ PART 1 OF 9 SECURITY SPECIAL SECURITY INSTRUCTIONS FOR CIVIL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS WITHIN OR TRANSITING THE TERRITORIAL AIRSPACE OF THE UNITED STATES
This has implications on our ability to fly through US airspace enroute to...
Here's what COPA put up on its website:
"URGENT To all Canadian Pilots as of January 1st, 2016, US Notam FDC 5/6289, requiring a US TSA approval for *all* flights through US airspace. COPA is currently working with authorities to resolve this issue."
www.copanational.org
PART II. CIVIL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS THAT TRANSIT U.S. TERRITORIAL
AIRSPACE
A. CIVIL AIRCRAFT ARE AUTHORIZED TO TRANSIT THE TERRITORIAL AIRSPACE
OF THE U.S., IF IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1) FILE AND ARE ON AN ACTIVE IFR OR DVFR FLIGHT PLAN;
2) ARE EQUIPPED WITH AN OPERATIONAL...
Para. 4 seems to apply to ANY aircraft not registered in the US. The "special interest country" bit - whatever that means - in para. 5 is in addition to the other requirements - if I'm reading this right.
1) file and are on an active ifr or vfr flight plan;
2) are equipped with an operational mode c or s transponder and
continuously squawk an atc assigned transponder code;
3) maintain two-way communications with atc;
4) are operating under an approved tsa aviation security program or
are...
Seem to recall both cost about the same to haul a pound of payload up to about 400# and 250 miles. (Used to be $0.1c/lbs/mile in the 70s - fuel, oil, engine/prop time, 50hr checks.) The SC does a little better on lighter/shorter hauls; the 180 a little better on heavier/longer.
Oh, that's just great. That's all I needed: more people and places to envy. I' will now go and shovel out my pickup from under a foot of snow so we can go to church in the morn. But seriously... wish I were there. Thanks for the site SJ, and thanks for the countless priceless advices Mr. Pierce...