What plane and is this a first time installation? First time is around a 4 day job give or take and most of the good shops are booked out 4 months by this time of year.
DENNY
Just a few more questions that might help anyone putting on skis. Do you have a pump and valve? Do you want the pump in the tunnel/on floor? Is this a new or old set of skis? Do they need new plastic bottoms/bungies? Does the gear have the right fitting on the bottom? Are you going to be changing tires and wheels with the skis? Are the wheels/brake rotor the same as what is on it now? Did the plane have the same ski on before? Does the plane have lifting eyes? When do you want it done by? If you have a hanger that the work can be done in I might know a guy. Check PM I will send you my number.
DENNY
Any decent mechanic up here will be very familiar with Fluidynes on a 180. Pick one. But ask about the in-tunnel pump installation. Not all mechanics will be willing to do that. It's labor intensive and most don't need the work.
Do you expect it to be easy to find a good set of 3600s? I haven't looked in a long time. When I bought mine I drove like a madman to be the first guy to lay out the cash. Demand is still high.
I thought about the tunnel mount but was talked out of it by a very qualified pilot-mechanic friend. I used to remove my pump in summer but haven't done that in about 10 years. I just remove the handle. It isn't a bother to anyone where it is.
Stewart is right on in his advice. The Fluidyne, née Wipaire C 3600 skis are heavy, and don’t offer a great deal of floatation. For that money, I’d try to find a set of the Airglas skis or a set of Fli Lite skis.
Ive been stuck a couple times too many on C 3600s. They are, however, tougher than hell.
MTV
I am not comvinced from your photo, Johnny, that the pump was originally IN the tunnel.
In the tunnel is THE way to go from my experience if you are gonna hand pump. (electric pump WAYY better)
On the floor per SB's photo is in the way for passengers wearing ski boots and for the pilot pumping with passengers legs, etc. .......IN MY Experience.
On the floor is okay for occasional use and a quicker installation. Also sans field approval for "in tunnel".
I would look up Star Farmer of Whyte Wings at Hood.
I did an Airglas elec pump per the LH4000 STC on a 185 with Fluidynes once. Owner got LH4000's the next year and is happier with them.
If you mount in tunnel, some braided lines from the pump to under the floor makes the install easier than forming semi rigid alum tube.
Every mechanic seems very busy these days!
Thanks, Dave.
Q: Do you think that’s where previous owner had the water rudders control/retract rigged?
J
Every mechanic seems very busy these days!
Retractable wheel ski installation- the thing that makes you go hmmmmmmmmm:evil: