Spring flowers popped overnight with the warm rain over the last week or so. I’m ready for the season’s bright, delicate petals— like many others are, as well.
This past Monday was the IA renewal symposium in Columbus.
Unlike last year, the restorers didn’t present, so the other restorer held down the fort while Uncle Paul and the restorer earned their continuing education credits.
I went along—not because it’s required for my credentials, but to keep my head in general aviation and continue learning more about how airplanes work, beyond magic and money.
If there’s one constant in aviation, it’s the food.
The restorers have always been food-focused—no trip to Oshkosh is complete without Wentz’s or a deep-fried cheese curd taco (and last year, we were pleased to find two locations for those on the AirVenture grounds).
So finally getting to enjoy a meal from the rightly raved about German food truck at the symposium was a treat.
The presentations ran all day, and the restorer picked sessions relevant to our aircraft—or ones that sounded interesting to us both.
One was on corrosion prevention. The vendor-led presentation, provided useful information as well as educating on their products. He’s been researching products that could be used inside tight, hard-to-reach spaces in Sis. She’s in good shape, and we intend to keep her that way.
Another session, from Hartzell Propeller, focused on composite prop blades.
One helpful tip: unlike with wood or metal props, you don’t need to file out a blemish on a composite blade. Hartzell offers a kit with materials that let you fill and patch the damage properly. Once explained, it made perfect sense—but composite props are still unfamiliar territory for a lot of folks.
The restorer had the chance to reconnect with friends and colleagues he hadn’t seen in some time. For me, it was a chance to match a few more names to faces from around our projects.
Back at the shop, we’ve been steadily moving forward—even if just a little each day.
The Huey helicopter for the coffee shop has been parked outside the restoration shop for a week or so while final work wraps up at its new home.
Inside the shop, boxes and pallets are stacking up as the finish line draws closer.
When we arrived earlier this week, our veteran volunteer was doing his usual morning check. The weather was cold, so he stayed in his truck, parked beside the Huey, keeping a close watch. His quiet commitment never fails to impress.
The pole that will hold the Huey aloft has been fabricated and inspected.
As the restorer drove past the coffee shop on his way home, he spotted both the contractor and the pole on site.
Once that’s in place, the Huey can be moved.
Permits have been requested, and the transport route—just tall enough for the helicopter on a low trailer—has been confirmed.
A crane will lift the aircraft off the trailer and into place, securing it in its new perch.
The target date for installation is coming up, but soggy ground from recent storms could cause delays.
It may turn into a waiting game between the contractors and Mother Nature.
But then again, that’s just life, isn’t it?
Things rarely go as planned.
Still, they have a way of working out in the end.
It’s just a matter of faith.
Leave a Reply