With the shop closed for a week while the other restorer was on vacation, the restorer and I made good use of the time.
We focused on two priorities: moving Mama’s Chief’s gear legs to the welder’s hands, and making steady progress on Sis’ annual inspection.
The timing lined up with the WACO fly-in over the weekend, a welcome pause that added a layer of camaraderie to the week.
The restorer caught up with former colleagues, and I found myself reconnecting with friends both new and old. The good flying weather made it all the more enjoyable.
One of the highlights was meeting a new friend—another “King Air girl,” who, like me, flew a King Air though hers was charter in eastern Ohio.
As often happens in aviation, it turned out we already shared connections through Peppermint Pam and Uncle Paul. This small-world feeling is one of the things I love most about this community.
Lessons From the Chief Gear Legs
Back at the the airport, the process of reaming out the bushings on Mama’s Chief’s gear legs continued.
It’s been an eye-opening task.
When the restorer mentioned what he was working on next, another airport friend chimed in—he’d recently done the same job on his Citabria.
He not only brought over the tool he used, but also shared notes from the type club’s guru on best practices.
What had started as an overwhelming undertaking became more manageable with that kind of support.
Concerned an impact driver would be excessive, the restorer began with a socket wrench but soon upgraded to a pneumatic version once he got a feel for the process—working smarter, not harder.
A good friend and neighbor stopped by mid-project, spotted what was going on, and returned with a more powerful drill.
He stuck around to lend a hand, and the two took turns when one got tired. The drill gave the reamer extra oomph, making each pass more effective.
As with most projects, the work stretched far longer than anyone first calculated. But progress is progress, especially with the right people nearby.
Eventually, we got the Chief’s gear legs up to the welder and turned our attention to Sis’ annual.
One side slipped in without issue, while the other needed more attention before we could move on to measuring for the landing gear. A reminder that even when milestones are reached, there’s always more work ahead.
The Value of Community
That’s what I’m most grateful for—the support system at our home airport. The willingness to step in, lend a tool, share a technique, or simply offer encouragement is invaluable.
It turns daunting tasks into manageable ones, and keeps projects moving forward.
While the Chief’s gear legs were getting closer to the welder, Sis was getting attention too. I’ve been cleaning under her floorboards while the restorer checked off items from the long-form Bonanza inspection checklist.
We’re not finished, but we’re further along than we were even a few weeks ago.
Looking back to last year’s WACO fly-in, it’s clear how far we’ve come. Mama’s Chief is nearly ready for her next big step at the welder, and Sis is moving forward on her annual.
The work isn’t always fast, but the progress is undeniable.
Growing Into Ownership
Jumping in wherever I can has shown me just how much there is to learn about aircraft ownership.
Enthusiasm gets you through the door, but understanding the processes takes time and patience.
I may not have known much at the beginning, but with each project—and with the encouragement of our airport community—I’m learning.
Another week of progress, balanced with flying, friends, and fall fly-ins. It’s not just about the airplanes—it’s about the people who keep them flying.
Explore More
Summer Flying and Storms at WACO
Dayton Air Show Prep with Peppermint Pam & Uncle Paul
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