Days 3-4
My day started with a lot of uncertainty. Yesterday, on the trip from First
Flight to RDU to visit Jill, I had a problem with static on the intercom and
a mag test showed the engine ran very rough on the right mag only. Being in
need of a mag rebuild or a new mag this far away from home was not very
enjoyable. Looking at the positive side of the situation, it would mean
getting to spend an extra day at Jill's. Those who have met her know how
wonderful she is. Jill is the perfect host and easy to talk about anything.
We had a great seafood dinner together and this morning Jill made French
toast with some fresh berries as a side dish.
With a good deal of apprehension, we set off for the airport. I found my
plane in a hangar, but not a sole was around. Jill was on the cell phone in
a heart beat and before I knew it the new maintenance manager was walking
across the hangar. I had just uncowled the plane when he showed up. Nice
guy, apologizing profusely for not having looked at the plane yet. After
explaining the symptoms, he surveyed the engine, and in no time came back
with "well, you may have a problem with the mag, however this spark plug
wire that not attached to the lower plug on the #2 cylinder just *might*
have something to do with your problem." Damn. Worse then that, on the left
side of the engine, both cylinders, top and bottom, all the plug wires were
left finger tight. One had worked its way loose. If I had lost the other
wire on that cylinder I doubt I could have left the engine running on 3 our
of 4 cylinders for very long.
I value the working relationship with the mechanics back at
Nashua, but I couldn't let this one go. Rather then go to their boss,
who is also a personal friend, I called the guy directly. Ever hear a
person turn white as a ghost over the phone. I did today. I didn't
rant, just matter-of-factly pointed out that the mistake could
have killed me. End of story.
The flight over to Myrtle Beach was pleasant enough. Another cleared direct
on leaving RDU. Shoot the ILS to 23 through haze, but by the time I was 5
miles out it was clearly a decent but hazy VFR day. Rich pulled up next my
plane just a few minutes after shut down and after a quick stop at the FBO
we were off to his house. I've decided to hang out an extra day. I have been
feeling rushed, and want to spend a half day on the beach and perhaps do a
little swimming tomorrow. The locals think that 70 degree weather is cold
(lol). Kinda like being cleared direct for me. The water temps at Martha's
Vineyard might hit 72 during the peak of summer. So, its time to relax, and
bang back a couple of cold ones and enjoy the sand, sun, and water for a
day. *Thats* more like vacation then my hectic schedule so far. The old
sage at my airport looked at my plans and told me that it looked a little
like 5 weeks or so instead of my 3-4 week estimate. I think he may be right.
We'll see. My next stop will still be Huntsville for the space center on
Saturday. Weather permitting I my power out on Sunday and fly out to Santa
Fe.
All in all, too much fun for one guy to have. (lol).
