Interior and the Big Bend

Things are a bit slow lately with distractions and unfavorable painting weather, but progress is being made. Though I cut and foamed all the interior panels, I've elected to have the upholstery shop finish them off. It's not too expensive and they can do a lot better job than I with all the funny edges.

This odd looking piece is the co-pilot side panel and will be covered in vinyl.

Luggage compartment panels with foam. These will also be finish in vinyl.

Bottom of captain's chair.

New seat belts are in. They are "fawn" colored and retractable.

The foam was in amazingly good condition, but it will all be replaced.

The seat back and bottom weren't too hard to take apart.

The little clear plastic clips will be replaced with screws and special washers.

Before and after of glue removal. Notice the discoloration--that is mild surface corrosion, I suspect from nervous pilot sweat.

Headliner material and beat welting which will go around the door and luggage door.

Plastics covered in the nap-cotton headliner material.

Big Bend State Park, Texas I went with a great group of pilots (and a few family members) to the Big Bend Sate Park for an overnight of star gazing and tall stories around the bond fire. Our route took us from Spicewood (88R) to Del Rio Int'l. (KDRT) to Terrell County (6R6), then along the Rio Grande (U.S. side of the border, duh!) all the way to the park. Not too flat! Lots of fun!

Pecos River on the way to Terrell County.

Rio Grande River on the border.

Notice the two planes in this photo, a Super Decathalon and a C182. I could see five planes up the canyon from time to time. Very fun flying. (photo by Dana M.)

Mule Ears formation.

Eleven aircraft in our group, both certified and experimental, including C182's, 172's, a Mooney 201, a Piper P-28, Vans RV's, and a Jet Ranger 206B helicopter.

I flew this 1977 C172N, the first plane I ever had ownership in (but not currently). I know her pretty well as I have over 200 hours as PIC and I re-did all the interior plastics. My passenger was a retired Air Force U2 captain and who now flies MD-11's for Fed Ex. It's always nice to have massive experience in the right seat.