Up to my ears in work. KR wise, my aluminum spinner cracked while on the way to the Cactus Fly-in earlier this month. I was somewhat surprised at how my plane flew with the spinner off. No significant difference in climb or speed, but the plane required some right rudder in cruise to maintain course and a lot more right rudder than usual during climb. I have no explanation for that, but there's no question that it flies differently. It was different enough that I asked one of the other guys flying along to get up close and look it over in flight to see if I had a fairing out of place or the tailwheel cocked off sideways.
I've had several aluminum spinners crack over the last 1000+ hours, so decided it's time to fabricate a composite spinner. I'll repair my cracked spinner to use as a plug and will pull a 2 piece split mold from the plug, then vacuum bag a new spinner. This spinner turned so true that it will make a good plug for fabricating new spinners. In the mean time, I have a one plane in my hangar for an annual, another plane undergoing some surgery on an O-470 that's having some valve issues, and 3 more annuals to do in the next 2 months. I also have a long laundry list of modifications planned for my SuperCub that will probably have it grounded for 2 - 3 months. I guess it's spring time so time for all the airplane work to hit. I had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with Colin Hales at the Cactus Fly In in Arizona and sat in on his presentation. Colin indicated that he intends to make it to Sun-N-Fun, so those of you that make it there should have a good time with him. -Jeff Scott Los Alamos, NM
