As luck would have it, I completed my phase 1 testing just in time for a record breaking stint of bad weather in Northern California. So, I have been using much of my weather induced free time for airplane maintenance and some upgrades.
First, I added a vacuum crankcase ventilator and oil separator. The pair sound much more sophisticated than they actually are. The engine's crankcase is normally vented to the outside air stream which serves to prevent pressure from building within the crankcase, but at the same time, it allows some oil vapor in that air to escape the engine. This has the unfortunate consequence of depositing an oily film on the belly of the aircraft and, obviously, increasing oil consumption. The oil separator reduces this issue by condensing the oil out of the crankcase gases before they leave the aircraft. The collected oil is then allowed to drain back into the engine. The vacuum ventilator aids this process by pulling a vacuum on the crankcase vent by virtue of venturi action. The vacuum ventilator directs the crankcase gases into one of the exhaust pipes rather than just overboard. I've got a few hours on the system now and it definitely does help keep the aircraft bottom clean.
Another upgrade involved adding an additional GPS radio receiver. This new GPS radio is connected directly to my transponder, feeding it position and velocity data. This GPS radio is different from the other 3 GPS receivers in my plane in that it meets the FAA's 2020 requirements for Automatic Dependent Surveillance (B) accuracy. I am now 100% compliant having already installed a compliant transponder.
For those not aware, the FAA has a grand plan to overhaul the air traffic control system called NextGen. A major part of this new system is ADS-B which works primarily with GPS rather than radar. To get this system off the ground, so to speak, the FAA has mandated that all aircraft (with electrical systems or those not otherwise exempted) be equipped with new transponders for relaying the ADS-B data and GPS receivers capable of achieving a high level of precision and accuracy in reporting their aircraft's position. Those not upgrading to ADS-B will not be allowed into certain controlled airspace.
For those not aware, the FAA has a grand plan to overhaul the air traffic control system called NextGen. A major part of this new system is ADS-B which works primarily with GPS rather than radar. To get this system off the ground, so to speak, the FAA has mandated that all aircraft (with electrical systems or those not otherwise exempted) be equipped with new transponders for relaying the ADS-B data and GPS receivers capable of achieving a high level of precision and accuracy in reporting their aircraft's position. Those not upgrading to ADS-B will not be allowed into certain controlled airspace.
And as the rain continued, I decided to upgrade my audio panel as well. I removed my practically new Garmin GMA-240 and replaced it with the clearly superior GMA-245. What did I get for the extra five? The new panel has Bluetooth so it can pair with my cell phone or with my Garmin VIRB camera. In addition, it also has several new audio modes including splitting the COMS between pilot and copilot. It also sports 3D audio which I believe means it can place certain audio sources in different places spatially. The justification for the new audio panel is that it is new and therefore I need it.
And so spring is fast approaching and I expect to resume flying with renewed vigor and some new equipment. Sorry, no pictures this time.
