Hi All,
This years planned trip to Rough River has not worked out for us, as we
run into bad weather on Sept. 1st just east of Billings, Montana, and
had to back-track from there to a small , unattended airport , Wheatland
County HWQ.
Here we discovered , that the tail-wheel spring-arm had been twisted out
of alignment by a previous (EPH) landing in a
20 knt, 80 degree cross-wind landing. This explained the difficulty of
landings under favourable conditions later on.
We found, that the best we could do at this location, was to take out
the bolt that holds the tail-wheel assembly in the rear of the fuselage
( it was bent), straighten it and manufacture a shim from a suitable
washer in order to straighten out the assembly somewhat. At this point
the decision was made to turn back, as the repair was clearly only a
temporary one. The spring arm will definitely have to be replaced before
further flight.
Should anybody in the process of converting to a tricycle landing gear
have such a spring-arm for sale, I would dearly like to hear from him.
We flew a total of 1800 miles at an average speed of 131 Knots. The
turbulence in Montana and through the Rockies on the way back was
severe, and my 82 years old back still hurts.
We were again impressed by the courtesy and helpfulness of Americans,
especially by a welding shop owner, Don Jamieson, in Harlowtown (
Wheatland County), who assisted with the repair to the tail-wheel.
Also , the Exec Service at Helena was very helpful with the free use of
a classic Lincoln Town Car. Helena, Montana, where we landed twice, has
some very relaxed, friendly traffic controllers.
The Europa performed again without problems and I cannot see the need
for a 914 up to airport elevations of 4000 =98 and cruising
altitudes of 8500 and even 9500=99 over the 912 S. The same goes
for the Airmaster prop, which will get you up and along at these
altitudes just fine at max. gross of 1370 lb.
I hope, that enough of you could make it to Rough River in spite of the
weather.
Cheers, Peter Timm, C-GIET.
From: Jeffrey Roberts
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 3:28 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Fwd: Rough River Report # 5
Hi All,
Looks like this year our list is shrinking a bit and for this I'll take
some of the blame. I'm sorry to say that due to life getting in the way
I will not be able to attend Rough River this year. Today I was just
informed that my son now may indeed get a 1 month early return from his
deployment in Afghanistan. He will probably be arriving into FT. Polk LA
the weekend of Rough River. As with the Army there could be a last
minute delay but I cannot commit for sure on RR. Then on top of that My
daughter, son-n-law and 3 grandkids are planning on being here just in
case my son is coming in so they will go to FT. Polk as well, or just
stay here if he doesn't. Family in town ;-(.
Just too many things pointing to me not attending this year. I wanted to
tell you all before but I was unsure. As we get closer I had to make a
decision. Now with all that said... There is still a chance that Landon
my son will be delayed. I ask the family and they will be fine with me
squeezing out for Friday night and all day Saturday without them. That
would be cool with me as I need to get away!! Lots up in the air but
being just a few weeks out it's time for us to commit or cancel the
cabin. I apologize for not promoting this as much as last year but
having a kid over there and dealing with my clients, not to mention a
construction project here at the end of our runway has really occupied
my mind this summer.
Also keep in mind... Anyone flying cross country this direction is more
than welcome to use our new guest apartment flying thru. We're located
35 mils south of Nashville TN on the south end of TN14. It's a 3600 foot
grass strip. I have access to 93 octane non alcohol close by. If I have
to go to LA I might not have to leave till Saturday so we'll be here
friday.
I will continue upgrading this list so please do what you can to attend
and let me know of any changes that need to be made.
Regards,
Jeff
N128LJ Gold Rush
Rough River Attendance Report for September 3rd & 4th.
: http://www.airnav.com/airport/2I3
Bob & Maureen Borger... Flying Dragon Lady N914XL in from Corinth TX
Jim & Lynne Puglise... Doing his best to fly N283JL Jabiru up from
Punta Gorda FL.
Gary & Susan Leinberger... Flying in the Mooney 3619N from Lancaster
PA.
Fred Klein... Flying the Big Iron, for now from Orcas Island
Washington ST.
Troy & Donna Maynor... Flying Little Grace N120EU in from Weaverville
NC.
Jim & Heather Butcher... Flying N241BW from Kalamazoo, MI.
Bud Yearly ... Flying his Trigear up from Plant City FL. With a
different prop...?
Peter & Christine Timm... Flying C-GIET flying rom Pemberton, BC. Nice
trip!
Dan Seitz... Flying N248A from Kissimmee FL.
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