ronin5573

Congratulations on the purchase and welcome to the forum.  

Well if that's what Lincoln said about the internet then who the hell am I to argue ?????

Merry Christmas admin Dave .  That’s video looks like typical Midwest winds 🤪

Wow.  its a small world as I was just at KGRR yesterday having lunch with a friend.  Nice airport  and a pretty cool small city. 

15 hours ago, FlyAgain said:

If it flies, floats or fornicates it's cheaper to rent.  There is little "business" case to be made in ownership at 100 hrs per year which I plan to shoot for.  But I did it anyway because, well it's worth it to me.  You can't rent one here and even if you could the scheduling restrictions would get unpleasant,   I just bought my 2010 PS so the previous guy did the nose leg debacles, SBs and agreed to reduce price for upcoming BRS repack and ADS-B and the annual was just done.  I fully expect a surprise any day now.  Add in hanger (biggest yearly expense), deposit for hanger, insurance, fuel, doo-dads for the hanger, my plane needs new carpet, tires in 75 hrs, iPad mini, Foreflight, Lightspeed Zulu 3s, fuel for the year, annuals, oil changes, logistics of repositioning the airplane for LSRM, I just stop counting. The annual expenses are about $10K per year...about $100/hr.  They rent for about $125.  And you have depreciating asset.  Take what you think it costs and multiply by 1.5 and you're pretty close.  But who cares...Fly and have fun.  And hey, the hanger will serve a dual function as a man cave.

What about figuring out unquantifiable plane ownership costs.  Such as knowing always the state of your aircraft.  Knowing how much gas is in it what kind and what quality.  Knowing its maintained correctly without having to dig though logs .  Knowing the last guy to fly it was you and knowing how it was flown and more importantly how it was landed. Not seeing a single INOP sticker in my cockpit. You cant put a price on piece of mind, and me knowing my plane and its state before opening my hanger door its priceless to me. 

2 minutes ago, ShawnM said:

Keep in mind that costs vary greatly all over the country. I didn't spend anywhere near those prices as Deltafox did and it has nothing to do with the fact I'm E-LSA. If you ask 10 owners what they spent on the same repairs and maintenance you'll get 10 different answers. It is of course ok to hope for the best but plan for the worst. 

you get those pencil whipped condition inspections.   LOL sorry man I just couldn't resist. 

Ignorance is bliss.  I have never put a pencil to the costs, because to me it doesn't matter.  Its expensive, but most hobbies such as this are.  Plus its not a one time fee its a pay as you go kind of thing. I think proper upkeep will pay off in the long run. I do 25 hour oil changes not 50.

3 hours ago, Mel said:

The Light-Sport Repairman Inspection Certificate allows you to perform the condition inspection on any Light-Sport aircraft that you own.  Each aircraft must be listed on the certificate.

Thanks why I ask.  His plane is owned by a LLC and I herd the FAA has stated that 100 % ownership of the LLC is still NOT a plane you own so he couldn’t do his own annuals .  In other words the plane must be in the name of the individual .  Just wanted some clarity on the rules. I was also thinking about getting a lsrm.  

3 hours ago, ShawnM said:

Just one more reason I'm glad I took the LSRI class and I can finally do my own annual condition inspection and and sign my own log books.

Is that on just your plane?  Or any?

1 hour ago, Warmi said:

I was told during rotax training to be careful and make sure not to try to force the bowl up because , it is is misaligned , you can do some damage to the floats - not saying that is what happened , since I cannot tell for sure, but the float was clearly chipped at the corner exactly where it would line up with the metal edge if misaligned.

It maybe be that ,after 6 years , they started flaking but it was only that edge and nothing else - I replaced them anyway.

I suppose so.  This is something I check every 6 months after being a lucky  enough to be on my 3rd set of sinkers.   When I install mine there is no gas in the bowls and the floats are on the bottom so I just cant see how putting the bowls on a float could get stuck but then again a broken clock is correct twice a day as well. 

1 hour ago, Warmi said:

arb bowl debris after annual ( I presume it was due to hastily installing the carb bowl which caused the float to chip away ) which resulted in takeoff time engine trouble  - 

I don't see how you could rip a float while installing the bowls

4 minutes ago, ShawnM said:

All I saw was a bunch of "NOPE" with a sprinkle of "SORT OF".

Did you honestly think they were going to listen to their existing customers and make changes? You did didn't you? 

I know you think I sound like a broken record at times, hell, most of the time, and how I call out CSA for their complete lack of customer support and that's ok but one day you'll look back and realize that maybe, just maybe, I might have been just a little bit right. Lip service from Cruiser Aircraft at airshows is just that. 

I just thought it was interesting to look at this again years later and see if anything changed. Some things that people wanted in the list … such as #2  is just silly when talking about light sport planes with max speeds of 120 knots.  #7 just doesn't make sense as the manufactured cant control the cost of any upgrade. 

On 1/31/2018 at 7:05 AM, admin said:

Since it appears that there is 

IMPROVED COMMUNICATION NOW

between

SportCruiser/PiperSport/PS-28

Aircraft owners who are SCFLIER forum members

with Cruiser Aircraft Inc (thanks IZZY !!!)

and a Communications Link appears to be open now leading all the way to the Czech Republic CSA (Czech Sport Aircraft) Management,

 

I am Posting this item to inform new SCFLIER Forum members of the

extensive work and discussion on the SCFLIER Forum during Spring and Summer of 2016

to answer the question

”What Improvements Do Pilots/Owners Want in the SportCruiser/PiperSport/PS-28 aircraft ?”

when we last generated a Ranked Improvement List in June and July of 2016, the results were:

The "Top 5" Improvements desired by SCFLIER Forum Voters for the CRUZ S-LSA Aircraft are:

 

1. Letter of Authorization(s) from CSA to allow incorporation of the Dynon Angle of Attack Probe to feed AOA sensing for display with existing software in D-100/120 and SkyView Displays. (Angle of Attack Sensing and Display is a USA FAA Recommended Safety Improvement for all General Aviation Aircraft)
2. Improved Cruise Speed and Climb Performance. (Sure,  the CRUZ is only a 100 Hp LSA,  but the RV-12 LSA is faster and many LSA are lighter weight)
3. Improved Engine Cooling on the Ground especially in Hot Climates. (Get some more cooling air directed to the SportCruiser’s Rotax Cylinder Heat Sink Fins, especially on the Ground during extended taxi)
4. Improved Reliability of the Ducati Rectifier/Regulator, especially in Hot Conditions. (Get some cooling air to the SportCruiser’s Ducati mounting location)
5. Improved Inside Cockpit Canopy Release Handle. (the canopy release handle and latching system continues to play a role in CRUZ Accidents)

 

Also, at the top of the list in the summer of 2016 was

CSA Letter Of Authorizations for USA CRUZ S-LSA owners  

to add ADS-B OUT and IN equipment to older Non SKYVIEW equipped S-LSA aircraft operating in the USA.

 

THE 2016 RESULT ?

ZERO RESPONSE

from Czech Sport Aircraft.  

 

Of course the CRUZ S-LSA Improvements Desired list and Ranking of items can change over time.  Evolving Pilot/Owner input is important and may be revised with new input.

And,  there have been significant top Management changes at both Czech Sport Aircraft and Cruiser Aircraft after Oshkosh 2017.

And,  CSA did add "Sizzling Exterior Ramp Appeal" to the latest 2017/2018 SportCruiser aircraft with exciting new paint schemes,   and "Sizzling Interior Ramp Appeal" with the New Seats and Headrests,   Item 11 on our Ranked List.   

Now — what about items 1 through 10 ?       (There are 13 total SportCruiser LSA  Improvement Ideas with three ties at Ranked Items 6, 8, and 9).

 

It is apparent to me that

(just one example, Tecnam LSA is another)

VANS AIRCRAFT 

LISTENS and RESPONDS

with aircraft upgrades 

to their Pilot community

and Vans Aircraft

IMPROVES the design and safety and operational characteristics of their

RV-12  LSA

in response to Pilot Owner input.

 

Will Czech Sport Aircraft step up to the competition and do the same for CRUZ S-LSA Pilot Owners ?

The alternative course of action for CSA is awesome looking new CRUZ S-LSA paint schemes,  but no significant design changes affecting aircraft Performance, Safety, Reliability, ....more....to the aircraft underneath the new paint other than better seats and headrests.

D

 

 

 

 

 

Just looking back on this old thread and wondering if anything changed with the suggestions that were given to the manafacturer....

1.NOPE no AOA still . this is inexcusable to not have with the Dynon option 

2.  YES KIND OF  with a Sensenich prop  just pitch it to 4 and it will cruise at 125 knots or pitch it to 2 and it will climb at 1300fpm. you still cant have both at the same time. 

3.  YES.  new Sportcruiser have improved cowling to help with hot climates.  Only on the newer planes 2017 and up. 

4.  NOPE same old Ducati and its problems that come with it. 

5. NOPE same canopy release and lock but we do have better alignment with guides they come out with which work really well. 

6. NOPE same control stick

7.NEITHER this didn't make sense not sure what that means.   what's cost effective in aviation 

8-1. NOPE same cockpit ventilation 

8-2 YES they moved the usb ports to the panel .. much better IMO  the 12v is also moved to the copilot side of the panel 

9-1 NOPE same seating postion .. new seats but they don't recline or move.

9-2 NOPE nothing to hold the canopy open …. just your elbow

10. NOPE same seats belts  

11-1  YES I would say the new interior has sizzling ramp appeal its subjective I guess. 

11-2  NOPE wing lockers still use a screw driver .. never bothered me until I seen how Bristell does it . 

12 YES KIND OF  they do have a way for LOAs now but there is no way that I am aware of to look at LOAs which have been granted. 

3 hours ago, dakotaguy said:

HI Every One: Am a returning forum member, but not sure if this is where I should be doing an intro.  Am multi, instrument rated & have owned a 2008 (new) Sport Cruiser, 2011 and just bought a 2013 with low time and updated to HDX.  Lots of time in Beechcraft V35's & A36 and now going back to Sport Cruiser recreational, fun flying.  Live in South Dakota and have a winter home in The Villages, FL.  Looking forward to hearing from other fliers and owners.  Sport Cruiser is a great airplane and trainer, but one just needs to actually learn how to fly an airplane again in transitioning from larger, heavier aircraft.     

Its just like riding a bike.... after some landings it will be old hat.

Happy to have you here.  I see that you are flying my old plane N907LS at the flight school. 

On ‎9‎/‎7‎/‎2018 at 6:55 AM, ShawnM said:

My first battery replacement was with a Duracell of the exact same shape and specs as your Expert Power but with a Duracell label on it. It lasted 2 years. I think they all are the exact same battery with different labels. Second battery was a UPG brand battery and it lasted about a year. I now have the Odyssey PC680 (amazing battery) and I'll report back when it dies which hopefully won't be for many years. 

And yes, LEGALLY, you need a LOA to change to a different battery but who gets one? Nobody. It's ridiculous that you need one and I agree. It's a "consumable". 

As for your coolant, Rotax approves the DEXCool 50/50 as it's what I use also but dont worry your secret's safe here. (along with your quick drain ) 

 

In the great words of the infamous Lev .  "Components. American components, Russian Components, ALL MADE IN TAIWAN!"

On ‎9‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 11:30 AM, ShawnM said:

That's a lithium ion battery and if it's cracked I'd remove it from the plane immediately. If oxygen penetrates the casing it will burn very intensely and could destroy the plane or worse. I personally would never use a lithium ion battery in an aircraft but that's my personal opinion. 

I dont think the factory ever installed lithium batteries as I've never seen them in the IPC. 

Is there a log entry for that battery?

I just replaced mine with the The "Expert Power" branded EXP 12200 off amazon for 40 bucks.  I think its the exact same one without the FGFORTE brand.  When I mean its exactly the same I mean in every way. I still think its funny to think you need a loa for a battery.  Imagine all the planes out there without batteries in them waiting for battery loa's.  Most of the US fleet would be just sitting there. Good luck with that.  Don't tell no one but I flushed that green crappy coolant they use and put dexcool 5050 in too  last year.

Stats for the 2018 EAA airventure … keeps getting bigger and better.

Nothing worth having comes easy! :-)
Finally... after a long wait, we have our featured SportCruiser here at EAA AirVenture 2018! We'd love to introduce you to this beautiful airplane. Please stop by our booth #91-95 in Oshkosh

they build a special aircraft espically for EAA but it didn't get to EAA till the last day ???????????????

I like it better then last years … that gold one was FUGLY

10 hours ago, ttabs said:

Thanks everyone for all your replies!  I somehow now get the feeling I'm not going to have too many new revelations on SportCruiser mods that have not already been tried here on the forum.  (But I'm going to try )   It's always good to have a few 'salty' dogs that can give good advice on mods and/or troubleshooting.  Or at least 'Been there done that' criticism.  

I had a huge weekend!!

 

I learned to land.  Not just a little bit either.   I got it nailed.   We spent the weekend in S. Seattle buzzing around airspace, squalls, rain, wind, and 1500' ceilings to get it done on Fri.  Crosswinds of 10 g 20 was a challenge - but that was my intro to landing.  Then on Sat we had similar conditions but with calm winds and rain - and I nailed it.   Finally had my 'Ah-Ha' moment and the rest is history.  Yesterday and today we buzzed all over harassing everyone including places like Olympia, Shelton, Thun, and others.  Absolute BLAST - and this little plane fly's wonderfully in the rain.    

My check ride is in two weeks and I'm thinking of a X-country from Spokane to Wisconsin in July.  

Now my SHORTCOMINGS 

I regret to also report I took no pics and there's some really cool things I wanted to share with you guys.   I ordered a travel cover from Bruces Covers which arrived and it is simply awesome!  They are custom made for SportCruisers.   I ordered the style that fits over both the engine cowling and canopy.  I'll get a pic for you guys next time.  Very nice fit and finish and it'll work well when I'm on the road at keeping the sun and rain out.  At $375 delivered, I'm giving it 5 stars - stay tuned for my review but check out the link if this interests you.  

 

 

 

I also installed a Garmin G5 and wanted to rave about how well that instrument works.  VERY easy to install and a workhorse of info.  But - no pic so I'll give you guys a review of that thing when I see my plane next.  I'm very impressed!

 

 

 

We installed the new ASI and as I suspected - all the altitude problems evaporated - EXCEPT MODE C.  Mode C continues to report 300' too high which opened a discussion as to how do you 'calibrate' Mode C?  We plan on taking it into a nearby Avionics shop for testing/adj.  In the mean time, we kept our altitude at least 300' below all that B airspace to stay out of trouble.  I'll let you know what they find and what the fix was.  

The Garmin Area 660 is on it's way and will get the install.  We also have a TruTrack Digi II autopilot and I want to get the GPS info to it so it'll track routes.  I'll report on that project when we get to it.  

ShawnM - I can see now you are going to be the guy to beat on instrument mods.  Not sure if my bank account (and marriage) will hold up to your stress test!   

Hwick - I may take you up on your hangar offer.   this vids for you .....

 

 

 

I really like your videos.  Very well edited.  I look forward to see some with the sportcruiser.

2 hours ago, ttabs said:

Thanks fellas - and of course I should have stated up front the aircraft characteristics.  This is an '08  with 250 hrs TT.  It's had a few upgrades including the autopilot, Sensenich prop, and 3rd gen nose gear.    (I guess there was some issue with the older on'es cracking.?)   While the log books are impeccable, we still found symptoms of this being a hangar queen including low anti-freeze, low tire pressure, a gas leak, etc.  Here's what the instrument panel looks like and as you can see, there's plenty of room for upgrades .....

 

 While the log books are impeccable, we still found symptoms of this being a hangar queen ......

Ya think... My 2016 has more hours then this.

2 hours ago, ttabs said:

Thanks fellas - and of course I should have stated up front the aircraft characteristics.  This is an '08  with 250 hrs TT.  It's had a few upgrades including the autopilot, Sensenich prop, and 3rd gen nose gear.    (I guess there was some issue with the older on'es cracking.?)   While the log books are impeccable, we still found symptoms of this being a hangar queen including low anti-freeze, low tire pressure, a gas leak, etc.  Here's what the instrument panel looks like and as you can see, there's plenty of room for upgrades .....

 

I could be mistaken but I think that's David Flemings first sportcruiser.... He started this forum awhile back and was a dealer.  Congrats on the new purchase. If this is the plane  I'm thinking of then the outside had the blue strips... in that day the most  elaborate paint offered at the time. ... yep its the same plane. 

3 minutes ago, ShawnM said:

I agree Ronin5573, I had to figure out the VNAV feature on my legacy Dynon when I got my plane. The manual is horrible when it comes to VNAV (and a few other features). I do love the VNAV feature because I don't have to do math while trying to fly the plane. 

Long but this will show what I'm talking about

12 hours ago, Izzy said:

Hits home doesn't it! Well I feel the same way as you feel but in my case it's the SportCruiser and the Bristell. By the way, there is animosity between the brands and that's a good thing and it pushes ALL to be better. But, one thing you will never get from me is trying to sell my brand by bad mouthing or pointing out the negatives in another brand....as I've been told many a times over is done over at Bristell.

Again my point is specific to the NAME of our forum, it's is not an LSA owner Forum, Rotax Owner Forum. Taking a step further in the automotive world....in order to be a member of the PCA one has to own a Porsche and the same applies to the BMW brand. 

There are plenty on the forum that approve of the decision and I may be the only to not like the decision and that's quite okay. 

Selling is all about setting you brand apart.  Maybe even badmouthing the other brand.  As a great example this aircraft has been used to compare the sportcruiser to the bristell for years by John Rathmell.

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=CZECH+SPORT+AIRCRAFT&model=SPORTCRUISER&listing_id=2288935&s-type=aircraft

If you go there stuck between what plane to buy between the 2, he takes you on a test flight in that sportcruiser.  Then he takes you for a ride in a New bristell.  Guess which one people buy.  Now its not really fair to compare a 12 year old sportcruiser to a new Bristell but that's not the point is it?

53 minutes ago, ShawnM said:

Izzy, I think Bill (WmInce) was making a joke (hence the emoji) that one should be more happy to see a 6'-1" blonde with all her sexy features than Kirk from Dynon.

The Dynon Skyview is of course sexy in its own right but I've seen Kirk in some of the training videos and I'll admit I'd rather see a 6'-1" blonde. But that's just me. If you'd rather see Kirk that's your business and I won't hold that against anyone. It's not for me to judge you.

I have seen all of Kirks videos.  He goes a little to slow for me so it gets boring, but its good content.  I would still love to see some videos of some of the advanced features which they never show and quite frankly do a piss poor job explaining in the user guide.  Such as how to use the Vnav for doing VFR approaches to a runway fully coupled on autopilot.  I had to figure it out by trial and error and it works shockingly well.  I'm sure its not dynons intent to assure and teach dummys that flying approaches in imc using non certified gps is a good thing.  But I for one disagree as I would like to know how every feature works to its full extent. Who knows, I could be one of those dummys that finds himself in such a pickle and now you better know how to do it.