MS: Please simulate all of this........................................................................................................................

[Lou_Betti]

Okay, just a joke, but thought I'd go off topic with a bit of a reality check, and a look into just a tiny part of the real world of aviation.

My Dakota is in the shop for about another week, as we add some "goodies" to the panel, and also fix a few squawks.

Here's the list of what's being done:

1.Install S-Tec System 30 auto pilot with GPSS Converter

2.Install EI UBG-16 Engine Analyzer with all included accessories (display dimmer, annunciator lights, data port, etc.). Also install optional Carburetor Temperature probe and Fuel Flow Transducer for this unit.

3. Install Bose headphone jack on left side of panel. This is for the new Bose headphones we purchased for the pilot's use.

4. Install heavy duty cigarette lighter jack on left side of panel, replace lighter on right side with same type. This will be for my EFB and one of my partner's Garmin 396.

5. Install wire COM antenna on aircraft belly with coaxial lead into left side of cockpit for use with hand-held transceiver. That will be for my ICOM.

6. Replace GMA340 with replacement unit provided by Garmin. We're having problems with the current unit. It powers up will ALL the channels selected!

7. Check wiring on GTX330 for proper connections for button lighting (currently button lighting is not working).

8. Ignition and door locks are keyed differently. Re-key ignition and door locks so they use the same key. This was caused by a new ignition key switch being installed a couple years ago.

9. Check both CDI's lighting- INOP

10. Replace red dome light rheostat and bulb. Rheostat is shot.

Here's some photos from the work that is being done at C&W Aero at KCDW. http://www.cwaero.com/ (their new web site is still under construction, and not by me either!).

Just your typical shot of a Dakota in a hangar. Note the front seats under the left wing, and the prop you see next to them is not for us.


Here's the panel. So far only the AP is being worked on.

1. Location of new AP (where the Turn Coordinator used to be).
2. Wiring for the Altitude Hold button in the yoke.
3. Location of old "Auto Control III" AP and Coupler, partially visible behind the yoke. These holes will get a plate put over them.
4. Location of the UBG-16 analyzer, which will replace the old Alcor single probe EGT unit that is shown.



Since there is a door on the right side, most wires are run along the left side wall. A few items to note here:

1. Fresh air floor vents.
2. Static line drains
3. ELT switch (needs to go back in its housing once the wall panel is put back).
4. Mounting point for arm rest.



Finally, a look under the rear seats.

1. AP Pitch Servo
2. AP Roll Servo
3. Flap mechanism (note the large relief spring at top). This is the one that sometimes makes that distinctive "boing" sound that Piper pilots will hear when operating the flaps during pre-flight).
4. Control cables
5. Wing Spar

I Forgot to look and see what the black box on the left is, have to check that out next visit!



Here's the old Turn Coordinator next to the new S-TEC 30 AP, which also serves as a Turn Coordinator. A separate GPSS button will go on the panel so the GNS430 can drive the AP directly.



We won't be simulating this AP in our version of the Dakota for FS, because while it has ALT hold, it does not have VS or GS hold, something it appears many FS pilots cannot live without. Thus, we will put the S-TEC System 55X in the Dakota for FS instead. Probably should also throw in an auto throttle and auto land while we're at it! ;-)


Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx2/f...nners/LOU.gif]
[font size=1][font color=blue]Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[n4gix]

"Probably should also throw in an auto throttle and auto land while we're at it!"

Nice, Lou... Doesn't it make you sad to see your baby naked though? ;)

NO.... You MUST put in a FLY ME NOW button! :+

[RyanbATC]

Very nice :) Fortunately Microsoft won't have to simulate this one cause you guys already are :) :) :)

[Lou_Betti]

No, we're not simulating "ALL" of that! ;-)

Edit:

In the first photo of the Dakota in the hangar. Can any one guess what the big, blue box hanging from the ceiling in the background is?

Maybe MS can simulate that and its function also also.

Hint: I had something like that in my former business, but I was cheap, and kept it on the floor, and used my hands rather than gravity. ;-)

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx2/f...nners/LOU.gif]
[font size=1][font color=blue]Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[heyer]

>In the first photo of the Dakota in the hangar. Can any one
>guess what the big, blue box hanging from the ceiling in the
>background is?

It doesn't have somthing to do with concrete, doesn't it? ;-)

[Lou_Betti]

Nope!

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx2/f...nners/LOU.gif]
[font size=1][font color=blue]Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[RyanbATC]

Looks like a giant lollipop lol! Blue raspberry - my favorite!

[djbowler]

Sweet Dakota. Most of my 450 hours are in Cherokees with my favorite being the Archer because of the useful load, but I like the IFR platform of the Arrow also. But if I had my pick, my perfect airplane would be the Dakota. 240 hp? If I recall.

[Lou_Betti]

Close... 235 hp, with a Lycoming O-540 J3A5D engine.

The Archer is easier to land, and a real joy to fly, I love the Archer, but the useful load of the Dakota blows the Archer and Arrow away!

Overall, having flown the Archer and Arrow, I'll still take the Dakota.

Ya' sort of have to experience the Dakota with 4 adults and full fuel on a hot summer day and a short runway. I experienced the Archer on a day like that with just 3 adults, and it was no fun!

The Dakota is simply amazing with that 35'+ wing span and 235 hp.

On a cold winter day, the Dakota will blow your mind.

Cessna may have sold far more 182's, but the Dakota is the superior aircraft. ;-)

Regards,
[link:www.dreamfleet2000.com|http://www.dreamfleet2000.com/gfx2/f...nners/LOU.gif]
[font size=1][font color=blue]Can you pilot a plane, instead of programming an FMC to do it for you?[/font color= blue][/font size=1]

[FearlessTower]

Lou,

Shhhh...Don't let out the Piper secret.....it might drive the price up for those of us who might want to buy a Dakota in the future!

You are definitely right about the Dakota, when you compare the 182 with the Dakota, you simply get, hands down, more bang for your buck....just comparing useful loads and purchase prices and it's pretty obvious to me which is the better plane.

Andrew