That which was taken apart has been put back together again.
No major findings, just a couple of worn control surface bearings, which have been replaced and the aircraft is considered airworthy now.
It’s worth noting that airworthiness is as much as matter of paperwork as it is the condition of the machinery. The metal can be in pristine condition, but if the aircraft records don’t say it is, it ain’t airworthy.
All US aircraft are required to undergo a comprehensive inspection every year. My own little airplane is no exception, and while many aircraft owners dread “the annual”, I look forward to this as an excuse to take some time off from the job that pays for all this and spend quality time with my torque wrenches, magneto synchronizer, compression tester, inspection mirrors, and other tools. I also like keeping my airplane well-maintained, and knowing that we have no secrets from each other.
So here’s what a small airplane looks like half way through an annual inspection:
The interior also gets opened up for inspection:
Which all means that right now I have something that looks more like a collection of airplane parts, rather than an airplane:
A lot of servicing also gets done at the same time. As long as we’re going to open up the oil filter and take an oil sample for analysis to look for signs of something coming undone in the engine, might as well put a fresh new filter on, change the oil, and clean the spark plugs, lubricate all the controls, etc… Really, the actual inspecting can be done in a small number of hours. It’s all the disassembly, servicing, reassembly, and checkout that takes days.
The seasons have definitely changed. I took this picture on October 30:
And this one just yesterday, November 16, in about the same spot:
Other cycles are also in play, as this tree looks ready for recycling:
For all the changes in the weather, the water birds are still very active. In fact, it was a surprisingly good day to be out on the water with my camera.
This is what refueling looks like for a couple of mallards:
And these birds sure know how to operate in “congested airspace”, with nary a radar transponder or anti-collision light in sight:
The airshow continues with a nice echelon turn:
…and the mallards join up for a classic “V” formation:
While a couple of turtles take in the action and some late-season sun:
Some ducks heading off on a triple date?
There are a number of groups of Canadian Geese around the lake, but, who’s this guy? You can also see him in the “congested airspace” picture above, if you look closely .. maybe click through to the full-res version.
With the change in seasons comes a change is who’s around. Some of the lake denizens have migrated south, while others have moved in from the north; more of those cycles. I think this may be a Red-necked Grebe (in winter plumage), which would make her another winter resident:
Speaking of winter residents, seagulls are starting to show up. Here’s a Ring-billed Gull:
And a young and somewhat rare Little Gull:
Obligatory Kingfisher and Great Blue Heron pics:
The afternoon had been mostly clear skies, but late in the day a cloud deck started moving in from the southwest. The Sun didn’t go easily, though:
It’s quiet out on the lake now with the seasons changing. Many summer residents have fled south, and the year-rounders are hunkering down for the coming winter. Still, though, there’s plenty going on as “business as usual” continues for many.
At first I thought a bit of vegetation had gotten lodged on the trash can by the house. This, of course, is exactly what this creature, a walking stick, wanted us to believe.
One of the things I found interesting about the Space Shuttle (RIP) is how it transitions from a space vehicle, to an aircraft, and eventually to a ground vehicle. Birds do something similar in transitioning from a flier to a pedestrian, completely changing shape and how they move. Most birds, of course, do not go into space often. (obligatory Great Blue Heron picture)
It was a cool, breezy day on the lake, one that many of the resident geese figured would be good to curl up with a good book … or, just curl up.
But other birds were busy with “business as usual”. Here some crows are takin’ it to a hawk, who was definitely not where she was wanted.
The crows met up later to discuss the matter.
This weekend I had an opportunity to photograph some really special and rare “birds”. The Collings Foundation’s B-24 Liberator, B-17 Flying Fortress, and P-51 Mustang, all World War II war birds, were on tour at my home airport in Greenville, SC.
Watching these aircraft fly in and out of a modern-day 2013 airport with all the amenities, I can only imagine what it was like flying them out of what we would now call “unimproved” fields, carrying a full load of things designed and intended to blow up, during a war, knowing they’re going to be shot at.
However, there are people among us who do know, first-hand, what that was like. I encourage you to find a WWII veteran near you, and ask them what it was like. My Dad, an infantryman, has told me many stories that you will not find in history books. These are the stories that will tell you what that war was Really Like. Act now, this is a time-limited offer.
OK, now for the pictures (as usual, click on the pictures for a larger version)…
You can see some updated avionics in the cockpit of the B-24, which only makes sense. There have to be some updates in order for these aircraft to operate safely in our current airspace.
One thing that strikes me about the war craft of this era (I have no idea if it’s different now) is how cramped they seem to be. You could not be overweight, or claustrophobic, and spend any time in these aircraft, or the naval vessels I’ve visited.
When I visited the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier, it actually gave me the willies a bit as I was squeezing around the cramped areas down in the bowels of the ship and thinking, “image now that someone is dropping bombs on this thing”.
Here the B-24 taxis out for takeoff:
with the B-17 not far behind:
The B-24 on its takeoff run while the B-17 prepares in the background:
And gets gone:
The B-17 starts its takeoff run:
You can see the B-24 in the distance near the top of the ’17’s tail.
They came back and made a pass over the airport. Here’s the B-24:
And the B-17:
Touchdown of the B-24:
And the B-17, about to return to Earth:
I didn’t see the P-51 flying much, but I did get this shot:
You can find the tour schedule for these aircraft at the Collings Foundation web site. Go out and see ’em, and help support keeping this bit of history truly alive.
The 2013 edition of the Ride for Raptors is history. Another great ride through the hills of Pickens County, ending up at the Pendleton Fall Festival, and supporting the Carolina Raptor Center.
Many rides start with doves or balloons. This one is a bit different. I also saw a real wild hawk, probably a Cooper’s Hawk, fly over about 20 minutes before the ride started.
The ride gives you a chance to practice a little urban riding crossing US123 and going through Central, but it also traverses some very out-of-the-way scenic places. This was taken at the 3rd rest stop.
60 or 100 miles? Ya know, I could probably do 100, but it’d take me until Tuesday.
Some of the terrain involved. I wouldn’t want that driveway.
Actually, that wasn’t the …er… most challenging. Maw Bridge Road climbs off the river with about a 9 to 10% grade for about a mile. I wasn’t going to stop there for any pictures.
Lunch was waiting at the finish, courtesy of Subway, my favorite “fast food”:
From there, it was a short walk over to the Pendleton town square and the festival.
Zlaty, the Golden Eagle in the background, and Skoshi, the Red Tailed Hawk, were there from from the Raptor Center.
These are birds that cannot return to the wild because of their injuries and have become used to humans, so they get to travel around to things like festivals. Zlaty was found in Arizona with his wing apparently shot off. Skoshi has an undersized eye and was rescued after he injured his wing on that side. I kind of feel like I know them, as many times as I’ve seen them at this ride. Zlaty is about 30 years old and Skoshi is not far behind.
A Greenville rehabber brought a little Screech Owl. This is a full-sized adult. So cute, unless you’re a rodent…
There was a distinct Halloween theme around the festival and around town. Funny, I don’t remember seeing this guy out on the ride:
If I did try to do the 100 mile route, I’d probably look like this (minus the Clemson flag).
I hope I’ll be doing this ride again. A letter in the registration packet announced that Rich Mead is retiring from organizing this ride. If you or someone you know can take up the task of keeping this going, please contact Rich, +1 864 244 0263 or ride4raptors@mindspring.com.
Fall in the Carolina Piedmont is characterized by pleasantly warm days and cool nights. With the water still warm from the summer, this leads to steam fog:
We can probably expect more of that as the season progresses.
This Osprey was out early catching breakfast. Mmmmmmmmmm….
“Ok, ready over there? You grab one leg, I’ll grab the other… on three… one… two …”
The seasons are changing. It’s noticeably quieter out on the lake now as migrants are starting to migrate and everyone else is preparing for winter. I’ve seen evidence of this at my backyard feeders too.
We’ve already had the cultural end of summer (Labor Day), today is the astronomical end of summer (the equinox), and even the weather seems to be pushing towards a meteorological end of summer. Some trees are already starting to turn:
The sky was mostly overcast yesterday morning when I was out on the lake, contributing to the feeling of “fall”:
But this morning was bright sun, and some fog hanging over the North Rabon Creek (taken from US76, where I was cycling):
When I got back from taking that picture, a group of jays were squawking up a storm at the house. There was a hawk hanging around and everyone knew about it (sorry, just had the cell phone for this one):
Last week my employer sent me out to the far coast to assist on a project, so I haven’t had a chance to do much photography, or anything else, lately. There is, however, one thing I’d like to share.
I’ve mentioned a couple of recent encounters I’ve had with people who have inspired me by their persistence through what can easily be called tragedy. My Sister caring for her terminally-ill husband, and the cyclists who rode the 62-mile Flight of the Dove pedaling with their hands and arms and who finished before I did. These sorts of stories seem to be all around us.
I had the opportunity to meet a co-worker in person who I had heard was having vision issues. I didn’t realize the extent of the issues: this person now uses a cane and is on track to get a guide dog. And yet, they are still a very capable and valued member of our team. That someone can encounter this kind of life-changing event, and continue to work and, at least in our encounters, seem to not be slowed down by it, is inspiring to me. I’m sure they’re dealing with many resulting issues, but what I see is, again, a perseverance and fortitude that I’m not sure I could ever match. I am encouraged when I see these people successfully dealing problems like this.
Oh, here’s one picture I did get on the trip:
The seasons are starting to change, and it seemed these Geese were practicing their formation for migration. Hint: remember guys, the idea is to get on top of the the wingtip vortex of the bird ahead of you. Really, a lot of these Geese hang around all year, but they probably like to fly anyway:
When I got up to the end of the lake, there was a large flock of Geese there, just hangin’ out. Then a couple of them took off and headed down the lake, maybe to do a little recon, then came back. This one made a nice landing on the water:
I watched them from a comfortable distance for a while, then they decided to move off down the lake. They checked me out while I was watching the parade:
They left the Killdeer, and a bunch of feathers, behind:
When I got back to my launch/recovery point, there was a Heron hanging around, who checked me out as I approached:
I figured she would just take off as I approached the dock, but instead she just waded off, giving me a chance to get a whole lot of pixels on her (click on the picture to check out the full-res version if you want to count the feathers):
And, no, I really don’t know if that bird was a he or she, but I had to pick some sort of pronoun. Some time I’ll write about the limitations of the English Language, or, as some call it, the Anguish Languish.