Eric, I can’t answer your question specifically for the manual system in a 185 as I’ve not flown it, but generally speaking, an automatic wastegate is probably more desirable as it reduces pilot workload and is more protective of over boost. Other than the little Husky, all the piston planes I’ve owned and operated have been turbo/automatic wastegates. With the bush planes, however, there may be a weight advantage to a manual wastegate, I’m not sure.

One other question for those who may have tried the various STOL kits: I’m assuming the Robertson STOL is the one that adds the most weight to the airframe...compared to the benefits of the Sportsman or Horton, is the added weight/complexity worth it due to substantially decreased takeoff roll/landing speed? How about between the two simpler devices (Sportsman-large cuff/Horton-smaller cuff) do you see one rising to the top in terms of performance?

My log book shows a 200gal tank being installed for a trip from St Louis to Indonesia. I figure it could be 23 hours aloft. At 140kts that’s over 3300 miles.

S/N 18505853!

That serial is a typo

I Looked up the N number , it shows 18503853 not 18505853

I would love to see any more pictures, and paperwork.

First time ever on skis! That goes for the pilot and the airplane. Thanks to the veteran facing the camera for accompanying me and keeping us safe. He flys the Dreamliner now, but cut his teeth bush flying in northern Saskatchewan.



Note the chinook arch in the background. We earned it! Into the -30s °C all of last week. Brrrr.

My 185 in Midland,(CYEE) last winter

How did it go? Much different than wheels?

Rgs
Patrick

Not much different really. My first take off and first landing weren’t much to be proud of. I had to put it out of my mind that there were boards attached to my wheels, then I did better. I found that if I treated it more like a water landing it worked out better. I have to include that I’m also still working to improve my wheel landings in this airplane. I expect that to continue until I hang up the keys! Full stop landings on skis would normally be in a three point, or tail low wheel landing attitude. Seems that precautionary approaches and touch and goes before most landings are going to be the norm to check snow conditions before committing, so I was practicing keeping the tail up. I also don’t have a tail ski. Yet.

Anyone else find these cracks on the SEL 55-01? Down the rabbit hole. STC arrives tomorrow to reinforce the hockey stick. Glad to have found it. Big annual this year as it’s the first. Full rebuild of the trim system while I’m at it, was a mess!

McFarlane for the trim system parts, right? You already know?

If anyone has knowledge of the field approval for the 16 gallon auxiliary fuel tank that occupies part of the baggage area in the early 180's, I would appreciate some leads. I have searched the possible leads, to include the nice folks that bought the O&N design. It appears that there never was an STC for the 180 aux tank application; only field approvals.
Thank you.

Tom

I'm looking to add strut fairings, top and bottom. I've found some from Stene ($640) and McFarlane ($590).

Does anyone have experience with either or both of these? Know another source?

Can't go wrong with Stene. I know Willie, the owner. They're just a very short flight for me on the south end of Flathead Lake. As it happens my 182 is next door to his shop getting its annual.

Done. Thanks.