Anyone planning on going to the Ranger Fly In?

https://www.rangerairfield.org/events

I'm planning on going. CK? Alex?

I’m going to try. I’ll have the Stearman back from annual by then. Only hitch may be the T6. If the avionics shop calls me to fetch it, I’ll be spending that weekend getting the T6 Tired Butt Award flying it back to Texas.

Finally had a little bit of a season after getting some hangar rash repaired. It feels really good to be tailwheel current again. I’m hoping to get some aerobatics dusted off before it gets too cold up here.

If I get the window, I’m going to reposition the Stearman to TOA for the winter.

The problem with many antiques, and all biplanes, is that cleaning the top wing is difficult. It's especially difficult with models that have staggered wings. In the first place you have to climb up a tall step ladder umpteen times. In the second it's not possible to reach the entire wing from the front and with a staggered wing set its impossible to reach the top wing from the back.

I've spent a lot of time wobbling on ladders and one day I realized that I was taking a lot more risk than I should.

What to do? I bought a set of platforms that can be suspended between two ladders. But there is a lot of risk in banging the plane it turns out. Plus they are a PITA to set up and move. Someone on the National Waco Club forum posted a picture of a ladder Beechcraft built in the 1930's for Staggerwings. It's an offset ladder with a cut out for the wing. Perfect. Except they don't make them anymore.

But Tri Arc industries does make a cantilvered ladder I thought would work. After measuring a few planes I ordered the 7 step version with 30 inch platform from Graingers. It wasn't cheap but neither is a skull fracture or broken leg...

It showed up today. It took me a couple of hours to put together by myself but then I need help to set it up right. It weighs about 600 pounds! The thing is sturdy, rock solid and easy to move around. I'm going to remove one or two of the cross bars on the front of the platform for easier wing access but other than that it's ready to go.

Well done Tony. Much nicer than mine from the builder of Ser 289. I’d add water pipe insulation* to all supports that could in contact with the plane. Much easier to get it up close to the work surface with them in place.

* Tubular foam Pipe insulation. Even available on Amazon.

You all need six degrees of sweep on that upper wing let it “come to you” for cleaning

I was at my hangar one evening and childhood friend called to say he was in town. It was a beautiful evening and I suggested we go flying.

My friend is a professional photographer and wanted to take some video. He sent me this video. I thought he did a great job.

https://vimeo.com/739260386 <-- The link plays better than the embedded video

https://vimeo.com/739260386
The link plays better.

Pool noodles work well too.

Jim, that's some Stearman flying right there...made my morning to watch all that. Might have to stop by the airport on the way home and take mine out to watch the sun go down...ha.

C.K.'s post had me thinking about cooler/colder weather flying in an open cockpit biplane.

When do you find it too cool to fly comfortably?

50F is my limit for pattern work. Warmer for acro.

Nice video by your friend and beautiful bird Jim. Could you share what camera and mount did your friend use?

The camera used was my Insta 360 and my friend had a GoPro that he held in hand. The Insta was mounted to the strut as pictured.

I forgot where I got the mount but I think the brand is "RockSteady". It has a tube that can be extended forward and the camera mounts to the end.


Still one of my favorite approach videos
https://youtu.be/6zYkzNVI2Wc?si=pIOTOO1c19X5VK6v

Wow Jim! That was a while back when we both were flying around in our 340s! I had forgotten about that.!