Maintenance

Each one of our experimental aircraft is unique, but they share many systems which need maintenance. It has to be done regularly to keep the aircraft airworthy, and it must be done correctly. Builders and owners share knowledge and tips for saving money in the process.

Glasair FT Gear Bracket Cracks

Mike Palmer’s Glasair II FT has over 3400 hours on it and he recently discovered cracks in the lugs of his main landing gear...

Does Anybody Wax Airplanes Any More?

Q (George Kraft): Just wondering if the newer paints don’t require it or if they benefit at all from waxing. Seems like a lot...

Glasair Fuel System Warning Sensors

This should be of interest to folks building their fuel systems and those with the solid state low-fuel sensor installed. This spring, after some winter...

Auxiliary Airbox Retention

Installations affected Engine installations typically installed in Van’s aircraft. These are only updraft sump installations with FM-100 or FM-200, FM-200A fuel controls, using Vans filtered...
lightweight-small-jack

Lightweight Custom Jack

Steve and I recently installed a set of Thomas Cox’s jack pads on our tricycle-gear GlaStar. These beautifully machined pads fit perfectly and will...

Nuisance Oil Leaks

With about 370 hours on my Superior XP-360 engine, I had developed several small leaks that were difficult to track down, but I discovered a...
Figure 1. View looking down right side - Internal passages FVFV top.

Testing Procedure for Fuel Vent Float Valve Check Valves

There are two check valves installed within the upper housing of the FVFV. One valve is designed to open to allow pressure into the...
Spark plug tray, adjusting tool, gap gage, spark plug socket and extension, magneto timer, torque wrench, combination wrenches, ratchet, socket and extension

Tools to Maintain Your Sportsman or GlaStar

As we get more Sportsman builders who may not have extensive tool collections, the question has come up, what tools do I really need...

Glasair RG Gear Strut Servicing

It has been pointed out that our overhaul instructions are somewhat confusing and do not apply to landing gear struts that are being serviced...

Magnetic Engine Protection

I went through some expensive engine difficulties after having rebuilt an IO-360 engine for my Sportsman. The lifters and camshaft lobes showed signs of...