The “annual inspedtion” engine run-up… engine runs great! This year was quite extensive: new magnetos (Bendix), new mufflers, new ignition switch, new brakes, solenoid, and the big labor item, a new cylinder. We had a burned exhaust valve and the pressure check was only 60/80. These never get better with time, so since the mufflers were off, now was the time to do it. All that is left to do is break in the new cylinder. It’s good being airworthy again!!

Sue and I flew to Livermore, CA (LVK) late February 2020 to visit the new “Elevation” restaurant which is now open in the terminal. We departed Concord (KCCR) on Runway 1R for a down-wind departure. We flew down the Diablo Valley over Walnut Creek to Alamo, and reported over San Ramon. Livermore tower cleared us in for a straight in landing on Runway 7L. Traffic was very light at the airport. We tied down and went into the terminal, which is a very clean, new facility. The Livermore airport is outstanding in cleanliness and ease of getting around. Lunch was pretty good. After our visit, we departed to the north, and on return to Concord we landed straight in to Runway 1R. Sue took a great video of our landing, and we taxied in to the hangar to get fuel. It was a nice flight, even though visibility was pretty hazy.

A beautiful winter afternoon in January, with clear skies and relatively warm temp’s. The 150K has been safely tied down in the shade hangar with cabin cover in anticipation of next weeks strong cold front and strong winds that are expected. Installing the wheel pants, without a doubt, completely change the look of the airplane. Although you lose 18 pounds of useful load (and weight is always a concern with small planes), and optimistically gain only 2 knots in airspeed…many pilots opt to not utilize them. Wheel pants also add to the difficulty in checking tires, air pressure, and brakes during preflight. However the 1970 model have a higher “rise” where the bottom of the pant is near the axle. Later model style pants where much lower, and those had little doors on the side to access the valve stem.

After searching for the “correct” wheel pants for the 1970K model, which have the slanted tail, and the “ridge” molded into the arc, stripping, sanding, painting primer, base coat white and yellow…
I finally installed the wheel pants with new hardware. Now N5655G looks pretty similar to my first 150, 23V!

On Saturday, November 16th, we went to the airport to watch planes, and to wash the Cessna. After scrubbing off the dust and dirt, Sue and I went out to do some touch and go’s on Runway 19L. The weather was fairly cloudy, but the visibility was great, and the air was smooth, with calm winds. It’s always fun to go to the airport, see people…and to enjoy the freedom of flight.