Cessna 150K N5655G on final apprach to Runway 32L at Concord, CA flown by pilot Brian, returning from HWD after installing a new LED tail beacon. The weather was very warm, and the winds were calm in the early evening. It’s the first time I’ve seen my plane flying (without me!).

Brian flew my 150K to HWD to install a new beacon, leaving his plane behind. The next day, he flew back and dropped off N5655G, and returned in his Aerobat. The weather was very warm, well over 90 degrees at 6:30 PM… but the winds were mild, despite “high wind warnings and extremely high fire danger”. The airport was very quiet with very little activity, we in essence had the place to ourselves. I think he has the nicest Aerobat I’ve ever seen, fully restored and in perfect conditon.

In August, I received word from the Airport that a “shade hangar” was available, and of course, I accepted. My name is still on the list for a regular hangar, but the waiting can be up to a year or two. There are two kinds of shade hangars, the “north” and the “south” facing. Not many want the “south” as the orientation of the hangar allows sun to fall on the nose of the plane. The other side (the north facing) give full coverage from sun. However, I went with the “first available” which was the south, as it was far better than being out on the open ramp. At least the plane will remain dry and protected from rain leaking in and soaking the carpet, and from full force winds and the rare hail we get in the Bay Area. I also get to have a metal storage box for oil and cleaning supplies, and to fold the canvas cover for storage. Since the plane is now “under the shade hangar”, I have left the cover off for the nice summer weather. A cover is great, but if you want to do just a quick “touch and go” afternoon for under an hour…it can be a hassle, as it has to go off and on. Sometimes you don’t feel like wrestling the awkward beast!
We’ve already been able to sit in the shady breeze next to the plane and watch the aircraft on short final. Oh, and I also have electric power, so I can use a portable air compressor or buffing wheel if I want.

On Friday, August 23rd, I flew from Concord to Hayward, CA (HWD) to visit my brother, and work on the airplane. Brian replaced my cabin speaker and reinstalled my headliner, which we had earlier removed for the ADS-B installation (GPS antenna). LED lights were also added. The next project will be the anti-collision light (Beacon) on the tail. I inadvertently ordered the wrong faring cap piece, so we were unable to do that today. Hayward was about 20 degrees cooler than Concord. I flew out of Hayward for about 10 years, and then moved to Concord Airport. It is always very “nostalgic” for me to visit. Much has changed over the years, especially most all of the people I knew and spent many hours with…they are all gone, as well as the old flight schools. It’s completely different today.

Flew down around noon from KCCR (Concord) to KHWD (Hayward) for maintenance on the plane. Beautaful smooth flight, a bit warm, as it was 93 F. Worked until about 5:30 pm and then flew back. My twin (mechanic Brian) went over the plane with a fine tooth comb and found several things which needed fixing. One, the exhaust pipes were put on backwards (Left vs Right) so the tubes pointed back instead of foreard. We’re going to complete some radio upgrades and other minor cosmetics. It was a great day!