three options (looking for opinions/suggestions)

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 11:54 am

This is a thinking out loud type of thread. Feel free to add your .02.

Between Birthday money, ash tray change, and a little farm supplied windfall. I have a little bit more than 500$ in one of my slush funds that isn't earmarked for anything yet. As I close in on my pilot's cert. I have started pondering how it could best be spent to serve me. I've come up with three options.

nav/com handheld
gps handheld
New air compressor and some much needed wiring to the shop so I can start to get productive again on my project.

None of the above are needs, but rather wants.
The nav/com sounds nice, but it would probably only get used if the two radios in the 172 I rent decided not to function. A nice to have backup though. You never know when the ptt button will fail on you.

the gps would probably see much more use than the transceiver but carries a little bit steeper price tag.

The shop could certainly use updating, but is usable the way it is for now. Especially given the break neck rate of progress I've had over the past 6 months.

Thoughts?

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:46 pm

If your starting an RV project, get a decent air compressor. A thirty
gallon oiled compressor (minimum 30 gallon - more if you can afford it).
Non-oiled compressors are loud and don't last as long. There nothing more
frustating than waiting for the compressor to air up again between uses.

Original Message:
-----------------
From: RB Lists - The Hangar support@rivetbangers.com
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 12:54:20 -0400
To: hangar@rivetbangers.com
Subject: three options (looking for opinions/suggestions)

This is a thinking out loud type of thread. Feel free to add your .02.

Between Birthday money, ash tray change, and a little farm supplied
windfall. I have a little bit more than 500$ in one of my slush funds that
isn't earmarked for anything yet. As I close in on my pilot's cert. I have
started pondering how it could best be spent to serve me. I've come up
with three options.

nav/com handheld
gps handheld
New air compressor and some much needed wiring to the shop so I can start
to get productive again on my project.

None of the above are needs, but rather wants.
The nav/com sounds nice, but it would probably only get used if the two
radios in the 172 I rent decided not to function. A nice to have backup
though. You never know when the ptt button will fail on you.

the gps would probably see much more use than the transceiver but carries a
little bit steeper price tag.

The shop could certainly use updating, but is usable the way it is for now.
Especially given the break neck rate of progress I've had over the past 6
months.

Thoughts?
--
Student Pilot
---
flying all alone
xc done
1.3 night
close to getting my ticket!
-------
www.bearhawk949.com
N-817PK Reserved
45 down so far
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dons · Post by **dons** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 12:52 pm

Keith, if I had those three choices, I would likely go for the shop upgrades. While I have gone and bought the portable nav/com and gps since I got my PPL, I didn't get those until several and many years later. I really like having backups, but in my case I can say there has never been a time I couldn't have handled things had I not had the portable toys. Having to fly with a map on my lap for a long time means I am not dependent on a gps, something I am very happy I did. There are lots of good reasons to have the portable nav/com and gps, but flying without them for a while will make you more comfortable after you get them and leave one at home or have one die in the plane. Just my 0.02.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:48 pm

Shop upgrades gets my vote!

There are procedures in place if you lose your comm/ptt.

A handheld gps is nice (I do have one), but you have maps if the one in the panel quits...right?

A new compressor, and upgraded wiring are great investments for your Bearhawk project! I think a good compressor is even more paramount in your case since you are plans building, rather than a kit RV.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 3:34 pm

The handheld isn't needed. You don't fly into and out of a towered field.

The GPS is nice, but at your stage of the game you should be playing with VOR's.

SHOP TIME!

Compressor and service to the shop. Bury a 10/3 UF cable and I will tie it in for ya!

CJ

TomC · Post by **TomC** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:25 pm

Hi Keith,

A couple of things to keep in mind. First, if you use a private person for your checkride, you will have to pay them. Second, use the money for renting a plane after your checkride. This would be a good way to celebrate your accomplishment in getting your PPL. We should never forget to celebrate the accomplishments in life.

Just my $.02

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:30 pm

That's RIGHT, Tom!

We will need money for the celebration too!

Keith, tell the girls to meet us in Hangar #5! I will have the brass poles and disco ball installed by then!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 4:36 pm

captain_john wrote:Keith, tell the girls to meet us in Hangar #5! I will have the brass poles and disco ball installed by then!

CJ

You do that, and I'm on the next plane to PYM!!

With Brit's permission, of course!

papakeith · Post by **papakeith** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 5:23 pm

You know that my first flight after getting my ticket will be to Hanger #5!

I've got the money set aside already for the checkride so that isn't an issue.

I Do think you've all nailed it, and confirmed my thoughts. Even though I want the new toys I should spend the cash on the infrastructure. I'll just have to save up some more for the electronic gizmos.

10/3 UF If'n you say so. I've got maze tickets, a bon-fire, jerky,a case of homebrew, and maybe even a brisket waiting on you, Dave and any other Rivetbangers that want to swing by. One case to be shared by all, not one case for each person!

Thanks for all the replies

PK

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Sep 11, 2007 6:11 pm

Sounds good!

Pick up the 10/3 and bury it 12" down and gimme a call!

CJ

jim_geo · Post by **jim_geo** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 1:35 am

I vote for the compressor. Or just turn it into a bunch of ones and go to hanger 5 with John. Probably ought to hold some 20's back though

. When I finish MY plane I'm gonna come party with you guys.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 5:45 am

Jim, you are welcome anytime!

CJ

painless · Post by **painless** » Wed Sep 12, 2007 8:54 pm

Definitely get the shop upgrades. One thing that wasn't mentioned regarding the GPS is that by the time you really need it, when you head to hangar #5 for example, there may be features on them that are not available now. Just look at how much GPS units have improved over the last few years.

Having said all that, I sure do like my Airmap 2000c.....