Hey guys and gals.
I'm brand new around these forums. So, first, let me say I'm sorry if I bring OLD posts and threads back to life with all my questions.
Yes, I know about the Facebook pages. I'm a member to most of them. But, I also LOVE old school forums, such as this one.
So, thank you to the ETLB admin who accepted my request to join.
Now, a bit about me.
I live in south Arkansas, just north of the Louisiana state line.
I've been flying Cessna 150's and 172's since 2001. But have never gone to take my Private check-ride, thanks to flight schools going in and out of business in my area and me giving up time and again.
I owned a Fisher 202 for some time and ended up selling it before I ever got to fly it, due to engine issues I was never comfortable with.
Now, I've inherited a Hi-Max 1700Z (because it has a Zenoah engine on it).
The airplane was only "secretly" flown twice before the original builders family found out about the flights & made him stop flying it. From there, its been sitting in a barn most of it's life.
I will have to completely remove all the covering from the entire bird and give every joint a very close inspection. I'm not sure I'd ever be comfortable with the airplane without doing this.
Thankfully, all the build logs are there along with all the original plans.
The Zenoah has 7.5 hours on it. But, I'm not sure I'll ever feel comfortable with that engine either. So, I may be looking to replace it once I get some of the other pieces inspected and repaired.
Underneath the tail section, where the tailwheel is, is completely rotten and missing. Like it's been sitting in water over the years. So I already know that will need to be rebuilt.
Thankfully, I haven't paid a dime for the project.
The Hi-Max is a dream airplane for me. I've loved the looks of the airplane for years. So, when I had the opportunity to own one, I took it, no matter how much work it will require to bring it back to life.
The other part is, I'm dying inside because of the conditions this airplane has had to sit in over it's lifetime. I have a hanger, so I had to take the airplane JUST to get it out of the elements. I would feel better just having it out of the barn and into a legit airplane hanger.
I also have access to some really great airplane builders. Guys who have worked years building wood airplanes and covering those airplanes.
So, with all that said, I just wanted to officially introduce myself and say "I'm sorry" that I'm about to dig up a lot of old posts and threads around here.
I realize these forums have been dead for awhile. I just hope there's still enough guys around here to answer a few questions along my new journey.
Thanks again for reading.
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