Expensive Annual

[Plummit]

This was my first annual on the RV-10 I purchased a year ago. Having found several things I wanted to improve on, I also learned a lot about my airplane and the systems used in it's construction.

On top of the things I wanted to improve, I found the ELT battery had expired last year. $169 from Pacific Coast Avionics. Then there's the O2 tank... I checked the hydro date and found it to be expired. On top of that, it's a Kevlar wrapped, 50 Cu Ft tank that was first tested in 2001. Composite tanks are good for 15 years - period. Mountain High quoted me $900 or there abouts for a replacement. So beware, if you are going to use an O2 tank, you may want to consider an aluminum model. Looks like I'll replace mine with a 48 CU FT model - for *only* $700!

regards

-Marc

 

[flyboy1963]

expensive....can be relative

I know a guy with a Bonanza ( certified RV-10!) that doesn't call his annuals 'expensive' until they hit 5 digits on the invoice.

take a deep breath, enjoy the freedom to buy whatever 02 tank you want, not just the $4000 one that is 'approved' for your 60-year old airframe!

 

[Carl Froehlich]

. Looks like I'll replace mine with a 48 CU FT model - for *only* $700!

regards

-Marc

That is a very big tank.

I've done a long west trip over the mountains and two of us used perhaps half of an AL-682 tank (22 cu-ft) from Mountain High mounted on the tunnel cover.

$40 to get a new tank of oxygen from the local gas shop - three of us have tanks we keep in daisy chain so we can use up the less then full tanks before topping off.

Carl

 

[Plummit]

That is a very big tank.

I've done a long west trip over the mountains and two of us used perhaps half of an AL-682 tank (22 cu-ft) from Mountain High mounted on the tunnel cover.
Carl

You are right Carl, but using a smaller tank means I have to re-do the tank mount, and 15 years? I probably won't care by then.... Are you using the RCR/RCV regulator? http://www.mhoxygen.com/index.php/pressure-regulators/remote

In order for me to hydro the tank, I have to drain the remaining O2, remove the RCR/RCV regulator, which is mounted without a shut-off valve, then send the regulator to MH for the 5-year check.... Gawd I love aviation!

~Marc

 

[BillL]

Still cheap!! I was the secretary/treasurer for a flying club with a couple of 182's. I studied the history and budgeted $1500 to $2000/yr (each) for them.

That was in 1986 !!!! For reference, a new (not stripped) Bonanza was $125k that year for a promotion.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

You are right Carl, but using a smaller tank means I have to re-do the tank mount, and 15 years? I probably won't care by then.... Are you using the RCR/RCV regulator? http://www.mhoxygen.com/index.php/pressure-regulators/remote

~Marc

I'm using this system with the 22 cu-ft tank.
http://www.mhoxygen.com/images/stories/pics web page/pics_in_use/Pulse_Demand/O2D2-Kit-0.JPG

As I just reach between the seats and turn on the tank, there is no need for a remote control regulator. Shoot fire I got the whole system with tank from MH (Oshkosh special) for about what you will pay just for the tank. The tank comes with a canvas pouch with straps so it is secure on the tunnel cover but easy to get in and out of the plane for it's once or twice a year fill up.

Why go through the hassle of a hard mounted tank? A lot of weight to always carry around even if you don't need it. Doesn't this make filling them up hard and expensive? A fill up for me costs about $10.

Carl

 

[Plummit]

Thanks Carl. My plane was built with the built-in EDS system. There is a master control in the panel, then individual stations at each seating position. The front seat stations are also in the panel. Seems a waste to chuck it all. I do have a remote fill port in the baggage compartment so it really isn't too much trouble for the occasional fill, and with a 50 Cu Ft tank, we don't need to fill it too often! ;-)

I will just keep what I have since it's all functioning and just needs a new tank.

thanks

~Marc