Forwarrrrrd .... March

In case you're wondering, March is a good time to look out the window for any apparent (or wishful) sign of decent flying weather if you live or work anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line. People Down South have no need for such ... they (we, when I'm There) simply open the hangar doors and let the sweet air of an impending spring freshen the airplane(s) and workbenches ... lawn chairs are best aired out when placed in the open doors, preferably occupied.


Up yonder (north), the yankees are still grumbling about the lousy weather, snow, slush, ice, and so on. They make excuses for going to the airport and the best excuse I know of is covering a Stearman wing. Bob is the master, usually gets things pretty well along before anybody notices and offers to help. One of Bob's pet peeves is all the "help" he gets, but he also likes it that we want to learn from him.

Learning rib-stitching is a big part of the process of covering a wing. Once you get the knots down, it goes pretty well. I'm all thumbs ... Bob watches over Bob2's shoulder and somehow restrains himself from jumping in to do it right ...

... but eventually, he has a whole group stitching and threading and tying knots (correctly) and he can throttle us on from a supervisory position ...

The Cub, meanwhile, has the new prop in place and since the cowlings are off Mike and I decided to go ahead and get the inspections items out of the way for the annual which is due next month. The engine runs smooth as can be with the new prop and without the coke buildup on the valve seats (thanks to Russ for cleaning that off) ...

April is a month made for flying and I'm ready ...