N362PC
A work in progress.
The is my 1972 Cessna 182P. It is a few months older than me and was put into service a few miles from where I was born. Crazy coincidences have somehow brought us together.
Some photos of various memorable moments. Some upgrades I have done and future project planning.
Just the beginning of lots of adventures. Some longer form videos are viewable on my YouTube channel.
UPGRADES
LED Lights
The first big upgrade was getting rid of all the old halogen landing taxis and tip light incandescent bulbs. Being able to see my home field tiny runway at night was a challenge with the significantly underpowered candles along the front. Updating to Whalen LED clusters for each of the 4 locations created nearly as much light as the 747 beams down from above. Landing in the black hole of the Camas woods was no longer a scary endeavor. Even the Salem tower controller was impressed by the lights…
Avionics
The avionics upgrade process started before finalizing the purchase. I spent nearly a year developing multiple iterations of the panel. Highest on the priority list was reducing pilot workload. As I looked at options I was less inclined to do the “bits-o-panel” by combining a host of mismatched components from a long list of suppliers. Getting all the pieces to work together seamlessly would be a massive headache if the bit-o-panel was pursued. Here were a few of the initial explorations…
The final sketch for what has now been installed…
All avionic components and parts were ordered in September of 2023, in hand in December 2023 with the intent to start by end of year. The biggest stipulation was my private pilot check ride being completed prior to the overhaul beginning. I didn’t want to “re-learn” the airplane before I finished my training. The weather, life and scheduling meant the project would not begin until the first week of April since I passed my private pilot check ride on March 15th 2023. A full list of the updates…
Fully modernized with the latest Dynon and Avidyne systems.
Dynon Skyview HDX dual 10” screens
Dynon ADSB In/Out
Dynon 2 Axis Auto Pilot and Button Panel
Dynon D10A EFIS
Dynon Radio Panel
Dynon Knob Panel
Avidyne AMX240 Audio Panel
Avidyne IFD540 Nav Comm
Stratus 3 - Backup ADSB / ADHARS
Aithre Shield CO detector
iPad Mini 6 running ForeFlight
Additional “while we are here” improvements
New fuel sump drains
New elevator rigging
New cabin speaker
LED interior lights
LED under wing lights
LED beacon light
LED Nav and Strobes
New shimmy damper
Updated required placards
Wheel pants reinstalled
Autopilot engaged westbound over Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge.
Below is a time-lapse of the entire build that includes some scenes from my tailwheel training in a Citabria, as well as technically advanced avionics training in a Vans RV12. I was onsite 2-5 days a week to be as hands-on as possible throughout the entire install. This allowed for any questions or concerns from the install team to be addressed as quickly as possible. There were some great solutions discussed and the finished product is absolutely a joy to fly.
The Latest Work in Progress - Customized Checklist
After the avionics update I realized that my checklist was out of date for many reasons. The previous one was using the factory configuration of the airplane for each phase of flight. With the new panel the order was off, there were items that had been removed from the plane, and there were steps that were completely missing. The redesign also includes items for IFR flights, data and performance charts that are unique to my 182.
Upcoming Projects / Updates
Vortex Generators - This will reduce stall speed by 8%, 54mph down to 49mph, and improve control surface feedback. Kit in hand just needs to be installed.
Cies Fuel Senders - The seals on the current set are starting to weep fuel and will need to be replaced soon.
Door Stewards - The doors need better support when open, especially on windy days.
LEMO Headset Plugs - No more fear of headset batteries dying while in flight.
Portable O2 Kit - Longer flights at higher altitudes will require oxygen to reduce the risk of hypoxia.
Baggage Extension - This will be done when the current battery hits end of life.
Lithium Ion Battery - Lose some weight gain some baggage space.
Inertial Reel Safety Belts - For added mobility and safety.
Electric Ignition - Magnetos are great but a smoother running engine and better fuel economy is nicer.
