Flying High Again

Installing a newly overhauled engine is always a milestone for any general aviation aircraft and Tim Mix of Mix Aircraft Solutions completed the installation on a 1965 Cessna 172F, managed by Larry Stevens of the Aerodynamics Flying Club in Mulino.

Tim Mix finalizing engine installation on Cessna 172F prior to run-up at Mulino State Airport.

Larry, a proven pilot who has rebuilt planes with his dad while growing up has a strong affinity in the local general aviation community. Actively involved in the local flying club that historically provided scholarships to young aviators, the newly overhauled engine improves the fleet and will be able to offer many more hours of flying enjoyment to its members for many years to come.

Charlie brought me his Dads 1965 Piper Supercub that had the original factory linen installed on it. The airplane had only 852.0 hours on it since new! MAS completely tore it down, fixed everything that needed it and added some updated features on it like Grove wheels and brakes, 406 ELT, welded on float fittings and a few other items. Most of all the plane was completely recovered in the Poly Fiber system and reassembled with all new hardware. It was painted as it was when it came out of the factory minus the 12″ numbers on the side. It is classic low time airplane that will last another 60+ years.

Mix Aircraft Solutions Resumes VAN’s RV Kit Building Workshop in 2021

After a short hiatus from conducting highly desired classes on building VAN’s RV kit planes, Tim Mix of Mix Aircraft Solutions led a personal hands on workshop to introduce new kit builders to the fundamentals on Friday, the 22nd of January. Typically delivered over a two day schedule, some attendees travel great distances just to attend this valuable learning experience.

Tim of MIX Aircraft Solutions, emphasizing rivet characteristics and behavior to sheet metal, with Brian.

During this weekend, Brian, a former Cessna 182 owner and general aviation pilot since 2000, decided it was time to embark on this adventure, certainly with his wife’s blessings. After having sold the Cessna, he wants to continue his passion in aviation, by intimately constructing his very own plane, with an RV-10 in mind. Based in California as a software developer working for a start-up technology company, it was natural for him to attend the class in Oregon, having gone to school in Lake Oswego, earlier in life. Today, he feels that he is in a good position to build an RV plane as he has access to a hangar where his project can come into fruition.

Like most attendees that participate in these classes, Tim introduces each future VAN’s RV builder to the tools necessary in building the aircraft. He relates his own personal experience from a long history of producing and servicing aircraft and ties in what is important when putting together a tool collection. Focusing on rudimentary concepts on tool selection, riveting, systems, sheet metal work, time management and commitment to the project, Tim stresses the importance on staying on task and challenging yourself to get the project done. On the average, it may take someone who has a “Do-It-Yourself” attitude around 2200 hours to complete the build. So, if you can commit an honest 16 hours every weekend, of legitimate production time to building an RV, you could potentially complete it in approximately 140 days. The world record stands at 85 days! If by your driven ambition that you find yourself beating someone’s personal and proven achievement, we want to talk to you and feature you on our website! We might even treat you to an authentic Moscow peroshki for lunch.

Tim is available for consultation and if you would like to find out more information on RV kit building, please reach out via our Contact Page.

Introducing the MAS Toolbox

As a fellow aviator, our goal is to provide you with hopefully entertaining and to some extent, useful content in this section of the website. We also encourage you to leave comments on the topics we post here. You will need a WordPress account to do that however.

“General aviation continues to be a positive contributor to our nation’s economy and benefits thousands of communities,” said AOPA President Mark Baker. “We must also continue working together to inspire the next generation of pilots and aircraft technicians and recognize this uniquely American industry and its exceptional impact on our country.”

At Mix Aircraft Solutions, we constantly strive to keep abreast of meaningful trends that affect the industry. One notable report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, “Contribution of General Aviation to the US Economy in 2018” found that 61% of around 200,000 general aviation aircraft ran on single engine pistons. What does this mean to the general aviator? It means that these planes will continue to rely on expertise from aviation mechanics to keep their planes in the air. Unfortunately, skilled technicians are declining in numbers. It is up to industry professionals like us to maintain high standards and promote the craft when we can.

Be an Early Bird!

Due to the supply chain issues everyone is having, especially in aviation PLEASE think ahead to the items you may need for your annual or servicing. Oil filters, spark plugs, air filters, tires and tubes all have been hard to get and spotty on the inventory. I do have a small selection of oil filters and spark plugs that I keep on hand but please be prepared and bring your own if you have a supply.

Also, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do NOT wait until the last week of your annual month of expiration to call and schedule your annual! MAS is typically booked 3-4 months out and you will need to call in, so I can write it down in my current calendar to get you in. GA mechanics that work on these older aircraft are getting far and few between and we are all booked up and trying to keep up.

Thank you for considering Mix Aircraft Solutions, llc for your maintenance needs and we look forward to helping you out!

Santa is a GA pilot

With the upcoming holiday season, it is easy to forget those in need, especially at times like this. This year has been very challenging for families and we are inspired by those who take the extra time to help others. We stumbled upon an article in the current online issue of the AOPA magazine that spotlights what pilots in Michigan have done for 50 years and hopefully counting for more. An honorable tradition, worth reading here .