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Greetings & Happy Friday,
Boy am I glad this week is over, it was a long one! As promised, here is the sub panel which finally has all its placards. This is kind of a unique process and different than engraving. We anodize the panel, make a reversed out mask and then sand blast the letters into the panel. Charles Robenalt did this work for us as well as the throttle quadrant.
What I like about most about the process is the depth of the letters is a little more then a few thousandths and matte finish, unlike engraving. It also is much easier to clean as well.
In the works is our custom tow bar designed to attach to our tail wheel and be used with a golf cart. We’ve had it done for a few months but I just have to get it powder coated, which will happen next week so we’ll share that as well.
We’ve had some nice emails come in this past week. We want to thank everyone for the continued support! More to come…….
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We haven’t posted anything in a long time so it is time to catch up. We’ve taken the sub panel back off the instrument panel to have custom etched all the names of the switches and cautionary lights. We should have it back in by the weekend.
We are also excited that the team received our first new lens/visor for our flight helmets. What makes these so incredibly nice is just how rare they are. The custom visors are Iridium coated, which is just over the top esthetically beautiful.
Optional Iridium® lens coatings allow you to tune transmission for specific light conditions. Superheated metal oxides are fused to the lens at the molecular level, permanently bonding to create an optically uniform layer.
By varying the composition and degree of saturation, Iridium® can produce a spectrum of lens hues, tailoring transmission of the light through the lenses from 9 to 92% of available light condition. We’ll post photos in the next few days.
Matt Jackson of Proline Pit Carts is busy building us our refueling cart and should have that done fairly soon. This was the second part of our order, so we’re excited about finally seeing that addition to the family.
The Title sponsorship pursuit has been fantastic the past few weeks, we’ve had a lot of solid interest, which is keep us very busy.
Have a fantastic week and when we can, we’ll post photos of the panel and helmets for you all.
-Cheers!
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A few days back, with a mild bout with food poisoning, I happened to be laid up in bed channel surfing when I came across a wonderful film by Brian Terwilliger called “One Six Right.” Now, I’ve seen this aviation feature before but this was being showcased on one of the HD Theatre channels in all its glory. This is one of those films you close the door and watch without interruption because you just get so emotionally involved. After the movie, I realized Brian and I haven’t touched base in some time, so I thought I would cast a line and say hello. A few days later I receive an email from Brian, in his usual upbeat and energetic tone describing his latest journeys.
We first met Brian when the Toucan was still in a shroud of secrecy (over a year ago now). Pat Forbes (Ninety-Nines member) was kind enough to bring Brian by our hangar, introduce us and share in our little secret that was about two thirds complete at the time. I believe Brian was on tour with select screenings of “One Six Right.” At that point, I hadn’t seen the film just the teaser, which was impressive enough.
As Brian and I conversed, we found common ground on several levels. The obvious love for aviation and something that is so very close to my heart… film making. It was so refreshing to talk about the art of storytelling. Most folks at the airport (home away from home) know little about my background, so the opportunity to talk “shop” with Brian was very rewarding. I remember asking Brian about frame rates relating to his film, I think he was floored I noticed something he said most overlooked.
After talking with Brian that day, I thought to myself, how can someone so young possess so much talent, it’s just not fair!
Most don’t know but before Infinity Entertainment Inc. was founded, I spend the better part of 20 years in the Entertainment Industry. I mostly focused on visual F/X for Feature Film and Television. Being one of the last industries that still believes in apprenticeships, I started at the bottom like everyone else. With a lot of hard work and incredible mentorship by some of the best, I managed to work with some of Hollywood’s very finest. In the course of my career, I managed to win several Emmy’s (team awarded) for technical achievement. But the most rewarding part of making any film was the camaraderie and creativity that went into everything you touched. And flying seems to possess a bit of that same spirit.
Brian was kind enough to provide the Team with a copy of “One Six Right” when he left our hangar that day. With great anticipation we watched it that evening. I think Harrison Ford got it right when he said, “it is one of the finest aviation films ever made.” Hard to describe, it moved us all in different ways. The essence of the film is so pure without distinction of class or economic status. Whether you fly a trainer, a P-51 or just dream about being a pilot, it found the common thread that binds everyone that is in love with the idea of flight. I have to mention the original score for this film which is just incredible.
If you love aviation and have not seen this film, it is HIGHLY recommended. If you love aviation and you haven’t heard of this film, then you must be living under a rock. I think the aviation community as a whole owes Brian a great deal of gratitude for poring his heart and sole into a film that has so many positive messages about general aviation, in a world that doesn’t understand it.
With the high definition format war concluded and a Blue Ray machine on my Christmas list, I think I’ll have to hit Brian up for a Blue Ray version of “One Six Right!!!”
For more information on “One Six Right”, please go to www.onesixright.com and do us all a huge favor buy supporting Brian with the purchase of this fine, “must see” film!
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Data>Information>Understanding>Knowledge…
As I’d like to call it, the thread to wisdom. And the end game (wisdom) comes from really good data, which is what we have been compiling since the advent of the Turbine Toucan. Other then Wayne Handley, very little exploration has been done with a turboprop in such demanding conditions as aerobatic flight with positive thrust to weight. And for this reason, data becomes an extremely important component to the success of our program. If it were not for this technology, we would literally be in the dark.
Just ten years ago the technology that we are now collecting in the Turbine Toucan was either not available or simply not possible. No, we’re not talking GPS/moving maps and the likes; we’re talking about VR Avionics TSLM. The TSLM acronym stands for Turbine Starter Limiting/Monitoring system.
This is an incredible piece of technology and the only one of its kind in the marketplace. The TSLM does three things really well; it is a start sequence controller for the turbine, an engine protection limiter and an engine monitor and recorder. You would think every Pilatus, King Air or any other PT6 powered aircraft would have this level of sophistication in the cockpit, but they don’t.
Lets start with the start sequence controller part of the TSLM. Starting our turboprop is a beautifully automated, hands-off, one button push operation. It monitors all engine parameters and makes any necessary fuel adjustment (something like up to 50 in a second) to get a clean, cool start every time. As an example, PT6’s in the certified realm require manual starting and reacting to instrumentation interpretation by hand. If you’re a second late catching an exceedence in ITT, it could easily result in a hot start. To give you an idea of the cost of a hot start, look around your average parking lot, and pick the nicest, most expensive car you can and you’d have a down payment on the repair. That is justification enough to have VR’s hardware!
Though we originally assigned the TSLM’s primary role for starting, we soon discovered that in our application, the In-Flight Limiting was perhaps the single most desirable feature set in the TSLM. The first generation TSLM’s as good as they are, did have some limitations and were not all that conducive to In-Flight limiting. But that has all changed.
VR Avionics was kind enough to send us a new second-generation unit that is full In-Flight limiting capable. It’s all do to major hardware changes in the TSLM architecture. The TSLM now has an analog controller (instead of digital) for controlling the EHT valve. What the heck is that you say? The EHT is an Electro-Hydraulic Thermocouple that is a component of the fuel control unit (FCU).
The EHT has two purposes, one for controlling fuel in the start sequence and the other is to meters/restricts fuel in the case of an exceedence in ITT, N1, N2 or Torque. Controlling the EHT digitally when starting is very easy and not hard on the engine. At full power, that is another issue. Controlling the EHT digitally at high power settings can create pulsing, which would be very hard on the turbine with the compressor spinning at a whopping 36,200rpm. Under analog control the TSLM can control voltage to the EHT giving very smooth, modulated fuel restriction to the EHT/Fuel control unit. This really is a huge breakthrough for In-Flight Limiting.
Let’s give you a practical example of why this technology and data has been so valuable to our team. On an aggressive take-off roll the Turbine Toucan can reach close to 100kt in just a few seconds. One can literally be airborne in less than 100ft. But in doing this we had several exceedences that we were totally unaware of because of the speed in which they were happening and the transitory nature of the exceedence.
We’re looking outside the cockpit during take off (as any high performance tail wheel pilot will attest). Because the plane weighs so little and accelerates so quickly under high power settings it takes every ounce of concentration to keep it on the centerline. About eight seconds into the flight we’re looking back in the cockpit at parameters, but in this case, it was to late.
The cause of the problem was the propeller governor not being able to keep up with the propeller as it is unloading from a high power setting, brake release type roll out. Our turboprop was designed for a twin-engine application weighing more then nine times what the Turbine Toucan weighs. The lack of mass/inertia and the speed in which the Turbine Toucan accelerates, the prop governor just couldn’t quite keep up. As the prop rpm exceeds, it takes everything else with it including ITT, N1 and Torque. If we didn’t look at the data after flying we would never have seen this transitory spike, which could ultimately have lead to a catastrophic failure if we continuously operated the engine in this fashion. And this is why In-Flight limiting is SO important.
For you piston guys let me illustrate why this data is REALLY important. On a piston aerobatic aircraft you usually set max RPM on the prop governor at about 2700rpm at the max throttle position. This allows you to put in all the power and forget about it and focus on flying. Now, imagine if you threw out the prop governor and set up your throttle quadrant to have max throttle at 4000rpm (knowing your engine will grenade at 3200rpm). All of a sudden your eyes would be glued to the panel! Well, it’s kind of like that. At high altitudes where the turboprop is most efficient you rarely have to worry about exceeding any parameters, but at seal level that is very much not the case.
You can see why this technology is so important to us! We are extremely grateful to both Maurits and Tjaart for the overwhelming support over the past year and a half. The technology they have provided us has proven to be the lifeblood of our aircraft. And I think it is fair to say that our application of their technology is about as extreme, mission critical as it comes.
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Greetings,
It’s been a while since our last post so I thought we’d get you all up to speed. We’ve been working extremely hard trying to secure our title sponsor. We have managed to have several meetings a week. As we continue to get accolades about the program, the economy is really on everyone’s mind we have met with, and the reason most want to delay any commitment.
I can’t even begin to tell you how many emails we receive wanting to see the Turbine Toucan at their local air show. We have had a great deal of interest from air show promoters as well. It is really amazing and frustrating all at the same time. We continue to be absolutely amazed at the level of support we receive by folks like your selves. The frustration comes from not being able to perform for you all.
As we’ve stated before, it is impossible to campaign our air show program without a title sponsor. And this is true for several reasons. Our program is expansive; it not only includes the Toucan, it also includes a 75ft. tractor-trailer, support/media aircraft and support equipment. Add required spare parts inventory in excess of $300k and you start to see the picture.
And then there’s is the operational costs. Because our program is predicated on safety first, we require Ken to be flying at a minimum of four times a week, every week for several months before we campaign the aircraft. To illustrate the cost, the last time we topped off the Toucan it was about $500.00. It is a thirsty little bird that loves its nectar. At 60 gallons an hour in the aerobatic environment, Jet-A adds up quickly. That is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, but you get the idea.
So when we get requests to do a few shows while we are looking for our title sponsor, the investment in training still has to be made whether we do two shows or twenty. Our other major concern is for our title sponsor. Our title sponsor needs to be associated with the Toucan from day one.
In the mean time, we are now just designing and working out all the maneuvers. Many of these maneuvers will be proprietary to the aircraft and first-evers! The potential in the vertical really makes for an interesting exploration, which I know Ken has been mentally exploring since the start of this project.
And lastly, we continue to get hammered by people wanting to see “real” video of the Toucan doing its thing. We have learned a lot about shooting the Toucan and one thing is for sure, a helicopter seems to be the appropriate platform for this bird. So, once we get our maneuvers worked out, we’ll plan on doing some shooting. In the mean time, we really appreciate your patience.
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We are very grateful for all the kind emails of encouragement we have received since the Toucan had been returned to flying status. We cannot thank you all enough for the continued support!
Now and then we get some fun e-mails of quotes that have been posted on the Internet regarding the Turbine Toucan. We can't find who the author was but found this saying very amusing. "Anything worth powering is worth over powering". I think I need to get some T-Shirts of that one made, very funny.
Now that the plane is back in the air and things seem to be moving along in that department, it is back to work for the team to acquire a title sponsor. More to follow in that department.
Have a great rest of the week!
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Today we had a very good day flying the Toucan. Brought the plane over to Half Moon Bay for lunch and did a few take off and landings. Eddie Andreini was in his Sterman having a good old time. Met a few very nice folks who have been following our progress online, so it was nice that they got to enjoy the plane up close and personal.
We learned one thing about the plane today, the plane will accelerate indefinitely straight up at about 75 kts -80 kts. I say indefinitely but perhaps it will finally slow down a bit by 10,000ft. The performance of the plane just continues to amaze all of us. After this last shake down cruise the plane will be handed back over to Mr. Ken Erickson. We will have a press release or two once Ken gets settled back in the plane and we are doing what the plane was designed to do in the first place.
All the best and have a great week!
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As of Saturday afternoon the Turbine Toucan has been returned to flight status and will be flying Sunday March 9th!
Insurance Technologies and Programs has endorsed 750T to flight status as of 9:30pm Saturday night. Talk about incredible service, we sent them an e-mail letting them know we're ahead of schedule with maintenance and that we'd like to return the aircraft to flight status for flying on Sunday. The e-mail was sent out tonight (Saturday at a 9:00pm PST). By 9:30PST (12:30AM EST) we received a confirmation e-mail that we are good to go, endorsed for flight status. UNBELIEVABLE.
This makes Team Turbine Toucan VERY happy. Now, if the weather cooperates we should be in the air tomorrow. Have a good weekend.
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Today we finally finished the bleed air mixer, thanks to a wonderful person named Syl Heumann. This makes our last job complete; we are now about ready to fly the airplane! Anyway, Syl was kind enough to build us some parts to complete the bleed are system (for cabin heat because we cruise at 17,500ft…..and it’s *#@>ing cold up there).
Syl has been a huge supporter of the Turbine Toucan for some time now and we are extremely grateful. I first saw Syl a number of years ago (before we actually met) at an anodizing facility named Dean’s Anodizing in Redwood City. Syl was having some absolutely beautiful fly-fishing reels anodized. What I didn’t realize at the time was, he actually made them from billet aluminum. He is a master of many things, including a CNC/Mill, lathe and other such hardware.
At 82 years old, this guy is sharper then any 30 something genius you’ll ever meet. I don’t know any sixteen year old that can keep up with him technology wise. He has EVERY latest gadget from Apple and is extremely well versed in SO many applications it blows my mind. Did I mention he is an accomplished pilot, yachtsmen and astronomer? The telescopes he has built are works of art. Even more impressive are the scale model engines he has built. From Sterling to Steam to a four cycles engine, Syl has built them all. Check out his site at http://www.syl.net/engines.html
I have had the extreme pleasure to enjoy breakfast with Syl several times a week for the past few years now. The thirst for knowledge is something that keeps him so young at heart. I don’t care the subject; he will have an opinion, and usually a very good one at that. And that included politics!
Syl, thanks for being such a good friend and the next lunch is on me!
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It was a long time in the making but the panel is finally complete and the plane is about ready to fly. The Comm radios were relocated to the new sub panel on the left hand side with the new glass panel. Lots of little things done throughout the panel upgrade but would take to long to list them all. You’ll notice we even have a custom start screen on the new engine display. Electronics International was kind enough to help us out with our graphic, which I will also post. Enjoy the photos of the new panel and we’ll keep you posted on our flying now that we are just a few days away from it, finally.
Have a good week!!!
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We finally had time to get a few photos off today and thought we'd share them with you. Here is the start cart before we put in the GPU and Generator.
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Greetings All!
As of yesterday we received our custom-built start cart for the Toucan. Matt Jackson of Proline Pit Carts was kind enough to provide the team a custom cart specifically design for our application. The start cart consists of a GPU, Generator, Computer(s), telemetry system and all required general maintenance tools and supplies. It is designed to be with the Toucan on the line and will provide us with 3500 cranking amps at 28V! It will travel in with the tractor-trailer venue to venue.
We immediately got to work installing our Tesla GPU (another great sponsor!) today and should be done on Sunday with this. We also will be installing the generator so the cart not only has 28v but 110v service as well. Lastly will be the computer, telemetry system and antennas for both the telemetry radio and VHF crew radio.
Should be a fun little project. We will post pictures in the next few days along with the new panel.
We want to again thank our fantastic sponsors for all their help and continued support around the start cart.
Tesla's website
http://www.teslaind.com/lspeed/site_con ... lamain.htm
Proline Pit Carts
http://www.prolinepitcarts.com
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Greetings,
As of today (Thursday the 28th), the panel upgrade is now complete. I'd have posted photos but didn't bring the camera down to the airport. We're still waiting for paving to be completed so we can roll it out of the hangar and fire it up. We have only to finish the bleed air system and we will start putting the Toucan back together for some flying, which could happen as early as next weekend.
Our start cart has been down in Los Angeles and we plan on picking it back up tomorrow other wise we'd post photos tomorrow of the new panel. We've customized the cart to accept our Tesla GPU w/Gen Set, so it really should be very nice. We'll post new photos of the cart as well, just as soon as we get back home. Over the weekend we should be able to get some photos posted of the new panel, so please stay tuned.
We are really excited about the new panel, the glass instrumentation is just awesome and is extremely flexible. Every element of the system is customizable and user definable, which is exactly what we needed.
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We've been dead in the water for several weeks trying to complete the upgraded panel due to back ordered parts. As of Friday, all the parts are now at "The Bird Cage". We will have the anodized parts back early next week and we can finally put the panel back together. End of this week we should be done.
We'll move on to installing the new bleed air system which should only take a day or so to do. So all is looking good for flying in the first or second week of March.
Believe it or not, though they paved the taxi way next to our hangar row, they ran into soil issues with paving the taxi way in front of our hangars. No ETA on when they are going to be completing. To be completely fair, they have been dealing with an amazing amount of rain, which has left the area completely muddy. I could not get to the hangar without being ankle deep in mud, not at all fun.
Photos should finally be coming next week for anyone interested. Have a good week.
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