Threaded Mode | Linear Mode

06-05-2008, 12:07

This may be a weird question but I am weird. My bird does not have an altimeter.
I have often wondered why an altimeter is required in a bird. I am 65 pressing on and the air is quite thin at 10,000. Is that it? Can't breathe? There is no provision to manually lean the fuel mixture.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirror
Dahlonega, Ga
Royale Conversion
Old instrument pilot

Bob Lawrence wrote:

Hi Dave and Pete.
Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it
doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
Went to the local airport today (small here in Branson). Asked a
local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them a
Bluebird. They asked "Was that a Ultralight and how many engines?"
Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
I will keep looking.
Bob Lawrence
84 PT36
Branson, Mo. with nonworking altimeter....
>
> cross check the altitude with your GPS, set the altimeter to
match,
> then see how it goes. As indicated, barometric pressure can cause
> considerable variation. Indeed, since my coach just has a big
empty
> spot marked "altimeter" I just look at the GPS when I'm curious
about
> the altitude. It's usually pretty accurate.
>
> I note that when
flying out of small airfields (that didn't have
> accurate barometric reports) that we'd set the altimeter to the
local
> posted field altitude.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
>
>
>
> On Jun 4, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Dave Erickson wrote:
>
> > Bob,
> >
> > Don't forget to check the altimeter setting. Should be local
> > barometric
> > pressure if I remember right.
> >
> > Can also set the altimeter to show a known altitude and cross
check
> > to local
> > barometer.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > Bob:
> >
> > I had one done at an instrument shop at Boeing Field for $70.00.
> > They cleaned it and check it's calibration. They didn't certify

it
> > for flying by I don't expect my Bird to get too far off the
ground.
> > They said it was within 10 to 15 feet at all altitudes up to
12,000.
> >
> > You might want to talk to a local instrument shop.
> >
> > Marv
> > 2004 M380
> > Ocean Shores, WA
> >
> > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Bob Lawrence"
> > > wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi group,
> >>
> >> Pulled out the altimeter as not very accurate. Would have hated
to
> > have
> >> flown with this unit as it's 800 feet low.
> >>
> >> I know I could send it to an FAA licensed repair for bigger
bucks,
> > but
> >> was wondering if anybody has sent theirs somewhere that
was
> > reasonable.
> >>
> >> Bob Lawrence
> >> 84 PT36
> >> Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>

06-05-2008, 12:19

Required? I don't think that enters the equation. Didn't know they were
optional, though. I presume the reason is because of the aircraft cockpit theme,
rather than anything particularly practical. There are times, though, when I
like seeing whether I am climbing or not on otherwise apparently flat roads.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 6/5/2008 at 5:07 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>This may be a weird question but I am weird. My bird does not have an
>altimeter.
>I have often wondered why an altimeter is required in a bird. I am 65
>pressing on and the air is quite thin at 10,000. Is that it? Can't
>breathe? There is no provision to manually lean the fuel mixture.
>
>Leroy Eckert
>1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirror
>Dahlonega, Ga
>Royale Conversion
>Old instrument pilot
>
>
>Bob Lawrence wrote:
> Hi Dave and Pete.
> Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
> Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
> Went to the local airport today (small here in Branson). Asked a
> local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
> to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them a
> Bluebird. They asked "Was that a Ultralight and how many engines?"
> Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
> look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
> I will keep looking.
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Branson, Mo. with nonworking altimeter....
> >
> > cross check the altitude with your GPS, set the altimeter to
> match,
> > then see how it goes. As indicated, barometric pressure can cause
> > considerable variation. Indeed, since my coach just has a big
> empty
> > spot marked "altimeter" I just look at the GPS when I'm curious
> about
> > the altitude. It's usually pretty accurate.
> >
> > I note that when flying out of small airfields (that didn't have
> > accurate barometric reports) that we'd set the altimeter to the
> local
> > posted field altitude.
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > El Sobrante CA
> > aeonix1@...
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jun 4, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Dave Erickson wrote:
> >
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > Don't forget to check the altimeter setting. Should be local
> > > barometric
> > > pressure if I remember right.
> > >
> > > Can also set the altimeter to show a known altitude and cross
> check
> > > to local
> > > barometer.
> > >
> > > Dave
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Bob:
> > >
> > > I had one done at an instrument shop at Boeing Field for $70.00.
> > > They cleaned it and check it's calibration. They didn't certify
> it
> > > for flying by I don't expect my Bird to get too far off the
> ground.
> > > They said it was within 10 to 15 feet at all altitudes up to
> 12,000.
> > >
> > > You might want to talk to a local instrument shop.
> > >
> > > Marv
> > > 2004 M380
> > > Ocean Shores, WA
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
> > > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi group,
> > >>
> > >> Pulled out the altimeter as not very accurate. Would have hated
> to
> > > have
> > >> flown with this unit as it's 800 feet low.
> > >>
> > >> I know I could send it to an FAA licensed repair for bigger
> bucks,
> > > but
> > >> was wondering if anybody has sent theirs somewhere that was
> > > reasonable.
> > >>
> > >> Bob Lawrence
> > >> 84 PT36
> > >> Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >

06-05-2008, 12:28

That is a good thought. It will not be long before ILS systems are replaced with 3D GPS to get to 100' and 1/2. The ole altimeter will become a wall clock.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors
Dahlonega, GA

Don Bradner wrote:

Required? I don't think that enters the equation. Didn't know they were optional, though. I presume the reason is because of the aircraft cockpit theme, rather than anything particularly practical. There are times, though, when I like seeing whether I am climbing or not on otherwise
apparently flat roads.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Eureka, CA

On 6/5/2008 at 5:07 PM Leroy Eckert wrote:

>This may be a weird question but I am weird. My bird does not have an
>altimeter.
>I have often wondered why an altimeter is required in a bird. I am 65
>pressing on and the air is quite thin at 10,000. Is that it? Can't
>breathe? There is no provision to manually lean the fuel mixture.
>
>Leroy Eckert
>1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirror
>Dahlonega, Ga
>Royale Conversion
>Old instrument pilot
>
>
>Bob Lawrence <"bobandarlene%40earthlink.net"> wrote:
> Hi Dave and Pete.
> Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
> Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
> Went to the local airport today (small
here in Branson). Asked a
> local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
> to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them a
> Bluebird. They asked "Was that a Ultralight and how many engines?"
> Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
> look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
> I will keep looking.
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Branson, Mo. with nonworking altimeter....
> >
> > cross check the altitude with your GPS, set the altimeter to
> match,
> > then see how it goes. As indicated, barometric pressure can cause
> > considerable variation. Indeed, since my coach just has a big
> empty
> > spot marked "altimeter" I just look at the GPS when I'm curious
> about
> > the altitude. It's usually pretty accurate.
> >
>
> I note that when flying out of small airfields (that didn't have
> > accurate barometric reports) that we'd set the altimeter to the
> local
> > posted field altitude.
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > El Sobrante CA
> > aeonix1@...
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jun 4, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Dave Erickson wrote:
> >
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > Don't forget to check the altimeter setting. Should be local
> > > barometric
> > > pressure if I remember right.
> > >
> > > Can also set the altimeter to show a known altitude and cross
> check
> > > to local
> > > barometer.
> > >
> > > Dave
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Bob:
>
> >
> > > I had one done at an instrument shop at Boeing Field for $70.00.
> > > They cleaned it and check it's calibration. They didn't certify
> it
> > > for flying by I don't expect my Bird to get too far off the
> ground.
> > > They said it was within 10 to 15 feet at all altitudes up to
> 12,000.
> > >
> > > You might want to talk to a local instrument shop.
> > >
> > > Marv
> > > 2004 M380
> > > Ocean Shores, WA
> > >
> > > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Bob Lawrence"
> > > > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi group,
> > >>
> > >> Pulled out the altimeter as not very accurate. Would have hated
> to
>
> > have
> > >> flown with this unit as it's 800 feet low.
> > >>
> > >> I know I could send it to an FAA licensed repair for bigger
> bucks,
> > > but
> > >> was wondering if anybody has sent theirs somewhere that was
> > > reasonable.
> > >>
> > >> Bob Lawrence
> > >> 84 PT36
> > >> Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >

06-05-2008, 12:30

I don't know Ernie. I guess inventory was short when mine was constructed.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors
Dahlonega, GA

erniecarpet@... wrote:

Leroy, I believe that when Bluebird was first to make the finest coach possible- way back when, they included that, just because nobody else did. Am I right or wrong??

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston,
Montana

Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

06-05-2008, 12:31

Bob and all: The url below explains the altimeter and Kollsman window
adjustment for reading elevation above sea level. May come in handy
when baking in the BB at higher altitudes.

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/ft_magazi...eather.cfm

PS Please remember to set your altimeter to 29.92 when cruising above
18,000 feet...that the law!!! - Smile

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FC
Rolla, MO

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
wrote:
>
> Hi Dave and Pete.
> Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
> Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
> Went to the local airport today (small here in Branson). Asked a
> local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
> to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them
a
> Bluebird. They asked "Was that a Ultralight and how many engines?"
> Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
> look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
> I will keep looking.
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Branson, Mo. with nonworking altimeter....
> >
> > cross check the altitude with your GPS, set the altimeter to
> match,
> > then see how it goes. As indicated, barometric pressure can
cause
> > considerable variation. Indeed, since my coach just has a big
> empty
> > spot marked "altimeter" I just look at the GPS when I'm curious
> about
> > the altitude. It's usually pretty accurate.
> >
> > I note that when flying out of small airfields (that didn't have
> > accurate barometric reports) that we'd set the altimeter to the
> local
> > posted field altitude.
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > El Sobrante CA
> > aeonix1@
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jun 4, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Dave Erickson wrote:
> >
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > Don't forget to check the altimeter setting. Should be local
> > > barometric
> > > pressure if I remember right.
> > >
> > > Can also set the altimeter to show a known altitude and cross
> check
> > > to local
> > > barometer.
> > >
> > > Dave
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Bob:
> > >
> > > I had one done at an instrument shop at Boeing Field for $70.00.
> > > They cleaned it and check it's calibration. They didn't
certify
> it
> > > for flying by I don't expect my Bird to get too far off the
> ground.
> > > They said it was within 10 to 15 feet at all altitudes up to
> 12,000.
> > >
> > > You might want to talk to a local instrument shop.
> > >
> > > Marv
> > > 2004 M380
> > > Ocean Shores, WA
> > >
> > > --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Lawrence"
> > > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi group,
> > >>
> > >> Pulled out the altimeter as not very accurate. Would have
hated
> to
> > > have
> > >> flown with this unit as it's 800 feet low.
> > >>
> > >> I know I could send it to an FAA licensed repair for bigger
> bucks,
> > > but
> > >> was wondering if anybody has sent theirs somewhere that was
> > > reasonable.
> > >>
> > >> Bob Lawrence
> > >> 84 PT36
> > >> Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

06-05-2008, 12:39

That makes a lot of sense actually. lol Maybe that's it.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors
Dahlonega, GA
Royale Conversion

erniecarpet@... wrote:

Leroy, since your coach is a Royal conversion- maybe Royal didn't think about an altimeter. I know from some experience, that whenever mine goes up, my fuel "economy" goes down. Weird

Ernie Ekberg
83PT40
Livingston, Montana

Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.

06-05-2008, 12:46

Yes sir. All of that is correct with some added info. The vertical separation is different and you must be instrument rated with supplemental oxygen above 18,000'. lol Unless things have changed. Birds are not pressurized.

Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors
Dahlonega, GA
Royale Conversion

Richard Gideon wrote:

Bob and all: The url below explains the altimeter and Kollsman window
adjustment for reading elevation above sea level. May come in handy
when baking in the BB at higher altitudes.

http://flighttraining.aopa.org/ft_magazine/special/0903_weather.cfm

PS Please remember to set your altimeter to 29.92 when cruising above
18,000 feet...that the law!!! -

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FC
Rolla, MO

--- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Bob Lawrence"
...> wrote:
>
> Hi Dave and Pete.
> Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
> Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
> Went to the local airport today (small here in Branson). Asked a
> local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
> to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them
a
> Bluebird. They asked "Was that a
Ultralight and how many engines?"
> Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
> look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
> I will keep looking.
> Bob Lawrence
> 84 PT36
> Branson, Mo. with nonworking altimeter....
> >
> > cross check the altitude with your GPS, set the altimeter to
> match,
> > then see how it goes. As indicated, barometric pressure can
cause
> > considerable variation. Indeed, since my coach just has a big
> empty
> > spot marked "altimeter" I just look at the GPS when I'm curious
> about
> > the altitude. It's usually pretty accurate.
> >
> > I note that when flying out of small airfields (that didn't have
> > accurate barometric reports) that we'd set the altimeter to the
> local
> > posted field altitude.
> >

> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > El Sobrante CA
> > aeonix1@
> >
> >
> >
> > On Jun 4, 2008, at 5:42 PM, Dave Erickson wrote:
> >
> > > Bob,
> > >
> > > Don't forget to check the altimeter setting. Should be local
> > > barometric
> > > pressure if I remember right.
> > >
> > > Can also set the altimeter to show a known altitude and cross
> check
> > > to local
> > > barometer.
> > >
> > > Dave
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Bob:
> > >
> > > I had one done at an instrument shop at Boeing Field for $70.00.
> > > They cleaned it and check it's calibration. They didn't
certify
> it
> > > for flying
by I don't expect my Bird to get too far off the
> ground.
> > > They said it was within 10 to 15 feet at all altitudes up to
> 12,000.
> > >
> > > You might want to talk to a local instrument shop.
> > >
> > > Marv
> > > 2004 M380
> > > Ocean Shores, WA
> > >
> > > --- In "WanderlodgeForum%40yahoogroups.com", "Bob Lawrence"
> > > > wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hi group,
> > >>
> > >> Pulled out the altimeter as not very accurate. Would have
hated
> to
> > > have
> > >> flown with this unit as it's 800 feet low.
> > >>
> > >> I know I could send it to an FAA licensed repair for bigger
> bucks,
> >
> but
> > >> was wondering if anybody has sent theirs somewhere that was
> > > reasonable.
> > >>
> > >> Bob Lawrence
> > >> 84 PT36
> > >> Workcamping in Branson, Mo.
> > >>
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Yahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>

06-05-2008, 12:47

Here's my favorite site for local barometric setting when flying or
when travelling in the Blue Bird.

http://weather.noaa.gov/weather/MO_cc_us.html

Dick Gideon
Freedom Bird
1989 35FC
Rolla, MO

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Leroy Eckert
wrote:
>
> That makes a lot of sense actually. lol Maybe that's it.
>
> Leroy Eckert
> 1990 WB-40 Smoke N Mirrors
> Dahlonega, GA
> Royale Conversion
>
> erniecarpet@... wrote: Leroy, since
your coach is a Royal conversion- maybe Royal didn't think about an
altimeter. I know from some experience, that whenever mine goes up,
my fuel "economy" goes down. Weird
> Ernie Ekberg
> 83PT40
> Livingston, Montana
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler
Florence" on AOL Food.
>

06-05-2008, 12:58

You should have told him the weight... that would have really
confused him...

The Magellan Road Mate 3000T that I got as "reconditioned" has an
alternate display from the usual map that shows your speed,
elevation, and the name of the nearest city. Often, while out on the
road in the middle of nowhere, I'll flip it over to that mode --
usually on a 300 mile Interstate stretch -- just to pass the time...
(it's also interesting to see just how it's ground speed compares to
the speedometer -- which is usually pretty close.)

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at CCW in Riverside, CA.

On Jun 5, 2008, at 4:37 PM, Bob Lawrence wrote:

> Hi Dave and Pete.
> Local bar. pressure is 29.9...doesn't help.
> Dave, my GPS is a Cobra..it doesn't have an altitude. Wish it did.
> Went to the local airport today (small here in Branson). Asked a
> local charter carrier where they got theirs done. Said they send it
> to Kansas City. They asked what aircraft it was in and I told them a
> Bluebird. They asked "Was that a Ultralight and how many engines?"
> Told them one engine and it used diesel. You should have seen the
> look on their faces..LOL..LOL it was GREAT!!
> I will keep looking.
>

06-05-2008, 13:01

A Blue Bird has an altimeter so you can fix it when it breaks.

FAA rules require supplemental oxygen if you're above 10,000 ft for
more than 30 minutes in an unpressurized craft.

I coulda used some supplemental oxygen in a few Colorado towns I've
been in...

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at

On Jun 5, 2008, at 5:07 PM, Leroy Eckert wrote:

> This may be a weird question but I am weird. My bird does not have
> an altimeter.
> I have often wondered why an altimeter is required in a bird. I am
> 65 pressing on and the air is quite thin at 10,000. Is that it?
> Can't breathe? There is no provision to manually lean the fuel
> mixture.