BD-4 Flying Story: Winter Flight
1998, Steve Mahoney

My property manager in Sunriver, OR has been bugging me for sometime to replace some of the furniture in the Ranch Cabin. As this was the first clear day in many, I thought it would be a good time to fly over and take some needed dimensions of the living room.

The plane needed an oil change so the night before, I drained the oil and took home a case of new oil and stored it in the house. Next morning I pored the warm oil into the engine, and put the cowl back on. It was about 28 F when I climbed in and cranked up the Lycoming in only 2 blades. Other on the ramp had been trying all morning to get started. The warm oil probably helped but the real secret is my high voltage electronic ignition.

I couldn't believe the take off performance...I got airborne in about 1/2 the distance I usually do and was able to maintain 2,000 fpm climb clear through 8,000. I cruised over the incredibly clear Cascades at 12,000 ft. It seemed so clear that I swore I could mountain peaks as far north as Canada.

Upon landing in Sunriver it was 4Fand dropping. Several planes were on the ramp trying to get stated. Most were getting the resorts FBO's per-heat. I didn't want to pay the high price for such a service so, I stuffed rags I had in the front of the cowling to keep the heat in. It took me about an hour to make my measurements and get back to the plane. One of the aircraft that was trying to start a twin was still on the ramp trying to start his left engine. The FBO guy told me that he had only been shut down for about 2- 3 hours it now was 0 F.

I pulled my rags and had no problem get a start in only one blade. The climb rate again was fantastic even from a 4000 ft high airport. I cruised home with the cabin heater on full at 14,000 (the thing just wanted to climb). If you are looking for some moral to this story... there is none. It just was a fun experience for me and I wanted to share it.

Steve M.