Back in Service

The airplane is back in service after some re-seal work on the propeller hub. Leading up to the repair a pattern of oil started to appear on the propeller extending away from the hub after each flight. After further investigation the o-rings inside the propeller hub had worn flat and were no longer capable of containing the lubricating oil stored inside. With the repair complete, I was able to make a short scenic flight to verify that the oil leak has indeed stopped.

Instrument Currency

Not much flying last month due to some travel, airplane maintenance, and a cold that won't go away. The 182 started leaking oil from the prop hub and after further investigation the seals in the hub had failed so the prop assembly is in the shop for some repair work. At least a complete prop overhaul wasn't required. While the prop was in the shop I needed to do some research in the logbooks to find out airplane total time (TTAF) and the number of hours on the current prop (SMOH). This was a good exercise in learning a little more about the history of the airplane. Also turns out that some of the parts in the propeller hub will be covered by the manufacturer.

Since the airplane is down for another week, I booked some time on the Frasca at ATC to log some instrument approaches as part of the required instrument currency requirements under FAR 61.57. In the sim under the tutelage of my CFII, I logged three approaches and a hold. Overall, the session went well and I was surprised how much of the details of flying an approach came right back to me after being away from an airplane for a month.