My mother worked in the upholstery department at the BELLANCA aircraft factory at Alexandria Minnesota sometime in the 1960s then again in the 1970s & 1980s. She did all the seats and all the interior in crushed velvet so she knows this airplane very well. I've seen how the wings were put together.
Air Dave I have a question that probably many pilots are wandering after watching this: What does a complete wing rebuild, update, and recovering cost? Impressed with level of knowledge and competence.
That was very informative Dave. A mechanic I knew brought up some interesting happenings and things to look for if you wanted to buy a Viking from his own experience. He said look for certain repairs and or replacements that should have been done even though it may not have been required by an AD because of the expense. The Viking is a very fast and lovely flying airplane from all the people I know that have flown them.
Very well presented presentation and easily comprehended, well spoken! Thank you for taking the time to share! I will employ these details to my continued work on wood structures in aircraft as I add these nuggets to my “basket of tools”.
This was an outstanding video sir...I have always loved the Bellanca Super Viking and am considering one for purchase in the future...i know how important a thorough pre-buy inspection is for aircraft, and wish that I had done so prior to purchasing a PA28-180 back in 2014...lesson learned. I can see how important a SUPER thorough pre-buy inspection would be on a Viking from a well experienced and conscientious Bellanca A&P - IA. Thank You
AS an IA I have little experience other one I told a customer not to buy as the fuel tank covers had split allowing rain to enter the wing He bought it any way after we pulled the wings wood rot was discovered in between the spar attach fittings both wings and in the landing light area, control surfaces had rot also turned into a mess. Thanks for Your expert information on this subject.
Dave, thank you very much for taking the time to post this video for all of us Viking owners. I have seen the tap test done before on a video (might have been you but I don't recall now) and I appreciate the added advice about the different sounds. I did know about the flap issues with the inboard arm area having issues but did not know about how to test the flap or aileron for ribs that have either come loose or have damage to them. Can you list the name of the silicone release? I use the 8500 by 3m and have had the issues of removing it from the wing so I would like to buy the proper release agent so I don't have that same issue in the future. Thanks again for an awesome video and better instructions for how to maintain our beautifully built airplanes. Kevin Maiorka Viking forum KMaiorka
You certainly seem to know these planes. I was interested in one because they seem to be good value for the money but I can also see after watching this video that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye.
Excellent video Dave l have been looking into Bellanca Viking for awhile trying to get a better understanding of maintaining one. This video is very helpful and informative. I am a A&P mechanic whom have worked on various aircraft from GA ,Heavy, and military aircraft. Little knowledge of wood fabric and Dope aircraft besides A&P schooling. I have subscribed and will be following. I currently live in Dallas GA humidity 55% on a high 80 or 90 degree day. Recommendations good or bad idea on owning a Bellanca in this environment hungered of course. Thanks Dave
There are a lot of Vikings in Texas. Plainview Texas is where Rocket Aviation (formerly Millers Flying Service) is located. They were the largest distributor of Vikings back in the day.
I've always had admiration for these aircraft but until your video had no idea about what might happen to these vital components, such as the spar. You mentioned about how you've seen damage to the spar ("rot") in some aircraft. I don't suppose you could comment on just what a repair like that would entail and/or cost? Would there be the possibility of finding a used plane where it is essentially completely beyond repair due to these wood issues? Great video though -- extremely informative and well presented.
Dave, what is the name and model of the moisture probe? Going to need one for future inspections since planning to purchase a Bellanca and finish my A&P. Thanks!
Hi, I'm a pilot A&P, looking to get some info on the Viking for purchase. How are the annuals? Any big things to look for during prebuy? Do they have a good history? Thank so much.
I'm looking one up on eBay and sounds like a good deal but the same time bad deal with the wood issue I don't know it looks like an airplane for a pro mechanic, not a rookie like me
My 14-19-3 has the cracks in the wood that the tank cover screws screw into. The outboard strip of the right wing has the cracks going the entire length. The left wing is only about half the length. What is the best way of fixing this?
This depends on the extent of the crack. The repair is more involved than what can be discussed here. Please call me during the week to discuss further.
Ok, but more specifically, how are they attached to the mahogany skin? Are they standard "AN" style platenuts: MS21047's? Do you use small screws in the platenut's ears or maybe epoxy adhesive like the T88 system3 to hold them in place? I have a Cruisemaster that I would like to use this technique on. However, I've only mounted platenuts in aluminum structures, previously.
we typically use the longer cherry rivets that are made for installing nut plates. They are a hollow body steel pop rivet with a countersunk head. They are #3 diameter.@@justinhoffman2236
Hi Dave. I bought a 14-13-2, in part because of your videos. It will need recovering in the next couple of years. Is that a service you provide and how can I start planning for it?
Designing and getting carbon wings certified would be exceptionally expensive. It would also have a very limited market. The best thing to do is properly store and maintain the airplane. When that is done the wings will last indefinitely.
Most owners keep their Vikings in the hanger. I have plenty of clients that live in costal areas in the eastern US that do not have trouble. For the most part humidity in the air is not sufficient to increase the moisture content enough to cause rot.
I rarely use an inspection scope on the Viking wings. It's not necessary and doesn't provide a lot of benefit. Tap testing is the best method to locate rot in critical areas. I primarily use the inspection scope for the engine, cylinders and camshaft.
Hi, I'm a pilot A&P, looking to get some info on the Viking for purchase. How are the annuals? Any big things to look for during prebuy? Do they have a good history? Thank so much.
Just a fantastic, detailed, informative, technical video. A huge service to people interested in these aircraft.
Dave, thank you for providing the expertise behind solid Viking Maintenance. The Bellanca community is better off because of your experience.
Dave is definitely a craftsman. Thank you sir.
It was great to meet David at Oshkosh and looking forward to him taking care of my Bellanca.
My mother worked in the upholstery department at the BELLANCA aircraft
factory at Alexandria Minnesota sometime in the 1960s then again in the
1970s & 1980s. She did all the seats and all the interior in crushed
velvet so she knows this airplane very well. I've seen how the wings
were put together.
That's awesome!
Thanks for this video. May have just saved me from a mistake to purchase one of these planes. Those wings look like a nightmare. 😅
Air Dave I have a question that probably many pilots are wandering after watching this: What does a complete wing rebuild, update, and recovering cost? Impressed with level of knowledge and competence.
That was very informative Dave. A mechanic I knew brought up some interesting happenings and things to look for if you wanted to buy a Viking from his own experience. He said look for certain repairs and or replacements that should have been done even though it may not have been required by an AD because of the expense. The Viking is a very fast and lovely flying airplane from all the people I know that have flown them.
Very informative and educational for existing and future Viking Owners! Thanks!
You're good, and your video is excellent! I learned a lot tonight by watching, thanks for posting ! You are an expert.
Awesome Dave! Thank you for the information!
Most informative. An hour well spent.
Very well presented presentation and easily comprehended, well spoken! Thank you for taking the time to share! I will employ these details to my continued work on wood structures in aircraft as I add these nuggets to my “basket of tools”.
Fantastic video Dave!
This was an outstanding video sir...I have always loved the Bellanca Super Viking and am considering one for purchase in the future...i know how important a thorough pre-buy inspection is for aircraft, and wish that I had done so prior to purchasing a PA28-180 back in 2014...lesson learned. I can see how important a SUPER thorough pre-buy inspection would be on a Viking from a well experienced and conscientious Bellanca A&P - IA. Thank You
Thanks, been looking to buy a Super Viking, and as an A&P who is not familiar with the Bellanca product, this expose was awesome!
Dave, just discovered your channel. Best of luck with your new business.
Thanks for these great videos!
Thank you for an extremely informative video!
Excellent video. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Thnk you Dave am in the process on buying one thnk for the video
thanks Dave very clear.
AS an IA I have little experience other one I told a customer not to buy as the fuel tank covers had split allowing rain to enter the wing He bought it any way after we pulled the wings wood rot was discovered in between the spar attach fittings both wings and in the landing light area, control surfaces had rot also turned into a mess. Thanks for Your expert information on this subject.
Dave, thank you very much for taking the time to post this video for all of us Viking owners.
I have seen the tap test done before on a video (might have been you but I don't recall now) and I appreciate the added advice about the different sounds.
I did know about the flap issues with the inboard arm area having issues but did not know about how to test the flap or aileron for ribs that have either come loose or have damage to them.
Can you list the name of the silicone release? I use the 8500 by 3m and have had the issues of removing it from the wing so I would like to buy the proper release agent so I don't have that same issue in the future.
Thanks again for an awesome video and better instructions for how to maintain our beautifully built airplanes.
Kevin Maiorka
Viking forum KMaiorka
Hi Dave, great instructional video on the wing inspection. May I suggest you do others for the gear bracket and the tail inspection? Thanks
Excellent top professional presentation
You certainly seem to know these planes. I was interested in one because they seem to be good value for the money but I can also see after watching this video that there’s a lot more going on than meets the eye.
LEGEND has it that plane never flown again after he worked on it
Excellent video Dave l have been looking into Bellanca Viking for awhile trying to get a better understanding of maintaining one. This video is very helpful and informative. I am a A&P mechanic whom have worked on various aircraft from GA ,Heavy, and military aircraft. Little knowledge of wood fabric and Dope aircraft besides A&P schooling. I have subscribed and will be following. I currently live in Dallas GA humidity 55% on a high 80 or 90 degree day. Recommendations good or bad idea on owning a Bellanca in this environment hungered of course. Thanks Dave
There are a lot of Vikings in Texas. Plainview Texas is where Rocket Aviation (formerly Millers Flying Service) is located. They were the largest distributor of Vikings back in the day.
@@AirDavePasqualeAviation Oh yeah I forgot to say Dallas Georgia not Texas.
i just bought a 1970 super viking. i want to know what it would cost to recover the whole plane and paint it,
I've always had admiration for these aircraft but until your video had no idea about what might happen to these vital components, such as the spar. You mentioned about how you've seen damage to the spar ("rot") in some aircraft. I don't suppose you could comment on just what a repair like that would entail and/or cost? Would there be the possibility of finding a used plane where it is essentially completely beyond repair due to these wood issues? Great video though -- extremely informative and well presented.
Nice job. May be in touch soon. Looking for a solid plane very soon
Dave, what is the name and model of the moisture probe? Going to need one for future inspections since planning to purchase a Bellanca and finish my A&P. Thanks!
Hi, I'm a pilot A&P, looking to get some info on the Viking for purchase. How are the annuals? Any big things to look for during prebuy? Do they have a good history?
Thank so much.
Very knowledgeable and precise where are you located and how is your experience with a Cessna 172 built in 1959
would like to visit you!
Rick
The shop is at N47 Pottstown, Pennsylvania.
I'm looking one up on eBay and sounds like a good deal but the same time bad deal with the wood issue
I don't know it looks like an airplane for a pro mechanic, not a rookie like me
My 14-19-3 has the cracks in the wood that the tank cover screws screw into. The outboard strip of the right wing has the cracks going the entire length. The left wing is only about half the length. What is the best way of fixing this?
This depends on the extent of the crack. The repair is more involved than what can be discussed here. Please call me during the week to discuss further.
You mention installing nutplates in the wing for the fairing. How are nutplares installed in wood?
We typically install nut plates on the flange at the bottom of the wing root. On the Viking the flange is an extension of the 1/8" mahogany skin.
Ok, but more specifically, how are they attached to the mahogany skin? Are they standard "AN" style platenuts: MS21047's? Do you use small screws in the platenut's ears or maybe epoxy adhesive like the T88 system3 to hold them in place? I have a Cruisemaster that I would like to use this technique on. However, I've only mounted platenuts in aluminum structures, previously.
we typically use the longer cherry rivets that are made for installing nut plates. They are a hollow body steel pop rivet with a countersunk head. They are #3 diameter.@@justinhoffman2236
Hi Dave.
I bought a 14-13-2, in part because of your videos. It will need recovering in the next couple of years. Is that a service you provide and how can I start planning for it?
I have recovered a bunch of Vikings and other airplanes over the years. If you are serious about having a recover done we should talk on the phone.
@@AirDavePasqualeAviation thank you Sir---- I will call tomorrow or Monday.
MAAYBE CARBON WINGS ARE THE ANSWER,AND HANGER STORAGE
Designing and getting carbon wings certified would be exceptionally expensive. It would also have a very limited market. The best thing to do is properly store and maintain the airplane. When that is done the wings will last indefinitely.
So is it not advised to own this airplane hangared on the coast?
Most owners keep their Vikings in the hanger. I have plenty of clients that live in costal areas in the eastern US that do not have trouble. For the most part humidity in the air is not sufficient to increase the moisture content enough to cause rot.
How do I hire you to do an inspection for me?
Call the shop 4eight4 threethree6 0one5eight. Be aware that we art typically booked pretty far in advance.
Do you ever use video inspection snake cameras?
I rarely use an inspection scope on the Viking wings. It's not necessary and doesn't provide a lot of benefit. Tap testing is the best method to locate rot in critical areas. I primarily use the inspection scope for the engine, cylinders and camshaft.
@@AirDavePasqualeAviation How do you see the camshaft on a Lycoming? Do you mean only with a jug removed?
Hello, sir how are you ?
I am sure we can support you !
Dear Sir
I am sure we can support you on NDT visual inspection !
www.ykinspection.com
michael@ykndt.com
In its current condition, is it airworthy?
The right number 2 tail rib was replaced and the fuel tank was reskinned.
T
Hi, I'm a pilot A&P, looking to get some info on the Viking for purchase. How are the annuals? Any big things to look for during prebuy? Do they have a good history?
Thank so much.