Welcome to the OFF-AIRPORT Playground in the Mountains! | EP912STi turbo S-7S

[@rpbishop3079]

When I first started skiing at the age of 30, I’d take the lift to the top of the mountain, then wait for everyone to leave. At that point I’d just sit and wait for the clouds to start rolling up on me. A thrill like yours, that carry’s no price tag. The way God meant it to be. I’ll be 74 in June, and there are many thinks that I enjoyed that actually don’t exist any longer. Take the gift and enjoy it while you can.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Thanks for sharing... I think your right about those things not existing anymore..sadly. Good advice though, totally agree! thank you

[@markperkins5664]

Now that is what I call back in action! A fantastic job. Thank you for taking us along.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you Mark!

[@GATOROC1]

Great flying, filming and editing! It sure is great living in CO and being able to explore all of these remote areas like you do. My views are always from the ground via Jeeping/UTV/dirt biking, so thanks again for providing a birds-eye view of our beautiful state!

[@alexwage6790]

I have been waiting for someone in Colorado to make some good bush flying videos! Thank you!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Alex!

[@bigjim1327]

Great drone footage. The freedom to fly and land where you do is amazing.

[@chrisjamison376]

Great to have you and the beautiful Rans in gorgeous country again! Cool rock pile in one of the spots!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Chris!

[@WingAndAPrayer-RedBird]

Well done. Perhaps your best cinematography yet! I loved the flying adventure, thank you !

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you!

[@kcpumpguy]

Great video! I've flown over the San Louis Valley in my Bonanza quite a few times. Unfortunately, it's always been at altitude on the way to Pagosa, Durango, or Cortez. You've opened my eyes to the possibilities of that area for the RANS when I get it finished. It looks like a lot of the places you landed in this video need the turbo to get out. But, with all that BLM land, I'm sure there are places a newbie with a 100Hp NA S7 could have some fun. I'm very excited that you're back flying and look forward to more adventures. EVERYBODY that loves this channel SIGN UP FOR PATREON and help out. Patreon was made for this channel, excellent content that's expensive to produce for a relatively small audience. If you're a fan kick in a couple of bucks.

[@stevemowat4294]

Hard work amply rewarded! excellent

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Steve!!

[@markh672]

Wow....amazing!! I can’t wait to get finished with my RV-7 build so that I can get started on an S-7 build.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

now you are talking! (both awesome machines!!)

[@hammitr]

Beautiful scenery. One of your best yet!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks!!

[@larryroberts6248]

That was awesome. Good to hear you reference some of the challenges in decision making, especially within a high risk category of flying. Judgment is far more important than actual flying skills. Getting hurt or stranded out is a genuine challenge (requiring additional equipment for survival and notifying search & rescue). What's the old saying... 'Good judgment comes from experience, and most of that from bad judgment.' Beautifully done.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

So right on Larry! Agreed. I think progressing as a pilot requires pushing the envelope a little, the balancing act is not biting off too much more than you can chew if you know what I mean. I always debrief a day like that after I get home.. that one spot on the steep hill was the one I shouldn't have done. That was flirting with problems as it was rockier than I thought. I generally have a good eye for that, but I missed it a little on that one. Trying to work the airplane down the hill etc. was asking for something to go wrong... ended up being 'fun' and good experience... but that one was pushing it. I like a challenge, but as you said.. something goes wrong and you get hurt or stranded and now it's turning into survival which I'd rather not partake in! thanks Larry

[@rjbishop12]

VERY nice Todd - loved the shots of the cliffs and rugged mountains- you captured the beauty of the area very well.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you!

[@kenf5779]

Well done Mr Gravity Knight! My favorite video of yours to date. You’re ability to hammer out so much engine work etc and get back to flying is motivational. Cheers!

[@Jim_Austin]

Some very interesting places but some scary ones too. I enjoy watching you visit them but there is no way I would try it myself. The drone views are nice.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Thanks Jim, after debriefing later... that one steep, rocky spot I could have done without as well!!! 😂 😳

[@darrinboring2366]

Saweet! Breathe taking! Thanks again for taking us along!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

glad to!!

[@portnuefflyer]

Makes ya glad you don't have a 1200 pound Super Cub when on hillsides like that and ground handling it, eh?! I use the parking " brake on one wheel" trick sometimes, I just stomp on one brake and lock it in, for tricky steep slope ground handling. A rope comalong (also called a pass thru comalong) and 1 or 200' of line can also be real handy. Good to see you have it back in the air!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Good call on the rope idea... hadn't thought of it.. but could be a 'plane saver' if caught in a jam and not wanting to rely on the parking brake etc. You are correct about the heavier plane. I didn't set the brake properly, and it started trying to roll away on me at one point. I couldn't quite hold it on the hill but was able to keep it under control while steering it sideways and going for the brake etc. A heavier plane may have ended up down the hill cartwheeling to its doom!!! yikes... that spot was pushing it a little more than I needed, but good learning experiance!

[@stevenmorefield8154]

Great video. That last LZ was a beautiful spot.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Agreed Steven... really enjoyable spot on the hill indeed. Thx

[@seakfpv6069]

I’d imagine the idea of having a turbo in high elevation is a lot like having a turbo on a snowmobile at high elevations. Prop performance might not be the same but I’m sure the engine is making close to the same hp as at sea level

[@adamwhitfield5571]

Love your videos man. But I'm really interested in that engine and it's sound more than music ya know? Going through it's highs and lows, climbing cruising and backing off ya know. Would love a video on that.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

sadly cameras only pick up engine sound when basically not moving (or only when moving slow).. after that it's all wind noise...

[@adamwhitfield5571]

@@GravityKnightFlying this is true. Something I didn't think about... But I tell ya id rather hear an overlay of you talking about the engine performances/plane and so on than loud techy music. Maybe some background light tune. But (not you in particular) people blasting music over what we came to see and hear is irritating. And hey just my opinion brother. Others may love it. I like the narration of flight and such more than tunes that's all. Sorry if I sound like a bitchy YT Kat. Not my intention. Just really like your videos and improvements in flight.

[@jimhuskyflying]

Great video! I am glad you are out flying again.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you! me too!

[@prof.heinous191]

Man, that was definitely one of your best ever. Reckon all that time swinging spanners had been holding back your creative juices! If I could I would nominate this for an ACCA, hope those guys are paying attention!!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Thanks J....was definitely itching to get up there for a mountain itch. Hit some of those areas about the right time for some good lighting while in the mountains. Was very happy some of those shots! Of course while being there, everything is twice as impressive and beautiful...which is frustrating to see later.. but I'm glad some of that made it's way through the screen and was enjoyable!!

[@davidrobins4025]

Beautiful - thanks.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks David

[@Suprdave123]

Best video yet, keep it up!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Dave!

[@flyingmaniac3827]

you got me at adventure, sweet adventure , nice man kepp sharing ,love it

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Thanks!!!

[@hrn4646]

Videos always make you dream

[@kevinsavas7173]

Epic flying

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you Kevin

[@GolfFoxtrot22]

It's good to see you back flying.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thank you GF

[@jmoriarty7106]

Don't know how much room you have, but i would highly recomend a heat exchanger. I ended up instaling shutters on my oil cooler to get temps up. Mine is a Laminar made in the UK , they make all different sizes.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Did it tax your water system noticeably? Hoping to fly today with the second oil cooler and see whats next! 😂

[@jmoriarty7106]

@@GravityKnightFlying The coolant and oil temp stay close to the same temp. I'm running a 180 degree thermostaton in the coolant. It allows the oil temp to come up to operating temp when the thermostat opens. I have a direct reading gauge with the probe in the spider tank on the coolant. So far the coolant has not been over 190 and oil at 170. And that is with the shutters closed. I"ll probaly have to tape off the rest of the coolant radiator for winter . I'm sure if get someplace were it hot like a 100 degrees i'll need to open the shutters. This is the best setup I've had in the 5 years with a Rotax. Not many get these kind of temps with a none turbo engine.And mine is just like yours EP912 STI, It is a Laminova oil cool Heat exchanger sold by Merlin. I have to give The Dickerson Brothers credit for telling me obout the heat exchanger.

[@dougm2745]

Great stuff. You deserve more subscribers. Be save!

[@MelvinLeroy]

I am sooo going to model this in Xplane!

[@thomasmurray1807]

Great video. Best yet. Looking at oil coolers myself. I have a Lycoming 233 in kitfox. It seems to be a fine line between 180 temp to burn water off and to high temp on 90 degree days. Called Aero classic about cleaning mine and they were not much help in determining which one I need. Keep us posted what your oil cooler will be. Thanks Tom upstate NY

[@HookedOnUtah]

Another killer video. I might suggest you get a flying buddy, you are landing in some remote places and having some backup could eventually come in handy. Keep up the great work.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Agreed totally... problem is I haven't found anyone around with a plane capable of going to a lot of these places. It's seriously a bummer... you know about density altitude being in UT, it really levels the performance on most planes. Finding someone with the skill and plane performance all in one has been tough. I have a few buddies that have it going for them, but they aren't local. Right now I carry a Garmin InReach and hope not to need it 😳 of course I'm too stubborn (stupid?) to stay home when I don't have any backup 😅 .. thanks G!

[@HookedOnUtah]

@@GravityKnightFlying I currently fly a supercharge 182Q, and I'm currently building a Highlander. When I'm ready to fly the Highlander I'd love to come spend a few days flying with you. Take Care.

[@Riverboat374]

Fantastic!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks!

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Thumbs up. Fun video.

[@pedrom5919]

Fantastic video

[@ajggg]

Nice!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks!

[@bigjim1327]

Thanks for the ride-along. Great scenery. Did you add a rock to the stone pile? I lived outside Bayfield between Durango and Pagosa Springs. Flew a 172 out of Durango but never got up where you were. Would love to do that kind of flying. The whole time I was thinking, what if he gets a flat? Sadly I live in WI. now and miss CO. everyday. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@Co-xm1nt]

Yo dude. Saw this new channel. Looking awesome! I had the nitrous green ta back in the day. You wouldn’t happen to have an hp tuners controller would ya?

[@justinparker7795]

Man, one day!

[@cbthrasher]

That is so awesome

[@rixtrix11]

Nice to see you got the engine up and going again! Any more tweaks needed on the tune?

[@darwinlong8012]

I love the music selection - who is it?

[@mikecarpentier6419]

You could pick mushrooms in these places instead of empty flights))

[@ednesbit2988]

another great video i know what you need you need to figure out a way to mount another engine on that bird problems solved lol thanks for sharing STUDENT PILOT ED

[@scotth985]

That was really good. Got a couple of questions: 1. Do you have a buddy to call if something goes bad? 2. Between oil temps being high and the cylinder head temps being high wouldn't you rather have the heat in the oil vs the metal? 3. Is Colorado usually this green this time of year? Other than that I couldn't help but notice some potential dead stick take off spots. Again great stuff. later

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Scott! I "sorta" do.... problem is not too many folks around here have planes capable in some of these spots.. which has created an issue trying to find people to fly with... I do carry a Garmin InReach just in case... and supplies to survive a while in the mountains. None of which are solutions I hope to utilize! ... There are a couple concerns with high oil temp. The pressure drops, which aks the question is everything getting oiled properly? Probably.. but I'd like to keep that pressure up a little higher... also, at around 240 degrees, they will sometimes start blowing oil out of the breather when you run the tank at the top mark like I do. This S7 has no oil door, because on a 914 you can't actually check the oil without pulling the cowl as the tank sat under the intake manifold/airbox. Now that it has Edge FI, you can get to the oil tank (if there was a door! I need a door now!). So for now, I run it full. Stock cylinders are good about not using oil, but this new motor hasn't built up that trust yet if you know what I mean. Of course the install, oil level etc. all have to do with where they will start picking up oil and blowing it out.. but at some point when it gets real hot, expands and gets light.. it can start blowing it out. So that's another reason to bring it down.. I think the temps are high because the oil squirters are really drawing some heat out of the pistons. The goal is to keep the oil at 220 max on a hot day/climb.. and hopefully water at a max of 230 (where it goes into the yellow). We'll see! It's been hit and miss here in CO lately.. some areas are glowing green.. some are still pretty brown. I think the moisture has not been consistent. I was actually a little let down that it was not as green on some of those plateaus as I hoped. But then that area in the Sangre de Cristos was looking really nice. Thanks Scott!

[@PistonAvatarGuy]

2:15 and on... Wow, the beetle kill is getting REALLY bad.

[@GravityKnightFlying]

I was thinking the same thing when editing... didn't even notice it while trying to film/fly. Really sad to see.. some absolutely beautiful spots have been hit hard like that....

[@MrWinger1951]

How would you deal with a flat tire after landing, do you have any 'fix a flat' tips for use in the remote places you fly into?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

I have a hand pump, 2 types of patches, orange seal etc. I had it happen once on the old plane with the 8.50's.. was able to get it home.. not sure how well it would work on a bushwheel. Could be a real mess for sure! I try to bring things like that a long with to at least have some options.. I also carry a Garmin InReach in case I need help and out of cell service etc. It's a potential nightmare though for sure.... I used to do a lot of this in the winter time too.. winds are generally better in the mtns in early winter (Nov-December)... but the cold temps at night are dangerous.. I'm more careful about that now as so many things could go wrong and cause a long day or even night on a mountain.

[@MrWinger1951]

@@GravityKnightFlying Thanks for that info. Speaking of being stranded and flying during the winter, do you carry survival supplies, essentials like a sleeping bag, firestarter, freeze dried food and water?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

@@MrWinger1951 I do... always trying to keep the weight down so I have one of those emergency tent shelter deals in a small bag. Extra cloths, water, small amount of food etc. Enough to make it overnight or maybe 24hrs. In the winter, I have to bring even more stuff of course.. but have ultimately decided to do less of this in the winter as mentioned. Summer, it seems water is the real concern.. high altitude and hot, it's amazing how much water a person needs! The Rockies are pretty tough Density Altitude wise, but are also very accessible overall. Surprising how much area there are cabins, dirt roads, small towns, houses, cell signal etc. As long as a person doesn't get hurt, I don't worry TOO much about getting out. Of course... recovering a broken or damaged airplane from man of these places could turn into a massive nightmare.... the more a person thinks it all through, the more you know it's probably not worth the risk.. not on paper anyway!

[@MrWinger1951]

@@GravityKnightFlying Thanks for all the good info! Really enjoying your channel thus far.

[@tinolino58]

Isn’t there any wildlife in the higher mountains?

[@flyingclint589]

Man that is just awesome! I would die to go flying with you. I’m out here in South Fork CO. where are you in relation to that?

[@brianinski]

where is treeline?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

In CO it usually ranges from 11,000-12,000

[@429thunderjet2]

Hey Todd; yup nice scenery! But, what kind of power do you think you are getting now with that engine? Ya know, are you noticing much difference? I know you are at high altitudes so the turbo helps maintain the power it would have at lower altitudes, but just curious. Thanks

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Hey Dennis! I would estimate around 125 or so. 130 max. Severely limited on high intake temperatures, so low boost for now. The larger cylinders and cam did make a noticeable difference. I added about 120rpm worth of pitch and still could use a bit more. It responds quicker and pulls better right off the line now too. I think with the larger turbo option, and an intercooler it would really be something!!! I'd like to squeeze another 5-10hp out of it.. just because of all the mods I should take advantage of them...but I think leaving it well below the target HP set by Edge, it should live a very long life, and still perform very well! Looking for that 135-140 area (get up to about 915 power with less weight). Can't afford to fix it again... so going to error on the safe side. But yea, the new setup did make a nice difference to power and response!

[@429thunderjet2]

@@GravityKnightFlyingCool beans, that's pretty decent power and I hear ya on longevity. I know you will keep tweekin er to get those temps down. But was thinking, when ever you pull that air filter off run your finger around the intake pipe to see if it gets gritty in there. I had it happen to me on a ground engine so I went to oiled foam filters for that reason.Those cotton gaze filters will let fine dust through. They do make prefilters for them for that reason, the prefilters will also help stop moisture intrusion. Rans birds are definitely at the top of my list if I can ever get there 😎

[@patrickszuminski9446]

Kick a$$ video!!!!

[@GravityKnightFlying]

thanks Patrick!

[@SimjetAU]

What drone do you use Todd?

[@GravityKnightFlying]

Mark I have an Autel EVO 4k60 drone.. works well, very fast when you turn it up (47mph or something like that!?) .. it is large and heavy though so momentum has to be taken into account.. a few close calls running it close to trees etc. Tough son of a gun! Good battery life as well.

[@ABC-rh7zc]

Don't you ever get out and enjoy the nature? Maybe it's just the editing but it seems like you were always in a hurry to leave. Flying drones doesn't count ;)

[@GravityKnightFlying]

A B C yea I spent some time in the last location... but only so much time in the day and I couldn’t spend the night on that outing...

[@ABC-rh7zc]

@@GravityKnightFlying Gotcha. That's a beautiful place you found.