Work continues in getting the APM's "SeaBee" flyable and home to the APM from Charles City, IA.

To review, late last fall (just before our annual "Pumpkin Drop" actually) Dour Rozendaal had test flown the "bee" and during that flight a mechanical problem necessitated the removal of a cylinder. That cylinder was sent to the Franklin experts at 'Lil Red Aero in Kearney, NE. Then more cylinders, from our spare parts inventory, were sent until a serviceable unit and a spare were found. The arrival of an early, long and brutal winter here in the Midwest put plans for retrieval of the "Bee" on hold once again.


Ben Taylor installing the overhauled cylinder on the "Bee"

Flash ahead to the present. May 22nd found yours truly and son Ben Taylor headed towards Charles City once again. Armed with a serviceable cylinder, tools and the want to finish this project up helped get us on the road bright and early.

We set to work almost immediately upon arrival at Charles City and by late afternoon were looking forward to pushing the "Bee" out for a test run. Then a problem arose. Either a stuck or collapsed hydraulic lifter was preventing setting the proper valve clearance on the replacement cylinder installation. Eventually a solution was worked out and with the help of APM director Mark Lancaster and wife Teri (who happened to be in the area for the day) the "Bee" was extracted from the hangar and readied for a test run.


Ben Taylor and APM Director Mark Lancaster test running the Franklin

The "Bee" fired up almost immediately. After a visual check for leaks/problems and to allow the oil temp to warm a bit, the "Bee" was run up and a check of mags/carb heat/prop etc. revealed an engine ready once again for flight.

Unfortunately by that time it was dark. So the "Bee" was moved back into the hangar to await a test flight in the next couple of days and hopefully a flight home to the APM later this coming week.


The working end of the "Bee" during a test run

I want to again want to send a big "Thank You" to Bill Kyle at the Charles City airport for not only his help in getting the "Bee" back airworthy, but also for his patience.

Stay tuned for what we hope will be the final chapter in getting the APM's "SeaBee" home to Antique Airfield later this coming week !!!

Brent Taylor