A other 1800 NM trip KCNO-KRPD

So a Friday we was ready for repositioning that fouga from Chino in California to Rice Lake airport in WI
IFR flight plan and we was on the way.

First KDXZ St Georges UT where we had a minor problem with the main hydraulic accumulator

KDXZ to KGJT  Grand Junction where we lost the front horizon

.After KGJT to Cheyenne we was diverted due to the bad weather to KHDN  Yampa valley airport and KRIW Rivertown where we spent the night

Next Morning KRAP Rapid city regional airport with Mont Rushmore under the right engine inlet

Next KATY ( like my wife US short name ) Watertown regional Airport

Last Leg KATY-KRPD Rice lake airport.
When we arrived at Watertown airport I went to file the IFR flight plan and check the weather for our destination airport: 4000ft overcast . Not a problem.
We had to wait over 2 hours to have somebody showing for refuelling the aircraft ( gone fishing ) plus a other 1/2 hours before to be ready for take off.
I did not took a other look for the weather at this time: Big Mistake...
After we took off FL210.

At 10 minutes from arrival the control gave us the last weather: 400ft overcast.
We requested an other confirmation about the ceiling because from 4000 to 400ft it is a big change.
Yes it was 400ft overcast.
We started the descent to be vectored on the ILS and I had my Garmin 196, Ipad with AHRS and synthetic vision plus regular IFR instruments with GS on the aircraft.
At 5000ft the front pilot did not saw any needdle moving on the HSI.
We ask the control to help us for a other localiser interception. Controlers are very helpfull.
So the owner was flying the aircraft when I was looking the GPS and Ipad.
I saw that we was intercepting the center of the runway on the Ipad and GPS but the owner called for dead needle on his HSI. Go around.
So we ask again a other interception and downwind we was going low in fuel.
Last and what could been the last interception of the localiser, the owner saw the needle of the localiser moving but erratic.
He plannned to guide up on the localiser but no glideslope.
We made the descent to the minimum allowed by the FAA and finaly we saw the runway and landed safe.
Almost a CAT 3 approach. Thanks Mike.

The camera have some distorsion but this is a 400ft overcast and in WI they have tall trees

Where is the leak ?

Now it is happening more often , you start to have hydraulic leaks but you cannot find where they are.
Check under the rear window called the turtle.
A good chance that the synchro box for the speed brakes and or the flaps are leaking.

Fouga withCJ610-6

It was done a fouga with CJ610-6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F46iHkHd0jE

Pitot,static check

When you have a pitot/static check performed on your Fouga, be sure that the person doing the static check is connecting the test bench on the static ports on the aircraft.
The reason is that I was working on a Fouga that did not flew for a couple of years, the person doing the static test did not have the special adaptors for the fouga static port, so tested from a hose disconnected after the static ports.
Test was ok, but when we was close to do the test flight, pressurising the cabin, instruments was acting strangely.
The reason was that 3 of the static ports was totaly plugged, and the last one very close.
So next static test, perform it with the adaptors on the static ports.

Flying the fouga without canopy

Yes it is possible to fly the Fouga without canopy at high altitude.
Sure depending of the altitude you will need oxygen and a thick jacket.

That picture was taken with aircraft serial # 3 for test flight.
So in case of canopy burst, do not panic, just fly the airplane.

New ACME mechanics

Instead of replacing the brake HP transmitter, a ACME mechanic found an Jimmy Rig system.

Remember we working on aircraft , not farm truck or tractors

Aircraft modification who impede the safety

This is what you have to look for :  the systems fonctions
Some guru mechanics modify system without knowing how they work.
On one aircraft I have this exemple:
Flush C/B's are nice look in the cockpit.
The big problem is that: - For emergency LDG extention you have to pull out the LDG c/b to be able to        bring the landing gear in down position.
                                    - In case of trim runaway you have to pull out the trim c/b.
So on that picture let me know if you had thoses emergency procedures to apply how to do it ?

When did you checked the tip tanks pressure ?

This is what you need to check if the Tip Tanks pressure is good.

When you inspect a engine know what you are doing.

After having inspected  engines with a borescope, that what came under my eyes.
So before writting to fast in the aircraft logs, inspected the engine and found in good condition

Ok for eturn to service . Spend a little bit more time inspecting, because thoses engines did not flew since the last engine inspection and cracks does not happen with engines not running.

Fouga for sale / Sold / Sold / Sold / Vendu /Vendu

• 1968 Fouga CM170 for sale . 



• Ex French Air Force aerobatic team with Turbomeca Marbore VI engines. S/N 546 . featured in " Les chevaliers du ciel " 1970 TV series.

• Pictured in "Le fouga sous toutes ses couleurs " page 49. Reinforced wings, elevators/rudders, pressurized hydraulic reservoir. 12 years inspection performed in accordance with CAH100.



• All new hydraulic, fuel, oil, pressure & static hoses. All seals replaced on both engines for preventive maintenance. Certified and current in phase II status. Pitot/static/transponder check performed 06/2011. One of the "Real" lowest engine time in the US. Safety of having two engines.

• The only Fouga flying under the new operating limitations Group 4 of the 8130-2G authorized to fly in TCA group B with no radius limitations, no need to reapply for operating limitations or maintenance program in case of change of ownership and can carry passenger. Date of new operating limitations issued: 12/15/2011.

Dont invest in a project who would take you at the end of a couple of months or years more than this Fouga ready to fly to your airport and more money.

Rate of climb +- 3,500ft/mn with 100 degres temperature at the airport. Better performances than L39 ( Reno jet races 2008 ) . Turnkey operations. Test flight available before purchase and recommanded. Contact Fred 310-497-5356 or send a E-mail

e-mail: fougacm170@yahoo.com

Fouga in the Champ Elysees

I was called for help to install a Fouga in the Champ Elysees Paris France at the Marcel Dassault Hotel.

He was sold last Sunday the 29 of January 2012 .