On Friday, October 5th, Tom and I hopped into his truck and drove 600 miles to Green Valley, AZ. We spent a nice night in a Best Western (I really recommend these guys!) and had a nice evening walking around and enjoying the sites.

Next morning, we drove down to the hanger where Ken was waiting for us.

We spent some time discussing the 150hp motor (my new motor), his cool plane (Cessna 150 tail dragger), Ken’s work, a new 160 hp motor, a 250hp Franklin, life, fairness, faith, justice, long-distance running, kids, experimental aircraft, life-long missions, and global freedom.

At the end of it all, I purchased a Lycoming O-320 E2A 150HP engine that is going to be the heart of Loud Emily.

To slip these surly bonds…

Funny, but every time I see an aircraft engine strapped in for transport somewhere, I envision the engine straining at the straps, not to prevent sliding around, but to burst skyward in escape! To become free and airborne once again, as if the natural place for such an engine is in the sky.

The engine is mid-time, and my intent is to bolt it in and fly as-is. Of course, my A&P will check it out, but I’m hoping to get a few hundred hours before I add upgrades, like electronic ignition, lightweight start and alternator, etc.

So, at 9:00am on Saturday October 6th, Tom and I started the long trek home, to safely deliver the engine to my hanger, and to get home before it was too late. Oh, and the engine has a vacuum pump.

Vacuum pump? What’s that for?