Walter
*WALTER TURBINE CONVERSION*
C-GBTU was purchased from the Indian Air Force in the mid
1990's by Silver Pine Air.
In July, 1998 it was converted
from the Pratt & Whitney R1340 Wasp piston engine
to the
1000hp Pezetel piston engine. It is now in the process of
being converted to a
Walter turbine engine.
October 20:Removing the old Pezetel engine was the first task. October 22: Everything forward of the firewall was removed in preparation for the new engine.
October 25:All of the old wiring has been removed.
October 25-29:A Baron STOL kit is installed on the
leading edge of the wings.
November 18: The fuselage has been stripped of all componants and sanded down ready for painting sometime in the next few weeks.
November 27-28:The wings are sanded and taped off for painting. The first coat of white is added.
The white wing is taped off and metalic blue is added for trim on the leading edge.
December 3: The fuselage is back in the hanger and taped off for painting. December 4: Primer is added.
December 5: The fuselage is primed and painted. A second blue will be added when the new engine cowling arrives.
December 27: The fuselage is taped off and a second stripe is added.
January 4: The second stripe is complete and ready for the engine to be installed.
January 19:The decals are added.
January 21: The engine arrives from Czech Republic via Kelowna.
January 22: The new engine is hoisted and installed. The cowling and boot cowling are fitted and removed again for painting.
January 23: An unusuall site on an otter, a clean engine! The fuel piping is fitted and connected, electrical wiring completed, engine controlls fitted and installed, and the bleed air heating system is installed.
January 26 and 27: The newly painted cowling is attached and the prop is hung.
January 27: The new and improved C-GBTU ready for action.
Test flight!! The new C-GBTU takes to the skies for the first time.