N2893Z
1979 Piper PA28-181 Archer II
s/n: 28-7990533
Jeff’s 2nd plane was a 1979 Piper Archer II. In 2009 after a few months without a plane the family took a trip to Michigan. On this trip Jeff rented a couple of planes from the Allegan airport and flew all around Michigan. He quickly realized that he needed another airplane. Jeff picked out N2893Z and Lori told him that she supported the purchase as long as Jeff completed his instrument rating within one year. This was an excellent ultimatum that Jeff met within just a few months that really changed the way the Frey Family traveled. Below are the specifications of N2893Z. It was loaded with a Garmin 430W WAAS GPS NAV/COM, 340 Audio Panel, 327 Transponder, Knots 2U speed mods and many other upgrades. N2893Z was an excellent plane that was very reliable and economical to operate. It was a solid and stable IFR platform that was regularly flown in IMC. It safely flew the family to many destinations. Jeff kept excellent maintenance records and worked hand in hand with the mechanics over the 5 years that he owned N2893Z to ensure that all issues were addressed properly. The speed modifications resulted in a true airspeed of 129 knots at 9,000 feet, and the avionics including coupled autopilot to the Garmin 430W made flying IFR and cross-country flights a breeze. In 2012 the engine was overhauled with a Penn Yan overhauled engine. In 2014 Jeff decided to upgrade and sold N2893Z. He would end up purchasing N111RW – a 1981 Piper Saratoga.
Click here to see more pictures of N2893Z. You can also check out the many links on this blog to see other pictures and information about the fun adventures we had with N2893Z. Click on each of the links to see where we have been in the last few years in N2893Z: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.
ENGINE: Lycoming O-360-A4M
132 Hours Since Major Overhaul – Nov 2012 (Penn Yan) – new Lycoming Cylinders
Compressions: 76/77/78/76
Reiff Preheat with cylinder bands & oil sump heater
Sky-Tec Model 149-12LS Lightweight Starter
Plane Power AL12-C60 Lightweight Alternator & Voltage Regulator – Installed Nov 2013
Sensenich Propeller Overhauled – Nov 2012 – Installed with new bolt kit
AVIONICS
Audio Panel: Garmin GMA-340
#1 Nav/Com/GPS: Garmin GNS-430W (Upgraded to WAAS in 2012)
#2 Nav/Com: Collins Digital 251/351
Two new Comant CI-121 Comm antennas in 2012
#2 GPS: Garmin 496 w/XM Weather & Radio (linked to 430)
Transponder: Garmin GTX-327
DME: Narco DME 195
Autopilot: Piper Autocontrol IIIB w/GPS/LOC/BC/VOR/HDG Tracking
ELT: Narco ELT 910
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Air Gizmos Garmin 296/396/495/496 Dock w/Tilt Adapter
Alternate Static Air Supply
Astro-Tech LC-2P Yoke-Mounted Digital Clock/Timer
Audio Input Jacks for MP3, CD, or DVD Player
Avionics Cooling Fan
Avionics Master Switches
Bogert Low-Loss Copper Battery Cables
GroundTech Custom Aircraft Cover
Cabin Air Ventilation Fan
Carburetor Temperature Gauge
Electric Trim
Electronics International UBG-16 Engine Monitor
Heated Pitot Blade w/Cover
Hobbs Hourmeter w/Oil Pressure Sensor
Horizon P1000 Digital Tachometer
Improved Soundproofing
Instrument & Radio Backlighting
Knots-2-U Flap Hinge Fairing Kit
Knots-2-U Fuselage Seals
Knots-2-U Flap Seals
Knots-2-U Flap Gap Seals
Knots-2-U Stabilator Gap Seals
Knots-2-U Aileron Gap Seals
Knots-2-U Slimline Tail Strobe Kit w/Aeroflash Strobe
Knots-2-U Wing Root Fairing Kit
Mid-Continent Turn Coordinator w/Digital Autopilot Output
Precision Aviation Vertical Card Compass
Shadin Microflo-L Fuel Flowmeter/Totalizer (linked to GNS-430)
Teledyne AlphaBeam LED Landing Light
The Vacuum Source Low Vacuum Pressure Warning Light
The Vacuum Source Standby Vacuum Supply System V
True Airspeed Indicator
Under-Glareshield Panel Floodlight System w/Dimmer
Whelen Cometflash Wingtip Strobe System
Zaon PCAS MRX Traffic Alert System
EXTERIOR
Custom split base “Chevron White” over “Moondust” with blue and maroon metallic trim with clear-coat. Aircraft regularly washed, waxed and touched up with paint when and where necessary. Shines nicely. Rated 7/10.
INTERIOR
Reupholstered 5/91 with blue fabric seats with blue vinyl seatbacks and trim. Front seats covered in custom sheepskin covers. Rated 7/10.
AIRFRAME:
3494 TTAF
Useful load – 1005 lbs.
Annual Inspection Due: 11/2014
Altimeter/Transponder Due: 9/2015
ELT Battery Due: 11/2015
Complete Engine, Propeller, & Airframe Logbooks (adLog System)
All ADs Complied With
Damage History:
Runway overrun during takeoff on 6/9/81 at 770 hours total time. Any damaged areas were replaced, including wings. All repairs detailed in logbooks with FAA Form 337 filed. In the 30 years since the accident, our Archer has flown over 2700 trouble-free hours.
Front windscreen replaced 7/94 and in excellent condition. No scratches, hazing, or cracks. All other windows in similar condition.
