Rick Volker Air Shows' sponsors

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manufactures the propellers used on virtually every Sukhoi, including Rick's SU-26M. That's a good thing, because MT has propelled Sukhoi to more World Aerobatic Championships than any aircraft. It's easy to forget how many different kinds of propellers MT makes, because their boutique-quality service makes you think your propeller is their specialty. MT pioneered the modern composite propeller, and their engineering is impeccable. Visit the MT-Propeller USA website for a list of STCs or check out the headquarters website to see their experimental applications. Rick uses the MTV-9-260-29. Going to OshKosh? Stop by to see them at booth 2014-15 in building B.

has been painstakingly servicing and modifying high performance aircraft engines for over twenty years. Legendary performers like Patty Wagstaff have chosen Barrett for their demanding applications. Now, BPE is taking their premium engine service to the Vendenyev M-14P. Never ones to the do things half-way, the Barrett’s preparation for this service has been years in the making, carefully selecting processes and supply chains in order to deliver a finished engine worthy of their reputation. As you might guess, Rick was thrilled when he heard that his M-14P was eligible for the BPE treatment. Rick is both honored to represent Barrett and relieved to finally be flying behind one of their engines. See the BPE website for more information, or call them at (918) 835-1089. If you’re attending the EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, WI, be sure to stop by to see a BPE prepared M-14P in building C (July 28 - August 3, 2008).

is now open in the Greater Toronto Area near Pearson International Airport. With its retail store open in Fall 2006, ASC is excited to announce the opening of their fully stocked parts warehouse later in 2008. Stop by the store at 1760 Meyerside Drive in Mississaugua, or come see us at the Canadian Aviation Exposition in Oshawa, Ontario on June 27-29, 2008.

manufactures the REL-37B spark plug that Rick has always used in his Sukhoi (with an adapter). That is, until Champion recently introduced their RVL-38S direct replacement plug for the M-14P. This plug had been optimized for Eastern Bloc (Vendenyev) and Chinese (Huosai) engines. We love having Champion performance, reliability and availability with plug-and-play convenience in our Russian planes.

Rick uses the EDM-700 with fuel flow in his Sukhoi. Looking forward to your next overhaul? Nothing shows you the importance of monitoring engine parameters like running at full power most of the time. Rick finds individual cylinder information indispensable in prolonging engine life and troubleshooting problems. The information is easy to gather with a glance, and it's all stored for easy download and analysis. Also, the fuel flow is remarkably accurate, which is critical when you have a puny fuel supply. We’re always amazed at how dead-on the fuel information is when we re-fuel.

Rick’s Sukhoi ground operations are divided into two eras: BC (Before Cleveland) and AC (After Cleveland). The SU-26's thrust to weight ratio make run-ups an adventure with the stock Russian brakes. They would also fade during long taxis, after which time the M-14P engine needs to be run-up prior to shut-down. Good luck with that. We converted to Clevelands and immediately crossed that one off the list.

If you have an airplane with a Vendenyev M-14P, it’s hard to imagine life without this resource. Carl and Jill are gurus in this field, and if they don’t have it, they know where to get it.

makes the only headset that stays on Rick’s head throughout his entire routine. Even in high-G maneuvers, the mass is insignificant. Although the noise reduction is entirely passive, it is as effective as ANR headsets, but without their quirks. In addition, the microphone is the most intelligible that Rick has used in the Sukhoi’s noisy environment.

Hope Aero sells and services every major brand of propeller, and a visit to their shop near Toronto confirms that fact. Rick’s life literally hangs on his prop, and he trusts Hope Aero to prepare it for the stresses of his radical routine.

is the maker of the GT-50 digital G-meter that Rick is so pleased with. This feather-weight unit out-shines mechanical G-meters, and by the way, it’s also a clock, timer and volt meter. You can read Rick’s evaluation on their website.