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Swift Enterprises has teamed with Rick Volker to test Swift Fuel in the M-14P powered Sukhoi SU26M. This clean, renewable biofuel promises an environmentally responsible future for general aviation. Look for Rick at the Swift Fuel display at AirVenture 2011.

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.

When Rick decided he wanted the safety of an ELT during cross-country flights, we did a lot of research. For features, build quality and reputation, we came up with the same preference each time: The Kannad Integra. With internal 406 Mhz and GPS antennas, alarm buzzer and power, this airliner-tough unit can send beacon signals and position information even if all connections to it are compromised.

Champion Aerospace manufactures the RVL-38S direct replacement plug optimized for the Vendeneyev M-14P and Huosai engines. This superior fine wire plug doesn’t foul, and stays properly gapped. It's faster starting, smoother, and hesitation is reduced when adding power in the low range. We love having Champion performance, reliability and availability with plug-and-play convenience in our Russian airplanes.

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.

Rick is picky about eyewear to the point where he has done without proper sun protection rather than accept ergonomic and optical compromises. No more. Scheyden’s tag line is what they’re all about: Precision. The Scheyden Aviation line is designed to exceed the demands of pilots in challenging conditions.

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.

M-T Propeller 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.

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.

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.

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Company carries everything a pilot could need, including pilot supplies and aircraft parts, always at the lowest prices. Call Spruce Canada for all your aviation needs at 877-795-2278. Or visit us at 150 Aviation Ave in Brantford, ON, N3T 5L7.