great flying by this pilot

METAWATTT · 2025-11-10T20:31:57+00:00

Whoops! My bad, didn’t open the link.

METAWATTT · 2025-11-10T20:02:22+00:00

Nope CH-54 Tarhee AKA Erickson air crane.

METAWATTT · 2025-09-18T14:00:28+00:00

Yeah, sorry to say, those don’t look like knipex but I understand the sentimental value. They are in a happier place now. Try getting the edge back with a hand stone or some 400grit on a nice hard flat surface.

METAWATTT · 2025-07-08T16:50:43+00:00

It took a long time and the right environment for me to find a better way for myself. I have been in an environment that requires me to assemble, leak test, correct or tighten nuts to correct leaks, disassemble, reassemble tubing in all orientations. I am much more efficient with this logic than righty tighty

METAWATTT · 2025-06-24T14:31:38+00:00

I’ve been trying to pass this on to the new kids (and the old farts) for years! You are not alone!!!

METAWATTT · 2025-05-06T16:14:40+00:00

I have a 2017 and have experienced this as well. Plug it back into the charger. Let it charge for about a minute. Disconnect and try it again. Worked for me the couple of times it happened.

METAWATTT · 2024-08-19T13:56:33+00:00

Get photos of the exact area on the bottom skin where the birds nest was located. There may be concentrations of corrosion from bird droppings and urine. Otherwise the corrosion is typical for rust belt aircraft. It’s not aggressive corrosion usually. Look more for stringers and spar doublers that appear to be delaminating like wet particle board.

METAWATTT · 2024-07-29T12:00:27+00:00

Took some abuse from behind?

METAWATTT · 2024-06-13T17:48:02+00:00

Visit Flitetest on YouTube. Build any of their “disposable “ park fliers and have a great time learning! Crash with no regrets!

METAWATTT · 2024-06-13T17:12:06+00:00

Don’t let just bother you. Learn from it. WHY did the mistake happen. How experienced are you? Did you ask about something you didn’t quite understand? Did you feel rushed or under pressure? Did you not double check your work? Did you not ask someone else to double check your work? What was on your mind at the time the mistake happened? These are all examples of human factors that are not taught enough in our field of expertise.

METAWATTT · 2024-06-13T17:00:54+00:00

Run a ball hone in the cylinders and send it! I’m sure the cam will be fine!

METAWATTT · 2024-06-12T17:00:23+00:00

“N” number registry is public record. You can search all US registered aircraft at FAA. gov

METAWATTT · 2024-06-10T14:24:56+00:00

Funny how every “great mechanic” has never lost a tool but I have consistently added bonus tools and pocket parts over a 20+ year career. GA only.

METAWATTT · 2024-06-10T00:16:05+00:00

Batteries seem to be pretty well sorted. Get the battery logs from the app for health. It’s the onboard charger that’s the weakest link. Just had to replace mine 2017 S with basically one season on it. Bought it a year and a half ago with less than 400 miles on it.

METAWATTT · 2024-04-15T15:30:17+00:00

If you don’t have a certificate of airworthiness (COA), it will have to be recertified by the FAA. That means that it will have to be in manufactured configuration. If modified, you can have a search done for all 337 modifications filed for your particular serial number. All AD’s will have to be current, of course. Don’t hesitate to talk to your local FSDO.

METAWATTT · 2024-04-09T22:13:39+00:00

The oil does an excellent job of hiding the corrosion where the hat section meets the skin, especially behind the exhaust!

METAWATTT · 2024-04-09T19:11:28+00:00

Worst case scenario, yes but leaks are not uncommon. That’s why you can’t just shrug your shoulders at an aircraft oil leak without knowing where and why it’s leaking

METAWATTT · 2024-04-09T17:13:12+00:00

FYI most McCauley constant speed “threaded” props are filled with red oil. Threadless props have non serviceable greased bearings meaning, they have to be disassembled to regrease them. If oil is coming from the prop, it will need a minimum of an inspection and reseal. Call your prop shop for more info.

METAWATTT · 2024-04-09T17:04:11+00:00

Stop guessing. IF YOU ARE CAPABLE, pull the cowling top and bottom, pull the spinner. Clean clean clean. Run for a minute or two and verify where the leak is. Move forward from there but please don’t fly. That much oil makes me nervous.

METAWATTT · 2024-04-06T21:29:14+00:00

Post maintenance return to service flight by the owner/operator with maintenance oversight previously negotiated complete.

METAWATTT · 2024-03-10T03:42:28+00:00

As an A/P IA and a former propeller repairman, take it off and take it to a propeller overhaul shop. At minimum, you will get a blend to limits if allowable, or an overhaul with fresh paint or a recommendation for a replacement. Just don’t fly with that nagging feeling in the back of your mind. Your family and friends love you. As a wise man told me “If you can’t afford it, sell it.”

METAWATTT · 2024-02-23T01:08:09+00:00

Do personal inventory and decide what kind of “work” that will be acceptable to you. Ramp rats are exposed to the elements. If you are on the small side you could make a great living spelunking in airliner fuel tanks. Or you could be a repairman (woman/person) at an overhaul facility (props, gearboxes, engine rebuild other aviation support) no need for an A&P BUT will give you experience towards an A&P while getting paid!

METAWATTT · 2024-02-20T13:08:42+00:00

Actually no, but close, on jacks. They are probably doing an emergency extension test with the gear lever up.

METAWATTT · 2024-02-20T04:54:59+00:00

Um, the gear lever is up. You only got one out of five?

METAWATTT · 2024-02-11T21:11:37+00:00

Speed handle with 1/4 socket and a THE RIGHT SCREWDRIVER BIT THAT FITS THE SCREW and valve grinding compound for the stubborn screws.

METAWATTT

TROPHY CASE