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Feb
23
2015
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Posted 9 years 58 days ago ago by Scott Skola
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This month we have two tips passed on by a couple of “old” guys. Also had a question if it mattered on model of helicopter. Nope. Any tip, on any helicopter, or engine, or component, or support item, or whatever helicopter related, will gladly be accepted for posting. From the Sikorsky R-4 to AW189. Nothing’s too old or too new. As you see below we have a tip on a Lama.
I plan to increase the number of tips per posting in the future, but for now I’ll stick with two while I work out a few logistics details. Post a comment if you got a question. If you got a tip, see below.
And now for February’s tips:
ATA 63
Sikorsky S-76A: If you’re in a bind and need to drain the main transmission from the bottom plug, you can fabricate a drain tool from an AN832 Straight Bulkhead fitting. The one pictured below is the “deluxe” model but simply drilling holes or cutting slots in the fitting will work too. Just add a hose of your choice. One word of caution: NEVER screw the fitting all the way in—only insert until oil flows and stop; otherwise you’ll jack screw the internal check valve into the transmission. Some have even added a stop to the threaded portion with a second piece of tubing or several AN924 Bulkhead nuts. [Submitted by Buckeye Ted]
ATA 79
Airbus SA315B: Ever had a Lama stuck on a ridge at 6000 feet in the Peruvian Andes with raising oil temperatures due to a collapsed oil cooler suction duct to the exhaust stack? No problem. Just cut the tops and bottoms out of 5 to 6 empty turbine oil cans and slide them INSIDE the collapsed duct. With the duct now “un-collapsed” fire it up and head to the house. [Submitted by DM]
SUBMITTING MAINTENANCE TIPS:
Just send an email to [email protected]. Enter tip type (general, aircraft, component, ground support, etc.) in subject line. Describe the tip in as much detail as needed and be sure to include any basic info for those readers that may lack experience on specific model. Ensure the aircraft/component model and your credit preference (anonymous, nickname, real name) are included in the email. No email addresses will be shared or permanently stored and will be deleted once tip is posted in the blog.
About the author: After a 32 year career in maintaining helicopters, Scott now provides limited maintenance consulting services through his company, TEK Aviation LLC. He can be contacted at [email protected].
*And to keep the hounds at bay, the information contained in this blog is for discussion purposes only.*