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Feb
22
2016
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Posted 8 years 287 days ago ago by Scott Skola
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Helicopter Maintenance Blog
February 2016
I heard 300,000 people registered their drones in response to the new FAA requirements. Amazing. Might be a niche market developing for an enterprising A&P. Knowing the FAA, there’s always a chance this may evolve into a separate airworthiness category like experimental or light sport; which require annual condition inspections by qualified individuals.
Since current drones are more rotor wing than fixed…who knows. Me personally, I’m waiting to see how long it takes someone to tie 50 Walmart drones to a lawn chair and take-off into the wide blue yonder, BB gun in hand.
And here we go….
TIPS and TRICKS
ATA 63
Bell 407
Ever troubleshoot the main transmission oil pressure system and found the pressure transmitter dented with teeth marks. You know…vis-grip marks? With the K-FLEX shaft installed, it’s a little difficult to remove the transmitter from the manifold, especially when attempting through the side doors on the intake cowl…with a cold north wind blowing up your pant leg…after a 2 hour boat ride…to an ancient toadstool…but I degress….
The transmitter requires a short, ultra-thin 5/8” wrench to engage the flats. Here are two options to make life easier and reduce damage. First, you can purchase a check nut wrench, or grind down a regular wrench to a head thickness of 1/8”. Cut the wrench to a total length of 3 inches to provide clearance at the K-FLEX which sits right above the transmitter wrench flats. See below for a DIY version.
Second, if the only 5/8” wrench you have is the one your great-grandfather gave you and you don’t want to cut it, find a pair of cannon plug pliers with the hard rubber jaws. Grab the transmitter body at its back edge (cannon plug side) and give it a turn. I’ve never tried this method with the intake on, but you never know. [Submitted by Rw]
MISC INFO
Went back to 2014 in the FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin (SAIB) database and pulled a couple out. The first is on S-92s, and the second Standard Hardware.
Click link
Click link
SUBMITTING MAINTENANCE TIPS/TRICKS/QUESTIONS/INFO:
Have an old tip or trick you’d like to share with your fellow mechanics? Or maybe a question that you can’t seem to find an answer to? Or just some info to pass on? Send an email to [email protected]
About the Author: After 32 years maintaining helicopters in various capacities, Scott concluded a full time career with a major operator in 2014. When not pursuing future writing projects, he can still be seen around the flight line tinkering on aircraft for beer money. 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.*