Author: Scott Skola
Back when the only inlet filter option for an Arriel engine was the bleed air type, it was a pain to comply with ground runs as the cowling had to remain installed with the filter bleed air line connected. There supposedly was a factory cap for the fitting on the engine that enabled removal of the cowling/filter assembly. But we, nor the tech reps, could ever procure one.
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
ATA 76 - Rolls-Royce 250-C20 Series - Found another booklet, but this one is a real collector item: Chandler Evans (CECO) MC-40 Fuel Control System Questions and Answers. I still shudder when I hear the word CECO. Bleed, bleed, bleed…starts running through my mind. And I don’t mean the red stuff. For those who hadn’t had the pleasure, a CECO system used fuel pressure to control function instead of air pressure like a Bendix system. Air in the control side would cause all kinds of problems. One tiny bubble of air and it seemed like you were bleeding the system for hours, days, weeks…. [Submitted by Rw]
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
Been a busy month. One interesting note, the Germans have 3D printed a flying aircraft. No BS. It’s small and unmanned. But, think of the future possibilities. Find a P/C link corroded, no problem. Instead of going through the antiquated process of ordering a new one, just mosey up to your handy-dandy Snap-On 3D part printer. Puts a whole new meaning to signing it off… “Fabricated new P/C link from….”
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ROTORwrench
Unfortunately, we start this month off on a terrible note. A North Sea aircraft loses its M/R head and blades in flight. While not the first time this has happened, it’s the first time I’ve seen a video of the head/blades spinning down without a helicopter below it. Enough said.
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ROTORwrench
Looks like the old B model…well, not exactly old…nor a true B…but at least it has a 206 M/R on it…any hoots…the Bell 505 looks to close in on 400 total orders this year. I guess you can say it’s pretty in its own way. I wish them luck.
Truth be told, when they stopped production on the Bell 206B, I did shed a tear or two. I had cut my rotorwing teeth on a B model. The good old days of cable operated rotorbrakes, and pan floats you could pack in your sleep. But, then again I also liked the SA315B, BO-105 and triple deuce.
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ROTORwrench
Well, I hope everyone who went, survived the showy…snowy…Heli-Expo this year. Then again, there’s not much “survival” required anymore. Seemed to be a lot of hoopla over this year’s location in Louisville. No dancing girls like Vegas, sunny beaches like Orlando, or big city delights like Dallas or Houston. For me, I never went for the location. All night parties and a ton of freebies made the day go by. Navigating the CCR show at Big B’s shindig, hacking invitations at the bus pick-up, and staying vertical the day after on the exhibit floor…now those were the survival skills of Expos past. Ha!
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
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.
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
Well, we made it through another year. And 2016 looks to be an interesting year ahead, especially for those working in the offshore market. Hopefully, with the repeal of the 40 year-old ban on domestic oil exports, these operators will be able to weather the “storm.” It will also be interesting how the rest of the industry reacts as the offshore side downsizes by adjusting fleets and manpower.
On a closer note, I am going to experiment with a few things on the blog this year. Received a few suggestions from readers. In addition to the monthly trick or tip, I will add one or two bits of reading material that never seem to make it out to the field level from aircraft manufacturer’s, ground support vendors, FAA, etc. We’ll see how this section develops this year.
Finally, besides hanging a new shingle out front, there are several other additions I’m working on, to include a possible “maintenance question-of-the-month” section, so check back regularly.
And here we go for 2016….
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
Another Bendix booklet, but for the good old C28. Appreciate all the support from the peanut gallery this year. And as requested, look for some changes next year as I add new content and info. Enjoy.
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Categories:
ROTORwrench
More old stuff.
ATA 76
Rolls-Royce 250-C20 Series: These Bendix booklets used to be worth their weight in gold. They gave a better intro to adjusting the fuel controls back when engine manuals were lacking. Knowledge is king. You’ll need an Adobe Reader program to view. C-28 and C-30 books to follow. [Submitted by Rw]
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Categories:
ROTORwrench