Top Letters And Comments, June 19, 2020

Did You Do That Safety Wiring?

Several years ago when I bought my airplane, my then mechanic told me that if I was going to do any work on the plane I needed to get a pair of safety wire pliers. So, when the Snap-On tool guy came around the mechanic led me to his van and asked for a pair. How much are they? I asked. That much? Wow. “Oh, but they are bi-directional”, Snap-On guy replied. Bi-directional, hmm. Well, I guess that is worth it, so I paid the man. The problem is that now, not only do I have to remember which way to wind the wire around the bold head, I also have to decide which direction to twist the wire. Too bad someone has not invented a pair of pliers that automatically knows which way to turn and how many turns are needed for a “proper” safety wiring job. In the meantime, I try to console myself by placing all my reject attempts in the recycle bin. I hate to see all that nice stainless steel go to waste.

John M.

Once had a phantom leak from an old Marvel carburetor. You are right that it’s almost certainly a float or needle valve. If it’s the float, the unit is coming off. If it is the needle valve there is a chance that a speck of debris has lodged between the needle and seat. A solid whack with a plastic hammer “repaired” my leak never to return.

P.S. It’s a shame there isn’t a hall of fame dedicated to botched safety wiring – I could fill a 55 gallon drum with mine.

Kim H.

Portable Speaker May Have Sunk Amphib

It happens…to all of us…I won’t mention mine. However, I picked up an Aeronca Chief to bring home. First time I removed the top cowling to look it over after I got it home, found a super-sized industrial strength pair of pliers sitting on top of the cylinders. And, Reba McEntire’s Hawker was coming in one night at the last airport at which I worked (ATC). Pilot couldn’t get the nose gear to extend. Landed with a beautiful shower of sparks. When finally ground to a halt, the airport brought a lift truck out to see if the nose could be raised and the gear extended by hand. It could. And as it was being done, a super-sized industrial strength flashlight dropped out of the gear mechanism. Among us, “there are those who have and those who will.”

Roger A.

Poll: Are You Doing Any Virtual Aviation Events?

Yes - The FAASTeam has transitioned their in-person events to webinars. Lots to choose from.
No. Too busy looking for work.
EAA, AMA club meetings, virtual workshops.
No. We are among the 93 million Americans who cannot get real high-speed internet at home.
There have been a few online presentations recently about avionics and other aircraft topics that I have “attended.” Seems like some vendors have decided this is a good way to keep the currently grounded pilots interested.
I live eating cookies, watching somebody eat cookies not so much.
My flying club has been holding virtual meetings since April. They've been well-attended, but it's not the same as an in-person event. Still, it's better than nothing.
Did a few aviation lectures over Zoom.
Get serious. This silliness has gone far enough!
I would but I’m afraid of Russ Niles’ wrath.
Rather than complaining I am spending more time flying my airplane. Any flying is better than none.
99s meetings.
Nope.
I organized a virtual rally for our club-members and had very few participants.
A320 school. LMS
Internet not available.
msFlights.net
Several webinars.
What virtual aviation events?