Tool Talk

So, You Get to Fix a PT6...

What Is It and How Do You Fix It?

Alright, let’s talk about the PT6. If you work around general or charter aviation, you’re going to see this engine—a lot. The Pt6 and all its variants power everything from small turboprops to helicopters, and when it breaks (which it will), you’ll fix it. But don’t freak out.

Engines can be intimidating, especially when you’re new. The PT6 is no exception. But with the right tools, performing line maintenance doesn’t have to be a pain. I’ve spent hundreds of hours working on these engines, and here’s my go-to list of tools to make your life easier and keep your lead happy.

The Tools That Make the PT6 Your Friend, Not Your Enemy 

1. 1/4” Drive Sockets & Extensions

• Specifically, a 12-point long socket with the bevel ground away.

• Keeps you from rounding out case bolts and wasting time.

• Use wobble extensions. They will let you reach tight spots without mangling your hands and wanting to cry. These extensions were recommended to me by a very seasoned engine guy. I’ve strictly used them ever since.

2. Swivel Sockets

• A ¼ drive 5/16 12-point swivel socket will be your best friend. Normally $25-$35

• Because engineers love torturing mechanics, they hide bolts in the most ridiculous places like the engine frame or under the AGB. 

3. Electric Ratchet

• Stop hand-wrenching all 50 bolts on the air plenum by hand. Get an electric ratchet and save your wrists.

4. Lights—You’re Not Batman, Don’t Work Blind 

• Magnetic Light – Even in a well-lit hangar, engine bays are dark caves. Get a good light with a strong magnet. (Place it on the engine mount which is made of steel.)

• Headlamp – Your hands are full, so let your big, beautiful forehead do the lighting. Get a lamp with a rechargeable battery and a comfortable head strap.

5. Extendable Magnet & Inspection Mirror

• You will drop something. Be ready to fish it out without dismantling half the engine bay. Be prepared to look for it for the whole shift. Use a bendable magnet and a large circular mirror to fins and then grab your lost hardware.

• Check the lowest point in the engine bay first. 90% of the time, what you dropped will be there.

Pro Tip: Avoid the Pain Points

The PT6 plenum is an absolute pain to reinstall, the engine mounts are a monster to safety and the accessory gearbox components will make you wish you worked for the airlines, so save yourself the struggle—use long extensions and the right tools to work around airframe and engine components that are 100% going to be in your way.

Upgrade Your Tools & Your Hangar Cred

Having the right tools doesn’t just make your job easier—it makes you look like you actually know what you’re doing. Want to be the mechanic that gets called in for the tough jobs? Work smarter, not harder. Check out the Product Recommendations section in the newsletter and gear up like a real mechanic.

Let us know your thoughts on the PT6. Reply to this email! We read all of your responses.

Author: Nathan LaVoie

News

Flex Jet Orders $7 Billion Worth of Embraer Business Jets.  New Career Opportunities for You.

What’s Going on:

Flex Jet, the world’s second-largest charter operation by hours, has bought 182 Praetor 600s / 500s and Phenom 300E jets worth approximately 7 Billion dollars. Flex Jet currently operates over 300 aircraft and will receive delivery of its new aircraft over a 6-year period. This is the largest single order of aircraft Flex Jet has made and Embraer Executive Jets has received to date. What does this mean for you? More job opportunities, state-of-the-art aircraft to work on, and a global presence that’s expanding fast.

Tell me more:

Global Maintenance Network: FlexJet currently operates 12 maintenance hangars across the United States and Europe—from Cleveland to Dallas to Milan— With the new jets, you can expect them to ramp up hiring. The recent purchase means FlexJet needs more mechanics, technicians, and support staff than ever before. If you’re looking to break into charter aviation or advance your maintenance career, this is a prime chance.

Next Steps: Where to Apply: Check out FlexJet’s current job openings on LinkedIn, JSFirm, and Indeed. You can also visit FlexJet’s official website for details on each maintenance facility, their AOG team locations, and direct links to available positions.

If you’re into new Biz Jets then don’t miss out on a great opportunity to be part of FlexJet’s exciting new chapter.

[Just so we are clear, this post is not sponsored] 😀 

Original article

Why LinkedIn Is the Cheapest Tool in Your Toolbox

Hint: It won’t cost you a dime, and it might just land you your next gig.

The 30-Second Rundown

We all love fancy torque wrenches and obscure sockets but there’s another tool you shouldn’t ignore: LinkedIn. Not only does it cost exactly $0, but it’s also the perfect place to level up your aviation career—without the social-media ick factor.

Build a Network (Minus the Awkward Small Talk)

He what you need to start with LinkedIn:

• Post a professional headshot

• Highlight your maintenance credentials: A&P, IA, manufacturer-specific training.

• Connect with your classmates: Start with the classmates from your A&P school. (Just click Connect on their profiles; you don’t actually have to talk to anyone)

• Add coworkers past and present: If you’ve worked together for more than five minutes, send a request to connect.

• Watch your feed: LinkedIn sends you updates when people change jobs—meaning you instantly have a personal contact at a new company.

  I landed a job at an MRO after seeing a friend’s post and contacting him. One quick message later, I was scheduled for an interview.

Talk Straight to Companies and Recruiters 

Companies spend time and money on recruiting, and recruiters love an “easy button.” Be the “easy button” by reaching out first. I have directly messaged recruiters, leads, and A&P mechanics in various roles for information about their companies. I asked what they liked and didn’t like about the company and, based on their opinions, decided to go with other opportunities.  When I found places I wanted to work and got introduced to the people in charge of hiring, getting the job I wanted was much easier.

Bonus: Many recruiters post new roles on LinkedIn before they hit Indeed, JS firm, or Zip Recruiter.

Social Validation = Trust

Ever check out a new business but get sketched out when they don’t have a decent website? The same goes for hiring. When recruiters see a professional LinkedIn profile, they’re more likely to believe you are real—and much more likely to pass your name along or schedule you for an interview.

Play The Game: No cringe required

If you hate the idea of social media, DO NOT WORRY. LinkedIn has its own culture, and you don’t have to talk to anyone when getting started. You especially don’t have to brag about your job or what you did on the weekend. Just consistently grow your connections and monitor your feed for new opportunities; repost a few things you find cool if you want, but for the most part, you do not have to participate at all.

Final Approach

In a world where a single tool can cost you half a paycheck, LinkedIn is a rare freebie that can seriously boost your career. Spend a few minutes a week clicking “connect,” and you will be very surprised at how many opportunities come your way.

Let us know your thoughts on LinkedIn as a tool. Reply to this email! We read all of your responses.

Speaking of Connecting…

If you want to be featured or know someone who’s interested in Mechanic’s Log, let us know at [email protected] We’d love to hear your input and want to share your story.

Recommendations 🔦 

We put together another list of tools that will get you started and won’t make your wallet cry:

Wobble extension set: $14.99

Swivel socket set: $9.99

1/4” Drive deep-wells: $34.00

Electric Ratchet: $84.99

Magnetic standing light: $31.99

Telescoping magnet: $13.98

Inspection Mirror: $12.98

Rechargeable Headlamp: $49.97

Just so you know…we aren’t sponsored by, well, anyone! We just want to help kickstart your career and save you some money along the way.

Let us know your thoughts on these tools, or any that you would suggest. Reply to this email! We read all of your responses.

MEME of the week…

Have you seen any amazing or dank Aviation Memes? Reply to this email and send them to us!