As long as you've thought it through, and have a plan for the known and predictable, the unpredictable will have to be handled as it comes along. It's rare that everything is perfect for aircraft maintenance, we do the best we can. I just like to start things toward being easy and comfortable. I fin...

The only way I can think of to be sure that there's no concern about a potential conflict of interest, is to have an open, and complete discussion with your day employer. If the employer has no concerns, you probably have no concerns. I'd make sure there's a written record of that discussion... I ca...

Ahramin's advice is excellent, so I won't repeat it. That said, for the most part, you'll encounter two types of GA owners: Unable to truly afford their plane, and amply able to afford their plane. Owners who can't afford their plane, as sympathetic as you may feel, will not willingly pay you for th...

Your work ethic, strong back, flexibility, ability to take constructive criticism and willingness and ability to learn. There's the key. At least for the Ma and Pa operations, you're looking for the boss who says to you: "I will never ask you to do a job around here that I would not do.",...

This AD is mandating an inspection which should be being done anyway. I've seen several 180/185 with defects in this area (worn or cracked "hockey sticks". There is an after market source of replacement hockey sticks, as Cessna's seem to have become very expensive. They are not all the sam...

Would you tell us which Cessna? I'm thinking 180/185?

Agreed, the engine is coming off, and the accessories overhauled. None are calendar/hour due yet, but I'm making them due now!

The debris inside a pump should be only ultra-fine dry graphite powder worn off the vanes, by design, which lubricates them. The debris in the pump could also include engine oil mist which has been drawn into the pump, This oil mist mixes with the carbon dust, and cam produce a sticky sludge. Depen...

Most vacuum pump vanes are angled so as to "trail" the rotational axis. Okay when turning forward, as they will tend to lift themselves over debris or imperfections in the vacuum pump bore. When turned backward, the vanes can tend to bind into gunge in the bore of the vacuum pump. They, an...

Consider your vacuum pump as you consider turning your engine backward. I avoid turning engines backward...

I am curious if you know if the primer was originally designed to be also used on a (rough) running engine as opposed to only during start? The POH says: "Continue to prime the engine until it is running smoothly, or alternatively, pump the throttle over the first 1/4 of total travel." I'...

Why can't you pump throttle? What are risks, damage? Well, to begin with rapidly changing the throttle setting on an engine you're trying to get to idle nicely is counterproductive. That said, carbs with an accelerator pump (most) will squirt a stream about like a water pistol, when the throttle is...

Anyone got any advice? tips etc about flying one? It is very important that you understand the fuel system completely, and use it exactly as intended. It's an excellent systems (four or six tanks), but it will embarrass you if you operate it incorrectly. Do actual weight and balance calculations fo...

This O-200 is configured with a primer nozzle on each cylinder injection port, rather than one nozzle above the carb, so I too was surprised that fuel could find its way back to the carb and airbox, but, they are down hill! No, I don't pump the throttle, the accelerator pump is not designed to work ...

Yeah... it's carb fire season. I was starting the 150 to take my grandson flying this morning. I'd left it plugged in all night with the engine blanket on, so it was nice and warm in the hangar. The air wasn't though. I had it running after start, though not as smoothly as I wished, I think I'd fros...

This information would go along way in answering any questions, take the mystery and assumptions out of what had happened previously for both the next owner and AME installer/maintainer. Good logs is good value, all around ! Exactly! These floats had previously been modified, by persons unknown. Th...

'Turns out after a little searching, that there is a TC Component Log https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/atplogsec5.php I've approved a modification to a set of floats, and will ask the owner to start a component log for the floats, describing the modification and approval, so the record...

Inquire at Orillia Aviation, whom I believe are now associated with Georgian Bay Airways. Orillia Lake St John is an ideal training base. Parry Sound is bigger water - doable, though fewer sheltered areas. You can look for rental accommodation in Orillia and the local area. Be aware that some proper...

If you have an unpleasant event off the marked area of a runway, you might be having an unpleasant discussion with your insurer. Give the airport authority some credit for marking the runway to represent the area of the runway suited for operations. You may not be aware of the reasons for a paved po...

Just checked today: reducing throttle slightly in a full power climb has no significant effect on fuel flow (< 0.1gph), but CHT does start dropping In general, I agree with this. I will close the throttle a little, speed up as much as possible and reduce the climb accordingly, if I'm getting too ho...