(Part 2) Top products from r/aviationmaintenance

I’m an mechanic and and owner as well so I see both sides. Your intuition is right to get it out, it’s going to suck but the peace of mind is worth it.

Not sure if you already have some but some mechanical fingers will help you as it gets closer to getting it out.

The fuel will be a double edge sword, it will enable the float to float, but once it’s floating it’s going to move all over. My recommendation is once you get a visual on the float, try to grab it a bit with the fingers. If that doesn’t work get it positioned within the ribbed compartment of where the fuel cap is and drain the tank. Once the fuel is out of the compartment the float won’t be so easily moved and will be easier to grab with mechanical fingers, a bent coat hanger, what ever it takes to try to get the float close to the fuel cap.

In regards to draining the tank, obviously you can use the fuel drains but that will take forever and is kinda messy. I’d recommend purchase a siphon to speed it up. My favorite go to is the super siphon because it’s got a glass marble on the end to prime the line you just shake it up and down so there’s no drinking fuel and it has great flow once started. It comes in handy for jobs like this or say you decide to bring the extra person but your tanks are topped you can cleanly drain fuel into 5 gallon cans to shed the excess fuel. I know it says unavailable but look around the farm supply stores, home improvement stores, etc and you’ll be able to find one if you want that brand.

Not sure about the waterproof on the borescope you have. Depending on the unit it might not be waterproof but I’d check with the manufacturers specs to get an idea.

So the bad news will be if that float doesn’t float your going to have to go even deeper and remove sheet metal to find it. I imagine if your fuel tank indications were normal or at least somewhat working(at least reads full or close to it when full) it will float. This is rare but can happen.

Good luck, happy fishing!

The avotek book here is kind of our default text book, but I really don't like it. It doesn't do a good job at explaining things, and there's excess stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1933189282/ref=mp_s_a_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1485311225&sr=8-26&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=avotek

This book is pretty good, but has a LOT of minor errors that can be distracting.

https://www.amazon.com/NCATT-AET-Test-Study-Guide/dp/1484094433

This book is AWESOME! Even though it's not an aviation book, it explains 90% of what's on the AET and it does a really good job at explaining it. You could definitely buy an older addition to save some cash. If you buy this book you will have to use other material for things like FOE, fund. of flight, corrosion, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1111128537/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485311149&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=introduction+to+electronics&dpPl=1&dpID=51taV6yqLTL&ref=plSrch

Finally, watch these videos on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SpqwAasxY7U

The guy is a professor at a community college and again, even though it's not aviation related, he explains 90% of what's on the AET incredibly well.

Hope that helps!

Remember 7-11 twists per inch, I think that's IAW AC-43 or this handy book that should be in your toolbox. http://www.amazon.com/Aviation-Mechanic-Handbook-The-Standard/dp/1560278986

Also your middle bolt is "neutral" and is NOT being assisted by the lock/safety wire.

It should look like this: http://image.customclassictrucks.com/f/28178941/1003cct_13_o+how_to_safety_wire+screwheads_double_twist_method.jpg So you have an "S" shape at each bolt. This is so it's always being pulled tight incase a fastener is loosened.

Other people are also right, in that you should be doing the twists counter clockwise at each interval such as: http://firetrucksandequipment.tpub.com/TM-9-254/img/TM-9-254_202_1.jpg The second picture from the top. This pushes the wire into the work so that it doesn't come up over the top of the head of the fastener.

I was also taught not to twist the wire by hand at a 180 degree angle as it might nick it causing stress raiser but as usual YMMV.

Oh yeah, before I forget, bend your tails so you don't cut the next person sticking their hand in doesn't get cut (run your finger over just to make sure). I saw it the other day, on a Cessna Conquest in the engine compartment, it wasn't nice, the guy got cut pretty bad.

Happy to help. This is my 4" block I did at trade school. https://i.imgur.com/GvV19aV.jpg All done by hand...

practice, practice, practice :)

Not quite what I think you're looking for but I'll recommend it anyway.

"To Love An Aluminum Bitch"

An ex-mechanic wrote a book of poems and stories about maintenance. There are some excellent entries in there.

To Love An Aluminum Bitch: Stories & Lyrics of Aviation Maintenance & Adventure https://www.amazon.com/dp/1499635036/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5a04CbTBWAMZC

If you have needle fittings and a little bit of room to work, these hand pumps are great. Got 1 on a whim to try since it was cheap, and I was so impressed I now have one for each type of grease I regularly use.

https://www.amazon.com/Astro-101-Grease-Needle-Nozzle/dp/B000FMK7FG

These would be a good start:
GROL+Radar https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053606/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_CgirzbRG9608Q

Avionics Training: Systems, Installation, and Troubleshooting https://www.amazon.com/dp/1885544219/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Giirzb62JVYSC

Plain-English Study Guide for the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJ9X8AA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jjirzbHP0JBY6

GROL Plus: General Radiotelephone Operator License Plus Radar Endorsement https://www.amazon.com/dp/0945053142/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Mjirzb020BB3W

Shop around for these or check with libraries.

If he's an older guy. Look at the Bifocal Safety Glasses.

https://www.amazon.com/DPG59-115C-Reinforcer-Rx-Bifocal-Performance-Protective/dp/B000646VF8/ref=pd_bxgy_469_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000646VF8&pd_rd_r=fbbb5399-ebd1-11e8-b0e1-cb0baae9fd4f&pd_rd_w=kK7sv&pd_rd_wg=xpDG6&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=R8974SMVVGA3TG0CC050&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=R8974SMVVGA3TG0CC050

Basically reading glasses in a safety frame.

I take a tool bag in the plane and I always put the tool back in the bag and never leave them laying elsewhere. Tool inventory before going in and after leaving will help like /u/ruminatingroy said.

I love these - https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Earmuff-Protectors-Hearing-Protection/dp/B00009LI4K/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510080043&sr=1-4&keywords=3m+ear+protection

custom fitted with these -
https://smile.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-Camelback-Sealing-HY80/dp/B00DHVXKVA/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1510080212&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=3m+ear+protection+gel+pads

The Gel pads last for years and years where as the regular ones last only a few months. Plus the gel pads are insanely more comfortable and form fitting giving you better sound protections. The pads are a bit spendy but mine are going on 5 years with no sign of slowing down. I made a custom soft nylon elastic cover to slip over the gels as the gels can get a bit sweaty.

IRWIN makes the best one IMO.
Take a stubby #30 and drill 1/4” in.
Use this on a 1/2” socket and viola.
Use the 1/8” with a #30.
IRWIN HANSON 53227 Hex Head Multi-Spline Screw Extractor Set, 25 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRG66/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yCuVAb89CXJ6H

Not OP, but it looks like the same thing I use

Not sure if these are any good, I just make my own..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRIX2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NHmMBbFVPVQZ4

https://www.amazon.com/Homak-Industrial-22-Inch-Cantilever-BW00210220/dp/B001CM27N8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1535844986&sr=8-3&keywords=homak

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https://www.amazon.com/Army-Universe-Heavy-Military-Mechanics/dp/B000BFNJFW

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Those above hold all my tools I need for work. I work for an airline which provides all of the measurement tools, specialty tools or really large stuff. I keep the essentials in the small bag and 95% of the time it has all I need. With most planes, you don't need metric. Only metric I have in my box is a set of metric allen keys ( CRJ map light set screws and Airbus Faucet set screws) and a 13mm socket (some Airbus contactors). Only 1/2 drive I have is one long rachet and a 25/32 deep socket for brake nuts. Most big boxes I see are either half empty, have a dedicated spare parts drawer, or portable locker. I have seen some sheet metal guys with huge boxes and needed every bit of it for stuff.

Bright, LED (higher power lower battery draw). Rechargable. And lastly maybe a plastic body with a grip thats ribbed for those oily inspections. I use a streamlight but its up to you

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015ZO8VG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/130-3433638-1209704?ie=UTF8&qid=1521577212&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=streamlight+75813&dpPl=1&dpID=41iTP5r2lML&ref=plSrch

This is the tool.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-48-32-2100-OFF-SET-Power-Screwdriver/dp/B0000224AW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474247477&sr=8-2&keywords=milwaukee+angle+driver

Add a electric screwdriver on the end. A 1/4 drive bit socket holder on the other and it starts bolts all day.

Grease pencil?

https://www.amazon.ca/Sharpie-PEEL-OFF-Marker-China-Bullet/dp/B00006IFGI

What about lumocolor?
https://www.amazon.ca/Lumocolor-STAEDTLER-Medium-Permanent-WP4/dp/B0007OEDTI/ref=asc_df_B0007OEDTI/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292949943083&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7519204589404555918&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9000806&hvtargid=pla-318346758646&psc=1

May have to search individually...
https://www.amazon.com/Airframe-Test-Guide-2019-Fast-Track/dp/1619546620/ref=sxbs_sxwds-stvp?keywords=a%26p+study+material&pd_rd_i=1619546620&pd_rd_r=69d0efce-8e21-440c-a081-464ea68999a4&pd_rd_w=lGdic&pd_rd_wg=musLo&pf_rd_p=d006b618-5fac-44e6-850d-a0fdd19f7847&pf_rd_r=7DBE57T3S9QGAY7NTFDP&qid=1564233759&s=gateway&sprefix=a%26p+