opinion on side duties

[svcta]

What is the collective opinion on dressing of de-ice boots?

Mx function or one of those side jobs that goes with keeping the a/c clean?

Anyone who has ever done this job will understand why it is a legit question. It is a labor intensive, day long job that involves gloves, scotch brite pads and lots of noxious chemicals.

 

[Hawker800]

Used to do it on our King Air until it got sold. Once every six months. Never really gave it a second thought. Of course this depends on your situation such as compensation and your understanding wth your employer.

 

[SpaceBall 1]

Did it once a month or whenever needed on Westwinds for 7 years. Pretty typical corporate job. First corp job, we flew 400hrs/year/jet with 2 jets, few overnights and 6 pilots. Pretty cush, so I didn't mind wiping the boots and there was a bit of pride I took in have boots I could see myself in. 2nd corp job, 1 jet, 2 pilots, 350hrs per year. No problem. Now, someone else manages the a/c and I fly lots more. No time for dressing the boots, but wish I did. They look like crap!

 

[alaskaborn]

I use PBS Boot prep and Boot Sealant from JetStream Aviation. Here's a link: http://www.jetstreamproducts.com/jetstreamproducts/?sys=Pbs De-Ice Boot System

It only takes me a few minutes to prep the boots, let it dry and then seal them. They always look great and I love to walk by other King Air's on the ramp and see how dull and faded their boots are while mine are still bright and shiny! I think it's definately part of the deal when you're washing the airplane, mostly because it's the finishing touch. Kinda like the Armor-All on the tires when you're done washing the car, right?

 

[sperfly]

What is the collective opinion on dressing of de-ice boots?

Mx function or one of those side jobs that goes with keeping the a/c clean?

Anyone who has ever done this job will understand why it is a legit question. It is a labor intensive, day long job that involves gloves, scotch brite pads and lots of noxious chemicals.

Are you fu(king kidding me, A side job for me is putting office furniture togheter or waxing the bosses 37 foot fishing boat or installing his freaking sprinkler system. Putting a little bit of boot dressing on is nothing. And that is exactly why I am leaving the corporate gig and going 121. But then again I worked for a complete d!ck and yes I'm at fault for putting up with it. But seriously dressing the boots really isn't that hard and in my opinon isn't that big of a deal. And I've never spent more than 15 minutes doing it.

 

[NW Flyer]

It was easier on a King Air than a TurboCommander, didn't need a ladder.

Our mx department was usually staffed with some real winners, good luck trying to get them to wipe their greasy handprints off the airplane after maintenance, let alone WASH an airplane or dress the boots!

 

[TXDA2000]

Typical side job for most TP operators.

Falls into the category of "might as well do it myself, cause I'm the only one that will do it right".

 

[treetop flyer]

Typical side job for most TP operators.

Falls into the category of "might as well do it myself, cause I'm the only one that will do it right".

That's the truth. At my last job, we did the boots on our Commander every few months. Without in-house maintenance, the job falls to the pilots. Just be careful with those chemicals. I've ruined numerous pairs of pants while standing on a ladder wiping the wing...invest in a good pair of overalls and WEAR them!! Also, be sure to wear eye protection.

Good luck.
TF

 

[svcta]

Thanks for the insights. The way our mechanic showed me to do this it takes way longer than 15 minutes. I'm not kidding that it took us probably 4 or 5 hours last time. He will go nuts if the dressing gets put on over any old stuff that didn't get removed....and by his own technique it takes a long time with scotch brite pads and the stripper(not the good kind) to get the stuff off of there. According to him the boots can be damaged in the stripping process. With this in mind, and paired with the fact that it is a long, nasty job.....and further paired that our Mech. would prefer it if the flight crew "took care of the inside, and I'll take care of the outside". What should I tell the C.P.?

And by the way...someone said this was typical for TP operators. What sucks more is that this is a jet(with boots)

 

[Flyboy Sabre 65]

If the mech. doesn't think your doing it right, tell him to do it!!!