Just started...

[Folding_Expert]

Hi everyone. I've been lurking around here for some time, along with some goofy posts intertwined, but figured I'd choose now to formally introduce myself.

I'm a line tech at a high-traffic municipal airport down in South Florida (kind of like a warm Teterboro, but a little smaller), and I am quite happy to announce that I've recently started flying lessons at one of the flight schools based at my work.

Anyway, now that I am actually flying a real plane (as opposed to my beloved computer simulator), you'll probably see me popping in with the occasional question or concern (or two). Otherwise, I'll try and keep out of everyone's way in the process and try to learn as much as possible.

On a side note, I know some stuff about planes that pilots aren't required to, nor do most people know (or probably care) about. In the rare event that you do have a question about my line of work, feel free to ask; I truly enjoy to talk about my job, as it is more unique and rewarding than most (second probably only to flying). I hope there are some out here that can relate to what I do (although I have yet to spot one).

Hope to see you all around.

 

[Flechas]

I hope there are some out here that can relate to what I do (although I have yet to spot one).

Hope to see you all around.

Actually, a lot of us have had the same job you do, including myself.

Welcome to the family! We are very disfunctional, but you'll have a lot of fun here!

Flechas.

 

[User546]

Yes, welcome to our disfunctional family! Since you've been lurking around here for some time, you do not what your getting into!

As you also probably no, its a long standing tradition to buy everyone who participates in this thread the first round of drinks!

I'll start out with a Capt and Coke please...

 

[Flechas]

Gin and Tonic for me!!

 

[Folding_Expert]

As you also probably no, its a long standing tradition to buy everyone who participates in this thread the first round of drinks!

I'll start out with a Capt and Coke please...

Gin and Tonic for me!!

Done and done!

 

[Goose Egg]

I'll take a Caffiene Free Diet Coke with Lime.

-Goose

 

[minitour]

I like shots out of breasts....anything with breasts

 

[PC12Cowboy]

Shot of Grand Mariner up neat ...warmed but not hot and a coke back
<old bartender

 

[nosehair]

Line tech? ...and you know stuff about airplanes that pilots are not required to know?...like what? Seriously. I'm only here to learn, not joke around. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Throw something out here that you think your job requires you to know about airplanes that the pilot isn't supposed to know.

 

[SigAV8R]

Crown and coke here.

 

[Folding_Expert]

..you know stuff about airplanes that pilots are not required to know?

Yes. But not in the context you are probably thinking in. Allow me to explain.

A pilot's knowledge tends to focus on the safe operation of an airplane, whereas my job requires me to focus on how to service one. The same relative relationship exists for a mechanic, whos knowledge focuses on repairing and maintaining one.

That said, even though all pilots are required to know how to operate the aircraft they fly, it is extremely unlikely that there is a pilot that currently flies every single type of aircraft I service. As a non-causal result of this, I happen to possess knowledge regarding general aviation airplanes that most pilots don't.

For example, a Hawker or Gulfstream pilot probably doesn't know (or care) why I can still tow a Citation XLS without disconnecting the scissors, or why I can't use a Lecktro tug on an MU-2 or Westwind. Or why I can use a universal bar on a Lear 31, but not a 60. Or what the nosewheel turning limit is on a Baron compared to a Cessna 414 or what the consequences are if I were to exceed them.

Then there's stuff like why I can use a regular jet fuel nozzle on Piper Meridian turbine conversion, but not if a complete top-off is required. Or what I do when the single-point isn't functioning on a Lear 45. Or what planes I need a special tool for in order to service the lavs. Or why all three valves must be open when fueling Falcon 50's.

All of this is just the tip of the iceberg.

What pilot is going to know all this stuff unless they fly these planes on a regular basis, and maybe not even then? The answer is - they probably won't. Why? Because they don't have to. The reason why is because they are pilots, not line techs.

All I'm saying is that, like most other professions in the field, my job requires a large degree of unique knowledge about airplanes, just as if someone else would have if they were a pilot, dispatcher, engineer, welder, mechanic, or air traffic controller.

I wasn't trying to boast or anything. I just wanted people to know that line techs have to know stuff about airplanes besides how to throw bags and play with night wands.

 

[Goose Egg]

Props to the line guys.

 

[HMR]

Folding Expert- Excellent post. I worked for a 12-15 plane charter operator with no line personel. It was a given that when I got called out in the middle of the night my plane would be tucked in the very back of the hangar. After a few hundred hangar purge/refill sessions I am an expert on the Lektro, Tractor and those worthless two-wheel hand tugs. By far the hardest thing for our newhires was figuring out how to move all the different planes.

Nosehair- I challenge you and any other CFI to a tug race.

 

[jaxpilot]

...or what happens when there is more than a 30 gallon difference in the tip tanks of an MU2. Lots of stuff to know out there in the world of line service. I know it has helped me gain a lot of knowledge about airplanes and the aviation world.

 

[Fly_Chick]

Very good post Folding Expert! I do a little line work where I am, yet often have a lot of questions that come up with fueling, towing, how to fix a broken tug! Good luck with your flight training.

p.m. with what airport you work at in Florida...