Question Recommendations for Spare Parts "Inventory"

[lrobichaux]

Just picked up my new NXCub w/ the Lycoming IO-393. For those CubCrafters owners with more experience, what's your recommendations for a spare parts inventory to maintain in the plane / hangar. I realize that this may involve a $$ investment that may sit around till needed, but I'd rather have that than the plane being down for weeks.

In addition to the obvious things like spark plugs, air cleaner, brake pads, spare inspection plates, spare VGs and various screws and Kotter pins, what else would you recommend based on your experience with "early failures" that would ground the plane? What about mags, aux fuel pump, spare gas caps, etc?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Neal]

Hmm, interesting question and I admit I have a little problem being a hoarder as like you mentioned I want to be ready for when something calls.

In the plane:

I carry a spare fuel cap, while I may not need it, someone else may, I'm not sure yours is the same as mine in that respect but I suggest carrying one. If one flies off from someone not tightening or inspecting it then you're in a pickle.

I paid a lot of money for stuff to support TacAero as a thanks for their help in my situation in 2021. I bought their tacnets and molle bags, spares kit, snap on toolkit, survival kit, among other goodies. I carry a 12V tire inflator and patch kit which I got from Airframes Alaska. I carry a spare qt of oil and paper funnels. I do keep a tent, water, and MRE's in my cargo pod in the event I'm stuck somewhere overnight in an off airport landing.

CubCrafters likely gave you a spare parts kit which is a nice addition today vs my 2021 delivery. Spare screws of many types such as for cowl, etc. I recently swapped out my tailwheel which made me realize my spares of AN bolts, washers, nuts, etc. caused me a delay so I bought various items of those to have in my toolbox.

As for tools, consider torque wrenches, sockets, and various other things I'm sure you'll think of. I have at least one set of spare spark plugs, I keep a few in the plane (2-3?). Plenty of oil and oil filters as I change mine typically around every 25 hours is my target. Go to the blackstone labs website and order the free test kits and get some of those in your inventory.

I also hoard cleaning supplies and just posted that I ordered a bunch of microfiber towels from Costco. I like the turtlewax CC gave us in the cleaning kit.

I'd say balance what you need vs what you think you'll need. Your hangar and in flight spares will grow as you think of and/or actually need things. Aircraft Spruce is my main go to for supplies and they are very fast like Amazon for shipping. Amazon of course is a good source too.

Fire extinguisher for the hangar.

Fun stuff, I asked the same long ago how to outfit my hangar, so so in the help and info available, and I just started thinking through things and growing my supply which has also helped hangar neighbors, etc.

 

[lrobichaux]

Great advice and appreciate your thoughts!