Aviation Maintenance: Back Shop: Tool Crib

Reduced Lift is Easy with Aerospoiler

For pilots who can’t hangar their airplanes, any inclement weather presents an opportunity for a damaged aircraft. AeroSpoiler is a lift-reduction system used to protect aircraft parked outside in high-wind conditions. PVC sheets in the shape of Venetian blind slats are held in place on the aircraft wing via commercial-grade suction cups. Each AeroSpoiler Kit contains 10 suction cup/receiver assemblies and eight 30-inch by 3-inch blades. The complete kit provides 20 feet of wing coverage and can reduce the lift-producing capability of an aircraft wing by as much as 96 percent. To install, attach the suction cups to the wing and insert the blades. The suction cups can withstand wind more than 200 mph. Constructed of injection-molded ABS and thick PVC sheets with marine-grade stainless steel hardware, AeroSpoilers will last for years, even in harsh, coastal environments. Sporty’s, 800-776-7897, www.sportys.com

Stanley Proto’s New Aerospace Ratchet

The new Stanley Proto aerospace ratchet was engineered to satisfy the unique work requirements of aircraft maintenance technicians. The ratchet can be used on different types of aircraft fasteners. Its head, or drive plug, includes a vertical through-hole where users can insert a hex key for the installation of frangible collars on threaded pins. The ratchet can also be fitted with conventional sockets for use with hex head nuts and bolts. The ratchet is designed to ease the task of installing or removing fasteners in hard to reach work areas. Its pear-shaped head is small enough to slip into tight spots, while its 45-tooth gear/floating pawl design provides an 8-degree ratcheting angle. A low profile reversing lever allows for quick, one-handed operation. Stanley Proto, 800-800-TOOL, www.stanleyproto.com

Tool Specialist Offers Unique Drill

Tool Specialists of Hollywood, Fla. designed a unique pneumatic 90? right-angle drill. The tool uses a better advantage 135? split point screw machine drill. A small adaptor can use threaded shank drills that are currently available. With three flexible collets, the drill encompasses a range of sizes from.039 to.250, which covers most sizes required in aircraft MRO. It operates at 3,500 rpm,.40 horsepower. The motor is quiet and the drill weighs only 2.4 pounds. Trial arrangements are available. Tool Specialists, 1-954-983-8489

Anti-Mold, Ventilated MSK-BAG Mask and Cannula Storage Case

AEROX now offers a ventilated MSK-BAG mask and cannula storage case that features dual ventilating and side mesh construction to help prevent mold growth on oxygen equipment. The custom 14-ounce canvas case comes with ventilating open plastic mesh on both sides to allow airflow to prevent moisture accumulation on mask or cannula. Mold growth can be a serious health risk in the cockpit because bacteria can quickly reproduce on the surface of a moisture-laden mask or cannula. Mold growth can also damage the emergency oxygen equipment pilots carry in case the event of cabin decompression. A convenient Velcro front panel on the MSK-BAG mask and cannula storage case access allows easy, quick access. AEROX also treats their oxygen masks with an anti-mold coating to help prevent growth and contamination. AEROX Aviation Oxygen, 800-237-6902, www.aerox.com

Abrasive Grind and Blend Kit Prepares Stainless

An abrasive grind and blend kit for stainless steel that removes heavy welds and leaves the surface ready for graining or final finishing is available from Rex-Cut Products, Inc. The Rex-Cut Grind and Blend Kit for stainless steel features two Type 27 wheels: one to grind down welds and cracks and another to remove remaining scratches and leave a 32 RMS or better finish. Providing smooth, chatter-free operation, the combination is ideal for removing heavy welds and then preparing the surface for graining or final finishing. Offered with or without hubs in 4-1/2" diameter sizes, the Rex-Cut Grind and Blend Kit includes a sigma green wheel that features a 36-grit zirconia-ceramic grain with a proprietary bonding for aggressive grinding and a 54-grit cotton fiber blending and finishing wheel for removing scratches. The Rex-Cut Grind and Blend Kit sells for $15.95 with hubs and $12.59 without. Rex-Cut Products, Inc. 800-225-8182, www.rexcut.com

Newson Gale’s Trans-Rite Aviation

During aircraft fuelling operations, the fuelling vehicle (fuel servicing hydrant vehicle, aircraft fuel servicing tank vehicle or bowser) should always be bonded to the aircraft by a cable designed for this specific purpose. In addition, a dead man’s control is required to prevent the bond-monitoring cable reel and ALS-10A-IP flow of fuel to the aircraft in the event of an aircraft clamp to both equalize the potential problem (See NFPA 407). The Trans-Rite AVIATION successfully addresses these two issues in a single intrinsically safe bond connection monitoring system mounted in the cab of the aircraft fuelling vehicle. The system incorporates a bond-monitoring cable reel and ALS-10A-IP. Aircraft clamp to both equalize the potential between fuelling equipment and the aircraft, and to continuously monitor the integrity of the bond. Additionally the man’s control is incorporated into intrinsically safe circuitry, avoiding the need for a separate system. Newson Gale Inc., 1-732-987-7715, www.newson-gale.com

Dewalt’s Portable Compressor

The heavy-duty 200 PSI, 15 gallon, 120 volt, electric wheeled portable workshop compressor — D55167 — features: 200 PSI max pressure allows for longer air tool run time; 4.8 SCFM at 90 PSI allows for quick compressor recovery time; 78 dBA (tested per ISO3744) operational noise level for a quieter work environment; efficient high pressure technology allows for longer pump and motor life; oil free, maintenance free pump; efficient high-pressure motor allows the compressor to be run with an extension cord (12 gauge or heavier, 50 feet or less) due to consistent amp draw requirements of the compressor; dual-purpose handle provides additional protection to the compressor along with serving as a hose wrap; metal console panel provides a display area as well as protects the gauges, coupler and regulator; high flow air regulator allows for maximum air tool run time; two-inch gauges allow for an easy to read surface; wide track, semi-pneumatic tires allow for additional stability, easy movement, and no tire maintenance. DeWALT, 800-433-9258, www.dewalt.com