Just Plane Busy

Today, MMS Aviation mechanics work on airplanes of five different missionary/ministry organizations.  It's a balmy 61° in Coshocton, a brief break from more typical January temperatures.  Last Friday we were reminded again that it is winter in central Ohio.

In the hangars we're quite comfortable, so here is a quick tour of the aircraft maintenance being performed.

After its test run following overhaul, the engine for the LAMP Piper Lance was placed back on the plane by Josh and Andy.  Terry finished the installation, attaching hoses, wiring, engine controls, etc.

An annual inspection of this Cirrus SR22 nears completion.  A large church in the Chicago area uses this plane in support of its ministry.  Jake and Ben have assisted Mike with this project.

Dale shows Andy the plan for modifying this Cessna 206 horizontal stabilizer.  Today, they removed the aluminum skins and began repair of the internal structure.

Earlier this week, Dale and Andy took the "tail feathers" off of the MAG Cessna 206.  Behind Andy, through the door in hangar B, is the MAF 206 that is being re-assembled after its restoration.

Wings were put back on the MAF 206 a week ago.  Chuck and Phil continue the assembly and rigging of all the flight controls as well as fitting a new cargo pod on the fuselage.

Geoff measures the crankcase of a Lycoming engine for a Cessna Cardinal used by a ministry in Wisconsin.  Geoff works under the supervision of Josh on this engine overhaul.

A New Year

January 2nd came right on schedule and the MMS Aviation team returned after the holiday break.  Each year the first order of business is to do physical inventory which is a rather mundane task but necessary.  Doing inventory is a lot like eating the vegetable you don't like first so you can enjoy the rest of the meal.

Tables placed near the standard hardware shelves make inventory easier.

Inventory typically takes a day and a half and is followed by review of the MMS Standard Operating Procedures Manual.  Then, and only then, we get back to the fun stuff.

 



Andy installs the lifting brackets on the Lycoming engine being overhauled.

Many annual inspections of aircraft are scheduled during the winter months and MMS has several lined up.  Some of these are for ministry organizations and other planes we'll inspect are owned by local people.  Regardless, the experience gained by MMS apprentice mechanics doing routine inspections and the maintenance that comes with them is very valuable.

 

 

A locally owned Cessna 310 was first on the list of annual inspections this year.

Restoration of a Cessna 206 for MAF enters an exciting phase this month.  Repair is complete and assembly of the airframe components is underway.  This airplane has been assigned to MAF's recruiter in our area and last week John dropped by to see how work on the 206 is progressing.

 

John, on the right, talks with MMS staff, Josh Adelsberger, about the plane.