|
| Right inner main tire...it didn't look this bad at first, but with the weight of fuel and passengers ..it's ego got deflated in a hurry. :) |
|
| The "outer" bearing the weight of its deflated partner. |
During my "stroll" I noticed the right main tires sitting a little "sloppy". Luckily, I had my "Timmies" coffee so my stroll was NOT coupled with grogginess. :)
I've done hundreds upon hundreds in my career (perhaps a thousand) walk arounds and I can count on one hand (okay maybe both hands) in which I found something.
I kicked the tire, not quite like a "bend it like Beckham" but still gave it a solid 50 year old love tap. (I learned later an aircraft tire will still feel solid because of the tire walls, so kicking a tire is only going to break a toe).
"Yup, the tire is flat with only 5 psi in the right inner," says maintenance called out at the end of his midnight shift to check the tire to appease this pilot.
|
| Two new tires cuddled up to the "left mains" waiting for maintenance. |
|
| Another enRoute question..."Are aircraft tires filled with air and at what pressure?" |
Twenty five minutes before departure and I smell a delay. The tires arrive slightly after departure time. I make a P.A of what I found during the walk around. I thought I'd have some fun and mention my column and tell them I'm always recruiting questions. ( I rarely do this- I mean mention my column...not have fun lol). "For example," I suggested, "You can ask me how long does it take to change a tire (about 25 to 30 minutes), who makes the tires (Goodyear or Michelin) or how much do they cost (about $2000)?" I think I heard a few chuckles with the flight deck door open.
The maintenance guy needed another helper. Then he had a hard time hand cranking the jack. (I made frequent visits to check on the progress). I felt sorry for the guy. He was about 110 pounds wet and I really wanted to give him a hand. In fact, because we had a full load of passengers and sixteen metric tons of fuel he suggested we may have to deplane the passengers. I resisted the urge to help as I visualized the airplane coming off the jack...How I do I explain that to my boss....whoever he is).
|
| The device to actually manoeuvre the tires...they are heavy. How heavy? That's another good enRoute question! |
|
| The "jack" of all trades |
My thirty "airline minutes" had come and gone so time for another announcement, but this time explaining it takes two to change a tire (yes another enRoute question) so we are waiting for back up.
After a two hour delay we push back with two new Michelins and $4000 of new rubber. (Because one of the tires was completely flat, both tires must be replaced because the other may be damaged carrying all the weight). Time to lay some rubber in Vancouver.
But our duty day was 12 hours so this delay pushed us over 14 hours. We were to deadhead home. That's two pairings in a row where captain D has not flown. Oh well, I'm still commander and I'll take it.
While all this transpired we had an avionics guy trouble shooting a SDCU (smoke detection control unit). Luckily the tire change delay was ample time to swap a SDCU unit. Then I hear the F/As go into their chatter. This happens when a delay pushes into the max duty day. It's always proves interesting....
To wish you were up there...then to achieve it...trumps everything!... Captain D
53 comments:
Good morning Doug - you're up early. Coffee brewed yet?
I know what you mean about "wanting to give a hand... but refraining!" I didn't want to have a Buccaneer falling off a bottle jack while I was around. I knew the boss - and he knew me :O
We did, however, have to take the bombs off!
That's a good pic of a radome; if the bird had been three inches higher it could have been more than a dome replacement - how much does a radar set run to these days?
I may have some news towards the end of the week - travelling to somewhere near EGNX Wednesday for a meeting! Also sent a CV off in response to a "lead". I'll let you know...
Foggy. I'm up early and waiting for a coffee.
Yes, at AC huge unions run the show and I've learned not to cross the boundary.
It does get a little frustrating at times. Funny our competition (non union) would be standing around in a circle holding hands singing Kum ba yah while changing that tire. LOL
Removing bombs? Not sure if I'd be doing the group hug with that one. :)))
Good question about a radar price. I know in aviation, whatever you think the price is...multiply it by four...to get the real price.
Fingers crossed for the meeting and yes a "birdie" told me about your lead. Again, fingers crossed!
Doug gone to recruit a coffee
Hi Doug, that's quite the pic of the damaged radome! Is damage like this fairly frequent? It seems I see plenty of mismatched noses on aircraft of most airlines. My sister recently sent me a pic of the AC 77W she had to PEK, and it sported a white nose. Guess they didn't have time or $$ to paint it ice blue...
What's the most common reason for an aircraft tire to go flat? Pretty sure you're not hitting any nails or glass shards like a car on the freeway:) Do hard landings or too many cycles have the greatest effect on this? What's the common lifespan of an A320-series tire anyway? Sorry for all the questions, these pics just got me wondering...
Hope you're well, and safe flying wherever you're off to next!
"Removing bombs? Not sure if I'd be doing the group hug with that one. :)))"
You've given me another idea for a post - How to remove bombs from aircraft... the easy way ;))
Christer. We do see the odd bird strike, but I have yet to see damage like that. I bet that woke the guys up. LOL
And yes, sometimes you'll see airplanes flying around with mismatched paint schemes. Sometimes you'll even see the competition's livery.
As far as why a tire goes flat? The mechanics were kind of baffled yesterday. They did tell me when they check the tire pressure sometimes the valve sticks. You must have had that happen to your bicycle or your car. :(((( They also say it happens a lot in the winter when there is moisture and the valve freezes.
The "rampie" told me his story as well. When there is a delay I like to chat with the "others." He said for some reason, as soon as he removed the chocks one day both tires went flat. Go figure.
FYI my other flat happened twenty years ago on a Dash 8.
Many moons ago I wrote this about how long tires last.
"Tires have an average life of 300 to 450 landings for the main wheels and 200 to 350 landings for a nose wheel. Some tires might stay on much longer: up to 600 landings while others may be removed at 50.
Gone flying Doug :)
Foggy. You should send that post over to me when you finish. I'll post it...either that...post your link.
I'd be tip toeing and wearing BIG oven mitts if I had to remove a bomb. LOL
Gone flying
Wow 'cool'. That would absolutely not be the appropiate word for an airline captain or passenger but it IS interesting!
I'm thinking about some good enRoute questions Captain! I'm Always having questions, just remember what it was lol...
Take care,
Bas
Doug,
link to Funny things happen in RAF
Ah yes, tires (Tyres for the Queen's English) is where the rubber meets the road - Whose line was that?? Great pix and great notes. I love Foggy's idea about easier bomb removal and I think I know what he has in mind. Always fun and many thanks Captain.
-Craig
Captain Doug, in reference to a possible "blog book"....from last post.....
Been thinking....(yes scary in it's own right)...
it's not that there are too many pictures and videos of you.....
you were launched into the "Gigabyte Stratosphere"
when you decided you couldn't live without that "Big Black Ugly AZZ Felt From Hell" Man Cave Cover HAT....yes the black one, with the little yellow crooked maple leaf.....in the front....
this was before reading the maintenance manual....
OHHHHHHH Thats where the "spare A-320 Landing gear" are stored!!!!!LOL....:)))))
So how many "SUPER DUPER" landings can one average per life span A-320 landing gear.....my question 'runner up' for EnRoute...
keep on burning that rubber..
safe flying and Landing's Captain Doug,
misstwa
Love the picture of the day. That guy in the right seat of the Embraer looks happy because he genuinely is - he's landed his dream job, and it only gets better as he builds time and experience. How many pilots wouldn't love to trade places with him? He should be grinning from ear to ear.
Enjoyed the post on the tire change, Captain Doug. I actually thought about it last night coming into Pearson. I was on a Dash-8, and one thing I do love about that plane is looking out the window to watch the gear drop down and lock into place on approach. And you get to see the pilot burn some rubber on contact - it's a perspective you just don't get on the jets. So most on board are thinking about the traffic on the 401 and I'm thinking okay, that tire still looks pretty new ... LOL.
Craig R....how COOL to see the Dash-8 gear in action...!!!!!!!!!!!!time to check it out.....oh Gooooogle???
Another day at the office Captain??
So the landing gear tires....They kick back...huh...?????
hows that 'turf toe'....ha
miss(took the day off)twa...
That is a great pic - I think it encapsulates so much in an image, wouldn't most of us want to be in that guys shoes right at that moment in time!
Hey Doug, if you ever publish that blog book you'll have to pay royalties to MissTWA if it includes comments!
Happy flying
Dave from the UK
Getjets - try this video:
http://youtu.be/DiNBmqRd7SI
It's not the best quality, but it shows a Dash-8 takeoff from Pearson airport on Runway 23.
And this vid shows the main gear upon landing, this time in Calgary. Pretty sure it's Runway 10, since the plane looks to pass over Deerfoot Trail on short final (that's the divided highway you see).
http://youtu.be/_7CEc4TYjo8
I'm not a big turboprop fan, but I do have a soft spot for the Dash-8. Great airplane.
Craig R.....love love the video...and know what all I had to do was copy and paste to the top bar....and hit search...KUM BA YA(too funny)....there's my video....
Captain Doug...how come it doesn't work with you..when I send a website of interest(OF COURSE)
Craig R's video is NOT a Live link.....you just have to put a little elbow grease into it...LOL and don't call me a "link tease" anymore..LOLOLOL
Thank you Craig R......don't ya just love Hydraulics.....serious.....nothing would happen with out those hydraulic lines.....
when I ran an N/C lathe...we always had hydraulic leaks....machine's were old....with the boss's mentality...just keep them running...
business is business..
sometimes....we would pour a 5 gallon bucket a day into the tank...only to sweep it all up the next day with 'floor dry'....
and it can smell strong...hydraulic oil....has a smell.....
Foggy....please let us all know..the good news!!!!!
gotta go.....wine is on the menu tonite......yumm....:))))))
misstwa
Craig R.
Well said. When I hear some pilots go into their "poor me" rant....I look at them and think...they need to look around and give their head a shake!
They are at the "best show in town!" Sure the job and company has some warts, but now and again we need to get a reality check....including me!
I tell them they should go to a nearby flying club to see the desire, the thirst, the dream in most of the student's eyes.
While flying from Calgary to Toronto today my biggest decision was... "do I want freshly baked cookies, ice cream, what kind of cookie (oatmeal raison or chocolate chip) and how many?"
As everyone knows my answer is..."no, but I really mean yes." Actually I said "no" today and meant it. Sort of. When I went to the washroom I grabbed a oatmeal raison (my fav) whilegoing back to the flight deck. My bad!
Ooops!!!!! I've been blamed for dumbing down my job.....sorry.....
How about this...while flirting with the tropopause heading eastbound, convective cells ahead with tops to 48,000 feet meant making a command decision as to what direction to deviate. After I perused the latest SIGMET (Significant Weather) I made a command decision enabling a smooth flight while keeping my passengers safe with the seat belt sign
off the entire time. Sweat dripped from my forehead as I considered all the options. After all, It takes the utmost skill, talent, experience to command an airliner to the level I demand of myself and others!!!
Nay...after all that...I want my cookies.....
Ah yes, the Dash 8....I laid lots of rubber with that airplane. :)))))
Dave W.
I checked out the site for the book and it made up the book within minutes!
I'm going to get myself a copy!
It will cost a whopping $160 for colour, but hey it's one hour's pay.
The black and white version is around $57.
Maybe I can print up a few at a cheaper price?
And yes, I agree about royalties for Miss TWA but then again maybe I should be charging her? LOL
Actually she sent the link. She is a wealth of aviation info and has a heart of gold!
Thanks Dave
Getjets. Thanks for "blog book" link. I'll be going into deep negotiations with "number one" to see if I can buy the book.
I was impressed in how fast the site can build the book. You can even buy a file.
(Edwin. Looks like I solved the problem in backing up my blog)
Interesting stuff about your hydraulic adventures. Not only can you give everyone a run for their money on my blog but it sounds like you can get around a machine shop. I better be nice...I'd hate to be wearing a wrench. LOL
Now go and have that glass of wine! :)))))
And thanks again for the link!
CAPTAIN DOUG....I ought to get around a Machine Shop....I ran a computerized lathe for 26 years....wrenches and all..allen wrenches......tooling....inserts....sockets......coolant....stainless steel 316...stainless 303..col roll...brass...peek.....plexiglass...endmills...sharpen your own drills....you name it.....until the day the cheata pipe slipped and there ya go....I have
a Titanium plate inside my arm....now I am an accounting clerk....make no mistake....I am still a Machinist.....care to SPAR........
Dave W...from the UK..... I took this as a complitment....but need to think this through......
thats not monopoly money either...LOL...my comments are priceless....and that means NO value..in the scheme...but what do I know.....?????????
I know that I get an A+++++
for confusion...LOL
know...perhaps enough...NO not this time....good nite folks...
stop giving me credit...Captain Doug..........it's been there all along....the site....
Silly me...Yes Yes...send me the bill....Captain Doug....!!!!!!!!
smiling..as you read..right????
glass of wine in hand...
Getjets. There is no way Captain D will be sparring with you! Moving the joy stick, thrust levers, flap lever and gear handle is enough for me.
I've met my match. LOL
Getjets.
I thought I could last long enough to complete enRoute's November questions. After flying for 10 hours today (on duty for nearly 13)
it's time to land for the night.
I'll send you the bill in the morning. :)))
You're laughing right?
Captain jet lag
STOP.....you have not....met your match..yes facts are facts....but I just Love what you do...don't write me off....
there's no 'give up' with Captain Doug'...and I knew that..silly getjets...no more comments...
GO TO BED.....Captain...!!!
send me the bill with interest....like I am "Interested"....kidding..no body asked you to baby sit your site....
now sweet dreams.....
ok....ya'lll time for the party...as soon as we hear him start snooooooooooooring...how funny....maybe not...
can't keep pushing it getjets!!!!!!!
Getjets. We will continue the sparring tomorrow... :)))
Your comments help make my blog unique. But I hope others are NOT intimidated. LOL
Just to be sure....bring on the comments everyone!!!!!.....
Everyone..Getjet's bark is far louder than her bite.. She may swing a mean wrench but aviation is her passion and everyone else's on this blog. :))))
Understood!!!!
OMG...I pray,,, or is prey... that no one is staying away...because of me.....and for that,,,,, I am so apologetic....Serious....
give it some thought....and I hope you will forgive me...I overdo...
Now that we've all had a good night sleep, there's an interesting article in today's Financial Post about the growing demand for pilots, and with Air Canada specifically (though you think they could have used a more up to date photo). Captain Doug, I hope you don't mind if I post a link to it ... I found it an interesting read.
Sorry, I'm not sure how to hotlink in a comment so you'll have to cut and paste:
http://business.financialpost.com/2011/08/17/air-canadas-flight-deck-shuffle/
Craig R
Getjets. Not to worry! There's plenty of room for everyone's comments. Just means my blog book will be getting bigger. :)))
I'm hoping all the lurkers won't be intimidated by all you "heavy hitters." That's all!
Sorry to have sounded grumpy last night...then again...maybe I was. :)))
No more grumpy Doug :)))
CAT III...OUCH.....Planes can look so funny....sometimes....lol turned up nose...
Craig R....pulled up article....if ever there was a time...to be an Air Canada pilot....seems now!!!
my impression of AC....is one of A CLASS ACT!!!!Serious
Except when Captain Dog...I mean Doug is a little grumpy....RUF.....LOL
moderation....is the word for the day....and my apology as well....
now....Captain Doug....your reference to "V".....is that the "V" I am thinking of V????????
somebody must be smiling now????(hope)
rather kick the tires.....ha
Good day all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Craig R. Thanks for the link. Great article.
We are not expanding just hiring due to attrition. The retirement issue has been stalled.
I agree with this quote:
“The challenge we face is that aviation used to be pretty darn sexy, and it’s not so sexy anymore,” she said. “It means long hours, and it means moving from place to place,
it means you’re away from your family for extended periods of time, and its not as lucrative as it has been. We need to bring sexy back....
Here's the article in a hotlink everybody. (A few followers showed me this one)
Air Canada Hiring
Getjets. Yes, everything in moderation.
The "V" is indeed an alternative in getting nuked from a weather radar. :)))
And it's true...if there ever was a time to be a pilot (any pilot) I still think the time is now!
Captain D in a better mood :)
I do like it when your in a good mood.....
Ya know if I was younger..to be a pilot wannabe...
love the picture....!!!!
how good to know what you want so early..in life...!!!!look at that face.....lovely!!!!!!
and you pull your life, not the other way around....
So glad your not barking so loud ...Captain Doug..KIDDING..sorta....
but I believe there is a serious place for crabs.....just ask...me where......ha ha
tonight...LOL
I love this place....
misstwa
Getjets. I still think you should take some flying lessons. :)
I know you are a fair distance from KMSY (about an hour) but I bet there are closer airports.
And speaking of KMSY....my wife, three kids, her sister and her two children will be heading your way
on Monday. They will be enjoying the southern charm and hospitality.
Captain Doug will most likely be building a fence.
I have the honour of paying for the trip, paying for the fence and building it.
What a deal. LOL
I hope you turn down the thermostat a little.
I see the airport got up to 97 F today.
Captain Smiley
Considering that I just asked you about jacking planes and changing tires at the gate about a week ago...I've decided to only ask you questions about clear skies and on time arrivals from now on!!
Stuart. Lots of laughs. I too was thinking the same thing when writing the post.
I'm just glad I discovered the flat when I did.
Captain Doug, your family...coming here for vacation????
the Heat is oppressive!!!!..but plenty of Cold drinks....
maybe I would offer to meet them for a dinner or something.......but...don't know if appropriate to ask....or better to leave alone....?????
Too bad your not on the itinerary!!!!!!!:(((((
I could do a lot of damage then....LOL....kidding....
well, you just may have gotten the 'short end of that stick afterall'....:))))))
Hey Captain Doug,
I sure would be interested in getting a "blog book"!!!!lolol
It is priceless!!!!!
Love the pics of the tires!! Good thing you found the flat before takeoff or even worse on landing!!!!
Thanks,
Safe Flying,
The Winnipeger,
Adam
Getjets. I told them they will be encountering oppressive heat, but hey, I'm just an ex-meteorologist. What do I know?
This time last year we visited South Carolina and the heat flirted in the 100F range. No thanks.
I could be on the itinerary but the sister-in-law is going. Ooops, I said too much. LOL
Adam. Yes, I must get the blog book ordered.
As far as the flat, I'm glad I found it before take off..... :)
I'm off to Halifax tomorrow via Calgary. Seems like a funny way to get there. :)))
WHAT A SHAME...METMAN!!!!!!
There's always NEXT time. :)))
Metman Doug
Hey, got your EnRoute copy close?????
AUGUST
well when ya do....the inside of the back cover at the 3:00-9:00 position...............
check out the band......FINE LOOKING !!!!!!!
misstwa
Getjets
That is a nice watch band! Am I going to get an early Christmas gift?
Right above the band is a "horse's behind." I thought you would make reference to that. LOL
But seriously, there are three beautiful pictures of St. John's on the opposite page that must be beckoning you!
you are so right....I saw those pictures....have you ever been to Jellybean Row?????
"Life and Spirit"...the colors....are beckoning....and almost Daring me......!!!!!
they will get their satisfaction soon enough....
while I am lost(it seems)in gov't bulls$&*$it
but I am patient!!!!!!!!!!!
That is a very nice watch.....!!!!
and horsess azz...You made me laugh...because when I saw the watch...the horses beeeehind didn't even occur to me....
how could I have missed that....
now that I look at it....your prettier.....LOL..
I choose water tonite...got my granddaughters.....for the weekend....look out Sunday...ha ha
good nite Captain Doug...that is a very nice watch...I've never seen a strap so strapping....you???
Captain Doug,
Which flight are you sitting in the left seat for into YYC tomorrow? I might try to slip out of the office to catch a pic you arriving.
Wishing you light winds heading west, and strong ones heading back!
YYC Dispatcher
YYC Dispatcher. I sent you an email with the info.
Gone flying :)
http://flightaware.com/news/ap/Plane-crashes-in-Canadian-Arctic-12-killed/109764
This cannot be happening
...and in addition to GetJets last post it is very sad for me to write that one of our Red Arrows aircraft crashed yesterday afternoon having done a display in southern england, killing the 33 year old pilot : (
The Red Arrows is as British as the Royal family - the 9 aircraft display team are the equivalent to the Canadian Snow Birds flying display team.
Unbelievable!
Getjets. I Googled the First Air incident. There are many Air Canada new hire pilots from First Air.
Looks like weather may have been an issue but I don't like second guessing dead pilots.
The company flies in challenging conditions: uncontrolled airspace, short runways (many of them gravel), non precision approaches,
weather, cold temperatures and the list goes on.
Captain Doug in Montreal after a 20 minute hold due to thunderstorms.
Carlton. Not a good day for aviation.
Captain Doug
Carlton, I am just sick.....I am so sorry for your England's Red Arrow pilot who died!!!!!!!
and for the terrrible crash out of 'yellowknife'.....
Both such Tragedies!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Craig R...for that tidbit of information on the picture of the "First Flight 737" I posted.....
Safe in the Montreal Captain Doug....
Not easy...but will get past this....
misstwa
Adam the Winnipeger...that is a stunning picture, !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
one I am going to put in my personal collection....the moon....can't turn your back one second...on that moon.....
copy and paste I hope will work from one of my Aviation sources..
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Airline+Resolute+community+grieve+us
eless+loss+life+after+crash/5286431/story.html
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