Float plane annuals

My company has 3 float planes, 2 206s, and a 180/185 cross breed. The operate part 91 (different rules than the other airplanes, less intense maintenance requirements) so during the busy summer, the often get the bare minimum so we can focus on the part 135 planes. So now that it is winter, we work through more thorough inspections, fix the problems that we discovered over the summer (instead of just preventing symptoms) and take extra time to show them some TLC.

The 180/185 was first in. We changed the struts this summer, but put on a loaner pair since we hadn't bought our own yet. They got painted, and then we realized that they weren't the same strut. The length was teh same, they were just a much wider, beefier, strut. So instead of wasting 1500 dollars worth of new parts, we called the FAA up to ask for approval to put them on. The inspector agreed, and we attached the new struts. We also re-painted the leading edges of the wings, and the front spreader bar. It wasn't to the point that the airworthiness was in question, but it prevents it from getting to that point. Plus passengers feel much more secure in a plane that looks pretty, regardless of its actual airworthiness.

Before we pushed that one out, we brought in the next one, a 206. Major projects on this one included a leaking fuel tank, and replacing seat rails, plus a couple spots that needed sheet metal work. I ended up working on the seat rails, and discovered the rollers on the seats were also really worn out.

The last one to come in needs the floats changed. I wasn't around when the issue happened this summer, but from what I hear, running a float plane up the shore tends to poke holes in the floats. I am looking forward to that project! We are waiting until its a little warmer outside, so planes don't need stored inside overnight.

The float planes are keeping us busy, but work is still slow. I am looking forward to this summer when it will be a bit more fast paced.