1. Checking out the new GA8 Airvan (P2-MFK)
Last Tuesday we had a few aircraft in for maintenance, a Twin Otter for a C check and a C206 for a 100 hourly. Tuesday was a special day, as we saw the arrival of the new Turbocharged GA8 Airvan. The very first one ever made and was initially designed after MAF’s request and expressed interest (it was the aircraft that was out at Camden airport for joy rides at the MAF open day a few months ago). It has been a long wait, as with any new aircraft type there is a long certification process, so it took a while to get here, but is great to have a new aircraft and we really thank God for His provision.
2. The A check
Also last Tuesday we were informed mid morning that one of our other Twin Otters (MFB) would be coming in for it’s A check (every 125 flying hours). It was not due in until Thursday, but it had a problem required looking at. Normally an A check is scheduled for two days, due to the age of the aircraft. But originally it was planned that we would work all Thursday into the night till midnight to try and get it finished. As we only have three Twin Otters and we would have two on the ground. But it ended up being on the Tuesday at short notice.
3. The two Otters
The aircraft came in before lunch time and we worked on it through the afternoon and into the night. It had been a while since I had done an evening or night shift, brought back a lot of memories of the Qantas days. We had started 0730 that morning and ended up working five hours overtime, finishing at 2130 that night. It was a good achievement to have the aircraft finished that night. The guys living out at the airport stayed till 2230. So it was a long day being a fourteen or fifteen hour shift. Come the next morning before 0700, it was a great sight to see the aircraft being refuelled for its morning run. From what I know MFB served four remote communities that day, having a big impact in their development needs. So as usual things very rarely go to plan, but still work out really well.
May 3rd, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Looks like an awesome new plane Matt, hope you enjoy working on it.
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