Scott, an MMS Aviation staff mechanic and Supervisor, took apprentice mechanic, Paul, across the Coshocton airport yesterday to bring a Boeing Stearman biplane to the MMS hangar for its annual inspection. At MMS we do a limited amount of commercial work and the Stearman is owned by a local businessman. It was pretty foggy and dreary as they towed the plane from the owner's hangar to ours.
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| Scott and Paul check the wheels and brakes. |
It's pleasant and well lighted in Hangar B and a bright yellow biplane makes it even more cheery. After all the access panels are opened, inspection and servicing of the airplane begins. This plane was built in the 1940s but was completely restored in 2002. At first glance it looks completely original, but improvements were made during its restoration to make it safer and more reliable. (There's a GPS antenna mounted on the top wing.)
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| I inspect the forward "N" strut and flying wire attachments. |
This Stearman was restored by one of the top shops in the US that does these planes, and it has been very well maintained since then. Yet, it still must be thoroughly inspected each year to determine its airworthiness. This year I get to take a break from administrative duties to do the inspecting.
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| Paul (left) and Scott check the magneto ignition timing. |
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The vast majority of the aircraft maintenance done at MMS Aviation is on planes operated in support of Christian ministry around the world. In fact, a crew of our mechanics started another mission project today which will be sent to Brazil when repairs are completed. However, it is fun once in a while to bring in a 70 year old fabric covered biplane with a radial engine and give it a good inspection.
