Aircraft Maintenance Technology

APR 2013

The aircraft maintenance professional's source for technological advancements, maintenance alerts, news, articles, events, and careers

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RECIP TECHNOLOGY Exceptional Appearance FROM TOPCOAT... TO BOTTOM LINE™ Sherwin-Williams Aerospace proudly introduces the Photo by Tim Kern. SKYscapes® basecoat-clearcoat The Formula One and Biplane classes share a large hangar at Reno, where work proceeds 24/7 during Race Week. paint system that saves time and money — imagine being able to cut as much as 30% from your painting process time — and eliminating A few are in the right place at the right time (like when an engine is getting changed, manually and without any kind of lift) in the F 1 pits. Some of these people end up affiliated with the team for the rest of the week; some become annual assets, planning their vacations around Race Week. Holding an A&P; certificate is always beneficial, but at Reno it's not always necessary and in some cases, it wouldn't even help. Hotrodding experience, however, and fabrication experience (especially in welding, sheet, and composite) are always appreciated. Painters (and fillers and sanders), go-fers, and coffee makers, too, can often find an appreciative team. Other qualities? As with any high-end racing, it's good to be able to think on your feet, even when you're so tired it's hard to stand upright. It's important to be agile and alert — airplanes are everywhere, and sometimes they can get out of control. Practicing yoga may help, too — some tasks require phenomenal balance and flexibility. But knowing how to out-swear a sailor or out-lie a politician isn't appreciated — even with all the tension and testosterone, Reno's a family place. In fact, the ability to think and discuss clearly, to analyze and predict, to notice, question, and investigate — these may be the most-valuable assets any team member may bring to the table. For those who haven't been to Reno, but are regular attendees at other aviation events: Reno is different. Oshkosh may be the Detroit Auto Show; Reno is the Indianapolis 500. If you've never been to the Reno Air Races, go. With the added burden of astronomical insurance and more "attention" from the FAA and disdain from the NTSB; with encroaching development in the Stead valley, and with the added expenses of maintaining these aircraft, y'all can't count on Reno to be there forever. Go early — hotels are inexpensive before the official dates, and fast flying starts a week before the trophy races; and there are interesting things going on in the air all week — practice, qualifying, heat races. Bring sunscreen and three seasons of clothing, and lots of batteries for the camera. Official dates are Sept. 11-15, 2013, but come earlier if you can! AMT most bake cycles. Plus, it still provides the superior appearance and durability that the aviation industry expects from Sherwin-Williams. www.swaerospace.com ASK Find out more: www.airrace.org. AviationPros.com/company/10134918 www.AMTSociety.org • www.AviationPros.com • Aircraft Maintenance Technology April 2013 15

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