Learning A&P stuff

flyersfan31

flyersfan31

Touchdown! Greaser!
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Mar 31, 2006
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Freiburgfan31
I'd like to know more about the inner workings of my plane. Any suggestions on good resource material? I subscribed to Light Airplane Maintenance for the 6 month teaser period, but found most of the info useless for my situation. I don't really have the time to do my own maint. What time I have, I want/need to spend flying. Still, I'd like to know more than "the spinnny thing makes the air move out of the way."

OK, I'm not THAT bad off, but I am interested in learning more about the inner workings of aircraft. Time is at a premium, so I can't just say to my A&P "heck, mind if I hang out wit you for the next few months?"

Suggestions?
 
flyersfan31 said:
Still, I'd like to know more than "the spinnny thing makes the air move out of the way."
Click to expand...

the engine overhaul manual, while extremely dry reading might help; usually they have some pictures.
 
Try looking up the Experimental Aircraft Assoc. (EAA) chapter near you.
http://www.eaa.org/chapter/chapter_locator.html

They build their own aircraft, (for "educational" purposes) and should be able to accomodate your needs for learning systems.
It's not a school, per say, but a gathering of like minded individuals with an interest in the how's and why's of aircraft systems.

I'm a member myself, as I was planning on building my own plane.

http://www.eaa.org/

to see all that is offered
 
There are some ok books on the subject but I found that doing maintenance on my plane with my mechanic taught me a lot. I am lucky as he is more than willing to make me an aprentice when he does the work. I get to do that basic stuff, and help him for the more complicated stuff, in exchange he imparts knowledge to me when I ask questions. Believe me I ask lots of questions!
 
There is a book titled "Firewall Forward" by Tony Bingles its written for the pilot, he has several others also.
 
If you're really serious about learning all that stuff, I suggest the manual put out by Sacramento Sky Ranch. It's recommended by pilots and A&Ps far and wide and even required reading for some A&P courses.

I've ready my copy a couple times. I don't pretend to know all of it, but it's a great knowledge reference.

http://www.sacskyranch.com/
 
If you really want to learn systems, construction, etc. about planes, just go to: www.vansaircraft.com and order the tail kit for an RV-8. Once you get that done, you'll be hooked and the fuse, wings and FWF kits will be soon to follow. :)

I learned a heckuvalot about systems, construction, etc. from building the RV-7A with dad. We ended up with a rebuilt crated engine, so we missed out on that aspect of construction, but we're both 'ol farmboys so keeping things running in less than desirable conditions is second nature to us -- which makes keeping things running in GOOD conditions a lot easier. :)

Seriously, if you can find someone local that is building a plane, they will most always welcome someone willing to learn how to buck rivets. In return, you get to learn all about airplanes from inside-out. Just make sure you find someone that is building to FLY rather than building to BUILD or you will end up 5 years down the road trying to get the canopy to fit 'just perfect' and really haven't gotten your hands dirty with any 'systems' setup.

-Chris
 
I would LOVE to build an RV10! Someday. I'm just looking for reading material for now. Building an airplane in the garage -- that's ALL my wife needs to hear!:D
 
I am a little bias, but I did write an aviation book called Handbook of Aeronautical Inspections and Pre-Purchase. I wrote the book from a mechanic point of view to help owners and mechanics. The table of contents is available on my publisher web site and it can also be order through them. You can reach the publisher by going to my web site and clicking on the hyper link at: http://www.stacheair.com

I am also up-dating my web site with a new A&P section in the next couple of weeks that should be helpful.

I also recommend Sacramento Sky Ranch manual most of us A&P/IA have a copy its money well spent. You can find a lot of information on their web site as well.

If people wouldn’t try and sue me or mess with my job I would start writing my maintenance newsletter again (Author of The Aviator).

Stache
 
What do y'all think of Dale Crane's Aviation Maintenance Technician Series from ASA ?
 
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