Getting stranded far from home with a broken airplane is perhaps the ultimate nightmare for a pilot. It’s a genuine fear – I’ve found myself sitting for an agonizingly long time at an isolated airport, desperately in need of a few quarts of oil, longing for vending machines that could supply them alongside the self-serve fuel pumps. Eventually, a guy in a massive pickup truck rumbled through the gate and parked next to a Skylane. Despite all its redeeming features, the Cessna 182 lands rather poorly unless you have a case of oil in the baggage area – and this fellow grasped the situation. His trip to the airport was a lifesaver for me, while he was transporting a worn-out Citabria that consumed more oil than fuel.
Coming to Oshkosh for Airventure, many of us are soaring far beyond our support networks, and we’re doing so in airplanes that were painstakingly handcrafted – either in a factory or a basement – and many of these flying contraptions are older than we are. Occasionally, our airborne companions require a bit of extra care when we’re pushed to our limits. But here at Airventure, we’re encompassed by thousands of empathetic souls. However, there are moments when the screwdriver on our fuel sampler isn’t the appropriate tool for the task, or a touch of expertise could transform a challenging predicament into a learning experience and an effortless repair.
Since 1962, EAA chapter 75 from the Moline Quad-Cities area has manned the Emergency Aircraft Repair area, lending a helping hand to pilots and owners grappling with mechanical glitches that surface at Airventure. The chapter encompasses airframe and powerplant mechanics, tech counselors, homebuilders, and pilots who can offer assistance with mechanical matters. The chapter’s contributions towards ensuring a safe flight home have not gone unnoticed – in fact, Chapter 75 member Jim Smith was awarded the volunteer of the year on Sunday afternoon in recognition of his efforts to aid pilots in a bind. Smith is the sole remaining member of the original crew from 1962, who initiated the volunteer service working from a heap of tools accumulated on a card table at the EAA Convention’s original location in Rockford, IL.
Now the Chapter 75 volunteers operate from a sturdy structure with tools and consumables neatly organized. A large container of hardware, generously donated by Hi-Line, spares a lot of headaches, enabling pilots to replace damaged or worn nuts, bolts, and screws without having to scurry through the vendors and fly-mart in search of a match.
Volunteer Ron Ehrecke stated that the Emergency Aircraft Repair service is not so much a repair station as it is a lending repository of tools and knowledge. “We typically strive to serve as advisors and support for owners when they encounter mechanical issues,” he said, “rather than undertake all the work for them.”
He mentioned that common problems they come across include flat tires, nose struts in need of servicing, fouled spark plugs due to extended taxiing, and electrical system charging concerns.
“A considerable number of these issues arise from airplanes that have remained idle for much of the year, awaiting the journey here,” Ehrecke remarked.
Craig Olson, who also volunteers with the group, referred to a computer file from past years. He said they encounter approximately 200 maintenance issues throughout the week – one day peaked at 27 “customers” in need of assistance. Olson noted that while the group has over 40 volunteers with varying levels of experience, they have to draw the line when matters become overly complex. “We refer a couple of dozen cases to the local FBOs – matters that simply must be handled in a workshop.”
If you decided to purchase a glass panel for your tri-pacer and install it in the campground, that’s your decision. But if you have a leaking brake line, a flat tire, or other problem that demands prompt attention for a quick fix, or if you need to prepare for a ferry flight home, these are the people you should be seeking out.
Emergency Aircraft Repair is situated near the Hangar Café along the flightline, halfway down runway 18/36. They maintain an online list of tools, which spans approximately 14 pages. That list is about two years old though – a swift call to 920-230-7795 might provide you with a more accurate response on how they can assist you.
