N71RJ
N71RJ
If an all-electric car has only 20 moving parts and an internal combustion engine, ICE, 2,000, can you imagine what that number is for a complex airplane? Like cars, airplanes like N71RJ have wheels, brakes, hydraulics, electrical, and of course, an engine, but they also have wings, radios, navigation systems, black boxes and more. Can you imagine what it would take to inspect and certify each one as “flight ready”? Think of the records you would have to create and keep. Think of all the new parts you’d have to order or all the hardware you’d have to keep in stock. How about tools and special tools – ones rarely used but vital to inspections, testing and repa
irs? Most owners outsource periodic inspections like an annual and airplane maintenance to shops that specialize in this service. The problem is that, for the most part, they specialize in a few type-certificated manufactured airplanes like Cessna, Piper or Cirrus. So, if your plane doesn’t fit the mold you may have to fly away for your maintenance service. Ad to this that your plane, like N71RJ, is experimental and you’ll likely find that flight for service a little longer one. One reason is that few shops have any experience with the experimental category of aircraft. Moreover, there are hundreds of makes and models, thus it would be very difficult to keep up with this plethora of designs not to mention actually making a sustainable living servicing them.
Nevertheless, some do. The popular RV (Van) models have wide support via owners and service personnel across North America. When it comes to N71RJ, a Seawind amphibian, you may need to have specialists take care of your winged chariot; one for the engine, one for the avionics and one for the airframe. The latter may be YOU, Mr. or Ms. Goodwrench! That’s been the case with my airplane. That’s also why maintenance progresses so slowly.
Each week for only a few hours I’m likely inspecting, researching, documenting, repairing and replacing a few of those thousands of parts that make N71RJ safe to fly. When you see photos of N71RJ you may think “Oh what a beautiful airplane!” I see that too, but I also see thousands of parts that have my attention, my eyes and hands to keep it in FAA compliance and flying safely. Thus the first post annual no-fault flight is certainly a cause to celebrate success from countless hours of labor!
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