Sky Manor Air Repair

While low compression readings may be a sign of poor cylinder condition, it may also be nothing to be alarmed by. A borescope allows the A&P technician the opportunity to easily inspect the cylinder and valve heads without removing the jug*, saving both time and money.

“A compression test could tell you that air was leaking past the exhaust valve, but with the borescope you could tell whether it was because of a benign glob of lead on the seat that would quickly resolve itself the next time the engine ran—or a malignant, warped or eroded valve likely to fail catastrophically in the next 10 hours…” – From AOPA Pilot’s Savvy Maintenance by Mike Busch (Borescope ascendancy: Time to topple the venerable compression test? May 1, 2017)

* What’s a Jug? Answer: a very technical term that refers to an engine cylinder on your airplane. But you already knew that 😉

Cleaning/Disinfecting Guidance

Garmin Aviation Service Advisory #2051

Garmin would like to provide some general recommendations for materials and supplies used to clean/disinfect Garmin aviation products. Not following the recommendations below could void the warranty.

The following guidance is intended to help reduce the spread of disease while preserving the integrity of Garmin aviation products. Garmin does not guarantee that it will do so in all cases. For general cleaning and disinfecting guidance, please refer to CDC guidelines and other applicable guidelines.

Cleaning and Disinfecting:

• Cleaners containing ammonia will harm the anti-reflective coating on many Garmin aviation display lenses.
• Disinfecting using a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol that does not contain ammonia is preferred. Solutions of up to 91% isopropyl alcohol are also acceptable.
• Clean the display lens using a clean lint-free cloth and a cleaner that is specified as safe for anti-reflective coatings.
• For other exposed surfaces such as knobs, buttons, and bezels, a damp cloth with soap and water is acceptable. Garmin does not recommend bleach-based cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners, or other harsh chemicals on any surface.
• Remove all soap/soap residue to prevent buttons and knobs from gumming up or becoming slippery.
• Many aviation products are not rated as waterproof. Spraying or wetting the units to the extent where moisture could go beyond the exterior surfaces could damage the unit.

Read the complete Garmin Aviation Service Advisory #2051

Your business is important to us; even more so is your safety and that of our team. That’s why we have adopted the following protocols to ensure the best care for you and your plane that we can deliver.

Our approach to each aircraft we touch:
Before we begin work on any plane, the following will take place. The SMARA team member assigned to your aircraft will wipe down interior components including, but not limited to, flight controls, yokes, keys, and throttles, with alcohol wipes and other disinfecting agents that are compatible with the delicate surfaces of your aircraft.

We are also employing a ‘No-Symptoms’ policy. If any team member of SMARA feels ill or show any symptoms of illness, they will be required to stay home.

How we prepare each aircraft before customer pickup:
Upon completion of our services, your plane will once again be disinfected in the same format to include any additional components installed by us.

Communication, Payment, and Pickup:
We ask that all service work be scheduled in advance before dropping off any aircraft.

Upon service completion, we will position your plane on the ramp outside our repair hangars for pick up. We will contact you in advance. Please feel free to pay online directly from the emailed invoice sent to you via Credit Card payment or ACH. You may also pay over the phone by credit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and AMEX.

Onsite safety:
Please note that as of 04/13/2020 and per New Jersey Executive Order Nos. 122 and 125, NJDOH Social Distancing Guidance for Essential Retail Businesses, only visitors with appointments will be able to have access to our facility. Facial coverings will be required. Please be prepared to supply your own covering.

While in either our maintenance or avionics hangar, please observe and abide by our safety markers. This initiative is to protect you against the natural obstructions of our shop environment, and they also allow us to protect each other by maintaining a safe working distance.

We look forward to continuing our scheduled maintenance and service appointments. Should you have questions or concerns regarding these procedures, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sky Manor Air Repair and Avionics

It wasn’t a dream after-all. This is really happening.

As of January 1st, 2020, when operating in the airspace designated in 14 CFR § 91.225 (outlined below) you must be equipped with ADS-B Out avionics that meet the performance requirements of 14 CFR § 91.227. Aircraft not complying with the requirements may be denied access to this airspace.

Under the rule, ADS-B Out performance will be required to operate in:

1. Class A, B, and C airspace.
2. Class E airspace within the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia at and above 10,000 feet MSL, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500 feet above the surface.
3. Class E airspace at and above 3,000 feet MSL over the Gulf of Mexico from the coastline of the United States out to 12 nautical miles.
4. Around those airports identified in 14 CFR part 91, Appendix D.

The ADS-B Out rule does not apply in the airspace defined in items 2 and 4 above for any aircraft not originally certificated with an electrical system or that has not subsequently been certified with such a system installed, including balloons and gliders. For additional requirements for using the exception for item 4, please refer to CFR 91.225 section (d) for the requirements.

Please refer to the FAA’s “What are the ADS-B rules?” for more information.

Conversely, fall and winter months are historically slower for annual inspections so scheduling them during this time could pay back nicely come springtime next year. Benefits might include:

• Peace-of-Mind. Should something unforeseen turn up during the inspection which requires the ordering of parts that traditionally have long lead times, there is no rush and nothing to worry about. Just sit back, relax, and let us do all the work. After all, it’s the off season, right?
• Showing Off. If the weather breaks early next spring, you’ll be flying high and looking down on all your friends waiting in line for their inspections.
• Time for Upgrades. Take advantage of the extra time your plane can stay laid up in the shop. Avionics upgrades or simple 2-year certifications done in the off-season too and will only make the showing off benefit a little sweeter.

While it is true that moving from a spring annual to a winter annual could mean the added expense of two inspections in one calendar year, it will also put you in a better position for the future.

We can work with you and your schedule to make the move to a winter annual a little easier by adjusting it over a couple of years. For instance, a plane with a September inspection can be brought to us on September 30th. The IA will effectively be signing it off in the first week of October. Next year bring it in around October 31st. Again the IA will sign it off in the first week of the following month – November. In this manner we have effectively moved your annual inspection to the winter months without effort, added expense, or worry.

So next spring when everyone else is waiting to get their plane through annual inspection, you’ll have the skies to yourself to enjoy spring flying on your schedule and not that of everyone else.