[Rob P]

I just have to highlight the brilliant service from this outfit.

The aircraft developed a slight, but distinct misfire, not the ideal soundtrack for the Channel / Thames Estuary flight back home.

My very able interpreter explained the issue to Christophe, the top man, and he looked very non-committal. "Not today, tomorrow peut-être"

In fact "demain" became a reality

If you know Van's cowling fitment you will appreciate how sceptical I was that they would ever manage to put the aeroplane back together again. But they did, perfectly.

The blown manifold gasket was replaced, the aircraft flew back faultlessly, the bill was just a gnat's over two hundred quid, which I didn't feel was unreasonable.

We have an outstanding job that is beyond our capability. We are seriously wondering if a short break in Le Touquet is an option whilst they work on it.


The Technicians ^^^^^^^

http://www.air-maintenance-fr.com/

Rob P

[johnm]

Good to hear, I am a fan of Troyes Aviation for similar reasons.....

[Nero]

The Technicians ^^^^^^^

Can someone lend me a broken plane please?

[Dave W]

What was the fly-in gite you were using, Rob? Sounded worthy of some thought in chez W.

[Rob P]

It was indeed.

Having only got back last night there is much to be organised, but I will do a trip report later, with images.

I shall also do a 'Hidden Le Touquet' post as, roaming loose for three days on my trusty rentabike, I was able to visit some bits that have eluded me in thirty years of Le Touquet visits.

Rob P

[Ibra]

Going to crash there badly for those Technicians

[Iceman]

Rob, we could get into a lot of trouble .

Iceman

[gasman]

Another “like” for Air Maintenance.
They repaired a broken carb heat cable for me over lunchtime (!) and charged me €20 for cash.
Unfortunately its not practical to use them for my annual as I’m based in Yorkshire (although if my maintenance organisation continue to squeeze me I may move south )

[G-JWTP]

This all might be a bit of a faff from 1st January.



G-JWTP

[Rob L]

...The blown manifold gasket was replaced...
Rob P

Intake or exhaust? And which port?
Not to detract from your reporting , but the devil is in the detail!

[Rob P]

@Rob L



#4.

I honestly have no idea if this is inlet or exhaust though from the nature of the misfire I'd suspect inlet.

Rob P

[IainD]

It was indeed.

Having only got back last night there is much to be organised, but I will do a trip report later, with images.

I shall also do a 'Hidden Le Touquet' post as, roaming loose for three days on my trusty rentabike, I was able to visit some bits that have eluded me in thirty years of Le Touquet visits.

Rob P

Did you arrive home about 8pm last night as a dark Vans passed overhead as we sipped gin in the garden?
Iain

[Rob L]

Indeed it's the inlet, this would have led to very lean running on that cylinder.

[Rob P]

Did you arrive home about 8pm last night as a dark Vans passed overhead as we sipped gin in the garden?
Iain

No, 6pm Thursday, after the runway working party had finished. For the flight back I just knew there would be twenty or thirty pilots out on the field watching the landing, so no pressure.

In fact they were all back at the clubhouse and only Sandra was watching. For a change the aircraft is reusable.

Rob P

[Charliesixtysix]

Indeed it's the inlet, this would have led to very lean running on that cylinder.

Agreed.

I would suggest if not already done, to change the remaining three as they are likely the same age as the original. Inlet leaks are a common problem on Lycomings and it is a shame to risk spoiling your day for the sake of gaskets costing pennies.