PT6 Compressor Bleed Valve & FCU Replacement

Working on a SurfAir PT6A-67P engine. Join me for a bleed valve and FCU replacement.

[@Jolinator]

You guys strike a great balance of professionalism whilst finding time to record everything. Props to you and Vincent. That shot at 5:25 is killer!

[@zeewala1883]

This channel is awesome. I love the level of detail. Keep up the awesome work!

[@str8tballafolife]

I use to work at a 145 repair station and now I am learning to fly. These videos bring me back to those days of working there and has me missing it a bit. Your young and talented keep it up! Maybe one day you'll have your own repair station and you'll have a 121 or 135 operation for yourself. You are learning all the skills!

[@lsullivan0202]

Thanks for the shout out bro, I love watching your videos. Makes me feel like I am spending time with you. Fun to see what you do day to day. Can't wait to see you and feature in my first videos.

[@bcordoba555]

We miss you James!!!!!!!!!!! Great video!

[@nathanbondre8296]

watching your videos make me excited to go to school for avionics!

[@authorpilot]

Awesome video series James. Keep 'em coming. Pete, State of Wisconsin PC-12 pilot.

[@terryanderson7316]

Thank you James that’s great info for pilots, particularly for me on the bleed valve,cheers!

[@fazilahabdlatif3481]

good video example for who want to know the situation of being aircraft mechanic. Keep the good job explaining people about this.

[@DaWillhouse]

I'm very new to the Aviation industry KEEP the videos coming. Very informative!!!!

[@estouch]

It is amazing to me how clean the engine compartment is after 2-4k hrs great videos

[@JamesSullivans]

We clean the engine bay every 100 hours. Lots of TLC for these birds.

[@donaldjones3580]

As a retired A&P I hope you do have an experience technician working with you, I did hear a voice in the background. The first FCU I changed on a PT6-6A on a Sikorsky S-58T on my own was on the ramp at an air show in Dayton with numerous spectators asking questions. Have Fun!

[@maxfors7759]

Hey Man really awesome vids, was nice to meet you guys today in Hawthorne, will hopefully see you two in San Carlos some day.

[@JamesSullivans]

Great to meet you too Max!

[@wcracing696]

My god please keep posting!

[@rickyeckert]

Keep up the good work. Your videos are awesome. I'm going to Pittsburgh Institute of aeronautics this July for aviation mechanic. it's a sweet career.

[@JamesSullivans]

It is a great career. Have fun at school!

[@chancegunderson4712]

bad ass video im in the process of getting my a and p right now and through all the studying its nice to be reminded why i do this

[@JamesSullivans]

Thanks Chance - good luck with your studies and enjoy your career!

[@pablobp7778]

Great video James. I truly envy you cause I have worked in Bell 412/212 for many years with the PT6 and the bleed valve is located in a fu***** position, everytime with a mirror and tricks for change or revision. Cool video for the work of maintenance technisian! Congrats.

[@MrGodzillaGaming]

How are you only at 5k awesome vids dude, I plan on going to school for my A&P starting in September 👍🏻

[@stuartranier]

Once again, great video dude. I have a feeling your channel is gonna get big.

[@stuartranier]

No problem. You guys are doing something special over there and it gives people a look into the world of aviation that they may never get to see. So thanks for doing it!

[@FlubbedJohn]

found your videos on accident, had no idea about what you did and found out your a fellow mechanic, dope

[@v1_rotate638]

your videos helped me get through my PC-12 systems test. Thanks dude!

[@JamesSullivans]

Badass! Are you flying the PC-12?

[@v1_rotate638]

Yessir! Legacy 47s and 45s, not a huge fan of the honeywell system haha

[@JamesSullivans]

The Honeywell system is terrific from both a piloting and maintenance point of view. Like anything you just need to take the time to learn it.

[@megamegatheo]

I really like the PC-12, and so your video's are awesome! Really like the video's. Subbed!

[@longlive737]

Dropped this in r/flying on reddit, nabbed you a dozen or so new subscribers, really great videos! Keep it up! I'd love to fly for Surf Air after I finish up school. Should have around 1200 total time by then.

[@thomashvnmusic]

I find it funny that the pilot checks your name online and found out your videos so he can ensure his safety. lol

[@titoortiz4734]

nice job like watching your videos very knowledgeable 😁

[@jaredsummerville775]

love the videos. keep it up.

[@rccsrgaming6987]

Really awesome videos!

[@dbflyboy917]

I noticed you use those flat lights. Check out the Braun version from HFT. Surprisingly nice lights. One weakness out of the box with the Braun, is the battery (they're only 2200 mah). To fix this, get larger 18650 batteries on Amazon. HFT currently has coupons for their braun flat lights.

[@jaysonroberts8967]

This stuff is awesome

[@sumedhsonawane1441]

Nice video, jus wondering if you ever work on that beautiful A star back there

[@kjelltol943]

Nice vid! U should get a head stand for ur cam :)

[@brentmassago1914]

Classic aircraft mechanic talk: before i fix that im getting coffee!

[@yogib37]

what you could don when you remover the FCU you can use your cell phone shap a picture and then you have a record of the correct ways. That place looks like a fun place to work.. I been out of Aviation Maintenance for 13 years now. .I am in my 50's now but I could consider going back if that place is a good place to work. I do not want to deal with ego's

[@JamesSullivans]

No egos here, we have a strict no a-hole policy at surf

[@yogib37]

That is good to hear. you wont believe the ero's I had my share of them from dont touch my tool box to think they are the best. I could see that it no ego going on there. If I was in the area, I would apply. I live in the bay area. take care good luck and good videos.

[@guyharrington4111]

casey neistat of planes ?

[@DayInMontreal]

I cant unsee it now haha. The music and all!

[@Tripplebeem]

Guy Harrington Everyone's videos look and sound like Casey Niestat now. I hope the trend passes soon. However, this is a great video either way

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Jame, you are definitely a Military Grade Pilot. I'd go Marines, Carrier FA-18 Driver. NO quesrion about it.

[@cast5925r]

I Love the great work you guys do.... I'm going to sign up at my Local Community College to take some Classes for Aircraft Mechanic.... I have question I'm I to old to be doing this I'm 43 yes old and looking for a career change.

[@luizcarlosnunes1991]

James, How the "low pressure bleed air valve" and "high pressure bleed air valve" works together in the medium PT6A. Thanks

[@KINGSHAKABOBO]

Very cool!! When you guys bounce between airports, like when your buddy went to work on that plane , do they shuttle you in a PC12? Or something smaller?

[@JamesSullivans]

Usually we catch a ride on one of the SurfAir PC-12s. Occasionally we fly commercial. We also have a mechanic who owns his own Mooney and he will fly it to fix downed aircraft.

[@NovejSpeed3]

Since Surf Air (had) the legacy PC12s and NGs which do you prefer working on as a mechanic? Why? Do you have any preference on which to fly on? Thanks I'm definitely a fan of your channel. Thanks for posting!

[@JamesSullivans]

We got rid of our legacies last year. They were both about he same to fly on and similar to work on. I've heard the NG flies a lot more "nimbler' while the legacy was a bit heavy on the controls. From a maintenance standpoint the NG is nice to work on since the avionics have a lot of built in systems troubleshooting.

[@jonm6321]

Where did y'all get training on the PC-12?

[@paulcredmond]

It looks like you use tugs to move the planes in and out of the hanger, but why not use them to do the plane swaps instead of powering the planes and taxiing them? Just curious :)

[@felipegarcia3858]

Hi, im currently enrolled to be an aircraft mechanic and am going to a school where i can get my A and P license and was wondering what the requirements to work at Surf Air are

[@Spontainousteve]

[@Spontainousteve]

Oh right, Hawthorne. I could have just googled the ICAO code. Thanks a bunch!

[@kimberlymejia380]

Do you get paid more for having a bachelors degree than someone with only an a&p license? I’m looking into some school and I’m wondering if I should do a 2 year or 4 year course. Basically what will I benefit more from?

[@MrPopo-bd1ix]

11:00 Would it help to wear blue gloves for that task?

[@DayInMontreal]

Just like that, when you started taxiing, your yoke went right by itself. I'm just assuming here, but I assume the winds came from your left side. If you want to have a stable and smooth taxi, deflect your ailerons COMPLETELY to where the wind comes from. Let say the winds come from left, put your yoke complete left,, not center, especially for great winds. By the way I like your videos, I hope your company understand you are making great publicity for them.

[@JamesSullivans]

The ailerons in this aircraft are tied to the rudder by a spring pack so they will move with the rudder controls. You are correct about control position in windy conditions although with the weight of this aircraft there really isn't much controllability issues with this aircraft on the ground in wind. I try to hold the controls to keep the ailerons from hitting their stops

[@DayInMontreal]

James Sullivan Interesting, Thank you for your answer! Nice job! So I guess this aircraft HAS to always fly coordinated? What model is it?

[@JamesSullivans]

It is a PC-12 and yes they typically fly coordinated. Although the spring pack can be overridden with a light amount of force if needed

[@dbrown4bbl]

FARs re harness use? Taxi, takeoff & Landing?

[@haripermadi1549]

Hi Dbrown i would like to know more about Mechanic's privilidge, what does FAR requiments for a Mechanics to taxi a plane and does Mechanic limited to taxi particular plane based on weight....? Really appreciate your help

[@xXJOEVXx]

Your telling me there's lockwire too on these 😭 Edit. Your using the lockwire pliers !

[@mikercflyer7383]

Would you give up your job to be a pilot? Great videos.

[@JamesSullivans]

I'd like to do both eventually. Right now I am really enjoying being a mechanic but I also have a part time job flying banners.

[@1shot1soul]

So what exactly is your job title? Is it like a trade school type of job?

[@TheActualJae]

What's all that red stuff behind the engine when you're changing out the FCU? It looked like...leather?

[@JamesSullivans]

It's the "fire blanket" a leather like synthetic material intended to slow an engine fire from breaching the fire wall. Insulation of sorts.

[@colourr2222]

How big is the gasoline tank on a smaller airplane like these?

[@JamesSullivans]

402 gallons of fuel total

[@cosmonaat7797]

using the bleed valve, could you further explain how P2.5,Px,P3 all works?

[@cosmonaat7797]

i assume when you had the bleed valve on the table (nipple pointing up) that would be the position of the valve when it is "fully open" for the P2.5 air for the air to go towards the compressor inlet. is this correct?

[@JamesSullivans]

That's correct. I'll see if I can make that video sometime. Glad you enjoyed

[@cosmonaat7797]

thanks man! didnt mean to blow up ur comments lol

[@kylelafromboise7902]

I thought if you haven't done the work before you need to be supervised when doing the work the first time? Am I wrong? You said that you haven't done this before in the beginning of the video.

[@JamesSullivans]

That's not a requirement under FAA regulations. Certain companies may require it however.

[@rustypotato1884]

It is music by:/// not music bye:/// @11:34

[@JamesSullivans]

I thought it would be funny to put bye ;)

[@brianacquafredda9823]

How long have you been a mechanic?

[@JamesSullivans]

4 years

[@tacosycerveza1232]

So you guys don't get your FCUs overhauled at engine o/h?

[@JamesSullivans]

Nathanael normally we would but since our overhaul interval was pushed to 5k due to being a high utilization operator the FCU is still due at 4k. Most PT6 operators have the engine overhaul done at 4k in which case the FCU would go with it. Good catch!

[@tacosycerveza1232]

James Sullivan Fun stuff. I had to do engine mounts recently on one because a previous shop mis-interpreted chapter 4 or 5 and thought the mounts could go to 5000 hours. They had overhauled at 3500. Now I know why the 5000 hour requirement is in chapter 4. Didn't know they had TBO extensions for operators like you guys. Learn something new everyday.

[@jordanr3918]

Out of curiosity how did you end up doing the job that you have now? and what kind of education is needed to have a job like that?

[@TheFrozenSoldier]

if you ever hear a mechanic call safety wire "lock wire" they likely have military background.

[@jpm1583]

Eric Carson I'm curious, why are you saying that ? In the shcool where I studied we all called it lock wire and its not a millitary shcool.

[@TheFrozenSoldier]

While I am certain that there are exceptions, in my experience the schools prefer to stay away from the "lockwire" terminology, as it presents the misleading assumption that the wire "holds the torque" whereas safety wire presents the understanding that the wire is there to prevent the fastener from falling off its mate.

[@NovejSpeed3]

Eric Carson not saying you're wrong, but I have 14 years of heavy avionic experience working airborne radar on the E3 Sentry and all of us call it "safety wire".....

[@TheFrozenSoldier]

NovejSpeed3 -You had good instructors and colleagues!

[@renylsarabia617]

Hello are you still in this channel?

[@JamesSullivans]

Still here just not making videos currently

[@renylsarabia617]

@@JamesSullivans nice video all your video keeping me motivated i watch your video when im still an aircraft ojt. Now im an aircraft mechanic here uae. Life was amazing.

[@mizzyroro]

Do airplane mechanics wish they were pilots?

[@podcastbunker]

Why does everyone try to be Casey Neistat ?

[@NW3425]

Hey this channel needs maintenance.

[@JamesSullivans]

shots fired