working on the PA-18

In my new job with Van Wagner Aerial Media I work as a contractor on Piper PA-18 Super Cubs. Working here is very different from my Job at Surf Air. Full of unique challenges, join me as I work on the PA-18.

[@lsullivan0202]

So it's bad practice to hoist the tail of a plane while it is situated beneath the wing of another? Noted. Love the videos brother, excited for you to start towing banners part time

[@JamesSullivans]

started my training after we got back from cuba!

[@depresseddeprived5585]

This young pilot and aircraft mechanic is leaving my dreams to his full capability and its honestly amazing. He does everything I dreamed of accomplishing since a child, riding a motorcycle, becoming an aircraft pilot and mechanic. You honestly can't ask for more in life, always remember to live out your dreams and don't let anyone stop you. Do what you truly love to do and don't let others distract you from being you.

[@noblegoldheart8508]

I have the same dream. I want to be an A&P mechanic, and a private pilot. Maybe get my commercial pilots certificate too. I'll be going to school for me to be an aircraft mechanic, and I'm very excited to start this fall.

[@lorenzodunn3226]

Excellent film footage and sound. Excellent dialogue as well.

[@SteevEdits]

Finishing my A&P schooling this coming April. Just came across your channel recently. It's refreshing to see you working on the same things we've been learning about. Graduating with my AA in April. I was wondering, is it worth it to go the extra 2 years for the Bachelor's? Been debating on it. Keep up the great content, man!

[@sorrygtfo]

So you graduated in April, did you find a job yet? How's work going?

[@salmanb3462]

Hey James! Just discovered your videos and I wanted to thank you for posting them up. They are very interesting to watch and they give me an idea of what to expect once i get out there in the industry. I am currently in my second year of Aircraft Maintenance in Calgary, Canada. Your knowledge and passion for aviation is quite inspirational too. Keep up the good work bud!

[@spurgear4]

Awesome, I worked ten years on heavy helicopter for a huge company, only thing I got was to work late doing a 50 hour check on Christmas eve.

[@robinj.9329]

Folks nearly always think of the "Super Cub" in it's final form. With the Lycoming O-320, 150 H.P. engine. But, as I recall; the very first PA-18 was made with only 90 H.P. ? And only later, much later was it offered with 150 h.p. Nearly all of today's Super Cub "replacements" use 180 H.P. !

[@marie3321]

You honestly know so much about these planes you're working on, what helps you to learn all the parts and navigate your way around the aircraft?

[@v-raze1823]

Anyone else confusedly check Skype at 0:21? That sample... XD Found this channel a couple days ago, love the content. Really informative, and the more I'm learning about the profession the more interested I am.

[@JamesSullivans]

Lol I hadn't even noticed that! Thanks for the support

[@v-raze1823]

You're welcome! Thanks for making great videos about what you do, it's been immensely helpful. I'm on the fence between a few different career/school options at the moment, and seeing the kind of day-to-day work you do has given me a much better idea about whether the profession is right for me than written summaries and job descriptions. Keep up the good work!

[@angelreading5098]

A very capable young man and I bet that your company appreciates your dedication and skills,you fly these Super Cubs without any engine cowlings ? great video,thanks for sharing your interesting work with us.

[@JamesSullivans]

Yeah no cowlings just a baffle to help keep it cool while flying slow and low

[@Bortnoone]

Still like your old videos. Hope your piloting is going well

[@stenic2]

I Like see you working around planes

[@GamingTurkey]

for the work you do, on your videos you need more subs man.

[@dangerranger1362]

Great vid

[@mikeyt88]

Im about to tow banners up in NJ this summer. You have your commercial? Love the vids keep them coming! Maybe some flying vids too!

[@JamesSullivans]

Yeah commercial and tail wheel. Have fun! I'll get some flying videos once I'm flying banners ;)

[@artcontreras1486]

You should shoot a video on a swing check

[@eduardtmordt108]

Hi James, where do you source the solid tail wheels? Do you need an STC to install them?

[@nagle007]

Did you do your flying training or A&P first? Is this answered in a video somewhere? Also curious what your end goal is? To fly or be a mechanic?

[@JamesSullivans]

I trained for my Private Pilot license in highschool and then earned my other aviation certs in college at the same time as studying for my A&P. I am still figuring out the end game since I really just love all things aviation. A current career goal is to be a Director of Maintenance or Director of Aviation for a corporate flight department but who knows what will change in the next few years.

[@jeepplug4074]

At 9:24 you spell your name wrong :) fun videos

[@JamesSullivans]

Haha never even noticed that!

[@Optatius]

If anyone sees this. Im going for A&P schooling in the fall. Im wondering from those with experience which side of work do they prefer. General aviation or commercial like surfair. Rewarding, enjoyable, work load, etc between the two or is there really no difference.

[@ckeith2011]

Hey James. thanks for the videos. Just started watching today. I was wondering, you mentioned you are close to getting your tail-dragger endorsement. What other pilot certifications/endorsements/ratings do you have or are looking at getting specifically for piloting? And can you tell me what perks do working as an aircraft mechanic give you as far as furthering your dream of flying and progressing as a pilot? Thank you again.

[@JamesSullivans]

Keith! Thanks for the comment. I have my commercial multi and instrument/taildragger ratings. Working as a mechanic gives me flight benefits and as a pilot I'm flying banners now.

[@ckeith2011]

James Sullivan Thanks for the response. I'm 29 and in the Navy. Looking at retiring with benefit s of course. But I have really seriously thinking about going for my pilots licence. I really am trying to figure out how to make it work best for me and I'm thinking of exploring the idea of going aircraft mechanic. I already work a technical job as a maintenance person and very familiar with preventive and corrective maintenance system. Keep up the the videos please. Thanks

[@JamesSullivans]

Do both!! Thanks for your service

[@Kari_Jane]

What is your rate Keith? I was an AT for 20... retired about 6 years ago best decision ever was to stay in until retirement.. Tricare alone is worth it. see if you can still get your A&P while in.. so much cheaper and you can use your military time to get it.

[@ckeith2011]

Jason Teasdale hey. thanks for the reply. I'm a CTT. with a Maintenance Technician trade so I have trained in advance electronics field and projected to get linux based training in the future. But my passion is mechanical. I would love to find a program that would let me to get certified. But im pretty sure with the number they won't let me cross rate. but I do fully intend to retire with benefits at least 20 years. everybody I have heard from that has got out early regrets it. thanks again for your advice.

[@chrisbell1987]

you have my dream job :/

[@smilingcopycat]

6:16 right side short oilrubber line looks pretty oily? Leak?

[@hammer2787]

nice music 1:12

[@MoAyob02]

Do you have to be smart in maths to do this career? Because I really want to be a Aircraft mechanic

[@hectorabcdefg9076]

so do you wear gloves? I thought you guys would get your hands dirty and greasy.

[@somemean-side2202]

so i'm confused you have 2 awesome jobs working on planes?

[@JamesSullivans]

yup ;) I work full time at SurfAir and part time on these planes.

[@somemean-side2202]

wow where did you go to school and what for. this is amazing how long did you study to figure these things out. keep up the amazing vids

[@JamesSullivans]

I studied Aviation Maintenance Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. It was a four year degree, but you can also go to a trade school for your A&P license which would take about 18 months. School taught me the fundamentals, but I am still learning everyday. Thanks for the support!

[@Kari_Jane]

Did you go to the Daytona campus? I did some remote classes while I was in the Navy working as an Avionics Electrician .... Your videos are great man.. kinda have a Casey Neistat style but really work for you. I am really impressed with your Knowledge and work ethic... keep up the great videos

[@JamesSullivans]

Thanks Jason - yeah I went to the Daytona Beach campus

[@sachinsundas4804]

how much do u earn buddy ?

[@mohammedhasanvi8081]

Hey I want to buy your plane

[@firstnamelastname-uz2ng]

9:23 JAME

[@pvp66]

James too much camera bouncing, you can get dizzy from watching this video. Heads up

[@JamesSullivans]

Thanks for the heads up