Richard Scarbrough

Atlanta

Columnist at Flying Magazine

We use storytelling to spark collaboration. USN | ERAU | A&P Writer

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Articles

Garmin Autoland/Autothrottle: Enhancing Safety While Reducing Workload

2 months ago | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

As new technology emerges that increases the capability and safety of new aircraft, the same or similar functionality finds its way into the legacy fleet via the supplemental type certificate (STC) process. Upgrading aircraft, especially avionics and automation, enables owners to reinvest in an aircraft that may already be fully depreciated rather than purchasing new or late-model aircraft for significantly more money—if you can afford the downtime.
Garmin Autoland/Autothrottle: Enhancing Safety While Reducing Workload

2 months ago | flipboard.com | Richard Scarbrough

1 hour agoAn American Airlines jet aborted a landing at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., to avoid a collision with another plane on Tuesday morning, aviation officials said. The flight was making its final descent at 8:20 a.m. ET when the pilot saw another plane preparing to take off from the …
Understanding Aircraft Tires

Oct 17, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

Tires are a critical component of your aircraft. Knowing the exact specifications is vital to flying-approved and safe operation. Failure to maintain them could eventually create severe consequences. Aircraft did not start off with tires, or even wheels, for that matter. The Wright Flyer did not use landing gear. Instead, the launching rail system consisted of four 15-foot two-by-fours totaling 60 feet.
Corrosion 101: What Causes It?

Oct 9, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

There has always been plenty of chatter concerning OEM service documents, specifically whether compliance is optional or mandatory. Are service documents mandatory? No. Are they a good idea to implement? It depends, but for the most part, yes, and you’ll soon discover why. If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Subscribe today to get the issue as soon as it is released in either Print or Digital formats. Corrosion comes in all shapes and sizes.
Fight Against FOD Never Ends

Sep 16, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

“I believe I just ingested a flashlight.” That statement is precisely what one does not wish to hear when test-running an aircraft following a maintenance event. The situation worsens when the aircraft is a $109 million F-35A Lightning II fighter.
Deadly Tire Explosion at Delta Facility Highlights Risks in Aviation Maintenance

Sep 5, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

On August 27 at 5 a.m. EST, an aircraft tire explosion in the wheel and brake shop at Delta TechOps at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (KATL) in Atlanta killed two mechanics and sent another to the hospital with serious injuriesWhile Delta provided few details about the explosion, which is under investigation, here is what we know. Mechanics removed the tire from a Boeing 757 and transferred the wheel and tire assembly to the wheel and brake shop.
Quoting MRO Work

Aug 15, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

There comes a time in every aircraft owner's life when they have to come to terms with aircraft maintenance. When this occurs, owners are hit with a double whammy: They cannot fly their airplanes, and the work will cost them money. Now, some might come away from the down time with a shiny new Garmin gadget or a candy pearl, glossy paint job. And those lucky enough to accomplish engine maintenance may feel a little bump in the throttle, but it is a small consolation prize.
What to Know About Supplemental Type Certificates

Jul 18, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

Recently, following the emergence of a Cirrus service advisory regarding the use of GAMI's G100UL unleaded aviation gasoline, I was asked, can an approved solution—a supplemental type certificate (STC)— void a manufacturer's warranty? Isn't the FAA approval the gold stamp one needs to fly off into the sunset with a clean bill of airworthiness? Like everything else in aircraft maintenance, it depends.
Cirrus Service Advisory Throws Fuel on G100UL Maintenance Debate

Jul 16, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

In June, Cirrus released a service advisory (SA) regarding the use of fuel that had not been approved for SR Series aircraft. This creates a dilemma for many, including aircraft maintainers. The issue of what is legal (in FAA terms) and approved (by manufacturers) puts maintainers in a sticky situation.
Identifying Corrosion in All Its Forms

Jun 26, 2024 | flyingmag.com | Richard Scarbrough

Corrosion has existed as long as aircraft. Although it was most likely not on the minds of Wilbur and Orville Wright during their famous 12-second flight, it nonetheless quickly became the archnemesis of many aviators. As aircraft progressed, so did the enemy. Corrosion identification, prevention, and treatment is an ongoing battle.