Aircraft Repair Using An Aircraft Tool Supply Shop
If you are an FAA certified technician, then you know that having the best quality tools can be expensive, but buying your tools from an aircraft tool supply store can help you save a lot of money. There are many speciality tools you must have if you regularly repair and maintain a variety of different aircraft; aircraft valve grinding tools, gauges, and electronic sensor testing equipment are must have items that are commonly purchased from an aircraft tool supply store.
Many apprentice technicians start off building their tool collection by looking for used aircraft tools, such as a pop rivet gun, in pawn shops, and many aircraft tool supply centers as well. Snap On, Mac, and other popular tool manufacturers sell new specialty tools for aircraft, and airframe repair and many of the tool trucks that provide onsite service at repair centers also sell used tools, and surplus items as well. Large commercial airlines deal with fleet maintenance and it is often necessary to make custom parts that require aircraft tooling supplies, and factory tools that are not commonly available from some aircraft tool supply sources. The cost of some of these tools are also quite expensive making it necessary for commercial aircraft fleet services to make many of their more unique tools.
Working with avionics and computer controlled airframe components require non-metal glass fibre tools that do not conduct electricity to help prevent static electricity from damaging million dollar parts. These types of tools are very expensive and many times are provided by the air fleet maintenance company for use by the repair and maintenance team. Smaller airplane service companies usually only maintain or repair a few different types of aircraft, so their inventory of aircraft tools and parts are more likely to be restricted to only cover the types of common repairs and services they regularly perform. Some examples would include drill bits for metal and rivet nut tools. Many times they will have a contract with an aircraft tool supply company to order parts or supplies that are regularly depleted, such as oils, cleaning towels and rags, and other commonly used items in the repair or service of airplanes.
The FAA regulates the scheduled maintenance and the types of repairs and inspections that must be performed and documented for the protection of the public at large, as well and those flying in a particular airplane. This information is recorded in the airplanes repair and safety log for review and inspection as need by the FAA or internal maintenance review personnel. Aircraft tool supply centers deal with many different types of aircraft and many specialize in specific types of aircraft, making it easy to obtain the required parts and tools a repair facility may need.
