Tool Crib

Twin Cities RV Club Airplane Scales

The Club has purchased a 4 pad scale set to facilitate the initial weighing of new aircraft as well as ongoing weigh ins, as we all know our planes, like us, tend to gain a little girth.

The scales can be checked out from Pete Howell at the Anoka County airport. You can contact Pete at fly.rv9a@gmail.com or 651-334-5479. He should be available most days to meet you at the airport, where he can get you the scales and provide a quick tutorial on how to use them. 

Some quick thoughts:

• The scales come in a nice protective case with rollers and a handle – making them safe and easy to transport

• There are no plans to get the scales calibrated, but they were dead on for weighing Pete and Bill

• The scales will have a lending time of one week – let’s make them available for as many people as possible

• Your aircraft will need to be leveled to be accurately weighed. We have some platforms and shims that can be used to do this but, most likely, some innovation (ramps, more shims, tire pressure, tiny chocks) will be needed on your part (along with levels!)

• The aircraft will need to be completely empty or completely full of fuel if you are reweighing it – keep that in mind. Grounded gas cans to drain all fuel or a way to top it off are required.

• Weighing should be done indoors to eliminate any influence by the wind

Carl Zeigler has recently retired and and is making available a LOT of various tools and test equipment for loan.

This treasure of goodies is located at Lake Elmo airport.  Carl has nearly 50 years of experience as an A&P mechanic and is available for tech counseling and building assistance,  He also has a high quality borescope for engine inspections.  

If you are looking for the odd-ball bucking bar or that specialized aircraft tool to borrow, Carl's email is planemech@yahoo.com

Here's a sampling of his "collection".....