F16 oil sample screening

[gashman]

Pretty dull question, but it turns out that these F-jet things need an oil sample to be taken and screened efter every two flights. It also turns out that Aberdeen could do the job, but sadly the guy who did it died recently . Leuchars has said that they are only aware of Lakenheath (or Mildenhall) having facilities in the UK. These USAF bases will only "turn" a jet for transit reasons, and not allow the aircraft to operate several sorties from that base.

After the long blah, the question is: does anyone know of another RAF station or civ airport with the facilities to do this oil test?

I know it's a long shot, but any past learning points or guidance would be useful. Thanks in advance.

GM

[abbotyobs]

The oil has to be checked with a small sample taken after every flight within 30 minutes of shutdown.
Do your annual crew chief certificate and you will see how easy it is.

[DEL Mode]

You need to be more specific about the type of oil.

Crude is different from olive.

Glad to help but need to understand which oil (hyd, gearbox, fuel, whatever) you are refering to.

[gashman]

Abbotyobs, just looking for an engineering unit which can examine the sample once I've taken it from the jet. I think the samples used to be sent by courier to Aberdeen, but we now need an alternative if we are to fly in the north of the UK.

DEL Mode, soz about the vague info, it's engine oil. It's used to see if the engine is breaking up, a bit like the chip detectors in the tornado if you are familiar with the "swing-wing messenger of death".

Thanks for the interest, appreciate any help from all players

GM

[Dr Illitout]

Rolls Royce have an overhaul plant at Glasgow Airport and GE have a plant at Prestwick. If they don't do S.O.A.P.tests they will know somebody who will. Also perhaps you might contact one of the helicopter firms supplying the off shore industery. I can't imagine them sending thier oil samples far!

Rgds Dr I

[matkat]

Originally Posted by gashman

Pretty dull question, but it turns out that these F-jet things need an oil sample to be taken and screened efter every two flights. It also turns out that Aberdeen could do the job, but sadly the guy who did it died recently . Leuchars has said that they are only aware of Lakenheath (or Mildenhall) having facilities in the UK. These USAF bases will only "turn" a jet for transit reasons, and not allow the aircraft to operate several sorties from that base.
After the long blah, the question is: does anyone know of another RAF station or civ airport with the facilities to do this oil test?
I know it's a long shot, but any past learning points or guidance would be useful. Thanks in advance.
GM

Every 2 flights!! is there someone wrong with these engines? as an Engineer(an one who used to do soap samples)I have never heard of such short durations I am also surprised that a visual inspection of the mag plugs is not sufficient.

[abbotyobs]

Gashman, sorry about earlier, check PMs

[seac]

Qinetic at Farnborough or Spectro at Alton can do it .

[gashman]

beauty, thanks fellas, a few leads there. As far as the rules and regs, I just follow them, I don't make them up. I think it may be the gingers covering their own asses.I don't think that they ever found a problem with the donks using this inspection process. The thing is, with one engine, I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially with my trackrecord with engine failures in the past!

GM

ps, anyone have contact numbers for the Glasgow firms etc?

[Hilife]

Spectro Oil Analysis specialise in lubricant and fuel analysis and its Sister company Jet-Care specialises in engine trend monitoring.

They will gladly sell you oil sample kits (little plastic bottles) and will be able to provide you with a detailed analysis of the oil. I have used them over the years and their customers include Pratt Canada, Honeywell, Williams and plenty more big players.

SPECTRO OIL ANALYSIS, Hook, Palace Gate, Odiham, Hampshire, RG29 1NP, Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], Web site: www.spectro-oil.com, ISO17025, Sales & Marketing Manager.

You can mail the sample to them or if you like supping real ale in English country pubs, then the area around Odiham is a great place to start, The Bell Inn in the village, The Four Horseshoes (Ponderosa) at RAF Long Sutton is great for watching the sun go down on a summers afternoon, or The Chequers Inn at Well and if you want to travel a little further try The Coach and Horses in Rotherwick.

Sorry I digress…….check out Spectro for sure.

[DEL Mode]

Try speaking to the Rolls-Royce Rep on site in TPF

[The Helpful Stacker]

Can it not be carried out at DFG West Moors? The staff in the Pet Lab who taught me were all Qinetic staff.