That moment a simple wire pin got me on a cold ramp in Denver

I was doing a quick pitot static check on a Citation, and the test set connector felt loose, so I gave it a firm push and heard a tiny snap inside. Turns out the plastic alignment pin on the test lead had cracked, and I had to improvise a fix with a trimmed zip tie to get a good seal and finish the job before the crew showed up. What's your go-to method for a solid connection when a test port is worn out or a connector is acting up?

2 comments

2 Comments

quinn9588d ago

I mean, I'd be worried about that zip tie fix holding up under pressure. Maybe a dab of sealant on the connector itself would be better?

caseyl188d ago

Sealant can make a real mess of the port for the next guy. If the alignment pin is shot, I keep a few spares from old, broken test leads in my kit. Just epoxy the new plastic pin into the connector body and let it cure. It's a permanent fix that doesn't risk gumming up the aircraft side.