By Robert Dorning
Photos by Graeme Greed and Robert Dorning

Our tug pilots will be very pleased when they see the new concrete floor in the entrance of the tug hangar. No more pulling tugs over pot holes in the old bumpy bitumen floor. The bitumen (and the adjoining broken concrete) has been dug up and replaced with fresh new concrete. Approximately one quarter of the hangar floor has been done.

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The immediate cause for the work was a "Request for Corrective Action" from CASA following a quality assurance inspection last November of our CASA certified aircraft maintenance facilities. The RCA pointed out that the condition of the floor was making it unsafe for the jacking of aircraft and we could lose this privilege. The work was organised by Rhonda (with some assistance from Peter Martin) and was done by a local concreter. The photos show the bitumen was completely removed and the concrete pour is of a good thickness.

There are cracks and holes in the remainder of the old concrete floor. Successful trials have been conducted by Peter Martin in repairing the cracks and holes (you can see the repairs near the cage at the rear of the hangar). Repair work to the floor will be carried out in July/August using tried techniques and materials. A working bee will be required, so if you can help please contact Peter Martin Peter.L.Martin@bigpond.com or myself softdawn@optusnet.com.au. A concrete mower will be hired to smooth-off the floor in places.

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The CASA inspection also highlighted that storm water was flooding into the hangar. As a result, the Club Committee has approved the replacement of the guttering on the west side of the tug hangar and repair of 2 holes in the guttering on the east side. The guttering work will be done by Don Ridgeway in the near future.

Unassisted, Gerry Hogan has plugged the nail holes in the corrugated iron hangar walls; a good effort. Our work experience lad, James, has since swept the hangar floor and removed the tumble weeds. We should go into the soaring season with a much improved hangar and workshop facility.

Robert Dorning Workshop Co-ordinator

ConcreteBefore
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Before and after

See also Where do we put the bodies