Long X-Country Spares and Tools List

[sonex1284]

It's great to see some of the Sonex builders "stretch their wings" and go on extended cross-country flights. I'm hoping (and planning) one for this fall that is measuring out to be ~4,500 over 4 weeks. My question to the group: "For long trips, what are the essential tools and spares that you should pack and take along?"

I'm not considering emergency gear, and I know that the list may vary from engine to engine. But, I'd like to get a spreadsheet going for 1) plane, 2) engine (Jab 3300 in my case), and 3) tools. After it's consolidated, I'll re-post for everyone else. Thanks!

[MichaelFarley56]

Hi Mike, that sounds like a great trip! I'm excited to hear more about it and hopefully get some reports from you during your adventure!

Here's a list of stuff I had in my plane for Oshkosh (some may apply to you, some may not):

- Sonex canopy cover
- 'The Claw' aircraft tie down kit
- 2 extra quarts of engine oil
- maps
- handheld Garmin GPS and extra batteries
- flashlight
- canopy lock
- tow bar
- tool kit containing:
- assortment of screwdrivers, small socket set, assortment of pliers
- spare tube for tire
- assortment of tie wraps
- spare spark plugs/Loctite/feeler gauges/Allen wrenches
- tiny hammer
- some of those bendable 'glow sticks'
- assortment of spare AN hardware including nuts, bolts, washers, cotter pins, etc.
- tire pressure gauge
- extra tube of red RTV


I'm sure there's more in my tool kit but that's what I remember right off hand. Unfortunately the tool kit and tie down kit were around 20-25 lbs each, so that adds up. If you're going to be in a hangar every night you could probabaly do without the tie down kit and maybe even the canopy cover, but that's your option.

[fastj22]

a small bike tire pump.

[N111YX]

I think Mike pretty much nailed down everything that can be considered necessary however, I don't bother carrying much oil with me as it's heavy and easily aquired just about anywhere (assuming that you are using aviation oil!). I use an 8 oz. K&N oil bottle to add oil without needing to use a funnel. It's easy to add a given number of ounces this way.
I'll add that I carry my canopy cover with me on every flight in case I get stranded somewhere. One good rainshower would be bad for the interior not to mention the UV and extreme heat under the greenhouse canopy.
Utilizing a fair amount of luck, the only tools that I needed for my three long cross-country flights (3200, 4300, and 4900 miles) were some pliers and a Philips screwdriver. Nothing broke!

[mike.smith]

I don't bother carrying much oil with me as it's heavy and easily aquired just about anywhere (assuming that you are using aviation oil!).

The AeroVee specifically does NOT use aviation oil (molecules too big). Since I have an AV I do carry oil. Although it's automobile (racing) oil, if I'm stuck at an airport or without a ride, I'd like to have some :-)

Mike Smith
Sonex N439M

[MichaelFarley56]

Utilizing a fair amount of luck, the only tools that I needed for my three long cross-country flights (3200, 4300, and 4900 miles) were some pliers and a Philips screwdriver. Nothing broke!

Stop bragging!! :mrgreen: We're all jealous!!

[mike.smith]

I'm still in Phase 1 testing, but I've started to build up my little tool kit (a $7 small black back from Harbor Freight) for the future.

1. Tie down kit (The Claw)
2. Sonex canopy cover
3. Extra 2 quarts of oil
4. Travel tool kit, which includes:
a. sockets, wrenches, screw drivers, pliers, etc.
b. assortment of spare parts, including lots of AN bolts, nuts, washers, etc.
c. spare tube
d. flashlight
e. rescue tape
f. canopy lock key
g. Extra prop bolts (1 each)
h. Allen sockets (for prop bolts)
i. Vice grips
j. Pliers
k. Multi-blade screwdriver
m. Needle nose pliers
n. Wrenches
o. Valve cover washers
p. Zip ties
q. Rag
r. Micro screwdriver (flat head)
s. Wheel cotter pins
t. Misc cotter pins
u. Allen wrenches
v. Tire pressure guage
5. Cleaning supplies, such as microfiber towels and cleaners
6. Spark plug(s)
7. 80" of stainless throttle wire

[N111YX]

Oh, yeah...probably one of the most important items - safety wire and pliers. The wire can be used for lot's of stuff in a pinch.

[dtwolcott]

You forgot the big hammer and of course duct tape.
:lol: