Normally, I am not inclined to comment on new equipment. Something purchased should work well. The wide-body aircraft portablehydraulic test equipment (mules) TWA has aquired from American Lab, however, are praiseworthy and particularly so in context of our poor experience with equipment of this kind.

The latest hydraulic mule you delivered to TWA is excellent. Like your initial three, we've needed only to 'plug it in and operate ship systems'. Only those of us in the airline maintenance trade appreciate how malfunctions of this particular type of equipment virtually shut down airplane hangar operations. Entire crews can be idled while mules are being fixed. The only recourse is expensive - purchase coverage mules to compensate for those which may be out of service.

TWA has now had your units in service for almost three years and none have been "down" for more than normal upkeep reasons. They have proven to be so reliable that we almost take them for granted.

And, they operate quietly. Our safety comittee has requested that they be equipped with rotating beacon lights so personnel in the work area will recognize when they are operating.

Please convey my appreciation to all at American Lab who participated in developing those units. They are excellent.

Yours very truly,

C. Rickman

Project Engineer

Dear Mike:

Just a quick note to thank you for the outstanding work your company has done in designing and manufacturing a portable PDQ digital flow meter that meets our specifications. As you know, this unit was primarily intended for use on our Airbus fleet, but word of its simplicity and ease of operation has spread. Suffice it to say, it travels from hangar to hangar well. We especially appreciate the simple operation features you have incorporated on our unit. At first glance, the unit appears to be missing parts. However, after a minute, you realize all that you really need is all that is provided. A minimum of "bells and whistles"; that's a plus in our book. Thank you for following our specification in this regard.

I look forward to receiving the calibration procedures for this unit as specified in our earlier correspondence. With this information, we will look forward to maintaining this unit for a very long time.

I'll keep you advised of the performance of this unit as necessary.


Best regards,

Mark Evans
Airbus Operations
Northwest Airlines/MSP Base