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What Is the Best Way to Inflate Aircraft Tires?

Etenwolf Zephyr S3 inflator in action [Credit: Jonathan Welsh]

I spent years searching for an inflation tool that can “air up” light aircraft tires accurately and reliably (i.e. without breaking or melting). The process followed a now-familiar rhythm of apparent success followed by sudden and utter disappointment—untiil recently.

After my last compact cordless air compressor failed from stripped threads in its plastic chuck, I focused on finding a similar design but with a more durable metal chuck. Having tried numerous inflation methods, I felt I was homing in on an ideal combination of features suitable for general aviation use.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast who has been a reporter, writer and columnist for 35 years. His career includes stints with the Wall Street Journal, Flying Magazine and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He recently returned to Firecrown to lead Aviation Consumer.