| How to Become an Airline Pilot Posted: 14 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT Being an airline pilot can be a glamorous, exciting, and highly rewarding job. However, it takes many years and a lot of dedication to land a job at a major airline. For some positions, it can take up to 10 years of flying experience to even qualify. Unless you enlist in the military, gaining the requisite training and flight experience is quite costly. To become an airline pilot, you will need to earn a series of licenses: a private pilot license, a commercial license, and an airline transport license. In total, these three licenses require thousands of hours of flight experience. Then, you can apply to work as a pilot for an airline. EditBecoming a Private Pilot - Graduate from high school with courses in math and science. Although there are no high school course requirements for becoming an airline pilot, generally courses in math and science will be most helpful for your future career. Enroll in advanced placement classes if they are offered by your school.[1]
- Consider taking part in extracurricular activities related to flying. In the UK, for instance, you could join the Air Training Corps (ATC), a volunteer-military youth organization for people under the age of 18.
- Earn a 4-year college degree to fly for a large commercial airline. A bachelor's degree or equivalent is required to become a pilot for a major airline. It's preferable to get a bachelor of science with an emphasis in aviation, but your degree doesn't necessarily have to be aviation related.[2]
- Some regional airlines only require a 2-year degree.
- Certain colleges and universities, such as the University of North Dakota, offer flight training in concurrence with academic classes.[3]
- Obtain a first-class medical certificate. Make an appointment with a certified aviation medical examiner. A doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination to ensure that you're both physically and mentally capable of operating an airplane.[4]
- Contrary to popular belief, you can still become a professional pilot if you wear glasses or contacts, as long as your vision is correctable to 20/20.[5]
- In the United States, you must visit the office of a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). A list of AMEs in your community can be found here: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/
- Enroll in an accredited flight school or training program to gain flight experience. Training generally comes in two forms: integrated and modular. Integrated training programs are more expensive, but allow you to complete your training more quickly—generally 14-18 months. Modular programs allow you to pay as you go and are better if you want to train part-time, potentially taking breaks between modules.[6]
- If you're in the United States, completing classes at an FAA-approved flight school can reduce the amount of flight experience required for a pilot's license.
- Consider military flight training for a subsidized option. Enrolling in flight school and acquiring the required number of flight hours can be an incredibly expensive process. If you enlist in the military, however, your flight training will be subsidized. The flip side, of course, is that you must agree to a multi-year commitment to the armed forces (10 years, in the United States).[7]
- The Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard offer flight training if you are a U.S. citizen.
- Job prospects are generally good for those leaving the military to become an airline pilot.
- Get a student pilot's license to fly a plane on your own. Apply for a student pilot's license through the official aviation board in your country. These licenses are free to apply for, but you may need your instructor sign-off to prove your skills.[8]
- You can start taking flying lessons before you've applied for a student pilot certificate, but you'll need one to operate a plane by yourself. A private pilot's license, your next step, requires a certain amount of solo flying hours.
- You can often apply for a student pilot certificate at the same time as your medical certificate.
- Take a written exam to start earning your private pilot's license. The written exam can be taken at any time before the practical exam—some instructors and flight schools require it to be completed successfully before you start flying. The test consists of 60 multiple-choice questions.[9]
- Pass a practical flight exam and obtain your private pilot's license. To take your practical exam, you must have completed 40 total hours of flight time. Those 40 hours must include a minimum of 10 hours flying solo, of which 5 must be a solo cross-country flight, and 20 hours with an instructor. The flight exam is administered by an FAA examiner and usually lasts 1-2 hours. You must provide your own plane for the exam.[10]
- Once you've completed this process, you're officially a licensed pilot. You will be comfortable with the fundamentals of flying a single-engine plane.
- You cannot receive payment for your services when you hold this license.
EditEarning an Airline Transport Pilot's License - Add an instrument rating to fly in inclement weather. An instrument rating requires 50 hours of cross-country flight time while serving as the pilot in command. You also need 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight experience to qualify. To prove your flight hours, your instructor will review your pilot logbook and set up an appointment with a dedicated pilot examiner. Then, you'll be asked to plan a cross-country flight using instrument flight rules (which you may or may not actually fly), as well as an oral exam and flight test.[11]
- This rating allows you to pilot a plane during periods of low visibility, guided solely by the airplane's instruments.
- Earn a commercial pilot's license to be paid to fly. To qualify for an FAA Commercial Pilot License, applicants must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. Like your private pilot license, you'll need to pass a written and flight exam. The commercial certificate requires 250 flight hours (including 100 hours as pilot in command, 50 hours cross-country, and 10 hours of dual instruction in a complex aircraft).[12]
- The written exam for a commercial license contains 100 multiple choice questions. You will be given 3 hours to complete the test, and the minimum score is 70%.[13]
- The practical exam must be administered by an FAA-approved examiner, a list of which can be searched here: http://av-info.faa.gov/DesigneeSearch.asp.
- Add a multi-engine rating to legally fly a twin engine aircraft. To work as an airline pilot, you must acquire a multi-engine rating to fly planes with two engines. You'll need an endorsement from your instructor and will also have to take a practical test that includes a detailed verbal test. [14]
- The oral exam can be administered by the instructor and includes questions about weight and balance, aircraft systems, and minimum controllable airspeed.[15]
- No written test is required.
- Earn your airline transport pilot's license. To apply for this license, you must 23 years or older and have at least 1,500 hours of flying experience (that includes both night and instrument flying). You'll also be required to pass written and flight examinations.[16]
- The written exam is multiple choice and addresses subjects like flight planning and monitoring, radio navigation, meteorology, and air law.
- The practical exam is administered by either an FAA Inspector or an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. It's divided into two sections: an oral exam and a test flight.
- This license allows you to operate as the captain (or the "pilot in command") of a commercial aircraft.
EditGaining Experience - Apply for jobs with regional airlines. To work for a major airline, you will typically need 3,000 hours total flight time including at least 1,500 hours multi-engine, and at least 1,000 hours as pilot in command of a turbine-powered aircraft. To gain that experience, you can start by working at a regional airline, which often requires only 1,500 hours of flight time.[17]
- Many pilots start out at smaller airlines where they can gain experience flying on scheduled flights in a variety of weather conditions. Then, they use that experience to get higher paying jobs at bigger airlines.
- Complete your certified flight instructor rating to work at a flight school. Some flight schools offer you flight hours in exchange for working as an instructor there. This is a very common route to earning the hours needed to fly for a major airline since it allows you to earn money and while building up your flight hours.[18]
- Similarly, find a job as an instructor at a simulator company. Even if they cannot pay you a salary, see if you can trade your instructor hours for hours using the simulator and gaining experience to use in future job interviews.[19]
- Volunteer as a pilot to gain experience while helping others. Safety pilots, for instance, keep an eye out while another pilot is wearing a view-limiting device that simulates low-visibility weather conditions. You can donate your time while also earning flight hours. Or, if you are in the U.S., you can work with the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)—the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It conducts search-and-rescue missions and educational flights for younger cadets using a feel of smaller aircraft.[20]
- Some CAP flights require a private pilot's license at minimum, while others have more stringent requirements.
- Find "low-time" pilot jobs in your community for additional hours. Options include scenic flights, glider towing, aerial photography, towing banners, and pipeline patrol. These jobs may be hard to find when the market is bad for pilots, since other, more experienced pilots may be looking for work.[21]
- These jobs can usually be found via word-of-mouth or contacting businesses in your area that you think might be hiring part-time pilots.
EditWorking at an Airline - Apply to airlines as soon as you meet the minimum requirements. Prepare a one-page professional pilot resume. The resume should be broken down into sections with your contact information, ratings and flight hours, experience and chronological job history and any awards or accomplishments.[22]
- Ask other pilots who have direct knowledge of your flying skills to write letters of recommendation.
- Prepare for the interview by researching the airline. Figure out what types of planes they operate, as well as their hub cities. Look them up online to see if there's been any recent news about the company. Also, make sure your logbook is complete and you have an accurate record of your flight time.[23]
- Check professional pilot websites where pilots share airline specific interview experiences.
- You may want to bring copies of records such as college transcripts, military records, and licenses to the interview.
- If the airline conducts a simulator check, rent a simulator at your local airport or flight school to brush up. Some companies offer airline-specific interview simulator preparation, although this specialty interview prep can be pricey.
- Complete your initial training once hired. Onboarding for airline pilots typically includes a week of company training, 3-6 weeks of ground school and simulator training, and 25 hours of initial operating experience (including a check ride with an FAA aviation safety inspector).
- Once trained, you'll be required to complete regular training and simulator checks. These usually occur once or twice a year.
- Start working at the airline as a flight engineer. Depending on the type of aircraft, new airline pilots start as first officers or flight engineers. Although some airlines favor applicants who already have a flight engineer's license, they may provide flight engineer training for those who have only the commercial license.
- Advance to first officer after 1-5 years. In the airlines, advancement is usually predetermined by seniority provisions stated in union contracts. After a period of 1-5 years, you will likely be promoted to the role of first office.[24]
- A first officer (also known as the co-pilot) is the second-in-command to the captain.
- Become a captain after 5-15 years on the job. Gaining seniority will also help you acquire preferred flight assignments. Your time with the airline will determine when you fly, if you fly on weekends, or if you'll be in the air during Christmas or other holidays.[25]
- Any time you change airlines, by choice or because you've been laid off or your airline has gone out of business, you will be starting at the bottom again at your new airline in terms of your position, schedule, and pay—regardless of experience.[26]
EditAirline Pilot Resume - Flying as a career is a stressful job. A pilot's ultimate responsibility—the safety of their passengers and cargo—means making a lot of personal sacrifices. You'll be expected to undergo constant training and evaluation, drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and long hours.[27]
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Cook Clams on the Grill Posted: 14 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT Grilled clams are a delicious treat, especially in the middle of summer. Even if you don't have much cooking experience, grilling clams isn't that hard. For the best tasting grilled clams, make sure you select fresh clams at your local seafood market. Then, clean them to remove as much sand and grit as possible. After tossing them on your grill for a few minutes, cover them with a butter sauce, a brandied cherry topper, or a flavoring of your own creation. EditIngredients EditLemon-Cayenne Butter Sauce - 1 large garlic clove (minced)
- A pinch of kosher salt
- of melted butter (unsalted)
- of lemon juice
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
EditBrandied Cherry Topper - ½ cup (160 g) of cherry preserves
- of brandy
- ¼ teaspoon (0.6 g) of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (3 g) snipped fresh chives.
EditCleaning Your Clams - Buy fresh clams at the seafood market. Closely inspect each clam before you buy it. If you see a clam that's open, just tap on the shell. If the clam doesn't close, don't get it because it's not alive and won't taste fresh.[1]
- Don't choose any clam with a shell that's cracked or broken.
- Smell the clams to make sure they're fresh. Don't get any that smell fishy or like ammonia. This can be a sign of spoilage.
- Keep the clams cool while you transport them home.
- Put your clams in a large bowl of cold water. After adding your clams to the cold water, add a little salt. Be sure not to use warm or hot water, as this may kill your clams.[2]
- This soaking process will help filter sand and grit from your clams, which will help improve the taste and texture of your dish.
- Refrigerate your bowl of clams for 20 minutes. Leave the bowl uncovered in your fridge. This step will help remove sand and grit from your clams.[3]
- Covering the bowl may suffocate the clams.
- If you have limited room in your refrigerator and are making a lot of clams, you can use 2 bowls instead of 1.
- Transfer the clams to a fresh bowl of cold, salted water and let them soak. Once you've allowed your clams to soak in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Then, fill a fresh bowl with cold, salted water. Move the clams 1 at a time to this new bowl. Put the bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes.[4]
- You'll want to transfer the clams 1 at a time so that water from the first bowl, which will be full of sand and grit, doesn't get into the new bowl.
- Repeat the process twice until the clams are grit-free. After letting the clams soak, move them to a new bowl full of cold, salted water and put it in the fridge for another 20 minutes.[5]
- In most cases, 3 soaks should be enough to filter most of the sand and grit out of your clams. If you see a lot of sand or grit in the bowl's water after the third soak, though, you can repeat this process 1 more time.
- Always make sure not to pour any of the dirty water from a used bowl into a new bowl.
- Use a stiff-bristle brush to scrub the clams' shells. Continue scrubbing the clams until you've removed as much debris and grit from their shells as possible. Then, rinse them with cold water and place them in a large, clean bowl.[6]
- You don't need to scrub too long and hard. Scrubbing each clam for a few seconds should be sufficient.
EditGrilling Your Clams - Cook the clams within 2 days of buying them. It's best to cook your clams as soon as possible. If that's not an option, however, you can keep them for up to 2 days in a refrigerator. Throw out any clams that have been in your refrigerator for more than 2 days to avoid foodborne illnesses.[7]
- When refrigerating clams, keep them in an uncovered bowl or another container.
- Preheat your charcoal grill for around 5 minutes. If you're using a charcoal grill, open the grill's bottom vent. Then, light your charcoal briquettes in a large chimney starter. Once ash begins to cover the briquettes on top, dump the coals in the grill, and put on the grill grate. Then cover the grill with its lid, with the lid's vent open.[8]
- Let the grill sit for about 5 minutes, or until it's hot, before adding your clams.
- If you don't have a large chimney starter, you can also light your charcoal right in the grill. This method, however, may take a little longer.
- Set all your burners to high for 15 minutes if you're using a gas grill. Then cover your grill. Let it heat up for about 15 minutes before adding any of your clams.[9]
- Once your grill grate is hot, you can clean and oil it if you'd like.
- Put the clams directly on the grill grate and cover them. Use a pair of grill tongs to put the clams directly on top of the hot grill grate. Space them out evenly. Then, cover the grill.[10]
- Instead of putting the clams directly on the grill grate, you can also place them on a baking sheet and then put the baking sheet on the grill.
- Grill the clams for 2 minutes and then check on their progress. You'll know your clams are cooked when they open. Open the cover of the grill, and use your pair of grill tongs to remove any clams that have opened from the grill. Once you've done this, close the cover again.[11]
- After you take the clams off the grill, place them in a large bowl.[12]
- Continue to grill the clams in 30-second increments until they all open. Open the lid and check your clams every 30 seconds and remove any clams that have opened. Continue grilling until you've removed every clam from the grate.[13]
- When taking a clam off the grill, be careful not to spill any of the clam juice. You'll want to keep this for flavor.
- Throw out any clams that don't open after around 10 minutes on the grill.[14]
EditFlavoring and Serving Your Clams - Pour a lemon-cayenne butter sauce over your clams to add a rich flavor. To make a sauce for 2 dozen clams, first mince 1 large garlic clove. Then, use a mortar and pestle to mash the minced garlic and a large pinch of salt into a paste. Mix the garlic paste in a small bowl with of melted butter (unsalted), of lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.[15]
- You can either drizzle the sauce over the clams while they're still in their shells or dip them in a sauce.
- You can add more lemon juice and/or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- Top your clams with brandied cherries for a sweeter option. Place ½ cup (160 g) of cherry preserves in a saucepan and cook them over low heat on your stove. When the preserves become warm, remove the saucepan from the stove. Then, stir in of brandy, ¼ teaspoon (0.6 g) of ground black pepper, and 1 tablespoon (3 g) snipped fresh chives.[16]
- Drizzle the topping over your clams and serve them hot.
- Keep your clams out for no more than 2 hours after grilling them. Once you finish grilling and seasoning your clams, try to eat them as soon as possible. Bacteria grows quickly in clams, and eating one that has been left out for more than 2 hours can make you sick.[17]
- Leave clams out for no more than 1 hour if temperatures are above .
- You can leave the clams out longer than 2 hours if you keep them heated continuously with a hot lamp, hot plate, or crock-pot.
- You can store cooked clams for up to 2 days in your refrigerator or 3 months in your freezer.[18]
EditThings You'll Need - Clams
- At least 3 bowls
- A brush
- Grill
- Grill tongs
EditReferences
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| How to Make an Air Filter Posted: 14 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT High-end air filters get pretty costly, but you don't have to let a price tag get between you and cleaner air. If you have some basic supplies or construction skills, you can make your own filter for a fraction of the cost. The easiest way to do this is by simply attaching a filter to a standard box fan. For a more intricate, portable filter, try creating a frame out of a plastic bucket. If you're good at crafting, use plywood to create a wood frame for a more powerful filter. Install your finished filter in an enclosed room to purify the air and breathe easier at home. EditRepurposing a Box Fan - Purchase a fan you can fit with a filter. Ideally, find a fan that is the same size as commonly available filters. Try using a box fan since you are likely to find something that fits exactly over it. If you choose something other than a box fan, make sure it has a place you can stick the filter to secure it in place.[1]
- For example, some round fans have metal spikes in the center where the front cover attaches. You can stick the filter on the spike. It isn't the prettiest solution, but it's effective for making a basic air filter.
- Select a high-quality filter that fits over your fan. Filters are rated for their effectiveness at capturing particles in the air. Look for HEPA filters, which trap even the smallest particles in the air. HEPA furnace filters rated MERV 13 and FPR 10 are the best options available if you can't get a standard air filter.[2]
- Filters are available online and at most hardware stores.
- MERV and FPR are merely rating systems used in different places, so don't worry too much about them. MERV 13 and FPR 10 indicate the most effective filters used in home settings.
- You can use alternative filters, such as MERV 11. Lower-rated filters are a little less effective at purifying the air, but they are still good and may save you a little money.
- Line up the filter so the fan moves air through it. Look for an arrow printed on the filter's frame showing you which way you need to align the filter in order for it to work. You can install the filter in front of or behind the fan, but usually, putting it on the back of the fan is easier. The filter works either way, so it depends on your preference and where you have space to attach it.[3]
- The arrow always needs to point in the direction of the air flow. When the filter is behind the fan, the arrow points toward the fan's blades. When it's in front of the fan, it points away from the blades.
- Tape the filter in place or use an alternative attachment. The easiest way to keep the filter in position is to use duct tape or another strong adhesive. Simply lay tape over the filter's frame and the fan's frame. If you're not using a box fan, look for alternative attachment points.[4]
- For example, if you're using a round fan, remove the front cover and look for a metal spike to skewer the filter on.
- An alternative attachment method is to use brackets. Drill a pair of holes through the top of the fan's casing. Purchase brackets with screw openings, screw them to the fan case, then slide the filter underneath the bracket prongs.
- Put the filter in an enclosed room and turn it on. Small fan filters work most efficiently in smaller rooms, such as bedrooms. Plug the fan in and turn it on to begin filtering. Make sure you feel the fan pulling or pushing air through the filler screen.[5]
- The filter eventually stops working, so plan on removing it when it starts turning black. Replace the filter about every 90 days.
EditUsing a Plastic Bucket - Measure the diameter of a small fan. The fan needs to fit inside whatever plastic bucket you plan on using for the filter. Try using a bucket for maximum space and filtration. Choose a fan, such as a portable fan designed to sit atop a table, that fits in the bucket. After figuring out its diameter, subtract about from the final measurement.[6]
- Subtracting a little length from the diameter ensures the fan doesn't fall through the lid when you install it.
- Another option is to put the fan inside a small laundry basket. Laundry baskets usually have air vents, so you don't need to cut out holes as you do with a bucket.
- Cut a hole for the fan in the bucket's lid. Mark the lid with a pencil, creating a hole in the center according to your diameter measurement. Use a utility knife to cut out the plastic you need to remove. Work carefully to avoid damaging the outer edges of the lid.[7]
- Remember to make the hole a little smaller than the diameter of the fan. Center the hole and keep it as even as possible all the way around.
- Make holes in the bucket to let air into it. Creating the holes can be somewhat time-consuming, but a hole saw cuts right through the plastic. Try using a -diameter blade to drill cleanly through the sides of the bucket. Create the holes in columns, leaving about of space between each hole.[8]
- You can make about 5 holes per column. Make as many columns as possible to let plenty of air into the bucket for filtering.
- Try making some of the holes a different size. Drill 4 columns on opposing sides, then switch to a drill bit. Fill in the remaining space with columns of bigger holes.
- Consider sanding the holes smooth with 120-grit sandpaper or a rotary tool to improve your filter's appearance.
- Choose and cut a filter to fit into the bucket. Shop for a HEPA filter, preferably one without a frame. Once you have the filter, measure the bucket from the bottom to just above the top hole. Measure this same width on the filter, then cut it to size with scissors.[9]
- If your filter has a frame on it, cut around the frame first to remove it. Another option is to install the filter on the side of the bucket by drilling one big hole instead of a bunch of small ones.
- Roll the filter up and fit it in the bucket. Use the filter as a liner inside the bucket. Push it against the sides of the bucket until it sticks in place, covering the holes completely. The filter usually sticks in place if it is the right size, but you can also add duct tape to secure it to the plastic.[10]
- Rolling the filter up a few times can help you fit it. Most filters are square-shaped, so they tend to curl up and fall over until you break them in.
- Cut a notch in the top edge of the bucket for the fan cord. Use a crafting knife or another tool, such as wire cutters, to make the notch. Make it about in size. Test the notch by attempting to slide part of the fan's electrical cord into it.[11]
- Make sure the cord stays firmly in the notch, out of the way of the lid.
- Fit the fan inside the lid and the bucket. Slide the fan through the lid so the fan's blades face upward. The top half of the fan's case sits on top of the bucket so the fan blades blow air back into the room. Drop the base of the fan down into the bucket, leaving the cord in the notch you cut. When you're done, plug the fan into the nearest wall outlet to begin purifying the air in the room.[12]
- Remember to check the filter every so often. It gets dirty as it takes in debris from the air, so replace it about every 3 months.
EditBuilding a Wood Frame - Take the back casing off of a box fan. Select a fan you wish to use for your filter. The ideal fan is a box fan since similarly-sized filters are common. Locate the screws on the back part of the fan and turn them counterclockwise to remove half the case, as well as the fan's handle if it has one. Leave the other half of the case in place over the fan blades.[13]
- You can remove the fan's control knob if you wish by locating a screw close to it on the frame. Replace the knob later with a longer one made from wood attached to a bronze pipe.
- As an alternative, also remove the front part of the case. After measuring the fan's diameter, cut a matching hole in a piece of styrofoam. Divide the styrofoam into 2 halves to fit around the fan, preventing the filter from rattling while it is running.
- Measure and cut plywood boards for the filter's frame. To create an inexpensive but durable frame, get several -thick pieces of plywood. Cut 4 boards to be a little longer than the fan. If you're using a standard box fan, make the boards about in size.[14]
- If you're using something other than a box fan, measure the fan as needed to determine what size its frame needs to be. The frame always needs to be bigger than the fan so you can install the filters behind it.
- Mark slots for the filters in one of the frame boards. Measure up about from one of the longer edges on the board. Mark the spot, then measure another . The first filter fits in the area between these marks, so repeat the measurements again to fit the second filter right behind it.[15]
- Use a ruler to make straight lines all the way across the boards through the areas you marked. Leave the outlines about short of the sides of the board.
- You may wish to mark the slots with diagonal lines or other pencil marks to ensure you don't cut the wrong areas. The areas you need to cut can be a little tricky to distinguish.
- Cut the slots into the board with a jigsaw. Use the jigsaw to cut out the parts designated for the filter slots. The slots don't extend all the way to the edges of the board, so be careful when cutting. Leave a small perimeter of wood around each slot, as indicated by your outline, to ensure the frame is steady.[16]
- Wear goggles, ear muffs, and a dust mask to protect yourself while you work.
- If you don't have a jigsaw, try using a table saw or circular saw. Lower the plywood onto the saw carefully, cutting along the outline you marked on the wood.
- Use wood glue to bind the pieces together. Arrange the boards in a box shape, positioning the board with the filter slots on the left or right. Then, spread glue between the board joints, pressing them together until they stick in place. The glue takes about 30 minutes to begin solidifying, but for maximum effect, wait about 24 hours for it to cure.[17]
- Use clamps to hold the frame together while assembling it and waiting for the glue to dry. You can also take this opportunity to add nails to secure the boards together more firmly.
- Test the frame by fitting the fan in it. Place the fan on the opposite side of the slots for the filters. Align its edges with the edges of the boards.
- Cut 3 wood strips to form tracks for the filters. Create pieces about in size by cutting the remaining plywood or by using other wood scraps available. Reduce the length of each strip as needed so you are able to barely squeeze it inside the frame.[18]
- Test the parts as needed by attempting to place them inside the frame. Cut them down gradually until you are able to fit them securely.
- Glue the track pieces to the bottom part of the frame. Line the wood pieces up with the slots you cut in the side of the frame. Place one of the pieces right behind the fan, gluing it to the bottom frame board with wood glue. Leave a gap between it and the second piece. Repeat the pattern with the third piece.[19]
- Make sure the wood pieces line up properly with the slots. If they block the slots, you won't be able to slide the filters into place.
- Cut and glue a plywood border over the top of the fan. The border neatens up the filter and helps hold the fan in place. First, measure the distance between the fan's casing. Outline this in pencil on a piece of plywood, cutting it out with a jigsaw or another tool. When you're done, glue it to the frame boards around the fan.[20]
- Put the border on the front side of the filter, but make sure it doesn't cover the fan's blades.
- Slide the filters into the slots to complete the filter. Purchase some quality HEPA filters for your device. Get square filters the same size of your fan, usually . Simply push them into the frame by using the slots you cut on the side. When you need to remove them, pull them back out of the slots.[21]
- Look for the arrows printed on the filters. Make sure they point in the direction of the airflow, which means the arrows point toward the fan blades in this design.
- This is a basic, strong filter, but you can customize your design. For example, make the frame bigger so you can put an extra filter in front. Try creating a handle or cutting a slot for the power cord.
- Store-bought air filters are expensive, but they contain the same kind of technology you use in homemade ones. The homemade ones are just as effective despite being much cheaper.
- Customize your filter design. All filters operate the same way, but you can use different techniques or materials to make components like the frame.
- Filters need to be changed out every so often. On average, quality filters last 3 months, but you may need to change yours more frequently due to pets or other factors.
- Using saws and other cutting tools is dangerous, so always take proper safety precautions. Wear protective goggles, ear muffs, and a dust mask.
EditThings You'll Need EditRepurposing a Box Fan - box fan
- HEPA filter
- Duct tape
EditUsing a Plastic Bucket - Desktop fan
- bucket
- Utility knife
- Pencil
- Hole saw
- saw blade
- HEPA filter
EditBuilding a Wood Frame - box fan
- 2 HEPA filters
- 4 or 5 -thick pieces of plywood
- plywood strips or scraps
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Straightedge
- Jigsaw or table saw
- Wood glue
EditReferences
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