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I ask your indulgence in an off-topic question, but I'd rather ask you
than one of the more frivilous diving lists...

I'm going on vacation next week, leaving Saturday, and am packing some
extra (relative to recreational diving) gear in the event I can find a
dive operator that doesn't run things strictly by the recreational book.
To make a long story short, I'm trying to take a 30cf pony on a plane
and out-of-country to boot.  I know DOT regulations say you can do this
if the internal pressure is less than "xx" psi (around 50 as I recall).
I've drained the tank below what I can measure by my SPG, and I can block
the outgoing air with my finger, so there's not much in there.  Similarly,
I've also heard they can demand you remove the valve, which isn't a very
attractive alternative as moisture and so forth can get in the tank, but
that is their option.  I have nothing to hide in there, but if they want
to look, I'd rather disassemble it myself than risk my valve to their
brute force and monkey wrench.  Unfortunately I'm not an equipment expert.

So... can someone give me a brief run-down on removing the valve and what
tools are needed (standard US yoke valve)?  The base of the valve appears
to be about 13-15/16" to grab onto.  Above that is a square area on the
valve stem much smaller, but looks like it might damage the valve if you
torqued on it very much.  So I profess my stupidity here, where do you
grip the valve, and once removed, how much force do you need to apply to
reseat the valve?

Thanks in advance for any information you could provide.  Normally I don't
bother with trying to carry a pony, but on this trip I'm going alone and I
certainly don't want to trust some randomly appointed buddy as my alternate
air source.

[\] Jeff Kell <jeff@ut*.ut*.ed*>

PS - I have the tools, the silicone lube, and even a spare O-ring; I've
just never actually done this before (if it is indeed necessary).

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