The aircraft mechanic using social media to make flying

CNN —

Max Comer never set out to become a social media star.

But somewhere between fixing landing gear in Oklahoma and raising two young sons on his own, the 33-year-old aircraft mechanic — known as “Airplane Facts with Max” online — started gaining followers by the thousand.

In his quirky, deadpan videos, Comer introduces aircraft components like speed tape, cargo doors and ice detection systems — often relating them to elaborate “Lord of the Rings” references.

In one video about titanium engine fan blades , for instance, he dives into an extended overview of the origins of Andúril, the sword carried by Aragorn, which was reforged from the shards of Narsil by the Elves of Rivendell.

But it’s not all Tolkien.

Sporting metal-band tees and long, wavy strawberry-blond hair, Comer al