Despite what most people think, flying is known to be the safest mode of transportation all over the world. It is more reliable than trains, buses, subways, cars and especially motorcycles. So, what is it that makes it so safe? Is it the exceptional training and experience of the pilots, spaces between aircraft during flying, or the extreme safety protocols followed by the staff?
Well, along with the reasons mentioned above, one of the prime reasons for the airplanes to be so safe is their routine maintenance and inspections.
Regular tune-ups are essential to keep airplanes flying safely in the sky, keeping them free of life-threatening problems. Here we discuss some maintenance tips that one should never skip on before flying away.
Have An Inspection Schedule
According to the FAA rule, every aircraft must be inspected at least once a year. It is necessary for all types of airplanes, regardless of their purpose. An annual inspection is quite extensive and covers all examinations like reviewing logbooks, testing engines, inspecting fuel tanks, flight control, and avionics, etc.
If the airplane is taking regular flights and is taking people other than just the crew, then it requires to undergo a 50-100-hour inspection. Although the FAA doesn’t require aircraft to go through the 50-hour examination, it is an excellent way to inspect any wear and tear. Also, the oil needs to be changed every 50 hours.
100-hour inspection, however, is mandatory regardless of their use. In it the maintenance crew inspect every major component of the aircraft and remove, replace and inspect windows, brakes, fuselage, flight control surfaces, cabin doors, landing gear, etc. Any faulty or damaged part is replaced during this inspection. The crew also carefully inspects the engine mount, spark plugs, and cockpit.
Any damage or defect detected by the maintenance crew should be replaced immediately to restore the airworthiness of the plane.
Have Maintenance Goals
Having a maintenance goal is a great way to keep an eye on the inspection plan and regularly maintain the components and structure of the aircraft. Maintenance goals can give you a heads up on any worn-out parts that you can get replaced before its failure or before it harms anyone. Proper maintenance also helps you upgrade the design of your aircraft through modifications.
Perform Structural and Component Maintenance
The structure of the aircraft is very much prone to damage. The more it is used, and the older it gets, it will have parts that will need to be replaced and can cause severe damage if not timely changed. Another surprising fact is that 40% of the structural damage is done during maintenance. So, keeping an eye on damage caused by maintenance and ramps alongside damage due to age and usage is included in structural maintenance.
Similarly, aircraft components need maintenance as well. However, you can save some time on maintenance by investing in top of the line aircraft fuel valves from companies like Becker Aviation. Most of the parts lose their longevity by chance or slowly over-time. Their regular maintenance includes lubrication and repair, operational/visual inspection to view any damage, and finally, functional examination to look for component’s hovering failure.
Apart from these inspections and maintenance techniques, regular maintenance checks should also be done. They are usually done between flights or before taking off. Any sign of damage should immediately be addressed. Parts of the aircraft showing any sign of damage should be replaced without any delay.
If you’re looking to upgrade your airplane or want to replace or repair any of its damaged parts, there are plenty of companies like acorn welding working in Edmonton just for this reason. Make sure your aircraft is inspected and repaired by the best in the business.
