{"id":4346,"date":"2020-06-22T10:39:12","date_gmt":"2020-06-22T10:39:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.execujet-mro.com\/?p=4346"},"modified":"2020-06-22T10:39:12","modified_gmt":"2020-06-22T10:39:12","slug":"10-things-you-can-do-with-your-aircraft-to-make-the-most-of-the-downtime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.execujet-mro.com\/zh\/2020\/06\/22\/10-things-you-can-do-with-your-aircraft-to-make-the-most-of-the-downtime\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Things You Can Do With Your Aircraft to Make the Most of the Downtime"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Richard Porter\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Restrictions on\u00a0air travel, as part of efforts to contain COVID-19, has meant some aircraft are grounded. But there are things that we can do to keep our aircraft in top condition and ready to fly again.<\/p>\n

We spoke to our team of experts within our continuing airworthiness management organisation (CAMO) and came up with these tips. When it comes to aircraft maintenance, always refer to the aircraft and engine manufacturer\u2019s procedures specific to your aircraft type \u2013 as each aircraft type is different \u2013 but here are some general points on what you can do to make the most of the current situation.<\/p>\n

\u20281. Start your engines\u2028\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

The engine is the most valuable system on the aircraft, so to maintain the value of your aircraft it is crucial to maintain your engines. Having an aircraft engine idle is never good. The engine\u00a0will\u00a0deteriorate unless proper\u00a0storage\u00a0measures are taken. For example, engine parts need to remain well-oiled otherwise\u00a0internal components\u00a0can corrode. Engine manufacturers will prescribe the frequency that engines should be operated based on the environment the aircraft is being stored in.\u00a0Failure to adhere to the engine manufacturer\u2019s recommendation\u00a0may cause you to inadvertently fail to comply with terms set out in warranties, maintenance service plans or insurance policies. Therefore, it is very important to start those engines at least every 30 days and let the oil in the engines come up to temperature.<\/p>\n

2. Check your fuel tanks<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the aircraft is on the ground for a long time, the fuel tanks can suffer from water contamination caused by condensation or, worse, a contaminated fuel source. It is recommended to drain the water from the fuel tanks every seven days.<\/p>\n

Once the water is drained, inspect the fuel for smell and clarity and do a contamination detection test.\u00a0Microbiological organisms\u00a0growing in the fuel tanks and fuel lines, if left undetected,\u00a0will\u00a0be detrimental to aircraft systems.<\/p>\n

A preventative approach to microbiological contamination is highly recommended.\u00a0Even\u00a0in the event that\u00a0the contamination test\u00a0results are\u00a0negative,\u00a0it is still recommended\u00a0to\u00a0proceed with an\u00a0anti-fungal\u00a0treatment\u00a0at a low dosage\u00a0to mitigate microbial growth.\u00a0Many\u00a0operators choose to do this, especially if their aircraft is\u00a0located\u00a0in a\u00a0tropical\u00a0region with high humidity.<\/p>\n

If the result of the contamination detection test is positive, then you need to speak to the original equipment maker (OEM) and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company to\u00a0determine the most effective method to completely eradicate the infestation. This will often require entry to the fuel tanks, physically removing the growth and using an anti-fungal treatment at a \u201cshock\u201d level to eliminate spores.<\/p>\n

3. Check that the flight control surfaces are moving correctly<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ensuring that all primary and secondary flight control surfaces are operating and functioning correctly is vital prior to start of the daily operation so why would you skip it while the aircraft is parked on the ground?\u00a0During the\u00a0engine runs\u00a0is the perfect time to\u00a0operate these systems and\u00a0identify any defects and rectify these before operations\u00a0restart.<\/p>\n

4. Do landing gear \u2018swings’\u2028\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

The aircraft’s landing gear is an incredibly sophisticated and complex piece of equipment\u00a0that\u00a0needs to withstand the impact and full force of the aircraft landing. As is the case with engines, landing gears\u00a0deteriorate when\u00a0left idle. For aircraft on the ground, for extended periods of time, we recommend doing ‘landing gear swings’ – extending and retracting the landing gear. To\u00a0perform\u00a0that, we need to jack up the aircraft, so the\u00a0wheels are clear of\u00a0the ground. But it is well worth it, as a well-maintained landing gear will help protect the residual value of your aircraft.<\/p>\n

\u20285. Turn on the avionics and environmental control systems<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is also a good idea to turn on these systems as well to make sure they are working well\u00a0during the engine runs.<\/p>\n

\u2028\u20286. Update the log books\u2028\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

The mainstream news media, in their coverage of COVID-19, are writing a lot about the importance of ‘traceability’ and ‘track-ability’ in helping to contain the virus. Well, ‘traceability’ and ‘track-ability’ are concepts that we are very familiar with in the aircraft MRO industry. Every part that is installed on an aircraft has a unique number, that is traceable, and needs to be recorded in the\u00a0log book. Any work done on the aircraft needs to be recorded in the aircraft’s log books. Every run, including ground runs, also needs to be recorded in the log books.\u2028\u2028Now is a good time to make sure the log books are up to date, because when it comes time to trade-in your aircraft, those log books are going to be scrutinized by potential buyers. Incomplete log books adversely affects the sale price of your aircraft. Aircraft buyers are also going to be looking very closely at the logbooks to see that the aircraft was well maintained and not kept idle during the 2020 pandemic.<\/p>\n

7. Do the upgrade work\u2028\u2028<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aircraft upgrades, such as installing a new avionics system or new cabin interiors, are often bundled with scheduled heavy maintenance checks, so as to reduce the downtime. But now that there is no getting away from the downtime, best to do the aircraft upgrades now. The added benefit of doing upgrade work now, is your aircraft will be in the hangar, so you save money on aircraft storage and know your aircraft is protected from the elements.<\/p>\n

8. Care For The Aircraft\u2019s Exterior<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taking care of your aircraft\u2019s exterior is very important. This includes routine tasks such as installing the covers and pins, to prevent moisture and insects or animals from getting in; and washing and polishing the airframe and surrounding areas. Having the aircraft in a\u00a0hangar is the best way to protect it from the elements. But if the aircraft must be parked outside, we recommend doing a full aircraft wash. This will remove debris and particles from the surface, helping to prolong the life of the paint work.<\/p>\n

For longer airframe protection and longevity, we recommend applying a polymer \u2013 such as Teflon or Permagard – and polishing it to create a nice protective layer. Protecting the aluminium polished surfaces \u2013 such as the wings\u2019 leading edges – is also very important. Protection with a polymer compound and subsequent polishing, increases the longevity of the surface and also makes your aircraft look good.<\/p>\n

\u20289. Detail your interior cabin<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now is the time to really make your aircraft interior feel like new by doing all the time-consuming detailing work – shampooing the carpets, getting the grey out of the seats, etc. Take the time to do the deep cleaning. Also, get rid of the built-in grime that can accumulate, over the years, on the pilot’s yoke, levers and switches in the cockpit.<\/p>\n

10. Develop your knowledge base<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is a good time to read maintenance manuals. Take the time to do some in-depth reading and complete online courses you have been meaning to do, but never got around to doing. There are also webinars that you can sign up for that are free. These are usually organized by business aviation media organisations and relevant industry associations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Richard Porter is the Business Development Manager Asia Pacific\u00a0for\u00a0ExecuJet MRO Services\u00a0Australia<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Richard Porter\u00a0 Restrictions on\u00a0air travel, as part of efforts to contain COVID-19, has meant some aircraft are grounded. But there are things that we can do to keep our aircraft in top condition and ready to fly again. We spoke to our team of experts within our continuing airworthiness management organisation (CAMO) and came…
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