Buying A New Aircraft? Pre Purchase Inspection is a Must

February 14, 2012 in Pre Purchase Inspection by admin | No comments

Overview

The idea of getting a new plane is exciting. Once you have an idea of the aircraft you want to purchase, then the real work begins. Many people will skip performing a full aircraft pre purchase inspection, particularly if a scheduled inspection and maintenance was recently performed. However, experience has taught us that having a thorough pre purchase inspection will ensure that you have an airworthy aircraft, rather than one that ends up costing you more money.

Pre Purchase Inspection

The cost of an aircraft pre purchase inspection is covered by the buyer. Therefore, selecting an experienced company to perform the inspection is very important, not only to ensure airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, but to also ensure you receive the greatest value. Interview maintenance providers with the following in mind:

  • Do they have an outstanding reputation?
  • Do they have extensive knowledge on the make and model aircraft you are considering?
  • Is the mechanic performing the actual inspection an expert on the aircraft?

 

Once you have chosen the maintenance facility, there are additional steps you want to take to ensure you are appropriately covered in this process. First, make sure there is no bias either toward or against the aircraft you want to purchase. Second, get the entire scope of the inspection in writing so you know up front exactly what services are being delivered.

Before you start the aircraft inspection, make sure you perform a thorough evaluation of the records, including aircraft maintenance logs. Additionally, ensure accurate records showing compliance with manufacturer’s Service Bulletins are available and up-to-date. Many are tied to the aircraft’s scheduled inspection program and may affect how you maintain the aircraft going forward.

All STCs, 337s and major repairs require review for completeness and to ensure incorporation of Instructions for Continued Airworthiness. While many business jets are on a manufacturer-approved maintenance program, it is still worth the time to verify that the aircraft is on the correct program for the serial number and modification status.

Conclusion

Remember that any errors made by previous owners will become your problem after the purchase, including the assessment of fines or even loss of your license. Therefore, ensuring a thorough and professional aircraft pre purchase inspection is performed is critical.

You can find more information on Pre Purchase Inspection of your aircraft on our Website.

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When to Comply With Manufacturer SBs?

December 21, 2011 in ADs & SBs by admin | No comments

In our last post, we shared with you how to determine if the SBs you received are mandatory or not and also how to evaluate and prioritize them when they are mandatory. Next step is to take action to comply with these SBs.

In the United States, the only organization with jurisdiction over aviation matters is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has gathered all policies regarding legalities in aviation within Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 1 through 183. This makes up the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) which outline the owner’s responsibility concerning aircraft maintenance, safety and inspection among other things.

The FAA mandates rules on operators and determines if a manufacturers’ service bulletin is required to correct airworthiness issues. These mandates are adopted in either an Airworthiness Directive (AD) or an amendment to the operating rules.

Depending upon which Part you operate under determines whether or not manufacturers’ service bulletins are actually mandatory. For example, Part 135 Commuter Air Carrier and On-demand (commercial operator) requires compliance with everything in that Part, including additional aircraft maintenance requirements and approved Operation Specifications. Under these Op Specs, SBs can become mandatory.

Whether you are a commercial or private operator, the reality is that manufacturers’ service bulletins are sent to you to address potential safety issues. Deciding whether or not to actually comply is a matter of common sense, but best practices should apply. Speak with a knowledgeable aircraft maintenance provider to understand the requirements as well as the costs and benefits associated with the compliance. Making an informed decision will ensure your aircraft is safe, you are protected, and have effectively complied with all appropriate manufacturers’ service bulletins.

For more information on SBs and how to be in compliance with these SBs with Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance, visit Global Aircraft Service web site.

 

Not all Manufacturer SBs are Mandatory

December 14, 2011 in ADs & SBs by admin | No comments

Evaluate SB with Aircraft Maintenance Provider

If not all are mandatory, then why should you comply? Obviously the issue of safety is the primary reason. Determining whether or not a service bulletin does, in fact, address the issue of safety is a different concern. Many manufacturers will mark a service bulletin as mandatory whether it truly is or not. Most likely this is to provide legal coverage for the manufacturer.  The only way to know for certain if a service bulletin is critical is to thoroughly discuss the issue with a qualified aircraft maintenance provider. You can then determine the critical nature of the manufacturer service bulletin as it applies to your aircraft safety concerns.

Prioritize the Issue

If the aircraft maintenance provider determines that the SB is not mandatory, then you as the owner must make a decision as to the priority of the issue. There are several factors to consider, including cost. One suggestion is to outline the benefit obtained by compliance with the service bulletin versus the cost of labor and parts to make the necessary adjustment. Another consideration is liability. If complying with the manufacturers’ service bulletin will limit your liability exposure to third-parties, then it may be worth the cost associated with compliance.

For more information on SBs and how to keep your aircraft in great condition with Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance, visit Global Aircraft Service web site.

 

 

Aircraft Manufacturer Service Bulletin

December 5, 2011 in ADs & SBs by admin | No comments

Overview

Aircraft maintenance is critical to the safety of your passengers and crew. Part of that maintenance is complying with manufacturers’ service bulletins. The challenge is that many service bulletins are marked mandatory when they may not be. Furthermore, there are some key factors to consider before making the final decision to actually comply with the service bulletin.

What is a Manufacturer Service Bulletin?

A service bulletin (SB) contains recommendations from manufacturers that can result from various factors, including an improvement developed by the manufacturer, a product defect or an error in published documentation. These service bulletins are issued because the manufacturer believes that as the aircraft owner, you should comply with the recommendations in the SB as they often reflect a safety issue. It is important to recognize that these bulletins are not always sent to aircraft maintenance providers, so it is up to the owner to ensure compliance.

Service bulletins may be called various names, including:

  • Mandatory service bulletin
  • Technical service bulletin
  • Service letter
  • Service instructions

The manufacturer issues the service bulletins to recommend specific action, depending upon the nature of the bulletin subject. For example, SBs can recommend a type of aircraft inspection, replacing parts, performing specific maintenance or limiting operations under certain conditions.

For more information on SBs and how to keep your aircraft in great condition with Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance, visit Global Aircraft Service web site.

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Aircraft Mobile Inspections – Curb Side Service Provides Convenience

October 17, 2011 in Aircraft Mobile Inspection by admin | No comments

Overview

Aircraft requires all types of maintenance, repair and inspections. What if your aircraft requires these services during the leg of a trip? Or you simply prefer to not incur the expense of moving your aircraft to a location for inspection? Now it is possible to have curb side service for your aircraft.

Mobile inspections, repairs, and maintenance are a popular service presently provided by many organizations. Choosing to have a mobile team come to you can save you time and money. These highly-trained professionals are equipped with tools and equipment to perform almost any task. Plus, they typically have years of experience and are well-versed in customer service.

The mobile teams often have access to fleets of trucks or inexpensive air travel and can be at your location within a matter of hours. They provide a multitude of services including:

  • Inspections
  • Painting
  • Detailing
  • Repairs

Mobile Aircraft Service Benefits

In addition to the convenience of having a professional aircraft repair team come to you, there are many benefits to choosing mobile services. For example, the downtime can be minimized significantly. Often the mobile team can resolve an issue more quickly than you or your team. They have access to appropriate parts and can get the tools and highly-trained labor to you in a short amount of time. The repairs will be handled correctly and you will be back in the air quickly.

Cost is another benefit to using mobile service teams. You do not incur the cost of moving your aircraft to a full-service facility nor do you have to pay someone to travel with the plan and watch over it during the maintenance. However, you will pay more for the convenience of a concierge-style repair and maintenance performed by a mobile services team.

How to Choose?

When deciding the best route for your maintenance, you might want to consider several factors. First, consider the type of job you have. Is it one that lends itself to the strengths of the mobile services team? How much potential downtime will you have? Do you feel confident that a mobile team can complete the job on site?

Second, research the company that will provide the mobile team. Check aircraft ratings and thoroughly investigate the list of services. It is also a good idea to research the level of investment the company has made in tools and trucks. Finally, ask questions about how they choose the mobile team. The team should be comprised of the most experienced professionals who also have excellent customer service skills.

Finally, be prepared to handle unforeseen complications. If the mobile services team uncovers a more complicated issue, then you are most likely in for more downtime. Remember that these teams come prepared for the issues at hand, and may not have everything required to immediately fix an additional issue, such as a cracked window.

Aircraft mobile inspections and repair are certainly a trend that will continue to grow. The ability to provide curb side service ensures big benefits for both the mobile providers and the aircraft owners. The good news is now aircraft owners have a choice.

If you have any questions regarding Mobile Services for your aircraft, out technicians at Global Aircraft Services, Inc. are standing by to assist you.

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Aircraft Corrosion Repair and Treatment

October 3, 2011 in Aircraft Corrosion Control by admin | No comments

Overview

In my previous post, I shared with you few important tips on how early detection of Aircraft Corrosion can help. Also, how being proactive in Aircraft’s scheduled maintenance and inspection is critical to the health of your aircraft. Now, once we have through the inspection & detected corrosion, next step is repair and treatment of this problem.

Complete corrosion treatment involves cleaning and stripping the area, removing as much of the corrosion as practical, neutralizing any residual materials in pits and crevices, restoring protective surface films and applying temporary or permanent coatings or paint finishes. There are various blasting techniques that remove corrosion while leaving as much metal intact as possible, including:

  • Vapor
  • Soft-grit
  • Dry vacuum
  • Dry honing (the only approved method of removing corrosion on assembled aircraft)

If the corrosion is severe, then an abrasive wheel can be used. This device is meant to be used on thick metal and requires eye protection to be used at all times. All aircraft corrosion repairs must be made in accordance with the appropriate manuals while using proper measures to ensure the safety of the person making the repairs.

Aircraft Corrosion Control

While many improvements have been made to the materials and coatings used to protect aircraft from corrosion, developing a solid aircraft corrosion treatment and control program is an important part of every maintenance plan. Detailed daily inspections are needed, and all preventative maintenance programs should include:

  • Thorough rinsing and cleaning to remove salt and other corrosive agents. Pay special attention to exposed areas such as landing gear.
  • Periodic lubrication to seal the metal against moisture.
  • Immediate treatment of corrosion and touchup of damaged paint areas.
  • Keep drain holes free of blockage.
  • Drain fuel cell sumps daily.
  • Wipe down exposed critical areas every day.
  • Seal aircraft against water for protection during foul weather,
  • Proper ventilation of aircraft to prevent moisture from gathering.
  • Use protective covers on parked aircraft, particularly during inclement weather.

Aircraft corrosion repair can be very costly, particularly if the corrosion goes unnoticed for a period of time. Developing an aircraft corrosion control program that includes appropriate inspections, treatments and timely repairs will save time, money and ensure the safety of your aircraft while in flight.

 

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Aircraft Corrosion Inspection

September 6, 2011 in Aircraft Corrosion Control by admin | No comments

Overview

Most aircraft components are made of metal, making them susceptible to corrosion. From the time an aircraft is exposed to the elements, particularly damp, salty marine environments, corrosion becomes a concern. Even with the advent of better materials, staying on top of aircraft corrosion inspections and performing immediate repair and treatment of corroded areas is extremely important to ensure your aircraft is airworthy.

Corrosion is the deterioration of metal by either chemical or electrochemical attack, and can take place on either internal or external surfaces. Corrosion typically changes the surface of your aircraft, weakening the interior or loosening or damaging adjacent components. There are many factors that affect corrosion, including climate and foreign material, such as soil, oil, great, salt water, spilled battery acids, caustic cleaning solutions, welding and brazing flux residues. That is why continual inspections, prevention treatments and repairs are necessary parts of a good aircraft corrosion control program.

Aircraft Corrosion Inspection

There are two general classifications of corrosion – direct chemical attack and electrochemical attack. In both types, the metal is converted into a metallic compound such as an oxide, hydroxide or sulfate. Forms of corrosion include:

  • Surface
  • Dissimilar Metal
  • Intergranular
  • Stress
  • Fretting

To perform a thorough inspection, it is important to know what areas are most prone to corrosion. These include:

  • Exhaust Trail Areas
  • Battery Compartments and Battery Vent Openings
  • Bilge Areas
  • Wheel Well and Landing Gear
  • Water Entrapment Areas
  • Engine Frontal Areas
  • Cooling Air Vents
  • Wing Flap and Spoiler Recesses
  • External Skin Areas

Inspections should be performed daily, particularly on those aircraft that are on or near water.

A detailed inspection will include the following steps:

  1. Thorough cleaning of the area being inspected.
  2. Perform a visual inspection with a magnifying glass.
  3. Remove paint from areas that are of concern.
  4. Perform a second visual inspection with a magnifying glass.
  5. Refer to the appropriate structural repair manual for damage limits. It is important to consider prior metal loss, including metal on each side of the damage, when assessing corrosion damage.

Upon completion of the aircraft corrosion inspection, any damage found must be evaluated. Typically the severity of corrosion damage is grouped as follows:

  • Light – scarred protective coating or light surface corrosion characterized by discoloration and pitting to a depth of approximately 1-mil maximum.
  • Moderate – similar to light except there are typically blisters of evidence or scaling and flaking. Pit depths may be as deep as 10 mils.
  • Severe – Often includes severe intergranular corrosion, blistering, scaling or flaking. Pit depths are deeper than 10 mils.
  • Repairable damage –Corrosion damage exceeds the limits of the MIM or SRM. The affected part may be used after repair.
  • Nonrepairable damage – damage exceeds established repair limits and must be replaced or require a special depot-level repair.

At Global Aircraft Service, Inc, our skilled technicians are at your service to answer any questions you may have regarding Aircraft Corrosion Causes & Prevention.

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Aircraft Fuel Efficiency – What’s In The Future?

August 22, 2011 in Fuel Tank Inspection, Jet Fuel Systems by admin | No comments

Overview

The consistent rise in fuel costs has spurred investment in new technologies that will increase aircraft fuel efficiency. These new technologies range from alternative fuels to new designs in various aircraft components.

Alternative Fuels

The rising fuel costs, energy supply, security and aviation emissions have created a need for a fresh look at alternative fuels. Some new fuel types being reviewed include:

Synthetic fuels

Known as synfuel, this is any liquid fuel created from coal, natural gas or biomass. It can also refer to fuels derived from oil shale, tar sand, waste plastics or the fermentation of biomatter. Several large companies are developing coal- or gas-to-liquids processes including Sasol, Shell, Exxon, Statoil, Rentech and Syntroleum.

Biofuels

Biofuel is made from converted agricultural crops like soy. Over the last two years, there has been an increase in interest in biofuels in the aviation industry. For example, British Airways recently announced the construction of a waste biomass gasification plant to produce renewable aviation biofuels. IATA announced that five airlines successfully tested biofuels and that certification is expected by 2011.  To put this in perspective, in the US alone, aviation biofuel is estimated to be a $100 billion plus opportunity.

Ethanol fuel

While mostly used to power cars, it can be used to power other vehicles such as farm tractors. It is hoped that it can be used for airplanes as well. It is typically combined with gasoline in any concentration up to pure ethanol.

New Technologies

Significant enhancements to aircraft have contributed to fuel efficiency. These include airframe design, engine technology and rising load factors. While finding alternative sources to existing aircraft fuel are important, the continual improvement of aircraft fuel efficiency also calls for enhancements to aircraft design and technology.

Revisiting Technology

In 1983, General Electric engineers experimented with an “unducted fan” engine. By eliminating the external casing, airflow through the blades was increased, giving more power for the same amount of fuel. Unfortunately, the engine was quite loud and the project shelved once fuel prices dropped.

Recently, GE began wind-tunnel testing a smaller, scaled set of the blades. The engineers are redesigning the original blades to evenly distribute the air coming off the tips when they spin at supersonic speeds, which should reduce the noise.  The engine is designed to save fuel by tilting the blades to control speed, allowing the turbine to run at a constant, more efficient rate. The design is estimated to be ready for midsize jets around the year 2020.

Diesel Engines

Recently Diamond Aircraft, an Austrian airplane designer, received certification from the FAA for its new DA42, powered by two turbocharged AE300 motors. The AE300 can produce 100 percent power to 11,000 feet thanks to the turbochargers, powering the twin engine airplane to a 152 knot cruise speed while consuming just over 5 gallons of fuel per hour in each engine.

Diesel engine conversion was a US STCed for many Cessna 182s in 2006. While modestly expensive, an aircraft owner will receive a 30 percent or more fuel savings making the overhaul worth investigating.

The Future

Many interesting alternative fuels and technology enhancements are under investigation, making the future of aircraft fuel efficiency much brighter than we have seen before. Some of the alternative fuels are available in the very near future; other enhancements still require significant development. Either way, an owner and/or pilot has options to increase aircraft fuel efficiency and save money.

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Aircraft Fuel Efficiency-Where Are We Now?

August 8, 2011 in Aircraft Fuel Leaks, Fuel Tank Inspection by admin | No comments

Overview

The last two decades have not yielded much in the way of improved aircraft fuel efficiency. In fact, a recent study performed by the International Council on Clean Transportation stated commercial jet aircraft have not made continuous improvements over the last 20 years, citing the stability of jet fuel costs as one of the factors. However, with the recent increase in fuel prices, the industry has a need to improve aircraft fuel efficiency and is looking for methods to assist. Methods currently in use are lighter weight components and aircraft modifications, including the addition of winglets. Because of this more recent trend, we will investigate what is presently available to help improve aircraft fuel efficiency.

Ultem Polyetherimide

A recent improvement is the development of lower weight materials for aircraft. For example, SABIC Innovative Plastics created Ultem polyetherimide in the cellular form. This is 10 to 20 times lighter than traditional plastic components making it an ideal core material for aircraft structures such as luggage compartments, galleys and lower wall panels. Based on the Ultem polyetherimide (PEI) resin, the material has a density of 10 to 30 times less than traditional materials. Plus, it is compatible with metals and thermoset laminate materials thereby increasing its uses to operations that could eliminate adhesives.

In addition to being ideal for many composite manufacturing processes, such as machining, vacuum bagging and compression molding, the new Ultem foam provides good acoustic, dielectric and thermal properties. Additionally, it has low moisture absorption which could eliminate edge filling in some interior areas and reduce weight, which ultimately increases aircraft fuel efficiency.

Winglets

Many jet aircraft are now equipped with winglets, a vertical or tilted structure at the end of an aircraft wing. These devices are in place to minimize the spiral vortices that form at the end of a wing, creating drag on the aircraft, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

Boeing and Airbus are working on new winglets that change shape mid-flight resulting in a quieter and more fuel-efficient trip. These organizations filed patents in 2009 for their technologies.

The Airbus “Morphlet” engineers state that current technology saves between three to five percent of fuel used during normal flight. Airbus engineers believe by allowing the winglets to vary during flight, the higher five percent fuel savings will occur throughout the entire flight. On the other hand, Boeing intends to use SMA panels to move the winglets based on electric current or heat.

Whether these new types of winglets will come to fruition remains to be seen. However, existing winglets offer a reasonable increase in aircraft fuel efficiency, making them a viable solution.

Other Aircraft Modifications

There are several drag-reducing aerodynamic enhancements that can be made to your aircraft to increase speed and decrease flight time, including:

  • Gap seals for flaps
  • Ailerons
  • Wheelpants
  • Gear fairings
  • Exhausts
  • Landing light covers

These enhancements can work together to increase knots, decreasing total flight time. The basic math is that each one percent increase in cruise speed will save you one percent in time. Less time in the air means less fuel burned, saving you money over time.

Another modification to be considered is engine or propeller improvements to produce more power. This increased power enables you to save fuel by using less throttle to maintain airspeed. These modifications should be made under either a supplemental type certificate (STC) or field approval modification. You can find a list of all STCs through the FAA Website. Simply search for the make and manufacturer of the aircraft, and then find your particular aircraft. More popular models may have over 200 STCs available, so plan on the research taking a bit of time.

What’s Next

In spite of the modest changes to aircraft over the last 20 years, fuel efficiency can be improved through existing technology and common-sense modifications. Fortunately, engineers are actively researching new ways to improve fuel efficiency and the overall design of aircraft. In our next article, we will investigate some of the new ideas being considered that will improve aircraft fuel efficiency.

As always, our technicians at Global Aircraft Service, Inc. are available to offer expert advice on your fuel tank inspection and repair needs.

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Pre-Purchase Inspection with a Fuel Leak Check

July 25, 2011 in Fuel Tank Inspection, Jet Fuel Systems by admin | No comments

Overview

The days of purchasing an aircraft without a pre-purchase inspection are gone. Today’s aircraft should be thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet all appropriate safety and mechanical requirements, particularly in light of the fact that many aircraft on the market have over 10,000 service hours. Coupled with the increased value of light aircraft, any mechanical issue could cost significant dollars and put your safety at risk.

First Steps

As the buyer, you are responsible for the pre-purchase inspection. Once you have decided upon the aircraft you wish to purchase, you must decide on the mechanic who will perform the pre-purchase inspection. This is an important decision. You want a mechanic who has performed pre-purchase inspections before, and has the right tools for the job. Most importantly, you do not want the mechanic who has maintained the aircraft to perform the inspection. A fresh set of eyes is crucial for a solid pre-purchase inspection.

The cost of any inspection is directly related to the complexity of the aircraft. Typically, a mechanic can perform a pre-purchase inspection on most fixed-gear, single engine aircraft in four man-hours or less.

Make sure you inspect every log book from the initial purchase of the aircraft. Technological advances and better maintenance procedures mean that aircraft are in the air longer – often over 15 years. They have had various repairs, upkeep and general maintenance performed to keep them in good shape. This information is critical in determining if any damage has been done to the aircraft as well as in determining market value.

Important Tests

It is recommended you invest in deeper testing to ensure the safety and soundness of the aircraft. For example, in addition to a compression check of each cylinder, choose to have an engine boroscope for each cylinder. Consider having the engine oil and airframe hydraulic systems analyzed. Other tests to consider include:

  • Symmetry Check
  • Fuel Leak Check
  • Heavy Landing Check
  • Lightning Strike Check

Other checks will need to be considered based upon the aircraft’s composition. Additionally, verification of the serial number, Service Bulletins and Letters, Supplemental Type Certificate changes and Major Component Total Time in Service records, and in particular Airworthiness Directives, are very important to verify.

Airworthiness Directives, known as AD notes, are mandatory changes, inspection, or repair instructions issued by the FAA. Your mechanic should be able to provide a list of applicable AD notes and should cross-check his list against the logs of the aircraft. You want to know if the aircraft is in compliance with every AD or you risk significant expense.

Get the Facts

As with any major purchase, the more information you gather, the better your decision-making process will be. The pre-purchase inspection, log review and deep testing will let you know if the aircraft is in good condition and safe to fly. If you do find issues, feel free to negotiate the repair with the seller. Much like purchasing a home, it is acceptable to request either to repair the problems or consider reducing the price so you can make the repairs using your mechanic. Investing in pre-purchase inspections and testing will ensure your ownership of the aircraft is enjoyable and safe.

At Global Aircraft Service, our skilled technicians are available to assist with your fuel tank pre-purchase inspection repairs.

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