Air travel has long been considered one of the safest forms of transport when compared with all other options. In fact, you are more likely to get struck by lightning than ever to be involved in an airplane accident. Nevertheless, the visor statistics related to air travel you often get thrown about don’t come about for no reason. They are the result of the tireless efforts of ground crews, engineers, designers, and government regulation, all coming together to ensure that whenever you and your family fly, you do so safely in the knowledge that it will go without a hitch. But although you’re reasonably confident that flying is as safe as possible, do you know what actually goose into making it so? This article will look at some of the most frequent upkeep and repair procedures to guarantee a safe landing after a safe takeoff and hopefully give you a glimpse of the arduous work of maintaining an aircraft.
Performing Inspections And Repairs On The Landing Gear
A plane’s landing gear is much more complicated than you could ever imagine. From the connections that keep securely attached to the fuselage to the fiendishly intricate array of hydraulic pipes and couplings that ensure a soft landing, the landing gear is the most oft-overlooked aspect of an aircraft that also happens to requires a deep knowledge of a vast collection of disciplines. In fact, it can be so challenging to keep them up and running that most aircraft operators will outsource the various landing gear services to specialists with the expertise, tools, and staff trained in the nuances of landing gear maintenance. Moreover, only certified aviation mechanics conduct thorough inspections and repairs on all airplane landing gears, strictly following FAA regulations. These rigorous checks thoroughly assess the structural soundness of the landing gear, scrutinizing its hydraulic and electrical systems, tires, wheels, and brakes. Mechanics meticulously document any signs of deterioration or damage for immediate rectification or substitution to ensure optimal flight safety.
Electrical Systems To Make Sure Everything Is Functioning Properly
An aircraft’s electrical system could be considered akin to its nervous system. It controls almost all aspects of the plane, and in some cases where fly-by-wire is used, it is directly involved with how the pilot controls it. Although most passengers will only see the customer-facing aspects, such as the in-flight entertainment systems and lighting, etc., it goes far beyond what any layperson could even begin got fathom. Critical systems like communication and flight instruments rely on these power sources, so it’s essential to routinely inspect and repair these electrical setups to catch potential problems early before they become major issues. This involves scrutinizing for loose connections or signs of wear on wiring and confirming that all components are operating normally. By diligently maintaining the electrical systems, the companies that manage the aircraft avoid expensive repairs and unexpected downtime while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of an airplane.
Engines Must Be Thoroughly Tested For Safety And Efficiency
As the component of a plane that actually enables it to defy gravity (along with the fuselage and wings, of course), the engines must be regularly inspected to ensure two things:
- They are safe and functioning correctly
- They are operating at peak efficiency to reduce fuel usage
Due to their complexity, only highly-trained engineers and technicians are able to diagnose potential issues and maintain their proper functioning and operation. When inspecting the engines, the process will be similar regardless of whether it’s a prop, turbofan, or jet. Inspections tend to focus on the oil, fuel, and exhaust systems to guarantee that when the pilots press the go button, they will fire up and run as smoothly as possible for an extended period of time.
The Airframe Will Be Inspected For Cracks Or Defects That Could Pose A Safety Risk
While a lot of attention is given to the moving parts of a plane, the static elements like the airframe are equally essential to inspect thoroughly. Airframe inspections ensure the overall integrity of the aircraft as a whole and are not only limited to the areas that are attached to other components like the landing gear and wings. Aircraft frames can require repairs for several reasons, like constant use, weather-inflicted damage, flying debris impact, or even performance and safety upgrades. It’s paramount that these critical frame repairs are carried out routinely by expert technicians armed with cutting-edge tools and modern techniques.
As you have probably gathered, airplanes are fiendishly complicated bits of kit that require a deep understanding of how they are put together and function. Thanks to this complexity, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the plane in the air and ensure that all souls aboard land safely at their intended destination.
