An engine mount is an important component of any aircraft engine. It is a chrome or steel alloy frame attached by bolts to the aircraft’s firewall frame. It attaches the engine and its other components to the fuselage and airframe of the aircraft. Engine mounts are vital for engine weight distribution and diffusion of torque generated by the aircraft. Its main function is to absorb shock and dampen vibrations to ensure a smooth, steady, and comfortable flight.
However, your engine mounts suffer wear and tear over time and might need repairs. Therefore, it is pivotal to know whether your aircraft’s engine mount is in perfect condition or not. An old, worn-out mount won’t function correctly and will affect the performance of your aircraft. This can be dangerous for both the pilot and the crew. Timely action and repairs can help avoid further damage.
Engine Bay Noises
One of the most common signs of a degraded or worn-out engine mount is the unusual vibrations you feel after starting your aircraft’s engine. Also, loud clunking and banging sounds can be heard from the engine bay. If the aircraft is vibrating too much, it means that your engine mount requires immediate repairs.
A worn-out engine mount has reduced shock absorption abilities. This can have a detrimental effect on your aircrafts cabin and cockpit area. To ensure the safety of aircraft operators and prevent financial and structural damages, it is necessary for you to take any abnormality seriously and work on the repair or replacement of the defective engine mounts.
Displacement Of The Engine
If aircraft engine mounts are not in good working condition, they can affect the engine’s position. When the engine displaces even slightly from its designated position in the engine bay, it means that your engine mount is damaged.
In this situation, the engine fails to maintain its position and repeatedly moves sidewards, forward, or backward in the engine bay. When an aircraft accelerates or takes off, the situation further worsens. Moreover, some unusual noises may accompany it. If ignored, it can seriously impact the aircraft’s flight operation.
Lurching Start
When you turn your engine on, a lurching sound can be heard coming from your engine. It might fade out after a while but can be heard again when you turn off the engine. These abrupt noises might indicate a worn-out engine mount. If ignored, the sounds can increase with time, denoting higher mount damage.
Bumpy Flight
A worn-out engine mount will make you feel its presence during the flight as well. There will be vibrations and lurching. Moreover, the flight will be bumpy and jerky due to constant vibrations.
This might be a symptom of a defective aircraft’s engine mount that needs repair. You must not ignore such signs and immediately schedule engine mount repair before your next flight to avoid any hazardous situations.
Visible Damage
Any physical damage to the engine mount can significantly affect or limit its performance. The signs of wear and tear on the engine mount that are visible to your naked eye should be taken seriously. For example, the flaky appearance of engine mounts.
The fact that the damage is visible implies that it has gone to a maximum extent. You must not waste any more time to repair or replace the defective engine mount. It’s a red flag that you should not take another flight before the engine mount is completely repaired or replaced.
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