Just as human beings begin to age the day they are born, so do airplanes the day that they are produced. The question is, how old is too old? Professional aviation welding experts believe that if an aircraft is properly maintained on time, its chronological age won’t matter as much in its ultimate performance rating.
But is this actually the case? In this blog post, we’ll discuss an aircraft’s age, related safety factors, and more. Keep reading to find out more.
Factors Involving Ageing Aircraft Safety Concerns
Many elements come into play when determining an aircraft's ageing process, such as the number of flying hours or flight cycles that the aircraft has flown to date. Even if we are given a precise age, the various aircraft parts of an aircraft will vary in age depending on their use, maintenance, and functions. These and other factors make calculating an aircraft's age complicated.
Aside from these, additional factors such as aircraft maintenance, the kind of aircraft operation, and the operating environment all influence the aircraft's age. Understanding aircraft ageing is essential for fleet management in determining when an aircraft should be replaced.
Is An Aircraft's Age A Safety Concern?
The age of an aircraft is not a safety factor. However, if the aircraft is older and has not been properly updated, it may cause some difficulties, such as overheating, defective air conditioning, or bad plumbing in the restroom. The history of an aircraft is more significant than its age.
The plane's maintenance should meet or exceed the manufacturer's standards, as it should be safe if it has been well-maintained. Pilot experience is the second most important safety component.
They must be conversant with the aircraft, having logged several flying hours with it. It is a good idea to have aircraft maintenance records verified by a third party to ensure safety.
Common Aircraft Ageing Concerns
Fatigue is the most common indication that an aircraft has begun to age. It involves fatigue of the fundamental type design, widespread fatigue damage (WFD), corrosion, fatigue from modifications and repairs, and continuing operation with dangerous fatigue cracking levels.
The metal elements of planes deteriorate over time as a result of repeated flight cycles and regular use and eventually require care and repair. Maintenance concerns, particularly those associated with ageing aircraft structural failure, have traditionally been attributed to fatigue or corrosion, with corrosion occasionally triggering fatigue effects.
Metallic Corrosion
Most older aircraft are constructed of two different metals, making them an ideal target for metallic corrosion caused by chemical reactions, resulting in the degradation of the metal surface. Because this effect occurs mostly at the small grain boundaries of a metal alloy, it may go unnoticed, resulting in the loss of metallic structural integrity.
To avoid the problem, the best approach is to use a superior design and a non-metallic composite.
Pitting Corrosion
Pitting corrosion is a type of localized corrosion in which microscopic cavities or holes grow on the metals surfaces. Because of the complexity in detecting it and the persistence of pitting forms, this is one of the more hazardous types of corrosion. These little gaps and voids can cause engineering systems to collapse catastrophically.
Degradation And Maintenance Failures
Degradation and failure of aviation wiring insulation can result in potentially life-threatening system failure or smoke and fire caused by arcing. With two recent air mishaps involving considerable loss of life due to wiring failure, aviation authorities, aircraft operators, and maintainers are concerned about the integrity of aged aircraft wiring.
Also Read: Top 3 General Aircraft Safety And Maintenance Tips
What Are The Advantages Of An Older Aircraft?
If an aircraft is well-maintained, it does not always have more mechanical parts. Every part of the plane will be replaced with a new part over time. Clients benefit more from older private planes. When you choose an older aircraft over a newer one, you can save up to 20%-30% on your hourly fee while still enjoying an exclusive private jet experience.
About Acorn Welding
We are a reputable group of technology- and innovation-driven aircraft specialists and welders. We offer a wide range of excellent aviation services, including component replacement and regular maintenance and inspections. In addition, we work with vintage aircraft all over the world and are working to become the top aviation specialists. Learn more about Acorn Welding and our services and products.
For aircraft parts and expert welding procedures Contact us now.
