Your aircrafts exhaust system is one of the most important parts of your aircraft. It is responsible for the safety of the aircraft, the passengers, and the environment. The exhaust systems of an aircraft perform several important functions. It is important to keep your exhaust in check as any damage to any of its parts can affect the flight of your aircraft, and thus put many lives in danger.
The primary function of an exhaust system in an aircraft is to route exhaust gases away from the engine and fuselage while reducing noise. Moreover, the exhaust system also serves an important secondary function, that is, that it indirectly supplies the cabin and carburetor with heat.
This blog post highlights the main dangers that can be caused by a defective aircraft exhaust system.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The main danger of a defective aircraft exhaust system is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is the byproduct of an inefficient fuel combustion process. It can be quite a deadly gas that is difficult to detect because it is odorless and colorless.
Therefore, it can affect the lungs and cause suffocation in the area. Carbon Monoxide is very harmful to the atmosphere as well. International aviation standards also make it necessary that all aircrafts are tested for this gas before flight. Hence, technicians should remain alert to the rate of exhaust system deterioration in an aircraft and increase inspection intervals to make sure it is in perfect working condition.
Poor Engine Performance
The lack of a properly functioning aircraft exhaust system puts pressure on the engine. Thus, it reduces the performance of the engine, hindering normal functionality. The exhaust system is fully connected and regulates the torque and thrust from start to finish. If there is any issue with the exhaust system, it will affect the engine of your aircraft, meaning that the engine will not be able to gauge properly when the gases are not being exhausted efficiently.
For this reason, technicians and aviation engineers make sure that the aircrafts exhaust system is regularly monitored, maintained, and repaired when needed, so it doesn't affect the engine's performance.
Wastage Of Fuel
Another common issue that occurs after issues with your exhaust system is fuel wastage. This happens as the fuel combustion process is affected if the exhaust system is not working in perfect condition.
With this, the plane won't be able to continue proper operation. This also impacts the engine's performance. An inefficient fuel combustion process as a result of the ineffective exhaust system also triggers other dangerous activities in the aircraft, like releasing harmful gasses into the atmosphere. This can affect both the crew and the passengers.
Fire Dangers
An incomplete fuel combustion process will throw unburnt fuel particles through the hot exhaust pipes. This can increase the chances of fire and carbon monoxide gas spread.
Not only this, another issue caused by a defective aircraft exhaust system is engine backfire. When the engine backfires, the force of the thrust is reversed as well. But with a problematic aircraft exhaust system, it is impossible to have a smooth flow of heat, fumes, and gasses that are released after fuel combustion. This backfire can be quite dangerous, especially when the aircraft is flying, and can be quite a catastrophic issue for the passengers and the aircraft combined.
How To Avoid It
Regular inspection of all your aircraft's parts can reduce such risks and keep them in good condition for a long time. Pay attention to your aircraft and hire professionals to perform regular checkups as the exhaust of your aircraft is much more important and complex than that of a car.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is an aircraft exhaust system and aviation welding specialist based in Edmonton, Alberta. Visit our website for more information or call us for personalized customer service related to your aircraft.
