What conjures in your mind when you hear the word “aircraft”? Do you imagine sleek jets with meticulous-looking wings just swooshing in the air gloriously? Or do you wonder about the geniuses behind this magnificent invention? Aircrafts indeed can stun any observer in their wake.
Alas like every good thing in this world, an aircraft also has a limited life expectancy. It is established that an aircraft will serve its purpose for as long as twenty-five to thirty years. This is unfortunate, but even this number can change with an aircraft that is well-maintained and frequently inspected.
As Canada’s top-rated aviation welding technicians, we are aware of how understanding the factors that affect an aircraft can drastically increase the chances of a longer life expectancy.
Have you ever wondered what makes these planes function as long as possible? Let’s dive into that. In this blog, we will discuss the aspects that impact an aircraft's life expectancy.
The Utilization Of The Aircraft
Light aircraft are known for their agility and speed, but this may not be the greatest determinant for long-term maintenance. Although they are supposed to be simple to fly, there are a few things to keep in mind if you want your plane to endure as long as possible.
The longer you utilize your plane, the shorter the average lifespan of your aircraft carrier. The pressurization cycle and flight frequency are to blame in this aspect.
The pressurization cycle is the repetitive opening and closing of an aircraft's doors, which can create wear and tear on the doors seals. When you make short flights, there will be more friction on items like the landing gear and tires. Not only can this be dangerous, but it is also fatal to the life of the aircraft.
Maintenance and regular inspection can help with the pressurization dilemma.
Also read: Top 3 General Aircraft Safety And Maintenance Tips
The Environment And The Weather Condition
Sadly, one of the factors that no aircraft operator or owner can control is the weather. It can, however, have an impact on the elements of your aircraft, its efficiency, performance and how you fly it.
Altitude
Every plane is designed with specifications on how high it can fly and for how long. Increasing your altitude reduces the amount of oxygen supplied to your plane, making it more difficult to fly. Flying at a higher level than recommended puts your plane under more stress and causes it to wear out faster.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for light aircraft is 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). You may need to raise the throttle as the temperature rises to maintain the required altitude.
Humidity
Humidity is awful, even for an aircraft. The higher the humidity percentage, the higher the percentage of water vapours in the atmosphere. Water vapours affect fuel economy by causing your engine to work harder to compress the air that travels through it.
Repairs
Repair quality ensures longevity and durability, however, poor-quality restoration may necessitate replacement sooner than anticipated. Many aspects determine this factor such as the experience and skills of the technician, the workmanship and the implementation of the correct procedures.
Hence, it is recommended to opt for an accredited aviation technician to do the proper repairs and inspection of your beloved aircraft.
Regular Inspection
It is always a good idea to inspect your aircraft regularly. It will assist you in detecting problems before they worsen and ensuring that your aircraft is always equipped with the most recent safety features and standards.
A well-maintained aircraft has fewer accidents than one with infrequent maintenance. They're less prone to break structurally due to corrosion or mechanical issues like loose bolts, nuts, and screws.
In conclusion, this is preventive maintenance performed at regular intervals by professionals, such as after every 100-hour flight, annual inspection, progressive inspection, and so on.
About Acorn Welding
We are a team of trusted aviation welding technicians and aircraft experts who are driven by innovation and technology. We provide a wide range of superb aviation services, from component replacement to routine inspections and maintenance. We also deal with vintage aircraft all over the world and are on our way to being the leading aviation experts. Learn more about Acorn Welding and our unique offerings.
Need aircraft part replacements? Contact us now.
