The term overhaul describes a process that makes sure that an aircraft performs according to applicable serviceable tolerances set by its manufacturer for continued airworthiness. In the aviation industry, engine overhaul refers to two distinct processes that can be differentiated from one another based on a degree of work performed on an airplane engine.
These two procedures are known as major overhaul and top overhaul. During major overhaul, the aircraft engine goes through a complete disassembly for thorough inspection and required repairs, followed by reassembly of engine, testing, and final approval to return to service. During top overhaul, complete disassembly of an engine isn’t necessary as repairs to engine parts can be achieved outside of the crankcase.
An aircraft engine overhaul can be used to enhance the resale value of an airplane significantly. In addition to that, it can also extend the useful lifespan of an aircraft engine to increase flight efficiency and safety. The usual wear and tear of the metallic engine parts of an aircraft can result in poor performance and tolerance increases, eventually leading to the failure of an engine.
That’s why an airplane engine overhaul is vital to carry out a mechanical inspection of an aircraft engine to diagnose any potential problems before they become significant issues in the future.
Extending Useful Life Of An Engine
One of the most significant reasons to perform aircraft engine overhaul is that it extends the useful life of an engine, similar to a tune-up that increases the useful lifespan of a car engine. Airplane engines go through rigorous heating and cooling processes during and after a routine flight that can put much stress on its parts.
Adequate amount of lubrication is critical to prevent metallic contacts that can severely damage parts of an aircraft engine, resulting in an unsafe flying experience. For this reason, aircraft manufacturers recommend timely engine overhauls to notably extend the useful life of an aircraft engine.
Better Aircraft Performance
Many aircraft owners and operators report a significant increase in the overall performance of their planes, with the most significant improvement in engine vibrations after an aircraft engine overhaul. An airplane engine overhaul lets an aircraft technician analyze different moving components of an engine in a bid to rearrange off-balance internal parts. This rearrangement of parts decreases engine vibrations and enhances thrust output.
Enhancing Aircraft Resale Value
Another critical reason to perform frequent aircraft engine overhauls is that it significantly enhances the resale value of a plane. Airplanes that are subjected to regular engine overhauls have an increased value in aircraft evaluation books as compared to ones that don’t undergo engine overhauls.
Many lenders add the full retail cost of an airplane engine overhaul to the aircraft estimated value. This means that an effective airplane engine overhaul can remarkably add to the resale value of a plane.
Acorn Welding is an aviation manufacturing and repair expert based in Canada. Visit our website for further information or call us for personalized service.
