An aircraft’s engine mount is a chrome alloy frame that holds the engine and other related components in their place. It’s a weldment that is attached to the firewall of the aircraft through bolts. For an aircraft, an engine mount is a very crucial component. It keeps the engine attached to the plane and promises a smooth, silent, and steady flight.
It’s pivotal to know whether your aircraft’s engine mount has a defect or is in perfect condition. If you notice a glitch in time, you will be able to take timely action and avoid further damage. You must be wondering how you can detect a flaw in an engine mount.
Here are some signs that can help you detect the need to repair the engine mount.
Unusual vibration in the aircraft
One of the most evident signs of a defective engine mount is when you can feel unusual vibration after starting your aircraft’s engine. If it’s vibrating too much, it means that your aircraft’s engine mount needs some repair. You must take any abnormality seriously and do what’s necessary for a proper remedy.
Abrupt & unsteady start
Another sign of a defective engine mount is when you feel a lurch when starting the engine. When your aircraft moves abruptly when getting started, it shows that the engine mount has some wear and tear. This lurch that you feel when starting the engine might get minimal after a while and will again be evident when you turn off the engine. You must hear the noises and feel the abnormality in the sound when starting and turning off the aircraft’s engine.
Bumpy flight
Not only do you notice that you have a defective engine mount when you start or turn off your aircraft’s engine, but a defective engine mount also makes you feel its presence during the flight. Due to the vibrations and lurching, the flight will not be smooth. You will probably feel the jerks, bumps, and constant vibration that will make the flight unpleasant and annoying. This can be a sign that your aircraft’s engine mount has a defect that needs repair. It’s a sign that you must not ignore and immediately repair the engine mount of your aircraft before the next flight or it can be hazardous for the aircraft.
Noises of impact
A defective engine mount will cause noises that sound like metal impacting with another solid metal. This is because the engine mount will keep on colliding with the aircraft’s body. It’s a clear sign that something severe is going on with the aircraft’s engine mount. Whenever a solid metal impact sound appears, it cautions the pilot, and relevant experts should take immediate action to prevent further loss. As a pilot, you must not ignore these noises as these are the signs of possible disasters to come. It is imperative to keep your ears open and react to any unusual noises you hear coming from your aircraft.
Visible damage
The signs of wear and tear on engine mounts that you can see with your eyes are the most serious. The fact that they have become visible infers that the damage has gone to a maximum extent. An apparent defect means that there is no time to waste to repair or replace the engine mount. It’s a red flag that means you must not take another flight before the engine mount undergoes a complete repair or replacement.
Acorn Welding has assured it’s clients’ aircraft remain in perfect flying conditions in Edmonton, Canada, for decades. You can get in touch with us by clicking here.
