Undeniably aircraft exhaust system maintenance is a critical aspect of aircraft upkeep. However, proper maintenance is useless if sufficient inspection is not carried out first. After all, how can you adequately fix an issue if you do not correctly understand its nature and cause? Only through thorough inspection will you attain a clear picture of the current condition of your aircraft’s exhaust system, the nature and severity of existing issues, their potential consequences, and the repair or replacement needed.
Thus, if your aircrafts’ exhaust system has reached such a poor condition that replacement becomes obligatory, never postpone it. Immediately replace it with a new premium quality exhaust system.
Contrarily, a poor inspection of the system may lead to fatal issues passing unnoticed, which may ultimately put the well-being of your plane and, most importantly, your life in jeopardy.
From time to time, numerous aircraft incidents across the globe result from exhaust system failures. Surprisingly, a seemingly minor issue such as a slightly cracked muffler lead to the loss of lives in midair. In light of the latter, the Transportation Safety Board Of Canada regularly puts forth numerous recommendations to reduce flight safety deficiencies.
Due to the apparent sensitivity of the subject at hand, we deem it our duty to provide insightful input for the betterment of our readers. Hence, today’s blog will furnish our audience with valuable tips to ensure optimum inspection of their aircraft exhaust systems.
But before we look into these tips, an overview of the potential failures of an aircrafts’ exhaust system would be worth the effort.
Potential Exhaust Failures And Their Dangers
Due to the harsh pressure and temperature that an aircraft continuously undergoes, recurring problems in the system are inevitable. However, if you do not take the necessary actions on time, these problems may prove dangerous:
Engine Power Loss
If an internal component within an exhaust system such as a muffler breaks, the resulting blockage will lead to inadequate gas flow in the outlet.This results in poor engine performance and even abrupt engine failure that ends in a crash.
Gas Escapes Into The Cabin
Instead of venting carbon monoxide and other harmful gases away from the cabin, a failed exhaust may actually do the opposite. This might lead to lack of concentration and consciousness in pilots, which may prove to be catastrophic.
Accidental Fires
Unquestionably, the gases in the exhaust system and the oil in the fuel tank are dangerously flammable and should be kept away from each other. However, the gas blowtorch of a broken exhaust system may point towards the fuel tank and other flammable objects resulting in fatal mid-air fire.
Inspection Tips To Prevent These Dangers
Fortunately, optimum vigilance and following the right procedures during the inspection process can significantly diminish the odds of such occurrences. These tips may prove beneficial in this regard:
1. Thoroughly Study The AD Notes
Never skip this basic step. These notes will provide you with a basic understanding of whether your aircraft is airworthy or not. Moreover, by reading these notes, you will easily be able to identify whether your exhaust has reached its replacement age.
2. Remove Shields And Shrouds
Unlike other components for which visual surface inspection often suffices, components of an exhaust system are somewhat concealed. To better inspect mufflers and heat exchangers, it would do good to lift any shields or shrouds.
3. Start By Seeking Out Any Signs Of Leakage
Undoubtedly, leakage is the root cause of numerous detrimental problems in aircraft exhausts. Hence, you should first look for apparent signs of leakage, such as yellow, red, shite, or black stains on the components. Most probably, these stains will direct you to the point of leakage as well.
4. Perform Pressure Tests
If the above signs of leakage do not provide conclusive evidence, perform pressure tests on your exhaust system to identify the leakages. However, be careful not to over pressurise the system.
5. Inspect For Metal Fatigue And Corrosion
The only form of corrosion many of you might be familiar with is rust. For your information, there are numerous types of corrosion that your aircraft may suffer from. In the case of an exhaust system, you are most likely to find signs of corrosion in the lower areas where moisture usually builds up.
6. Seek Repair And Replacement Services From A Reliable Company
Since 1979, Acorn Welding has been serving the diverse aviation needs of Canadian society. From basic engine and exhaust repair services to the provision of an unending list of top-quality aircraft components, our company has met every need precisely to perfection. Contact us now to learn more.
