One of the most expensive and complicated issues that aircraft owners confront is deciding how and even if to overhaul an aircraft's engine when its life-limited parts are nearing the end of their lifespan. What do the expert aviation technicians have to say?
An engine overhaul can also be required for other reasons, such as when an engine experiences considerable damage from consuming foreign items during operations or has been improperly maintained. Let's discuss some of the smart choices you can make for aircraft engine overhauls.
When Are Overhauls Necessary?
A lot relies on the operator's maintenance budget and plans for the engine. Many decisions depend on the aircraft's life cycle and the owner's ambition. Owning and operating an aviation engine has several risks. The best way to reduce this risk is to participate in a program.
An overhaul to extend the engine life of a relatively new aircraft by ten years might make more sense to an operator than repairing a 30-year-old engine powering a 30-year-old aircraft to extend its operational life by ten years.
The decision to overhaul an engine is very much dependent on where the aircraft is in its lifespan, as well as the size and value of the aircraft. An aircraft's value will be greater if you have a decent engine and properly maintained aircraft parts right out of the shop.
Replacement Engines
Choosing to replace a non-plane engine with one purchased on the open market might also bring considerable challenges. Some engine models will be available, while others might not be. However, if an operator finds a new engine without particularly thorough information about the seller or the engine's operational history, there may be concerns about whether it is genuinely airworthy.
Unless an engine kept on a wing is run every 30 days (as many engine types' maintenance manuals suggest) or when storage begins, it must be sent for tear-down and inspection before being reactivated.
Essentially, this is a full overhaul and is required for engines that have been improperly kept or conserved since water beads may have collected on the main line bearings, causing corrosive anomalies that can lead to catastrophic failure once they are returned to service.
Maintenance Plans Increase Your Choices
Operators that choose to have their engines covered by maintenance plans, whether given by the engine's OEMs or third-party suppliers, have additional options when it comes to sending their engines for overhaul.
For starters, regardless of when an engine requires an overhaul, the expense is covered by an hourly plan. Furthermore, in virtually all cases except operator carelessness, the plan provider takes the financial risk if the overhaul costs more than projected.
The shop visit requirements will be heavily influenced by the engine manual and the engine management plan, depending on the cause for engine removal (EMP).
Also Read: The Advantages Of Preventative Aircraft Maintenance
Other Factors That May Influence Overhaul Decisions
Owners must decide where to overhaul their aircraft engines in addition to whether or not to rebuild them. Service turnaround time, whether a rental engine is available for clients to utilize, and the total cost of the overhaul are all factors that might impact where an operator would go to have their engines repaired.
Operators must decide if an overhaul would be too costly to conduct based on the engine's usage and maturity. The operator should consider replacing the engine if the estimated overhaul cost exceeds 80% of the new engine exchange price.
To Overhaul Or Not To Overhaul Your Parts?
It might take time to decide whether to overhaul your current cylinders or just replace them when getting an engine overhaul. If new cylinders are available, are they more expensive than repairing the cylinders you currently have?
If your existing cylinders are in good condition, getting them overhauled and reinstalled is probably OK. Remember that each restored cylinder still receives a new cylinder barrel choke and cylinder barrel honed finish, as well as reconditioned or replaced guides and seats.
About Acorn Welding
An expert in the aviation industry, Acorn Welding offers a wide range of services and goods for various aircraft. For your aircraft, we provide quality-assured inspections and products. Due to our extensive aviation industry experience, we can offer products and services of the highest caliber. Learn more about Acorn Welding and our services.
For expert aviation welding and aircraft parts, contact us now.
