ASAP AM Spares Blog

An aircraft engine is a remarkably complex piece of machinery, with hundreds of moving parts that operate outside of the perception of the pilot’s senses. Most mechanical issues in an engine begin affecting the aircraft before they can be seen, heard, or felt. Fortunately, modern technological innovations have led to the creation of aircraft engine monitoring systems, arrays of sensors and digital computers that are designed to help the pilot gauge the health and status of their aircraft. These systems can determine what kinds of maintenance might be required for an aircraft’s engine, or help them determine if an engine is fit for operations. While typically used on commercial aircraft, they are popular for personal aircraft as well.

Every part of an aircraft has a specific function, and with that function, specific maintenance requirements. The Federal Aviation Authority mandates regular maintenance and inspections of all aircraft, with some parts being required to be replaced after a certain number of hours in flight, no matter their current condition.

Chances are, you have probably used a fastener or a machine with fasteners in it within the past week. Used to make a connection between two components, fasteners are small pieces of hardware that come in very handy in a lot of different circumstances. The aerospace industry is particularly fond of fasteners as they form a rigid but temporary connection.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is an agency of the United States Department of Transportation; they are responsible for the oversight and regulation of aviation within the United States, as well as operation of the National Airspace System (NAS). The primary responsibility of the FAA is to ensure the safety of civil aviation. Their regulation responsibilities also encompass the following: development of aeronautics, operation of air traffic control and navigation systems for civil and military aircraft, regulation of U.S. commercial space transportation, and the development of programs to mitigate aircraft noise and other environmental effects of aviation. The FAA also controls the construction and operation of airports; adding to the list of complex responsibilities. 

The first time I saw an aircraft wiring diagram, I was astounded by the intricate design and complexity. No less notable, is the attention that must be paid to the configuration of every component within the wiring system, including electrical connectors. Each aspect of an aircraft, at one time or another, is exposed to sudden changes in temperature, humidity, and pressurization. As such, even aircraft connectors need to meet two crucial parameters—they need to be durable despite multiple stressors, and easy to replace under a time constraint. Original equipment (OEMs) of aircraft employ field replaceable units, carbon composites, and contact retention methods to meet these requirements.

Downed planes are costly planes. Aircraft on ground (AOG) situations cost money to buy replacement parts, to pay mechanics and engineers, to pay for inspections, to pay for terminal usage while the plane is downed, etc.; and none of that money is being made if the plane can’t fly, costing even more money. So, it makes sense that the MRO business would be booming, standing to profit tremendously from saving airliners from AOG situations. And, it would make even more sense that the aviation MRO services & industry is currently embroiled in fierce competition to innovate and evolve.

Just as automobile companies lease cars, aircraft companies lease commercial aircraft. There are over 10,000 leased aircraft throughout the world, with Asia being the most popular region in terms of leases. Since 2008, the number of leased aircraft has gone up more than 50%, especially in Asia. The number of re-deliveries has been steadily increasing, and so has the number of repairs that need to be completed.

Aviation, for the sake of safety, is a strictly regulated industry. As a result, every stage of an aircraft’s life is subject to endless procedures and protocols, especially the overhaul process. Over time, aircraft engines will need to be overhauled. Parts will need to be replaced, and the biggest concern during this process is safety. It is also important to maintain the value of the aircraft and engine, and the only way to ensure this is to overhaul the engine using the original manufacturer’s, or OEM’s, approved parts.

Whether you’re driving a car or piloting a plane, to start the engine, all you really do is turn the ignition key or push the start button. That’s all it takes. But have you ever wondered how such a simple movement causes the spark plugs to fire and the engine to start? The answer is a magneto, a simple and highly reliable electrical generator.

In 2013 Boeing Aircraft and Emirates made a record-breaking deal for 150 Boeing Aircraft worth $76 Billion sending shock waves through the aircraft industry. Recently, Emirates Airlines president Tim Clark stated that the deal is in jeopardy due to the continuing potential to rescind the Open Skies agreement signed in 1999 made between the U.S and UAE.