Aircraft Engine Stands

There are almost as many different types of aircraft engines as there are types of planes. Moving and servicing this equipment requires the appropriate equipment for each engine. A repair is the replacement or correction of the fault of a damaged engine part which is done in such a manner so that its performance matches to be equal or better than the original part.

 

Major and Minor Repairs

An aircraft engine often needs minor or sometimes even a major repair. This is normal throughout its operational life. A repair is classified as a major repair that, if not properly done, may have a serious impact on its vital characteristics such as performance, operations, structural strength, balance, flight characteristics, and other issues that may significantly affect the flight performance of the aircraft challenging its airworthiness. On the other hand, a minor repair does not significantly affect any of these characteristics nor change the flight performance of the aircraft.

 

Jet Engine Maintenance

Even though jet engines have fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines, their parts are subject to wear and damage. An engine faces a lot of harsh environments as it is subjected to high temperature, friction, vibration, the impact of foreign debris, and corrosion due to water, hail, snow, sleet, etc.

The rotating jet engine parts such as the compressor blades and turbine blades are subjected to huge physical stresses which cause wear, metal fatigue, and cracking, which may lead to their eventual failure.  As a result, for these rotating parts, which are called life-limited parts (LLPs), it is mandatory to replace them after a pre-defined period of use.

The specified operating lives of the LLPs are determined by the manufacturer of those parts during the process of certifying the engine. Typically, the lifespan of an LLP is expressed in thousands of hours of operation, but may also be defined in thousands of take-off, climb, cruise, descent, and landing cycles. All of this makes periodic inspections and overhaul of all the parts of a jet engine vital and mandatory for ensuring flight safety.

A secondary, but important reason for performing maintenance on jet engines at specified periodic intervals also exists. During this maintenance, the engines are finely balanced to reduce vibrations and improve the smoothness of their running. This ensures a comfortable and quiet flight for the passengers.

 

Overhaul of an Aircraft Engine

A modern jet engine has over 15,000 individual parts. The overhaul procedure is a structured and strictly controlled process. The engine is analyzed, cleaned, repaired, or replaced any component which is necessary and makes the engine good-to-go for the next few years.

The scope of the maintenance work always depends on the customer’s order. The production planners convert these into detailed work plans after the initial inspection of the engine, taking into account the regulatory requirements and the manufacturing specifications.

In a clocked flow line in U-shape, the engine parts pass from one station to the next. The optimized arrangement of all functional areas, tools, and material stations ensures efficient material flow, maximum flexibility, short distances, and maximum transparency.

Steps in Engine Repair/Overhaul

 

Aircraft Engine Stands

Aircraft engine stands are fabricated from structural steel conforming to ASTM A500 materials.  They use bolted connections using zinc plated or stainless steel hardware.  All the designs and fabrications are in accordance with SAE Aerospace document ARP1840.  The vibration isolators or shock mounts are engineered to provide maximum protection. The stands have casters, tow bars, are bootstrap compliant, and come with rust-resistant paint.  Whether you are transporting, storing, or maintaining your engine, there is an engine stand designed for that type of engine.

 

Types of Engine Stands

Engine stands are designed, manufactured, and tested to the highest quality standards. They are designed so that they are reliable and easy to use in the service, transport, and maintenance of turbofan and aero-derivative engines, small aircraft engines, and other critical ground support equipment.

Rollover stands:  Rotates or rolls the stand in place to achieve minimum height/width profile for loading through transport cargo doors.

Dual-purpose stand:  Offers improved safety and usability through hydraulically activated components, including caster deployment, engine rotation, and lifting systems. Supports the most common turbofan engine platforms; all components and parts are stored on-board.

Small aircraft engine stand:  These are designed for the general aviation industry to improve the maintenance and repair of four- to six-cylinder engines that weigh up to 600 pounds. They feature 180-degree rotation, heavy-duty lockable wheels, spare parts tray, multiple engine mounting adapters, and an expanded drip pan.

Split stands:  These stands allow for transportation of turbine engines in split configuration; enables engines to be stowed in the cargo hold.

Fan stands:  These stands are designed for the transportation of the fan modules.

Shipping skids and Test dollies:  These are designed for safe shipping and transport of the various types of engines.

Miscellaneous stands:  These include shop dollies, fan stands, test stands.

 

Some Examples of Engine Stands

 

Mobile Engine Work Stands

Standard Features of Tronair Model 08-2034-0010

 

Mobile Engine Work Stands

Standard Features of Tronair Model: 08-2037-0000

 

Multi-Purpose Rotating Turbine Engine Work Stands

Standard Features of Tronair Model 08-2021C0000

 

Portable Turbine Engine Change Stand

Standard Features of Tronair Model: 08-2001-0000

 

e2b calibration is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. We specialize in cost-effective repair and maintenance services of all types of GSEs. We are registered with ANAB. We are also ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 certified. Please contact e2b calibration maintenance services for your ground support equipment.

Should aircraft tools be calibrated in an accredited calibration lab?
Find out in our guide.

November 10, 2020 Aviation Equipment, GSE, Tronair Joshua Gilstrap