Evaluating aircraft structural damage

Evaluating aircraft structural damage on a physical inspection against a damage map overview.

The location of the damage is the first item to check, this ensures you can pin point the damage and should the reflect accurate location on the aircraft – this should not be a vague zone (exterior fuselage skin between frames 14-15 and stringers L 12 – L 13 is not acceptable) and typical locations could detail Body Station / Frame / Stringer / Buttock Line etc.

The damage should be noted as a specific “type” and typical examples include “Dent”, “Scratch”, “Delamination”, “Gouge”, “Crack” or other such entry entries. This is an important part of the record, as the limits for damage and required actions can differ based on this assessment.

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Engine Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT)

An introduction to Engine Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) and why issues with it are important in trend monitoring.

EGT is a measurement of temperature that is taken at the back of the engine. The location can differ for manufacturers where the EGT is measured, and each engine type will have its own limits and norms so an EGT range is specific to that engine type and not across the board.

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Review of Repair Evaluation & Categories

During an aircraft’s life it will almost certainly sustain some damage which will require a repair; note even if damage is acceptable “as is” we still consider this a repair.

Typically, damage will be assessed against a document such as a “Structure Repair Manual” and based on the assessment compared to the limits defined actions will be required (Inspection / Non-Destructive Testing / Repair patch etc)

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Aircraft Redelivery – Modifications

Modifications are commonly carried out by a lessee during a lease term; the modification may remain in use, or it might be removed in the same lease period.

So, if an operator leases an aircraft, then performs a modification in the cabin for example, but a couple of years later makes a change again and decides to remove the modification; do you need to look for any information regarding the now removed modification?

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When should aircraft redelivery begin?

PLANNING for the aircraft redelivery should begin 12 months before the end of lease date due to the complex nature of end of lease transitions

The Lessor will start the preparation process by setting up a Pre-Redelivery Meeting (PRM) with the Lessee (Airline).

A successful PRM will have the following agenda;

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