Page 18 - mro-business-today-01-07-2024

FEATURE

like the flight data recorder, electri-
cal units, probes and tubes, antennas,
transmitters, gauges, control panels,
crew seats, and cockpit doors, are to
be removed as part of line-replace-
able units (LRUs).
The landing gears and wheels are the
last few components to be removed
– all parts are harvested from the
airframe. Typically, a teardown process
Image Courtesy : cla.aero shop on the aircraft size.
can take up to 3 to 5 weeks depending

Post Teardown
As if the teardown process is not
tedious enough, parts harvested need
to be packaged, and re-certified accord-
Consignment Partner Some, of the waste can be salvaged ing to client specifications, or as per
Services through a consignment part- with proper recycling, and thus can offer aftermarket parts market demands. A
ner may include aircraft teardown, lo- some value. An aircraft is a highly com- typical aircraft can be dismantled into
gistics for moving parts and/or aircraft, plex machine, made of many advanced 1,500 to 2,000 parts- both large and
warehouse storage, repair management, materials and alloys. The technology smaller parts.
marketing, sales, and shipping. used for disassembly and dismantling
Most aircraft teardowns take approxi- uses advanced technology to be able to Challenges
mately 3 to 6 weeks (depending on the carefully extract intricate materials and If the aircraft is inoperable or cannot
aircraft size). composites. be transported to a disassembly facility,
The aircraft that is scheduled for tear- a teardown partner can travel to the
The Importance of Location for Aircraft down flies to its destination, and the aircraft’s location.
Teardown first steps include covering all engine
The convenience of location for an air- inlets, exhausts, ports, and the Auxiliary Regional/Corporate Jets
craft teardown is important to consider. Power Unit (APUs). Retiring a regional or corporate jet
A teardown facility that is close makes Any logos and markings on the livery can present challenges for operators
it easy for an aircraft to be delivered are painted over. The removal of parts who want to make the most of their
for disassembly, and for the harvested is done in accordance with what is investment. even retired aircraft can
parts to be shipped back. The time agreed with the owner/ operator. This provide revenue in the parts market.
taken for a teardown process can be is followed by cleaning and meticu- Parts harvested from an aircraft tear-
greatly shortened on account of the lous packaging of the parts, which are down are then a source of revenue, and
location. tagged and signed. importantly offer a sustainable solution
Teardown Process Step by Step Every part needs to be recorded in to parts supply by going easy on the
The stages of an aircraft teardown pro- an inventory list. Other stages include environment.
cess include: the removal of the engines and APU,
Ó Draining service fluids, such as fuel the hull is disassembled for disposal, Some Established Players in the
and water and so is left over hydraulic fluids, fuel, Business
Ó Dismantling liquid parts from the and hazardous materials. Then there Ó CAVU Aerospace
wings, empennage, and fuselage are myriads of components that need Ó AerSale
Ó Disconnecting landing gear to be taken off. Disassembled. In fact, a Ó Gibbs Scrap
Ó Removing the cabin typical airliner can be dismantled into Ó HVF and Affiliates
Ó Packing removed parts for dispatch 1,500 to 2,000 parts! Ó Universal Recycling
to repair shops for recertification The parts of an aircraft that that are Ó Aircraft End-of-Life Solutions (AELS)
Ó Recycling the remaining body easily accessible, are removed first
– these are avionics (flight deck and Conclusion
The aircraft teardown/disassembly avionics bay) and safety equipment An aircraft teardown is a complex
sector has its focus on going about (slides, rafts, lights). Next are the process requiring focussed planning,
conducting its business with a minimal control surfaces. The removal of flaps top notch expertise, and adherence to
negative impact on the environment. makes way for the removal of the safety and environmental concerns. It
This is true especially while dealing hydraulic, air conditioning, and brake covers the aviation industry’s sustain-
with dispensing hazardous materials systems. Once done, it is the turn to ability efforts and the efficient manage-
during a teardown or disassembly. remove smaller components. Items ment of aircraft assets

18 01 July, 2024 www.mrobusinesstoday.com