There are broad-ranging views on the subject; the most optimistic anticipating flight numbers returning close to normal during the winter of 2020-2021, with the more pessimistic predicting that we won’t see a return to normal service until the summer holiday seasons of 2023 or even as late as 2025.
Whatever the eventual outcome, one thing is clear: an unprecedented number of commercial aircraft are currently grounded and being placed into storage over timeframes that will extend well beyond normal parking or seasonal active storage periods. This prolonged parking brings new challenges for keeping aircraft flight-fit for their eventual return to service.
Fleet represents a massive investment for airlines and other operators, and it is vital to protect these valuable assets while they are out of service to reduce maintenance repair costs and enable the aircraft to return quickly to normal service when the time is right.
Rocol says it would always recommend following the OEM’s recommendations for parking or storage, key aspects of which include:
Before parking the aircraft
The aircraft exterior should be thoroughly washed, with particular attention paid to wheel wells and landing gear to ensure the complete removal of any contaminants such as runway ice or snow removal compounds, sand and dirt. Effective removal will help prevent any corrosion issues.
Once the aircraft has been fully cleaned and any corrosion removed or treated, carry out usual lubrication procedures using a general airframe grease or landing gear grease then apply corrosion protection compounds, particularly to unpainted metal parts.
Whilst aircraft are parked
Inspect if possible, on a seven-day cycle. A visual inspection every seven days that includes bodywork and protective coverings will highlight any corrosion damage that needs to be addressed through further cleaning, corrosion removal and the reapplication of corrosion protection compounds. Then carry out a more detailed inspection every 14 days paying close attention to wheel wells and landing gear, with any corrosion corrected and protection compounds reapplied as required.
Taking these proactive steps now together with a robust inspection routine will go a long way to keeping valuable assets flight fit for when they can be returned to normal service.
Rocol’s experience in aerospace lubrication dates back almost 100 years, to when the company first supplied products to Rolls-Royce for aero engines. Since then, the company has developed many technologically advanced aerospace lubricants and corrosion protection products to keep the aerospace industry flying.