3 Tips To Follow When Using Aircraft Engine Stands

21 January 2021
 Categories: Business, Blog

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Specialized stands must be used whenever an aircraft engine is being transported. Your ability to utilize engine stands properly will determine whether or not your aircraft engine remains in good condition during transport.

A smooth engine stand experience starts with a thorough understanding of the stand and how it works. Use these tips to help you prevent stand-related damage while moving and servicing your aircraft engines in the future.

1. Inspect All Bolts Before Mounting

Once an aircraft engine is removed from a plane, it must be firmly affixed to the engine stands. Without a secure mounting point, the engine could fall off the stands and sustain serious damage.

You must take the time to thoroughly inspect all bolts on your engine stands before these stands are used. A visual inspection will reveal any signs of corrosion or structural weakness in an engine stand's bolts.

Look closely for evidence of rust or hairline fractures that could signal the bolts have weakened over time.

If a visual inspection shows no damage, you should move on to a manual inspection. Turn each bolt to ensure the threads line up and tighten securely. Replace any questionable bolts before you utilize an engine stand to maintain the integrity of your aircraft engine while it's on the move.

2. Read the Engine Stand Manual

All engine stands come with an instruction manual created by the manufacturer. Too many people overlook the manual and try to figure out how an engine stand works through trial and error. This approach could have disastrous consequences.

You should take the time to thoroughly read the manual so you have an understanding of the proper mounting protocol recommended by the manufacturer.

Use the manual as a guide as you simulate the mounting process using your engine stands. This type of preparation can help you avoid any potential problems that could compromise the efficiency of the mounting process.

Be sure that all employees who will be assisting with mounting an aircraft engine to engine stands are familiar with the manual as well. When all personnel handling an aircraft engine and engine stands understand how the stands work, you can successfully mount the engine without causing any damage.

3. Exercise Patience During Mounting

One of the biggest mistakes that you could make when mounting an aircraft engine to engine stands is to rush the process. The mounting process is meticulous and must be approached with extreme patience.

Each section must line up properly to avoid stripping the engine. Bolts must be mounted in the right sequence to prevent the engine from becoming unbalanced and slipping off the stands. Some of these vital steps can be overlooked when the mounting process is rushed.

Schedule adequate time to complete an engine transfer so that you have ample time to properly load the engine on the engine stands prior to transport.

 The right engine stands can facilitate the safe move of any aircraft engine. The key to maximizing the benefits engine stands can offer is the ability to properly use the stands you rely on regularly.

You must take the time to inspect all bolts before you begin mounting your engine to the stands. You must read the instruction manual and have a complete understanding of the way the engine stands work. You must then exercise extreme patience when mounting your aircraft engine to the stands.

Following these tips each time you need to transport your aircraft engines will help you prevent serious engine damage. These tips will also help you maintain the integrity of both your engines and the engine stands used to move and repair expensive aircraft components in the future.

To learn more, contact a supplier that carries options like CFM56 engine stands.