Duncan Aviation Warns Low-Utilization Without Proper Preservation Will Result In High Repair Costs

February 22, 2010

LINCOLN, NEB. – Duncan Aviation advises that all low-utilization operators, six months or less, that want to keep their Honeywell engines off the DEL (Damaged Engine List), should spool their engines once a month with N1 rotation and make a log book entry. For engines dormant for longer than six months, fuel system preservation is also required. 

Because of the depressed economy, many flight departments are reducing aircraft utilization. Mike Bernholtz, Duncan Aviation Turbine Engine Service Sales Rep, has seen an increase in the number operators who are experiencing the effects of long-term storage of their TFE731 engines when proper preservation procedures have not been followed.

"I'm fielding a number of calls from operators who are getting their aircraft ready to be put back into service or on the market for sale, but are discovering their engines are on the DEL and considered ‘unairworthy,' " says Bernholtz. "They are calling us to find out, ‘What do I do now and how much will it cost?' "

A typical work scope for an unpreserved engine is a complete teardown to inspect all mainline bearings and the exchange of the fuel pump, fuel control, fuel manifolds, oil pump, among other items and the replacement of all accessory/transfer gearbox bearings. There are additional costs associated with this type of work scope, including other squawks found at disassembly, engine changes and shipping.

"These are very costly repairs that engine programs, such as MSP or JSSI, will not pay for. The time and money it takes to follow the proper preventative procedures is well worth the effort." Bernholtz goes on to say, "Engine preservation is just as important as other maintenance items and proper records must be kept just like any other normal maintenance items."

The most popular and probably the easiest way to avoid presentation issues is to run the engines once a month and document it in the logbooks.

For similar relevant technical and troubleshooting articles written by Duncan Aviation's aircraft experts, read the February issue of Duncan Aviation's Duncan Intelligence. Distributed to thousands of industry professionals monthly, the Duncan Intelligence newsletter is a free monthly e-mail publication to enhance business aircraft operation and ownership.

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To read the current Duncan Intelligence newsletter, go to: http://www.duncanaviation.aero/intelligence/editions/201002.php

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Duncan Aviation is an aircraft service provider supporting the aviation needs of government and business operators and other service providers. Services include major and minor airframe inspections and maintenance, engine services, major retrofits for cabin and cockpit systems in addition to full paint and interior services and aircraft sales and acquisitions. Duncan Aviation also has aircraft components solutions experts available 24/7/365 at 800.228.1836 or 402.475.4125 (international) who can handle any aircraft system problem with immediate exchanges, rotables, loaners or avionics/instrument/accessory/propeller repairs and overhauls.

Complete service facilities are located in Lincoln, Neb., and Battle Creek, Mich. Additional locations include more than 20 satellite avionics facilities strategically located throughout the United States. For more information about any of Duncan Aviation's services, contact us at 402.475.2611 or 800.228.4277. Or visit us on the web at www.DuncanAviation.aero.

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