Jet Engine Maintenance

When operating an aircraft, it is always important to ensure that every system and component is well maintained to preserve airworthiness and safety standards. The aircraft jet engine in particular is a section that requires thorough maintenance as the extreme conditions that aircraft undergo during flight operations can cause damage and inevitable failure if left unchecked. In this blog, we will discuss why jet engine maintenance is important, how it is conducted, and more.

Generally, the typical aircraft engine produces the propulsion needed for flight through the combustion of air and fuel mixtures, thus such components are subject to extreme temperatures, vibrations, corrosion, friction, and other stressors that can cause fatigue and wear over time. By utilizing services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), the service life of jet engines and aircraft components can be extended, allowing operators to conduct more flights before having to replace parts completely. MRO of jet engines is often conducted at various times, such as during mandated yearly inspections and preflight inspections. Jet engine maintenance also follows a strict maintenance schedule called a Time Between Overhaul (TBO), in which a jet engine must be maintained after a certain amount of service hours as dedicated by the manufacturer. Usually, smaller jet engines will feature a TBO of up to 5,000 hours, and larger engines will have one of 6,000 hours or more.

When conducting jet engine maintenance, inspectors will follow a step-by-step process that allows them to ensure that every issue is found and accounted for. Jet engine parts will be washed and dried to remove any foreign debris or substances that may cause damage or corrosion, and both the exterior and the interior of the engine will be carefully looked over. Furthermore, the engine might also be dismantled depending on the need or type of maintenance, and parts may be repaired or replaced before reassembling. Once reassembly is complete, the jet engine is then tested to ensure that it operates correctly. During the inspection and maintenance process, various tools and equipment are used to aid in the operation, allowing for precise installations and repairs.

Depending on the type of jet engine, lead-times and maintenance costs may vary. Generally, the rule of thumb for jet engine repair costs is that a full overhaul will cost around ? to ? of the original engine cost. Furthermore, many major jet engine OEMs will offer engine maintenance plans called “power by the hour” that will often cover the costs of parts, labor, transportation of the engine, and scheduled maintenance. As compared to standard maintenance, such plans can often represent a good value.

When it comes time to begin the maintenance process for a jet engine, there are various facilities that one may use, ranging from small independent maintenance shops to large companies with a global presence. Before having the engine undergo maintenance, it is always recommended to consult the manufacturer of the engine, as they will often have resources that can help you find maintenance companies that specialize in that particular model or engine type. Furthermore, licensed companies will often provide high quality maintenance services, and will typically provide OEM parts and components for replacing and repairing the engine.

Maintenance of a jet engine may be a timely process, but it is crucial for the safe and smooth operation of the aircraft and will often save money by extending the service life of components. Whether you need a pump fuel jet engine component or other aerospace parts, look no further than AFR Enterprises. AFR Enterprises is premier online distributor of aviation parts, electronics, connector parts, and IT hardware, and we can help you source everything that you need with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times. Peruse our robust parts catalogues to find over 2 billion available items, and our team of industry experts is readily available to assist you in the parts procurement process 24/7x365. Get started today and receive a personalized quote when you fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form.