I am curious to learn how current vintage engines are kept airworthy. Do the manufacturers ( Wright, P&W, Rolls-Royce, etc ) provide support/spares? Or, is it a dwindling supply of surplus stock?
To me it seems as though it is easier (read: CAA Approval/Paperwork ) to build the airframe parts than it is for the engine.
What happens when there is no more parts?
Thanks,
Matt
By: pogno - 23rd August 2012 at 13:51
Im’e not the expert, but from what I know the following applies.
I know piston engines components can be reused as long as they are within tolerence and after that are scrap or can possibly be reworked/plated/reground to give them more life.
With turbine/turboprop engines many components, blades and discs etc, are lifed at which point you have to scrap them. Sometimes lives can be extended which is usually the result of in service experience ie none failed or showed signs of failure at 1000hrs so they are re-lifed to 1200hrs. But with historic aircraft I doubt this applies very much as the numbers in use often limited.
Richard
By: JT442 - 23rd August 2012 at 13:06
from conversations with a friend of mine who operates vintage jets, its a dwindling stock of life-limited parts…certainly for critical components anyway. Piston engines may well be different as a lot of parts can be overhauled and used ‘on condition’. There’ll be experts along in a moment….
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August 23, 2012 at 12:26 pm