How RVI Tools Can Save Money In An Aircraft Maintenance Facility
Recent headlines about safety concerns at AirAsia and the Australian Civil Aviation Authority (CASA)’s declaration that it will be performing increased checks on the budget carrier following several worrying incidents has again brought the issue of safety in our skies into the spotlight.
Growth in air travel, heightened competition and bottom-line pressure are all factors that can affect the way that airlines go about their aircraft maintenance programmes. Resources need to be used efficiently, and time pressures and cost-containment are ever-present challenges.
When it comes to aircraft maintenance, everyone understands the importance of inspection as well as the importance of optimum asset management. And whilst innovations in the aircraft design and size, new materials and unique selling points of the various airlines’ service offerings are generally more talked-about, the less glamorous field of aircraft maintenance is even more critical.
Remote visual inspection (RVI) plays a key role in an aircraft maintenance facility. Highly advanced devices such as video borescopes, CCTV inspection cameras, flaw detectors and X-ray imaging equipment help engineers ensure that all parts, equipment and systems are fully compliant with operational, performance and safety requirements.
RVI can also save money in an aircraft maintenance facility, and here’s why.
Saves time
Advanced RVI products are able to complete inspection jobs in less time, which enables better use of resources.
Improves workflow
Routine maintenance using fast, accurate and versatile RVI products can be scheduled to cause the least amount of downtime and disruption to routine.
Connectivity
Advanced devices like the Mentor Visual iQ borescope can be connected to any computer using WiFi. This connectedness means that experts can share information, collaborate with other experts around the world and make decisions on aircraft maintenance in real-time. This eliminates the need for travel and meetings, saves valuable time and resources and is particularly helpful when large aircraft fleets are involved.
Boost productivity
An advanced borescope is able to take 3D measurements, scan the surface of hard-to-access points deep inside a turbine engine and make precise measurements of the length and depth of an indication from multiple perspectives. This multi-functionality boosts productivity and enables optimum deployment of resources.
Avoids costly delays and expensive damage or destruction of equipment under test
Technological innovation in the field of RVI has resulted in a range of products that are able to remotely perform inspection jobs on parts which previously may have required repair or replacement after testing. This results in significant savings in replacement parts as well as avoiding costly delays. For example, a borescope with an insertion tube diameter of only 2.8mm has become a popular choice in the aviation maintenance sector because it can be snaked into tiny access points on engines and aircraft structures without causing any costly damage.
Supports life-cycle costing
RVI can help an aircraft maintain its financial value. There’s a direct correlation between the maintenance records of an aircraft and its market value, and advanced inspection processes can help aircraft owners protect their critical assets and extend their lifecycle.
Nexxis is a key supplier of proven RVI tools to the aviation industry and their customers rely on their leading-edge solutions for reliable, accurate and powerful results which facilitate better asset health and performance, enhanced safety and improved productivity. If you need help identifying the best productivity and performance solution for your unique needs, please contact our expert team.
