When it comes to the aviation sector, safety is always a priority. To ensure safety and accuracy in usage, meticulous inspections are carried out for every equipment. And the focus is not on quality, but making sure proper training is also lent out to the ground support staff that handles these equipment. In case these inspections are not carried out in line with the guidelines, the consequences could be hefty and highly risky.
The inspections that need to be carried out for this equipment are necessary for the prevention of unprecedented equipment failure, employee safety, reducing downtime, and regular maintenance for longer upkeep.
The following inspections are a responsibility to be taken over by the ground support equipment service provider. Following are 3 important ground support equipment inspections you should be aware of if you deal with the aviation equipment industry.
Engine Sling GSE Inspection
Inspection of the engine slings are vital and comes on priority. A failed engine sling is as dangerous as it can get. Serious safety concerns can rise up and risk the personnel’s life who would be operating it.
In the routine GSE maintenance and inspection checks – some centric point that needs to be performed are check for tear and wear, assess the performance. Fastening of all bolts, shackles, ball-lok pins should be checked first, as they ensure the sling is in good shape and would not fall apart easily.
Since the equipment is highly technical, labeling it correctly is essential. Labels along with fasteners and pins should be replaced if they appeared worn.
The condition of the engine sling material should also be tested. Material with any signs of crumble or damage should be replaced immediately.
Work Stand GSE Inspection
Work stand is an equipment that helps the staff easily access the aircraft and work on its maintenance. Ensuring that the work stand is in a good condition and passes the inspection is important to ensure the safety of the technical staff that will be using it. During the inspection the work stand should be checked for any hydraulic leaks along with other components listed below:
- Handrails, safety chains, lock pins
- Lubrication and functionality of the hinges and casters
- Weight loads – condition and safety stops
- The work stand frame including support tubes, base supports, etc.
- Aircraft bumpers in place with no signs of probable damage
Towbar Inspections
A towbar is used to attach airplane heads and are a significant airport ground support equipment. As a part of their inspection, one should make it a priority to check for any missing parts such as pins, bolts and general maintenance of its frame. Shear pin bushing could be checked for possible damage, cracks, etc. The inspection should be made on the axles and the bearings where they are well greased for a smooth operation. Once the frame of the towbar and its axles have been inspected, it is essential that the tires should be checked for proper inflation and wear.
