Vector Online - In category Engineering and maintenance

Read our special 'online' Vector stories here. Some are unique to the website, and some have featured in print issues of Vector.

Note: This archive dates back to 2015. So, the advice in some of the earlier articles may have changed.

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I learned about distraction from this. And stress. And workload.

A busy chief engineer, pulled in too many directions, with too many interruptions, experiences the inevitable.

Posted in Engineering and maintenance, Engines and engine failure, When things go wrong, General safety, Health and human factors;

Posted 5 months ago

Missed the ADS-B deadline?

You now must have ADS-B OUT if you’re flying in controlled airspace. This is what to do if you need to enter controlled airspace without it.

Posted in Airspace, Components, Engineering and maintenance;

Posted 7 months ago

Duplicate inspections

Some recent occurrences illustrate the vital importance of carrying out a thorough duplicate inspection. Read the articleDuplicate inspections

Posted in Engineering and maintenance;

Posted 16 months ago

Aircraft cleaning

Regularly washing your aircraft is the first line of defence against corrosion. Read the articleAircraft cleaning

About the logbook, the work records, and the aircraft operator

Are you confused about the use of the CAA maintenance logbooks? How about the details contained in logbooks and work packs? And about who’s responsible for the whole darn lot? Read…

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Engineering and maintenance;

Posted 22 months ago

Dual controls - who can change them

Installation and removal of dual controls is not routine maintenance and cannot be carried out by a pilot under a Part 61 licence.

Posted in Engineering and maintenance;

Posted 22 months ago

The damaging effect of torsional loads on cargo hooks

After repeated instances of damage to hooks carrying spreader bars, defect reporting has encouraged the manufacturer to recommend extra checks.

Posted in Engineering and maintenance, Rotary operations;

Posted 2 years ago

Parting out

We’re living through tough times in the aviation industry.

Keeping low-use radial engines safe and serviceable

Recent occurrences linked to the maintenance and operation of low-use radial engines in New Zealand have generated an industry discussion about how best to keep such engines functioning safely.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Engineering and maintenance, Engines and engine failure;

Posted 3 years ago

Performance checking of supercharged radial engines

Proper performance checking of supercharged radial engines – whether pre- or post-maintenance, or preflight – is a critical task, which requires care, training and a good knowledge of what the procedure seeks to achieve.

Posted in Aircraft owner and aircraft, Engineering and maintenance, Engines and engine failure;

Posted 3 years ago

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