Aircraft jacks are some of the most important tools in the entire aviation industry, and it’s all because they’re the main tools that allow technicians and maintenance workers to access the plane while it’s still on the ground and give them the attention they need between flights. However, just as there are countless types of planes, there are also different types of jacks, and to make your job as easy as possible, you’ll have to pick the right one.
1. Choose a Jack That’s Compatible with Your Plane
There are many different kinds of jacks out there that fit into a variety of categories, and these all differ wildly from each other, while jacks in the same category can vary in terms of the planes they’re meant to service, too. Some jacks are multi-purpose, while others are meant specifically for one plane, so if you want to ensure you’re working as efficiently and effectively as possible, you’ll have to make sure the jack you’re working with suits the plane you’re servicing. If it’s a heavy plane, make sure the jack has a high load-bearing capacity, and if it’s smaller, you can feel free to go with any jack you want.
2. Consider the Maintenance Job You Need to Do
There are many different kinds of maintenance jobs, and these all correspond to the various types of systems and parts in the plane; many jacks are specifically made to make these jobs easier. Jacks that are made for a certain kind of maintenance, like those that enable landing gear modification, repair, and replacement, or wing jacks that lift the wings specifically for wing work, excel at making that task easier and, at the same time, they may make other jobs they’re not meant for much harder, if not impossible. Luckily, differentiating between the kind of jack you need is incredibly easy.
3. Choose Between Hydraulic and Pneumatic Jacks
All jacks have to come with a special pressure dispensing system that allows them to generate a massive amount of force, and this system can come in the form of a hydraulic or pneumatic configuration. Hydraulic jacks use hydraulic fluid to carry pressure from end to end, maybe more stable, and are easy to maintain since all you’ll need to do is replace the fluid occasionally. On the other hand, pneumatic jacks use compressed air, are cheaper, more specialised for lighter aircraft, and use electricity instead of fluid, which can be a cost-saver in many places. Choosing the right kind of system can ensure that your jack is more specialised for the kind of work you need to get done.
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4. Look for Safety Features
Safety is absolutely essential when it comes to purchasing a jack, and you shouldn’t ignore these features in the interest of cost-cutting, especially since these safety measures can save you money in the long run besides just creating a better working environment. The best safety features include overload protection for a weight that’s too high, locking mechanisms, and emergency lowering abilities if something in the jack breaks and the plane is about to fall. This results in a lower frequency of injuries, and you’ll be able to prevent damage to the plane, which is how you’ll save money.
5. Look for Jacks with Mobility
The last and perhaps most important thing you should remember when looking for that perfect jack is mobility. Jacks can be used for a variety of planes, and are versatile, and mobility is one of the key features that makes them more versatile. Tronair designs many jacks that come with wheels and even some that come with towbars, which makes taking them from hangar to hangar easier than ever, and since they can be used anywhere, you’ll be able to use the same jack for countless different planes.
Conclusion
Ground operations are important for planes because flights and being in active use cause wear and tear that slowly affects their ability to fly safely and be as useful as they can be. Jacks are essential for these ground operations, allowing technicians to service and repair their planes easily, but since planes come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, jacks have to vary, too. They can be adapted to accomplish countless different jobs, and each has different characteristics. Using the information in this article, you’ll be able to get the one that’s just right for you and your goals.
