A Peek Behind the Scenes of Repair Station Ops

A visit to Aircraft Accessories International provides insight into the process of returning an aircraft to service.

Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 03:16 PM ET

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Aircraft Accessories International (AAI) specializes in accessory repair and overhaul for King Air components. [Courtesy: AAI]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft maintenance, such as hydraulic leaks on a King Air, often requires specialized repair from certified stations like Aircraft Accessories International (AAI).
When seeking repairs, providing detailed information like aircraft make/model, specific squawk, desired turnaround time, and any restrictions on alternative solutions (PMA/DER) is crucial for efficient service.
The repair process involves thorough inspection, disassembly, and cleaning, with communication about additional necessary repairs or the use of repair specifications being vital.
Post-repair, it's essential to inspect shipments for damage and meticulously follow all installation and testing procedures to ensure proper function, maintain warranty, and prevent further issues.

See a mistake? Contact us.

There is a time in every aircraft owner’s life when they hear an utterance that sends a chill through their entire body—and their checkbook. “Hey, boss. I think we have a problem with Four Six Echo.” Mechanics typically identify aircraft by the last three places of the N-number, and any A&P worth their salt will always use the phonetic alphabet.

In our example, Four Six Echo is the company’s Beechcraft King Air scheduled for a trip to close a big deal with a client in Oklahoma. Upon doing the walkaround, the copilot noticed a pool of hydraulic fluid on the ramp just next to one of the main tires. Not good. Hydraulic fluid belongs in the airplane’s actuators, reservoirs, and hydraulic lines, not on the ramp.