News Article
SOUTH-WEST aviators using ageing planes could be flying in potential death traps with dangerous hidden corrosion, the nation’s regulator has warned. In an effort to avert disasters, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will have two specialists in Warrnambool today to give vital tips to aircraft owners and operators.
A startling statistic shows the average age of registered small private aircraft in Australia is 40 years — double the lifespan of factory maintenance schedules.
CASA’s manager of continuing airworthiness, Mike Higgins, will be in Warrnambool with consultant Dr Bob Holdsworth, a former chief engineer with Boeing airlines.
“Just because an aircraft is properly maintained doesn’t necessarily mean it is airworthy,” Mr Higgins told The Standard.
“For example, there could be slow corrosion damage in the frame that owners or maintenance engineers are not aware of.
“A set of maintenance instructions may not be adequate for ageing aircraft. It’s vital for pilots and owners to turn up.”
The free seminar will be held in a hangar at Warrnambool Airport from 10am to 1pm.
So far, 35 attendees have registered.
Similar seminars are being held around Australia as part of CASA’s aim to make sure older planes are maintained in airworthy condition.