View Full Version : RAT Life
NPPLengineer
25th May 2010, 11:59
To any Global Express engineers out there - very quick question...is the RAT lifed and if so what are the parameters?
Ta very much! :ok:
IFixPlanes
25th May 2010, 16:16
42 ;)
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Dan Winterland
25th May 2010, 16:27
Reminds me of an ADD we had placed on the RAT on one type I flew once after the voltage regulators were declared suspect. It said "Emergency use only!"
So at what other times are you going to use the RAT? And if you have to, I suspect you will only use it for as long as it takes to land at the nearest suitable airfield.
And I hope that afterwards, it would be subject to some sort of engineering action!
Depends on what the RAT drives.
On the L1011, is supplies hydraulic pressure/flow, and as I recall, there is no limit on its use.
Of course, if it is used, it needs to be properly stowed later on as it is a drag item.
No 'special' inspection as I recall after use, just a new squib fitted.
During heavy maintenance checks it is, of course, inspected.
Only used it once...worked just as designed.
muduckace
25th May 2010, 17:00
They are time tested, never heard of a lifespan on them.
Mr @ Spotty M
25th May 2010, 20:03
Some of the RATs fitted to Airbus types have a life l believe.
It is a 20 year overhaul requirement.
vapilot2004
25th May 2010, 21:16
Only used it once...worked just as designed.
Do tell Master 411.
Do tell ...
Enroute LHR - VIE, all three engine generators tripped off*.
When this occurs, all three N3 gauges very briefly decrease below 51% (unless a service bulletin has been completed, to prevent this power interruption), thus sending a signal to the RAT that all engines have flamed out, and therefore the RAT would be needed to supply hydraulic system B with pressure/flow.
Only applicable with those aircraft equipped with -22B engines.
In this instance, the RAT was left extended until RTB, where it was restowed with a new squib.
*Reason for engine generator problems....a fat fingered Flight Engineer.:ugh:
galaxy flyer
26th May 2010, 03:07
411A
The RAT cannot be retracted on the L1011?
GF
The short answer is no it isn't. The TLMC & MPD only detail a 24 Month Op Test.
The RAT cannot be retracted on the L1011?
Answered here...In this instance, the RAT was left extended until RTB, where it was restowed with a new squib.
forget
26th May 2010, 11:19
Come on chaps. Get a grip. Restowed and retracted are two different things. Can any RAT be 'retracted'. I think GF is about to tell us - yes.
vapilot2004
26th May 2010, 21:27
Thanks 411A. I was expecting a bit more drama than that.
That FE must have had some fairly large paws in order to trip all three generators.
NPPLengineer
27th May 2010, 09:55
Thanks guys, appreciate the feedback...
glhcarl
27th May 2010, 15:34
In this instance, the RAT was left extended until RTB, where it was restowed with a new squib.
Correct and the while the L-1011 RAT is not a "life limited part" the squib that allows for RAT extenstion has a "life limit" of 12 years.
The RAT cannot be retracted on the L1011?
The L-1011 RAT must be stowed manually, on the ground.