Older planes have a certain romance that cannot be duplicated with today’s modern aircraft, which may explain why so many GA pilots insist on flying their vintage planes. But general aviation safety is a hot topic these days. Publications like Plane & Pilot Magazine have released many articles on this topic, all of which seem to ask the same question – “How old is too old?”
According to a recent article on this topic, some of the most celebrated aircraft used in general aviation has shown signs of age and wear. T-34s have suffered wing separations, resulting in an airworthiness directive that grounded the fleet. Later, a T-6 trainer from World War II lost a wing while doing maneuvers. Fortunately, many of the general aviation safety standards have been revised to ensure that older planes are safe enough to fly.
When considering the age of airplanes, a couple of factors are usually mentioned. Hours and condition are two factors that can have a serious impact on one another, and the material of the aircraft is another important element. Different standards are used for aluminum, steel, wood and composite aircraft, but aluminum is by far the most common airframe material.Condition
In terms of the plane’s condition, cosmetic issues like faded paint and dings can make it difficult to judge. While they can say something about the diligence of the plane’s owner in maintaining the plane, they don’t necessarily mean the plan is unsafe to fly. The true condition of the plane is shown in places that cannot be seen right away.
Hours flown monthly
An engine that isn’t flown on a regular basis is more prone to corrosion, particularly in the bores of the engine. Airplanes that have only accumulated a few hours of flying time over a number of years could be very suspect, primarily because it attracts dust, which in turn attracts moisture. Just like with people, an inactive airplane can have stiff joints and bearings. In terms of total time flown, an airplane can be flown so much that it simply wears out, but that is rarely the case. Most airplanes die or develop problems from lack of use, not overuse.
Storage
Another important element of general aviation safety is the proper storage of an airplane. The more indoor storage time a plane has, the longer it will live, but that won’t mean the plane is safe to fly. Humidity is an enemy of aircraft, even when stored indoors, as it can aggravate engine problems.
Maintenance
Rather than allowing problems to accumulate and then getting them fixed all at once, a well-maintained plane will have logbooks that show regular maintenance intervals and problems fixes as soon as they arose. Regular cycles of repair mean a mechanic is poking around inside the airplane frequently, allowing for rust and corrosion to be stopped before it becomes a problem.
For more information about general aviation safety, including a complete guide to general aviation airports in the United States, turn to The Airport Authority.
