In a business aviation operation, everyone – especially aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) – can contribute to sustainability. Through everyday best practices, here are four things AMTs can leverage to raise fuel efficiency, lower emissions and move the industry toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
1. STC Modifications
Although OEMs produce modern aircraft utilizing technology to maximize efficiency, legacy aircraft shouldn’t be counted out.
Supplemental type certificate (STC) modifications are excellent tools for bringing older aircraft up to speed with new technologies. Prime example: retrofitting winglets. Aviation Partners Inc. pioneered business jet winglets to minimize wingtip vortices, reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. First developed for the Gulfstream II in 1992, this patented innovation was eventually installed on more than 70% of the GII fleet.
“We’ve never had anybody tell us they regret adding winglets to an airplane that we have winglets for,” said Aviation Partners President Gary Dunn. “But numerous people have told us they regretted not doing it sooner.”
2. Aftermarket Off-the-Shelf
OEM support in the aftermarket is crucial for continued airworthiness, platform availability and safe operations. Some of these programs have the added benefit of promoting sustainability as an organic byproduct of their utilization.
Some manufacturers offer remote maintenance kits stocked with strategic parts to assist in remote aircraft repair. Instead of guessing which parts to bring and overloading the cargo, the AMT has a vetted solution tailor-made for the specific aircraft. This saves space and reduces weight, which directly impacts fuel burn.
“Maintaining efficiency in both your engine and your team … always leads to optimal performance.”
Delray Dobbins, Director of Global Strategy, Engine Assurance Program
3. Digital Engine Health Management
Digital engine health management systems can help prevent excess fuel consumption by detecting potential engine issues early. “Regarding fuel burn, it’s about trend monitoring engine parameters like temperature shifts,” said Whirlpool Director of Business Travel Greg Hamelink. “For example, you might notice temperature fluctuations if burn-through occurs in a combustion liner. These changes could impact fuel burn efficiency, as rising temperatures may indicate less effective combustion within the chamber and subsequently deteriorating engine performance.”
4. Routine Maintenance Tasks
Many routine maintenance tasks contribute to fuel savings, including compressor washing, which removes deposits and allows engines to run more efficiently. Safety-related tasks such as maintaining recommended tire pressure as well as proper weight and balance also save fuel. Aerodynamic efficiency matters, so eliminate natural dirt buildup on external surfaces that can create additional drag.
“Maintaining efficiency in both your engine and your team – through training, for example – always leads to optimal performance,” said Delray Dobbins, director of global strategy, Engine Assurance Program.
“These practices do not sound like much at the time,” said Lee Bradshaw, CAM, director of technical operations at Cox Enterprises. “But if you add it all together, multiplied by the number of flights, multiplied by the number of aircraft out there, I think we can make an impact.”
Review resources for small flight department maintenance at nbaa.org/maintenance.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.