When it comes to aircraft landing gear repair and overhaul, it is important to choose a landing repair shop that can do specialized repairs. Corrosion and wear can take a significant toll on your aircraft; AAI has specialized repairs to bring it back to serviceable condition.
In this article, we’ll explore repairs that come with landing gear corrosion and wear, as well as what repairs AAI does, and the costs involved with these types of repairs and landing gear overhaul.
What is an Aircraft Landing Gear?
A landing gear is on the undercarriage of an aircraft and used for takeoff, landing and taxiing. On a small aircraft, the landing gear has three wheels: two main wheels and a third wheel located on either the front or rear of the plane.
The most common type of landing gear is a tricycle landing gear, which has several advantages and is located under the fuselage and nose of an aircraft. A landing gear is arguably one of the most important aircraft components, as it absorbs impact, provides a suspension system, and facilitates braking and steering of the aircraft while on the ground.
What Does the Landing Gear Overhaul Process Look Like at AAI?
When you send your aircraft landing gear to be overhauled, you want to know that you’re getting the best service so you can get your plane back in the air with confidence. Landing gear overhaul can be expensive and lengthy, so understanding exactly what happens can be helpful for your peace of mind.
Here is a brief overview of what happens when you send your landing gear to AAI for overhaul:
- When AAI receives your landing gear, a work ordered is generated to maintain traceability throughout the overhaul process and checked to make sure every component is accounted for.
- The gear moves to the technicians. Every component is inspected to make sure there are no missing or additional parts.
- The gear is fully disassembled to see what is going on and ensure there aren’t any hidden issues that can’t be seen just by looking at it.
- The gear is stripped down. Primary coating, primer, cadmium plating, etc. to the bare metal as required to check for any hidden issues.
- Visual and dimensional inspection is completed to see what parts need to be replaced or reconditioned.
- Non-destructive testing is done to check for hidden issues that can’t been seen with naked eye
- Cadmium plating, anodizing and other metal treatments are added to the part as a base layer of protection.
- Required repairs such as re-chroming, oversize hole repairs and bushing replacement is completed.
- Paint is applied to the part for an added layer of protection
- The gear is fully reassembled back to operational condition.
- After the gear is reassembled, extensive testing is done to make sure the gear is up to the best possible standard.
- Final quality inspections are completed, and airworthiness certifications are issued.
- You get your gear back and your plane back in the air!
AAI’s Specialized Repairs for Corrosion and Wear on Landing Gear
AAI has specialized repairs to bring your aircraft back to serviceable condition. Here are some repairs AAI performs on landing gear:
➡️ Chrome repair
️➡️ HVOF repair
➡️ Cadmium plating repairs
➡️ Epoxy repairs
➡️ Oversized bushing repairs
➡️ Oversized bolt repairs
These repairs can be done on landing gear piston tubes, landing gear axels, and trunnion bushings.
Additionally, all of these repairs are factory or FAA approved. Check out our slideshow for photos of the process!
How Much Does Landing Gear Repair Cost?
AAI quotes standard rate inspection that include all the necessary labor and parts to disassemble, clean, inspect, reassemble, and test. Once the landing gear is inspected, there may be items that are considered “above and beyond” standard overhaul.
Items that may be considered “above and beyond” standard overhaul:
- Corroded parts such as piston tubes and trunnions
- Bent, broken or missing parts
- Parts that require replacement due to airworthiness directives or service bulletins
These repairs can take more time, but the cost benefits often outweigh not having an airplane for a few weeks.
AAI Can Help with Landing Gear Repair for Beechcraft, Bombardier Challenger, Cessna, Citation, King Air, and Piper Aircraft
When you can’t find the parts you need, the problems multiply. You send in your plane for routine maintenance and expect to have it back in a week. But inspections turn up several parts that need to be replaced, which could take weeks or even months. What now?
The entire process of locating, ordering, and receiving certified aircraft accessories is a huge headache.
Uncertified, untested parts are all over the internet, but do you really want to risk your safety for convenience? Certified replacement parts can take a ridiculously long time to ship – sometimes months – and the cost can be absurdly high.
Unless you shop with AAI.
We’ll help you avoid the delays and headaches, and instead get certified, safe, and tested aircraft accessories so that you can fix your aircraft and get back to flying.
1. Call AAI
2. Get a quote
3. Fix your plane and fly