The UK is a world leader in developing new technologies and improved growth across the aerospace industry, so the policy paper updated in February this year truly endorses the view by Government how important this sector is to the sustainable growth of the economy. Happy to play our part in this growth, we were pleased to recently be contacted by an aircraft parts and equipment company who were looking to improve the maintenance access to military aircraft for servicing and repair work.
We have enjoyed a 50 year association with the aerospace industry in the UK, providing materials handling equipment to support the manufacture, service and repair of all types of aircraft. This wealth of experience means we have an understanding of the standards of excellence expected in the supply chain for this line of business. After some initial discussions, our Sales Director, Steve Phillips was invited to visit the customer’s premises to assess the current processes involved and to advise on any possible improvements that could be achieved by the use of specialist made equipment.
Steve met with the Seat Test Safety Risk Advisor and the Chief Test Technician. A variety of different areas on the aircraft required that engineers could gain access to complete their tasks in hand. At present mobile safety steps were being used by the engineers and it was felt that as well as being a safety risk, the steps did not provide the best method in affording access without the engineers still having to climb over safety handrails and actually step onto the aircraft wings. This was potentially dangerous for the individuals concerned and a risk to the sensitive parts of the aircraft.
As our standard range of mobile access platforms didn't meet the customer's requirements so we proposed to manufacture two totally bespoke mobile access platforms. One with right-handed access and the other left-handed. This would allow safe access from both sides of the aircraft. A detailed specification followed along with some drawings and further discussion about technical details. Both units were then manufactured within a four-week lead time. They had cantilevered rear sections and were constructed to match the differing requirements of either side of the aircraft. The units were purpose covered with a rubber material that would prevent any damage occurring as the platforms were placed in position around the fuselage and cockpit areas. A manual braking system was devised to enable the platforms to be locked into position when in use and then again when stored away from use. This provided a safe and sturdy platform from which the engineers could feel confident upon when working. The wheeling system that was fitted needed to be one that was very easy to move the platforms around the site and the aircraft, so good quality wheels with roller bearings were used within the manufacture.
The mobile platforms have been in use for just over a month now and the feedback has been that the provision of the specialist equipment has been a huge success and that the company engineers are more able to carry out their duties with this safer method of access being available to them. It is so satisfying to hear that our collaboration with a customer is a huge success. A job well done!
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