Aircraft maintenance has long been known to be as vitally important as actually flying the plane. Airline carriers have always implemented best practise procedures to keep their aircraft flying in the safest manner possible. Maintaining such large, complicated structures is never easy and ensuring that ground maintenance crew have the best possible access to all working parts of the aircraft is extremely important.
We received an enquiry from a national airline based at Stanstead Airport who needed a solution to gaining better unrestricted access to the upper casing of a turbine engine to fulfil their ongoing flight-line maintenance schedules.
The primary challenges identified were the need for access on three sides of a working platform, whilst ensuring minimal hindrance to maintenance staff, attachment to the main aircraft body and the requirements for a telescopic design with a lightweight construction. Additionally, the solution needed to incorporate some hard-wearing castors for easy transportation, anti-slip material on the base to mitigate fuel spills or wet conditions and some folded stabilisers to prevent the possibility of the platform ever toppling over.
Our team at Action Handling conducted a swift evaluation process that considered safety, efficiency, durability and cost-effectiveness as key parameters. After a period of consultation, design and testing, a new adjustable height working platform was produced and tested on site.
Within the evaluation prototyping process, the following customer requirements were taken into account enabling the product to be produced with the knowledge that it would be fit for purpose as soon as it was delivered.
Access design
A telescopic access platform will be developed, allowing maintenance staff to reach the upper casing of turbine engines from three sides. The design will incorporate lightweight materials to minimise the burden on maintenance personnel, ensuring ease of manoeuvrability.
Attachment mechanism
The access platform will be securely attached to the main aircraft body, providing stability and structural integrity during maintenance operations. A reliable locking mechanism will be implemented to ensure a firm connection between the platform and the engine casing.
Castors
Hard-wearing castors will be integrated into the access platform, enabling smooth movement over distances. These castors will be designed to withstand the rigours of regular usage and facilitate easy transportation of the platform within the maintenance centre.
Anti-slip base
The base of the access platform will feature an anti-slip material to enhance safety and mitigate the risks associated with fuel spills or wet conditions. This feature will provide maintenance staff with a secure footing, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries.
Folded stabilisation
Foldable stabilisers will be incorporated into the design of the access platform to ensure stability and prevent toppling over during operations. These stabilisers will be deployed when the platform is in use and conveniently folded when not in use for compact storage.
Specification and features
- Platform height adjustment range: 600mm to 1800mm.
- 1700mm x 1000mm footprint.
- 1500 x 1000mm platform floor size.
- Safe working load tested to 300kg.
- Movable railings to enable access to whichever side required.
- Harness fitting points on platform.
- Geared handle to raise and lower platform with ease, including locking gearbox to prevent movement during use.
- 4 x 75mm swivel braked castors that can also raise platform from the floor.
- Aluminium adjustable height ladder that can be folded away when not required.
- Extending cantilever section of platform with drop in floor panel for extra access. This feature has been changed to allow additional sections to slide out.
- Outrigger legs to be utilised when platform at full extension.
- Approximate Overall Dimensions: 1700mm (L) x 1000mm (W) x 600-800mm (H).
There are many standard working platforms on the market and many of them can be used in various settings that do not require a bespoke approach. But if you have a process or requirement that does necessitate a bespoke approach, rest assured help is at hand.
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