Learning to fly a small aircraft is an experience not many get to have, and flying a large commercial aircraft is an even rarer experience. To get into the flight deck as a pilot, one needs to undertake a lot of training. The Diploma of Aviation is a popular option, as are many other aviation courses in Melbourne. There are cadet programmes and flight instructor courses available across the country.
Keeping an aircraft in the air is a constant cycle of maintenance and checks and once they are no longer deemed airworthy they are decommissioned and recycled. How aircraft are maintained, their life-cycle and what happens to them when they are retired are questions that are not often asked.
The lifespan of a commercial aircraft
A commercial plane typically has a flying lifespan ranging from 20 to 30 years, with factors beyond age also influencing retirement decisions. Airline manufacturers evaluate various parameters such as flying hours, analogous to the mileage on a car, takeoff and landing cycles, flight frequency, and maintenance hours.
For instance, the robust Airbus A320 is estimated to endure up to 60,000 cycles, demonstrating its resilience to a high number of takeoffs and landings. In contrast, the Boeing 747, renowned for its wide-body design, reaches approximately 35,000 cycles before it’s considered for retirement. Interestingly, despite the disparity in the number of cycles, both aeroplanes might take a similar number of years to accumulate the designated amount of takeoff and landing cycles.
Aircraft recycling
Aircraft recycling, also known as aircraft dismantling or aircraft retirement, is a complex process that involves the systematic disassembly and recycling of retired aircraft. This process is undertaken to recover valuable materials, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the responsible disposal of retired aircraft. Here’s an overview of how aircraft are recycled:
Decommissioning
The first step in aircraft recycling is the decommissioning of the retired aircraft. This involves removing all hazardous materials, including fuel, oils, hydraulic fluids, and other potentially harmful substances. These materials are carefully extracted and processed for safe disposal or recycling.
Before the physical disassembly begins, detailed documentation is often prepared. This includes an inventory of all components and parts and a record of the aircraft’s maintenance and operational history. Parts that are still serviceable and have value are carefully removed for resale or reuse.
Aircraft engines are typically among the most valuable components. They are carefully removed for refurbishment, resale, or repurposing. Engines that are no longer operational may undergo disassembly to recover valuable materials such as metals and alloys.
Various components, including avionics, landing gear, and other systems, are methodically removed. Components that are still functional and can be refurbished are set aside for resale in the aviation aftermarket.
The airframe of the aircraft is then disassembled. This involves separating the wings, tail, and fuselage. Each major component is further broken down into smaller sections for recycling.
Midlife Tune-Ups:
As with any aging entity, airplanes require periodic check-ups and updates. Just like how we might visit the doctor for a check-up, planes go through maintenance to ensure they’re in top-notch condition.
Material separation
The materials obtained from the disassembly process are sorted for recycling. Metals such as aluminium, titanium, and steel are separated from composite materials and other materials like insulation. These materials are then sent to recycling facilities.
Different materials undergo various recycling processes. Metals are melted down and reused, while composites may be ground into fine particles for reuse in other industries or for specific applications. Advanced recycling techniques are continually being developed to address the challenges posed by composite materials.
Environmental compliance
Aircraft recycling facilities must adhere to strict environmental regulations to minimise the impact of the recycling process on the surrounding environment. Proper disposal of hazardous materials and compliance with local environmental laws are crucial aspects of aircraft recycling.
Any waste generated during the recycling process, such as non-recyclable materials or hazardous substances, is carefully managed and disposed of according to regulations. The goal is to minimise the environmental impact of the recycling process.
Legacy in the Sky:
Even after retirement, an airplane leaves behind a legacy. Some historic planes become symbols of a bygone era, reminding us of the incredible advancements in aviation that have shaped our world.
Certification and documentation
Once this is complete, the recycling facility may provide certification and documentation confirming that the aircraft has been responsibly recycled. This documentation is essential for regulatory compliance and transparency in the recycling process.
There is a growing emphasis on sustainable practices in aircraft recycling. Some facilities aim to maximise the reuse of components, minimise waste, and explore innovative ways to recycle materials, especially in the case of challenging composite materials.
Research and innovation
Ongoing research and innovation in aircraft recycling are focused on developing more efficient processes, improving material recovery rates, and finding environmentally friendly solutions for challenging materials. These efforts contribute to the overall sustainability of the aviation industry.
Aircraft recycling is a multidisciplinary process that involves engineering, materials science, environmental science, and regulatory compliance. The goal is to extract maximum value from retired aircraft while minimizing the environmental impact and adhering to safety and environmental regulations. As sustainability becomes a more prominent concern in aviation, the development of advanced recycling technologies and practices is likely to continue.
Aviation courses in Melbourne and across Australia
The above describes what happens to an aircraft that is no longer bound for the skies. But how does one get to fly one of those metal birds in the first place?
There are numerous options for training towards a qualification in the aviation industry. The aviation courses in Melbourne alone are numerous. Options include a Bachelor of Aviation, a flight instructor course, training towards a private pilot license or there is a flight instructor course available in every corner of Australia.
Learning to fly a small aircraft is an experience not many get to have, and flying a large commercial aircraft is an even rarer experience. How aircraft are maintained, their life-cycle and what happens to them when they are retired are questions that are not often asked.
